Ava’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out at first. She hesitated, her eyes flicking away for just a second before settling back on mine. "You ask too many questions," she murmured, a wry smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You act as though you’re entitled to answers.""Maybe I am," I replied, my voice quiet but firm. "Or maybe I just want to understand the woman who haunts my thoughts even in the quietest hours."She raised an eyebrow. "You don’t even know me.""Not yet," I said, taking another step closer. "But I want to."Her expression shifted ever so slightly, as if warring with something deep inside her. Her hands curled into fists at her sides, then relaxed again. Her breath hitched—but only briefly—as if catching herself from slipping."You speak like a man who's used to getting his way," she said coolly, folding her arms. "And yet here you are, still asking, still unsure.""That's because you're not like anyone I’ve met before," I admitted. "You're not impress
Zylan had been watching Ava for what felt like an eternity, his eyes tracking her every move as she navigated the complex web of intrigue within the castle. He had been tasked by the general to keep an eye on her, to gauge her loyalty and determine whether she was a potential threat or an asset to be exploited.But as the days turned into weeks, Zylan began to notice something strange. The general, who had always been a man of singular focus and purpose, seemed to be spending an inordinate amount of time with Ava. He would seek her out, lavishing attention on her and ignoring the other entertainers who had previously been his favorites.As a Panja warrior, Zylan knew that intimacy was a crucial component of their battle abilities. The presence of a woman in their bed was said to fuel their strength, to heighten their senses and sharpen their reflexes. But it had been almost two months since the general had last been with a woman, and Zylan couldn't help but wonder what was behind this
As he entered the general's tent, Zylan was struck by the sight of the general sitting on his couch, staring intently at Ava as she hummed a melancholy tune with her lips while going about her duty. The general's eyes were lost in thought, and for a moment, Zylan wondered if he had ever seen him look so...vulnerable. But as the general caught sight of him, his expression snapped back into focus, and he rose from the couch to greet Zylan."Ah, Zylan," he said, his voice warm and friendly. "What brings you here today?"Zylan hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to broach the subject. But his concern for the general's well-being won out, and he plunged ahead."General, I wanted to speak with you about something," he said, his voice low and serious.Ava quickly stopped what she was doing and excused herself back to her tent till she was sent for again."I've noticed that you've been spending a lot of time with Ava lately, and I was wondering if everything is all right."The general's ex
Ava's POV As I sat under the shade of a tree, lost in the world of words, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. But suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching. I looked up to see Rylan standing over me, a sinister grin spreading across his face."Well, well, well," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "Look what we have here. All alone and vulnerable."My heart sank as I realized I was trapped. I haven't set my eyes on Rylan since the incident at the festival. This was the first, and I am all alone. I could tell from the expression on his face, he wasn't going to go easy on me. I felt trapped. I tried to stand up, but Rylan was too quick. He pinned me down, his hands rough and unforgiving."You're going to pay for what you did to me," he growled, his breath hot against my skin.I struggled to resist, but Rylan was too strong. Just as I thought all was lost, I heard a loud crash, followed by the sound of Rylan's pained grunt.I looked up to see General Kaelen standing over me, his eye
Rylan and Mistress Elara huddled together in the darkness, their voices barely above a whisper. The night air was heavy with tension, and Rylan's anger seemed to simmer just below the surface. It had been a few days since Mistress Elara had been visited by General Kaelen, and she was still reeling from the encounter."I really don't know exactly what's going on with the general and Ava," she said, her eyes gleaming with curiosity, while scanning the shadows nervously. "But I'm pretty sure there's something they're hiding."Rylan's expression darkened, his jaw clenched in frustration. "I've been trying to figure it out," he growled. "But every time I think I've got a handle on it, something new comes up."Mistress Elara's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. "Tell me more," she said, her voice low and urgent. "What do you know?"Rylan's face twisted with anger, his jaw clenched in frustration. "I know exactly what's going on," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "The
As they spoke, the darkness seemed to close in around them, the shadows deepening into menacing silhouettes, the tension between them was palpable. Mistress Elara's eyes never left Rylan's face, her expression a mixture of fascination and fear. Mistress Elara knew that Rylan was a man on the edge, driven by his anger and his desire for power. And yet, she couldn't help but feel drawn to him, to the sense of danger and excitement that seemed to surround him like an aura."What are you going to do?" she asked, her voice barely audible.Rylan's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with a fierce intensity. "I'll take him down," he said. "I'll strip him of the power he thinks he has, and I'll make sure he regrets ever crossing me."Mistress Elara's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. She knew that Rylan was a force to be reckoned with, but she had never seen him like this before. His anger and determination were palpable, and she couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at
