Chapter 5 - Flora

I was curious about the look on Lord Blade's face but I did not dare look up at him. He wouldn't hesitate to behead me. “Look at me!” he commanded suddenly. I slowly looked up at him from my eyelids as my head was still lowered. Suddenly, I felt a hand under my chin and then, my head was lifted upwards. “When I say look at me, you need to turn your head up at me. Understand?” his light grey orbs bore into mine. 

He looked absolutely scary when he was frustrated. “Yes sir…” I really needed to expand my vocabulary.

His hand then glided along my jaw and down toward my neck, sending shivers down my spine. Slowly, goosebumps erupted on my skin, making me aware of his touch on my skin. My breath hitched in my throat when he started to lean forward. I closed my eyes tightly and waited for him to release me. His hair brushed my cheek and then his hot breath fanned across the side of my neck. What was he even doing? I was getting anxious.

Lord Blade inhaled sharply, making my body tremble in unknown anticipation. “You will do anything I ask of you to do?” he murmured in my ear this time. “I will!” I answered. Suddenly, he snaked his one hand around my waist and the other was placed on my head as something soft and warm touched my neck, earning a gasp from me. My eyes shot open and I realised that Lord Blade had placed his lips on my neck. “Lord Blade…” I whispered to which he hummed and glided his nose along my neck. My body trembled again at his touch. No one had touched me like that. Not a single person. Except for…

“You will certainly do everything I ask of you, no?” his voice interrupted my thoughts. I nodded as his breath fanned against my neck again and then he turned to look at me. He raised his hand and I closed my eyes in reflex as I turned my head away. I thought I would be getting slapped for not speaking but instead, his hand cupped my face and his thumb slightly grazed my cheek.

“What are you so afraid of?” he asked me. I only looked away in response. He then got up and extended his hand for me to take. I took it and he pulled me out of bed. As I regained my balance, I pulled my hand away from his and lowered my head to avoid his direct gaze.

“Strip!” he commanded. I was stunned for a moment. Had I heard him right? “You just said you will do as I ask, no? I want you to strip!” he lowered his voice which became firm and deep. I hated my father for putting me in such a position. I inhaled deeply before reaching my fingers to the hem of my silk dress. Slowly grabbing the material, I pulled it upward; my bare thighs coming into view first.

Just like that, my red knicker came into view, then my flat stomach, my red bra and then lastly my collarbone which was almost popping out of my skin before the dress was completely off of me.

I felt completely exposed even though I still had my undergarments covering my nether regions. Before I could make sense of this situation, Lord Blade had closed the distance between us. His hand again came in contact with my neck, but this time, it glided down toward my collarbone. “Haven’t you been eating?” he asked. I kept quiet. I didn’t want to answer him. “Don’t make me repeat myself, Flora!”

This was the first time he addressed me by my first name. He was losing his patience. “I do not wish to answer this particular question, sir…” I sighed and took a step back in fear. “You’re underweight! Was it your good-for-nothing of a father who wasn’t feeding you? I knew he was up to no good!” he spat in such hatred that it sent a wave of panic over me. If I confess my father’s deeds, I will be in trouble. My father would certainly wish death upon me. I didn’t want that at all.

Tears stung my eyes but I forced them to not fall out. I cannot cry, not right now. “Did you at least eat properly right now?” he asked to which I answered gratefully, “Yes, sir. I’m full. Thank you for allowing me to eat as much as I could…”

I was truly grateful to this man for offering me food first and then letting me eat to my heart’s content. “A thank you won’t do it, Flora” his voice lowered even more. “W-what do you want in return?” I asked as a lump formed in my throat. “Your body” he replied with such ease…

My head shot up in surprise and fear. I took another step back but landed on the bed. His tall figure now leaned over me and I swallowed a big lump. “Would you offer me your body, Flora?” he almost whispered. I didn’t know what to do. But I did say I was willing to do whatever he asked me of. Even if I wanted to say ‘no’ to him, it wasn’t an option for me. I had to say ‘yes’ no matter what. “I will, sir” my voice came out barely as a whisper. He for sure heard that. Mages have sharp ears just like that of werewolves and demons. They were advanced.

Before I could look up to get Lord Blade’s reaction, he raised my head up with his fingers. “Are you sure? There's no going back from this” he had a straight face. I nodded and said, “Yes sir”. The hopes in his eyes increased and he started to lean in. Instinctively, I closed my eyes and waited for him to press his lips on mine, but it never happened. I was thankful.

He sighed and let go of my chin. I slowly opened my eyes to see Lord Blade running his hand through his shoulder length raven hair. “You can go back to your chamber. I will see you for dinner” he said and walked out of the room. Not wasting any more time, I grabbed my dress, wore it and went back to my room.

There, I laid on the bed and stared at the dark ceiling. As I awaited the sleep to take over me, my father’s voice rang out in my mind. “You better obey Lord Blade or I will be in trouble. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see me get hurt, right?” he linked me.

Blocking out mind-links was the only thing I was decent at but not very advanced; hence, I blocked him out. I refused to talk to him. First, he sold me to this warlock and now, he has the audacity to contact me just to tell me to obey the Lord. I ignored him and focused on getting some sleep. No more tears dared to leave my eyes. I couldn’t cry anymore. I just closed my eyes and turned to face the window; waiting for sleep to finally take over me.