love that binds me

chapter 16

i woke up in my own bed, which i still found a luxury. Everything on me felt stiff and achy. i stretched and numbly walked to the bathroom for a luxurious shower.

i helped myself to the conditioner and used it to soften my long mane of kinks.

After i was clean and in a towel Amber came in with breakfast.

"Nice to see you up sleeping beauty." she set down my trey and hung up new dresses in my closet.

"How long was i out?" i groaned.

"Lets just say the ball was four days ago." she pulled out a dress and handed it to me.

"What's this for?" i asked. Not that i didn't love her taste in fashion i just didn't like the idea of always playing dress up Barbie.

"Ariel would like to see you today."

My heart skipped. I bit my lip fron the smile that wanted to escape. Something was utterly wrong. I wanted to be with her. I needed to be near her.

"ok." i said nonchalantly.

i dressed myself into the new navy blue dress. It was long sleeved, to my knees, with a not so modest plunging neck line and clingy fabric.

"Beautiful." she smiled and took a seat at the small table.

i joined her and was surprised at my appetite.

Amber did all the talking while my mouth was full.

"Tali looked like she was on air with the king." she started.

"I was hoping you would have danced with him like that." she sighed.

I still had no desire for the king my cousin was interested in.

"I still have no interest." i shook my head.

she pressed her lips into a tight line.

"When your finished i'll be doing your makeup and hair." she stood quickly and retreated to the bathroom.

I was at a loss for words. I didn't want this. i never asked for it.

There was a long silence as she gave me smokey eyes and a bit of gloss. Then she worked my thick long hair into a messy bun.

"She'll be in the same library from last time." she patted my back and gave me cute ballet flats.

I slipped them on and made my way down the hall.

That's when i heard my cousin giggle. i walked down another staircase and found a dining room. There Tali and the king sat close together and intimately fed each other.

She looked so...content.

A hand grabbed my shoulder. i jumped and was about to scream when a hand covered my mouth.

It was Ariel. i let out my breath i'd been holding. she removed her hand and made a shushing motion. She walked down the hall and to her study.

She locked the thick door and turned to me. Her blonde hair fell in elegant curls that made her slightly older than the age 12. No older than 14 though.

She wore a one shouldered all white gown that reach midthigh. No shoes.

"I see your now loyal to me." she smiled and i noticed just how white and perfect her teeth were.

"Jothi?" she stepped closer. i shook my head to clear it.

"I don't understand."

"You are now my loyal." she sat on the elaboratly decorated sofa, having me sit next to her.

When she touched my arm and i felt electricity shoot through me.

"What does it mean? Your loyal ?" i asked.

"We depend on each other really. You more so on me. When I'm in pain you'll feel it, same with my emotions. You will also need regular feedings."

I chewed on my bottom lip. I still hated being bitten. It brought back powerfully painful feelings.

"Oh no i promise they won't hurt." she reassured as if she read my mind.

"how often?" i closed my eyes.

"As often as twice a day. As the bond gets older and stronger it'll be as little as once a week." she cleared her throat.

"Well is this all you wanted to talk about." i fumbled with my fingers in my lap.

"No. My brother still takes a liking to you yet he's growing closer to Tali. I need you to get his attention."

"How?" i huffed. "If i don't even want his attention ?" i scowled at the floor.

Ariel growled at me and i shrunk away.

"You will get him to love you. Tali is not his mate." she hissed.

"I'm not his mate either." i took the snap outta my voice not wanting her to get upset.

"Maybe not but you have to marry him." she insisted.

"Then what?" i asked.

"Then you-" i cut her off.

"No after everything. What about me?"

she thought quietly.

"Then you will be free. I'll give you money and you can go." Her piercing blue eyes took in my dress.

"Amber has out done herself." she smiled and clasped her hands.

"I like it, although the neckline is a little revealing." i admitted.

"I believe the dress is perfect. Now if you don't mind....i haven't fed this morning." she looked away slightly shy.

i was hesitant. I hated feedings. They usually involved a lot of pain.

Yet i found my head tilting to the side.

she slowly leaned forward to my neck. When she broke skin i winced in pain.Then the hurt turned to endorphines.

i gasped as my eyes closed. I've never felt this feeling before.

Ariel made the oddest noise as if she was purring. She yanked my hair free from the bun and tugged it to the side. she drank heavily for what felt like forever. Then all to soon she pulled away.

The wound healed immediately.

she cleared her throat and stood. her pupils now were huge.

"Your hair is much better down." She smoothed her dress.

i stood on shaky legs.

Ariel grabbed me before i fell.

"No! Your to weak right now. Please, rest." she helped me onto the couch to lay down.

"I'm so tired." i whimpered.

"Just rest." she smoothed my hair. i fell asleep with her watching me. i felt safe.