Ava's POVI lay in my small, abandoned tent, staring up at the canvas ceiling as the sounds of the camp filtered in from outside. The weight of General Kaelen's visit still lingered in my mind, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between us.As I replayed our conversation, I realized that General Kaelen's interest in me was more than just passing curiosity. There was a sense of intensity behind his words, a sense of purpose that I couldn't quite understand. And yet, despite the danger that seemed to lurk beneath his surface, I found myself drawn to him.I turned onto my side, feeling the rough fabric of the tent beneath me. What was it about General Kaelen that had sparked this strange attraction? Was it the way he had looked at me, with a gaze that seemed to see right through to my very soul? Or was it the way he had spoken, with a voice that was both commanding and gentle?"You’re not what I expected," he had said earlier, standing at the entrance of my tent,
I woke up as early as I could, feeling a sense of excitement and energy that I hadn't felt in a long time. As I made my way to the kitchen to start my daily tasks, I couldn't help but notice that something felt different. I wasn't in my usual "do it to survive" mood, where I went through the motions just to get by. Nor was I trying to be invisible, like I usually did when I was feeling anxious or overwhelmed.Instead, I felt good. I felt like I was carrying out my duties with a sense of purpose and enthusiasm that I hadn't felt in a long time. Even the old haggard Syla noticed it, and his curiosity got the better of him."Ava, what's gotten into you?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement. "You're moving around like a whirlwind today. What's going on?"I practically acted like I had no clue what he was talking about, concentrating on my duties as if nothing was out of the ordinary. But deep down, I knew exactly what was going on. I was feeling seen, I was feeling noticed, and it wa
"Zylan, I appreciate your concern, but I think you're overreacting," I said, trying to maintain a calm tone.But Zylan's expression didn't change. His lips were pressed into a tight line, eyes steady on mine. "General, I've seen the way you and Ava interact. The way you look at each other, the awkward silences... it's all starting to add up. You need to address this before it's too late."I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling the weight of his words sink in deeper than I cared to admit. "Zylan, you're acting like we're already caught in the act. It's not like that.""Then what is it, sir?" he asked, lowering his voice. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're falling for her. And everyone’s beginning to see it."I hesitated, then exhaled sharply. "It’s complicated."Zylan didn’t move, didn’t blink. "Complicated doesn't mean invisible, General. Secrets never stay buried around here."I felt a surge of frustration, knowing that Zylan was right. I was trying to ignore the p
I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated at how easily she had gotten under my skin. How did she manage to unravel parts of me I had locked away for years? How did a servant girl become the one thing I couldn’t ignore?But for now, I pushed those thoughts aside, and focused on the present moment. I was drawn to Ava, and I couldn't deny it.I knew that I had to be careful, that I had to keep my feelings hidden. But as I looked at Ava, I couldn't help but feel like I was taking a chance on something more. Something that could change everything.Only time would tell, but one thing was for sure: I was in uncharted territory, and I was excited to see where this journey would take me. I feel like I am taking a chance on something more. Something that could change everything._______________I stood at the edge of the training grounds, observing the warriors as they honed their skills. The sun beat down on us, casting a warm glow over the scene. But despite the pleasant weather, I couldn't s
I gave a faint, rueful smile. “Because they let me feel without breaking.”She shifted slightly on the wooden chair, her fingers smoothing the fabric of her skirt. “Esther waited through the first banquet. Held her breath through the second. All the while, knowing the fate of her people hung in the air.”“Still, she chose patience,” I murmured. “That’s a kind of strength I don’t have.”“Maybe you do,” Ava said gently. “You just haven’t needed to use it that way.”I tilted my head. “Is that what you think? That I’m stronger than I look?”“No,” she said with a slight smile. “I think you’re stronger than you believe.”I felt something shift inside me again—slow, careful, like the click of a hidden lock.“And what about you?” I asked. “Where does your strength come from?”She shrugged, almost shy. “From silence, I think. From watching when no one notices. From listening, even when my heart’s racing.”“That’s not weakness,” I said. “That’s fire hidden in still water.”Her laugh was quiet,
