The general's expression was unreadable, but Mistress Elara could sense his intensity. He was searching for something, but she wasn't sure what.He said finally, his voice low, "And what about her abilities? Has she shown any... unusual talents?"Mistress Elara's eyes widened slightly, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. What did the general know, and what was he looking for?"I'm not sure what you mean, General," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "Ava is a skilled servant, but I'm not aware of any unusual talents she may possess."The general's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, as if he could see right through her. Mistress Elara felt a surge of fear, wondering if she had said too much or too little."I see," he said finally, his voice dripping with skepticism. "Well, Mistress Elara, I think that's all for now. You may go."Mistress Elara nodded, relieved to be dismissed. As she turned to leave, she hesitated for the briefest moment, debating whether she should say anyt
AVA'S POVI continued with my tasks, my hands moving quickly and efficiently as I scrubbed the pots and pans. Being a servant in the Panja community wasn't an easy one, but I would rather be a servant than an entertainer to the Panja warriors anytime. It helped me stay focused and invisible, and not completely broken.As I worked, my mind began to wander. I had noticed that I havent seen General Kaelen in a while, and I wondered if he was okay. Perhaps he had gone on a solo war, or maybe he was just busy with other matters. I also noticed that I haven't been assigned to him in the past few weeks, and my chores had doubled on a daily basis. I wondered the reason for this, but I wouldn't dare ask Mistress Elara for fear of being punished some more.Just as I was trying to take my mind off my thoughts and focus on my chores, I noticed Elsie standing behind the kitchen door, trying to get my attention. My heart skipped a beat as I felt a pang of guilt. Ever since General Kaelen had asked
Ava POVI got up, frightened but courageous enough to open the flap of my tent slightly to see what the noise was all about. I saw nothing, heard nothing. No one in sight. But I could swear there had been noises earlier on, or was it my imagination?I frowned, gripping the thin fabric of my blanket tighter around me. My heart still pounded from the disturbance. Maybe it was just the wind... or maybe not."Who's there?" I whispered, more to assure myself than anything else. Silence.I hesitated for another moment before exhaling sharply and shutting the flap. No use standing here like a fool. Sleep was out of the question now. My nerves were too rattled. Instead, I picked up my book and continued reading, hoping it would lull me back into slumber.By dawn, I had awakened, unwilling to be roused by the Mistress. These days, she seemed to have lost whatever small favor she once had for me, and I wondered why.Stepping outside, I was met with the familiar sight of the warriors already eng
The noise I had heard outside my tent had left me on edge, and I found myself constantly looking over my shoulder, expecting to see someone lurking in the shadows.My boss, a smallish man with a thick beard, looked up from the stove where he was busy stirring a large pot of stew. "Ah, servant," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I see you're up bright and early, ready to face another day of servitude."I ignored his jibe and began my tasks, washing the dishes from the previous night's meal and starting the fire for the day's cooking. But my boss was not content to let me be. He seemed determined to taunt me, to get a rise out of me."So, servant, tell me," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "What's the story behind the general's little visit to your classes the other day?"I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I scrubbed a particularly stubborn stain on a plate. "I don't know what you're talking about," I muttered, trying to sound nonchalant.But he would not be fooled. "D
As the morning wore on, the kitchen grew busier, with the other servants and cooks arriving to start their day's work. My boss finally left me alone, turning his attention to the day's menu and the preparations for the warriors' meals.But I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that lingered long after my boss's taunts had stopped. The noise outside my tent, the general's strange behavior and sudden disappearance, and my boss's malice all combined to leave me feeling on edge, wondering what the day would bring.As I worked, I caught glimpses of the warriors outside, their laughter and shouts carrying on the wind. They seemed carefree, oblivious to the tensions that simmered beneath the surface of our little community.But I knew better. I knew that the warriors' pleasures were bought at a steep price, one that the servants and entertainers paid in full. And I knew that I was not immune to the dangers that lurked in every corner of our world.As the day wore on, I found myself grow
Ava POV "What's going on, Mistress Elara?" I asked, trying to keep up with her as she strode through the camp."You'll see," she replied, her voice firm. "Just come with me."I followed her, my heart pounding in my chest. What did she want with me? And what lay in store for me this time?As I followed Mistress Elara, I couldn't help but wonder what I had done wrong this time. Had I not completed my tasks to her satisfaction? Had I somehow displeased her?We walked in silence, Mistress Elara's heels clicking on the stone floor as we made our way through the winding corridors of the compound. I trailed behind her, my heart pounding in my chest.Finally, we arrived at a large wooden door, adorned with intricate carvings of the compound's emblem. Mistress Elara pushed the door open, revealing a spacious room with a large desk at its center."Enter," she said, her voice firm.I stepped inside, my eyes adjusting to the bright light that streamed through the large windows. Mistress Elara cl
Ava POV He exhaled sharply, as though losing interest. "Move along, then. But keep your eyes open. You might not be so lucky next time."I hesitated for only a moment before stepping around him, my legs trembling slightly as I moved forward. My mind was still racing, but I refused to show weakness.The feeling of being watched returned, stronger than before. I could hear the heavy silence behind me, like an unspoken presence lurking just out of reach. I glanced over my shoulder—nothing. And yet, I couldn't shake the sensation that something was terribly wrong.My steps quickened again, my heartbeat drumming in my ears. Just as I turned a corner, a shadow flickered across my vision. Someone was there."Who's there?" I called out, trying to sound steady.No answer.I gritted my teeth and pressed forward, my fingers clenching my skirt as if that could ground me. The camp was never truly quiet—distant voices, the clang of metal, the ever-present hum of a place preparing for war—but in th
As I spoke, Master Zayne's expression turned serious, his eyes clouding over with concern. "I see," he said, his voice low and thoughtful. "It seems like you're in a bit of a bind, Ava."I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. It was nice to have someone to talk to, someone who seemed to understand the complexities of the situation.Master Zayne's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my veins. "Don't worry, Ava," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "I'll do my best to help you navigate this mess."I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "Thank you, Master Zayne," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.Master Zayne's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Anytime, Ava," he said. "Now, let's get you back on your feet."As he helped me up, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the unexpected turn of events. Who would have thought that Master Zayne, the infamous warrior, would turn out to be my unlikely ally?As we wal
"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