Ten
1137 Words
RAPHAEL
My most cherished possession.
"Ours," my wolf declared, and a fleeting smile crossed my face before it turned into a frown.
I tilted my head as the maid grasped her hair, and I let out a sigh.
"He's on his way," the maid informed.
"Who?"
I didn't realize she was just as clueless. Despite all the hints the maid had dropped, my prize didn't seem to be catching on, and I didn't know how much longer I could linger in the shadows.
I had been in the room even before the maid's arrival, having instructed her to prepare the princess. For once, I found myself acting without a clear purpose, a rare departure from my usual calculated approach. It felt strangely impulsive, even for me.
But then, I allowed my wolf to take the reins, guiding me here. I didn't protest even when I realized I was trespassing.
I knew it was an invasion of privacy, and I shouldn't be prying. She was about to bathe, and I should leave as soon as possible, but I couldn't help myself.
Even though I was in the room, I wasn't a p*****t. So, I turned my back when she started to undress. I only turned around when I was sure she was in the tub.
Stepping into the bathroom, I shielded my eyes, then slowly opened them. She was submerged in the hot water, her upper half veiled by the soapy bubbles.
"Who's on his way, Rhea?" Cinzia asked while the maid tended to her hair.
"The hybrid king, and I heard you're on duty."
I winced at her words. It sounded like it was her turn to be with me intimately.
Maybe that was what I had in mind, but deep down, I knew it wouldn't come to that. I had never been with a woman in that way. It wasn't a matter of purity, as I was well-acquainted with the act. My issue lay in the emotional connection.
I had the privilege of being with as many women as I pleased. Even Delicia had practically thrown herself at me. I could pursue physical relationships, but emotional ones were beyond my reach.
Somehow, when it came down to the real act after the foreplay, my interest often waned. No one had managed to rekindle it. It was all because of her. That witch! But I couldn't entirely blame her for all she did to me. After all, she was the one keeping me alive, though I still needed to atone for my father's sins.
Furthermore, the reason I surrounded myself with a bevy of women was to make it abundantly clear, even to my uncles and aunts, that I wasn't inclined towards men. Not that I held anything against them, but I grew weary of their attempts to pair me with a man. The very person who had put me in the tight spot knew it wasn't my issue. A snap of her fingers, and I'd be fine again. But she chose to watch me suffer.
It had been close to five centuries, and I was convinced I'd remain this way for a thousand more years if no one came to my rescue from this predicament.
"On duty?" I was jolted back by Cinzia's scornful tone. She shot a disapproving look at her maid and defiantly tilted her chin.
"I don't understand what you mean by 'duty to please him,' Rhea. What are you talking about?"
I observed as she nibbled on her bottom lip. I couldn't blame her for wondering about my intentions. I often made people feel that way—filled with fear and anxiety. I must admit, I relished it. I enjoyed it when people bowed at my feet and worshipped me. It was bound to happen, considering I was a demi-god and an immortal.
I wasn't born with immortality; it was bestowed upon me. Its purpose in my life seemed to be to witness my eternal suffering with no one to save me.
"I demand you answer me this instant!" Cinzia insisted, and I almost let out a chuckle. She was stubborn and would undoubtedly be a formidable force.
I didn't want a mini Delicia, but the more I saw it, the more I realized they had a lot more in common.
Heck, I couldn't fathom why I kept encountering people with the same disposition. I had a hunch it was the doing of the goddess Aphrodite. Last year, when I shared my vision of the ideal woman with her, she promptly led me to Delicia. Of course, there were others before her, but Delicia held a special place among the women I kept in my company.
"Hush, child. It's not my place to say. The king is on his way, and you must attend to him."
My initial response was to retort, "She won't be attending to me," but I realized they couldn't see or hear me unless I permitted it.
"I am not some w***e, Rhea. If he desires company, he can find it in the streets. How dare anyone hold me in such low regard?!"
I held no low opinions of her. Even the least esteemed lady in my circle wasn't subject to such treatment. I merely desired to see her; hence my issuing the order.
I'd dreamt of someone special approaching me, a sensation I'd recognized when I met her. That moment had arrived, but I hesitated to raise my hopes. Dreams could be deceiving, but the gods and goddesses communicated with special beings like me through them. So, I held faith, especially since Aphrodite had facilitated our meeting.
Perhaps I shouldn't put too much thought into it, considering I'd met Delicia in a similar manner. But this felt different.
I strode to the door and gestured with my hand, announcing my presence.
"The door exists for a reason! Will anyone ever learn to use it in this place?!" Cinzia bellowed.
"You're an excellent maid," I acknowledged.
The woman's eyes darted around the room, perhaps searching for me. I gripped my cloak and let out a sigh. The maid draped a garment around Cinzia, shielding her from view, perhaps from both me and the guard accompanying me. It wasn't that I took a keen interest in that, but I appreciated the gesture. Furthermore, the guard's attention wasn't focused on us; he had his back against the wall.
"Hello, Cinzia," I greeted. It was the second time I had said her name, and it still sounded oddly alluring.
"You should have damn well knocked. Who just strolls into a room without bothering to check if anyone's decent?"
"It's my house, darling," I said, my voice calm yet firm. "I do as I please."
"Who in the world are you?!" She growled, her eyes narrowed.
Sighing, I said, "I'm your owner."
- Writer
