Days passed, and only one week remained until the prince's coming-of-age ceremony. I was quietly relieved—these days, the duke had been busy and did not summon me.
Still, he did not forget to send me a gown for the ball. It was indigo, off-shoulder, and sprinkled with tiny diamonds across the skirt, like stars against a midnight sky.
My last dream had been disturbing. It broke my heart to see how she would be betrayed by David, the one person she trusted most. I awoke with my eyes full of pain. These dreams were dangerous, and I had no idea how to stop them.
I had searched endlessly for information about Northern witches or magic but found nothing.
Perhaps the public library would hold answers—but with the duke here, I would need his permission, and he never gave it without a price.
I asked the head maid to request an audience. He granted it eagerly.
He sat behind his desk when I entered.
"Good evening, Father. Thank you for seeing me."
"Aria, my sweet," he said warmly. "Come. It has been long since we spent time alone."
I started to go to the chair beside the desk, but he stopped me.
"No. Sit with me. I have missed you."
I obeyed and moved behind the desk. He pulled me close, holding me by the side. I stayed still, letting him do as he wished.
"Oh, how I have missed this scent," he murmured. "Now, what do you want, sweet Aria?"
"I... I wish to ask permission to visit the public library," I said, my voice shaking.
His hand paused. "Why? We have the finest collection in the kingdom. What could you want that we do not possess?"
'should I go with the same answer that I gave Henry, is there any reason you can give Aria, just go with it'
"All the books here are serious," I replied softly. "I wish to read novels."
He leaned closer and whispered in my ears while his hand tightened on my waist . "What kind of novels, Aria?"
"Any kind," I said quickly.
"You may tell me, and I can provide them for you."
that will not do; I must act, not merely ask.
I took a breath. I moved closer, placed my hand on his chest, and looked him in the eyes. He inhaled sharply.
"Please, Father," I said quietly. "I wish to choose them myself. It is more fun that way."
He hesitated. "Very well. But you must give me a kiss."
'ugh, you sick bastard'
I pressed my lips to his cheek quickly, then stepped back.
"That is hardly a kiss," he said with a soft laugh. "And who said I wished it there?"
I clenched my hands and took a deep breath. And got closer until my lips touched his.
I was going to back away but his hand pushed my head locking me with a heated kiss.
His other hand crawled up and rested on my chest kneading it harshly.
I tried to move my head, but his hand fisted my hair fixing me in place. So I endured it praying he will finish soon.
but when his hand went down trying to get under my skirt٫ I started to squirm in my place trying harder to get away
''p..ple..ase s..stop'' but to no avail his hand reached my underwear and started to rub my private part.
His kiss was so deep I couldn't breathe, and his hand went under and was rubbing directly so fast and I started to moisten.
My hand started to push him hard, but he wouldn't budge.
I was starting to get dizzy when he backed away. He took his hand away and showed it to me how wet it was, and he licked it! ''you taste so good Aria''
I felt so sick, I stand up getting away from him, and he let me.
"You may go," he said. "A carriage and escort will be arranged."
Within half an hour, I was inside the carriage. Leo was my escort. I could not understand why the duke continued to choose him.
If Leo were a spy, surely he would have told him about our nightly meetings.
Yet Leo only smiled at me from outside, unreadable as ever.
At the library, he helped me down and held my hand until I snatched it away.
"Alright, princess. What books are we looking for?" he asked.
"That is none of your concern, Sir Leo."
"Back to formalities already?" he said, clutching his chest. "You wound my heart.
"I ignored him. "So cruel," he muttered softly behind me.
I don't know where I could find books about magic, and I did not wish Leo to discover what I was searching for.
"Sir Leo, I would like to be alone. Could you wait for me outside?"
"I cannot do that, Princess. The orders are to never leave you. I shall not trouble you; I promise I will sit at the next table."
"Very well, then go sit there. I shall come after I select a book. Do not trail after me all the time; it is most vexing."
He smirked and said, "What sort of book is it that you so desperately do not wish me to know of?" He leaned close to my ear and whispered, "Is it some kind of steamy romance novel, Princess?"
His voice tickled my ear, and I blushed. "I... it's not," I stammered, though I knew not why my words betrayed me.
"Hahaha, very well, Princess. I shall give you your privacy." He winked and walked away.
I sighed. "Oh, well. It matters not what he thinks, so long as I may be alone."
I approached the librarian.
"Excuse me, where can I find books about magic?"
She looked at me kindly. "They are in the myths and fantasy section."
After much searching, I found a book of Northern folk tales.
One passage made my heart beat faster:
The village of Orlok was feared throughout the North. Its people had red eyes and strange powers. They were called children of Satan, bringing terror to the land. At last, Aster the First destroyed them. Some say a few escaped and still hide among us.
Am I descended from something cursed? No. My eyes are not red.
Leo spoke of healers—perhaps he meant a different clan.
"Oh? That Northern woman has truly captured your attention, princess."
I startled.
Leo stood beside me."Haha, calm down. Orlok—that was the name. I had nearly forgotten."
I closed the book. "I am finished now, Sir Leo. We may leave."
"You will not borrow it?"
"No," I said.Outside, before I entered the carriage, he stopped me."Why do you treat me this way? Have I done something wrong?"
"I do not trust you, Leo."He looked taken aback.
"What do you mean?"
"I do not know if you are the duke's dog."
His voice sharpened. "I am no man's dog! Do you hear me?"
I had never seen him so angry. He stepped aside, letting me into the carriage. The rest of the journey was silent.