As Ava continued to speak, I found myself getting lost in her words. I was transported to a different time and place, a place where I could be myself, without the weight of my duties as a Panja warrior.But as the moments passed, I knew that I had to snap back to reality. I couldn't let my feelings get the better of me, not yet. I had to keep my cool, and pretend like everything was normal.But as I looked at Ava, I knew that it was going to be hard. She had awakened something inside me, something that I couldn't ignore. And I knew that I would have to confront it, sooner or later.“So… what happened next?” I asked, clearing my throat, trying to sound composed.Ava smiled gently, her hands folded neatly in her lap. “The king extended his scepter to Esther, sparing her life. She invited him and Haman to a banquet… not once, but twice.”“Twice?” I leaned forward slightly. “Why delay the request?”She tilted her head thoughtfully. “Perhaps she wanted to create suspense. Or maybe she need
General Kaelen's POV "Kaelen, what's come over you?" I asked myself, pacing slowly near the center table. "Are you trying to say you want to woo a servant?" The words felt strange in my mouth, but the truth was unavoidable. I knew deep inside—I was already in the process of wooing her. And if my instincts were right, she felt something too. There was a softness in her gaze lately, a warmth that wasn't always there.I checked the time. Just a few minutes before Ava was due to arrive and begin her usual cleaning. But tonight, I had other plans. I straightened the scattered tools on the table, brushed the dust from the nearby chair, and prepared myself—not just for her work, but for her presence.My heart thudded with anticipation.When the door creaked open, Ava stepped in, eyes dropping respectfully as always. Her hair was pulled back, a few strands slipping free around her cheeks. I cleared my throat, suddenly tense."Put the tools away," I ordered, softer than usual. "Then come and
General Kaelen's POV I woke up from my bed quite early, feeling a sense of restlessness that I couldn't shake off. My mind kept drifting towards Ava, and I couldn't explain the feelings that were stirring inside me. As a Panja warrior, I was trained to be emotionally numb, incapable of joy or excitement – detached from the world around me. But Ava had somehow managed to break through that barrier, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to her.I got out of bed and instead of getting ready for the day, I began pacing around my quarters, my mind racing with thoughts of Ava. I couldn't understand why I felt this way, but I knew that I couldn't ignore it. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. I was used to being in control, but when it came to Ava, I felt like I was losing my grip.I stopped near the window, the early light casting faint shadows on the stone floor. “Why her?” I murmured to myself, rubbing the back of my neck. “Why now?”The silence in the room was deafening, pressing agai
Ava's POV But as I worked on the torn dresses, my mind kept wandering back to General Kaelen. I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if we were discovered. Would we be punished? Would we be able to escape?"I shouldn’t even be thinking about him," I muttered to myself, threading the needle with trembling fingers. "This is madness."Across the room, one of the other girls glanced at me, raising a brow."Did you say something, Ava?"Startled, I shook my head quickly. "No. Just talking to the fabric," I said with a strained laugh.She snorted. "You better not let Mistress Elara catch you mumbling to yourself. She’s already on edge today."As if on cue, I felt a sharp gaze prick the back of my neck. I didn’t have to turn to know it was her. Mistress Elara.I focused harder, stitching faster, but my hands were clumsy. The thread snapped."Damn it," I whispered."Language," the mistress's voice rang out sharply across the room.My heart skipped. "Sorry, Mistress," I said without look
The Mistress called everyone's attention back to the lesson, her voice firm and commanding."Alright, enough chatter," she snapped, her sharp tone slicing through the room. "You all seem to be enjoying yourselves a bit too much. But remember this—" she raised a finger, her eyes cold and steady, "The Masters are not your companions. They are not your friends. They are not here to save you."A heavy silence fell across the room."They will give you immense pleasure," she continued with a dark smile curling on her lips, "but just as easily, they will give you pain. Never forget your place."There were a few nervous gulps around the room. I kept my head down, trying to avoid her gaze, but I could feel the heat of her stare settling near me.Someone from the back raised a hand hesitantly. "But what if a Master—""I don’t care what you think a Master feels!" Mistress Elara snapped, cutting the girl off mid-sentence. Her voice echoed across the room. “I don’t care if he smiles at you, speaks
As the day went on, I caught glimpses of the general from afar. He was busy with his duties, but every now and then, our eyes would meet, and I could feel the tension between us.It was like a spark of electricity had been lit, and it was only a matter of time before it ignited into something more.I knew that I had to be careful, that I had to keep my feelings hidden, at least for now. But I couldn't help the way I felt, and I couldn't help but wonder what might happen if the general and I were to act on our feelings.The possibilities were endless, and I was afraid to think what the future might hold for us if we chose to act on it. But for now, I had to keep my feelings hidden and continue with my duties as if nothing was out of the ordinary.It was a delicate balancing act, but I was determined to see it through. I was determined to keep my feelings hidden, while at the same time, exploring the possibilities of what could be.As the day continued, I couldn't help but feel a sense