The look Lord Thetas had on his face disturbed General Blackwell, and he finished his report, dismissing himself. He didn't even finish his dinner, he had seen the man's father and what he could do, and his son was worse. It was almost as if the boy were an evil from lore. He could feel the dark energy off him sometimes, and how cold he was, to even trusted generals like himself. He had known him since he was born, yet he knew not to push the envelope. He knew what he saw all those years ago with General Tamerick's son.
In reality, the master of the house needed to feed. Now. The problem was he didn't want to do so in the middle of the afternoon, and he had no intention of leaving his room once he got there. He was born this way. His mother was burned at the stake for being a witch when he was born, and she cursed her entire line. His father was a cruel man, but since he was her husband, he didn't bear the brunt of the curse like his son did. He was to forever walk this world, consuming the essence of man.
He changed when he was 12. He was a happy child until then, despite his cold father. He was until he got his first taste. A simple sparing match turned into a fistfight with general Tamerick's son, his second general in command. He was killed by the young lord's inhuman strength. The boy had snapped his neck and drank him where he stood. Thankfully, no one was around to see, but his father knew when he saw the boy with no blood.
"My Lord, do you need more food?" Asked the servant who was dismissed earlier. He was nervous, remembering the look on his master's face. He dreaded that he was still in the room, seemingly thinking.
"No, leave my presence." He said calmly. Too calmly for his comfort. He bowed and ran walked out of the dining area, meant only for private gatherings.
Lord Thetas composed himself, and went to his chambers. He would take care of himself later, but now the soothing touch of Samira would calm his inner fire. He didn't understand why she was so addicting, but she was like a soothing drug to calm his nerves.
But when he arrived, she was not there. It was almost as if she had never gone to his room in the first place like he had ordered. He could not smell strawberries, only the crackling fire. Then a thought came across his mind, what if she was taken? It wouldn't necessarily be easy to do, however, it's also not necessarily impossible. People didn't know her status yet.
He clenched his fists, holding in his anger as best as he could, and summoned his guards. "Search every corner, and courtyard." He sneered. He could tell by her character that she simply wouldn't run away; someone had taken her. He would not settle for that. They scurried away and ransacked every corner, however, they did not find her because they were looking thoroughly in the wrong part of the castle.
He was about to leave his room, until he noticed a small chest at the threshold of his door. It was a wooden chest, just large enough for a small wardrobe of clothing. He opened it and immediately knew where she was; she was with his cousin. This somehow made him a little bit perturbed, as he did not like people going against his wishes.
It didn't take long for Lady Beatrix to catch wind of her cousin's fury. She had actually sat Samira down to braid her hair, and paint her nails. She did not have many friends, nor visitors. She couldn't befriend her maids either, as last time one stole an expensive broach.
But if the master of the house had her as his lover, it should be fine to make her look good? At least, that's what she thought. Samira was tense the entire time, she knew where she was told to go, and was not there. The master would have to retrieve her.
He knocked on the door, breaking it with the second pound. Wood exploded from the hinges, and both the girls jumped. He sighed loudly, and ran his hand through his raven hair. He didn't intend on using that much force, but the damage had already been done. He held an intense gaze on them. It could burn a hole through his prey, and it made them both uncomfortable.
"Why did you take my Samira?" He said in a low calm voice. It was neither loud, nor angry. Lady Beatrix knew her next words would be her last in the castle if she didn't speak the truth.
"My dearest cousin, she was brought here by a guard, claiming she stole the dress I lent her." She said, unable to look away.
He hummed. He saw how elegant she appeared, and how the makeup on her face made her look even more beautiful. Her delicate curls were in an elaborate braid, and she wore a headband with small gems atop her head.
It only took him 3 strides to get to her, and he held out his elbow for her to hold. She didn't know what she was supposed to do with it, so she looked at him questioningly. There was a small smile that creased his lips. He gently took her delicate hands and placed them on his elbow.
She was taken aback by such a bold and intimate position she was placed in. Her hazel eyes sparkled with concern and curiosity…. He did like her. They stood like this for a small moment, before the Master pecked a kiss on her cheek.
"Thank you for caring for her." He said quietly, but he wanted to say more. He wanted to tell her that he thought she was beautiful, but he hoped his gestures showed her.
They slowly walked down the halls of the castle, getting stares from any who were working. It didn't take long for the search to be called off, and for word to spread of who was the master's lover. Of all the people, it was a servant girl, a slave no less.
Other servants were extremely jealous. 'Why not me?' Many of them complained. They had worked in his service for years, and many of them were shapely, but they weren't what he wanted.
He had that special woman in his arms. He didn't talk, but his presence made everyone bow deeply. He regretted trying to hide her, but now he would rectify that. He summoned Captain Eugene.
"Let everyone know should they lay a hand on my woman; they will die by my hands," He said as if he were talking about the weather.
"Of course, my lord, would you like any gossipers whipped." Said the captain casually. It sent a chill down her spine.
"No, let them talk, that they know who their Lady will be." He said, putting his arm around her waist protectively. She didn't know what to say, but knew she shouldn't question him while he was in this strange state of mind. Did she hear him right? Did he really claim her? That would mean she would be his mistress! The Captain saw her reaction, but didn't say anything, as it wasn't his place.
"Yes, Lord Thetas." He said with a bow, and left them to go upstairs.
They walked like this, all the way to his bedroom. When they got inside, he took off his thick coat and shirt, revealing a lightly scarred, toned chest. He placed it on a coat holder, and threw the old shirt in the basket he placed outside his room, along with a few other garments that would be washed. The master was restless, and Samira could tell this. She didn't know what to do, so she stood at the threshold of the door. In only his pants, he sundered over to her slowly. She looked at his sculpted body, and shyly looked away.
"Master?" Said her shy voice. Samira peeked a glance to see he had come so close to her, that she could feel his body heat. He ran his hand gently over the braid his cousin made, and lightly trailed a finger down to her collar bone.
"Hmm?" He said, looking at her, but clearly not paying attention. He pressed her head against his chest, and smelled her scent. He needed this. His nerves had been racked at the thought of losing her, even though he had never felt sparks like this with anyone. His embrace on her was a bit too tight, but it wasn't hurting her.
He slowly allowed himself to let her go, so she could get into nightwear. There were no maids, he simply sat on the bed and undid his belt while she was in the bath area of the room. She got into an elegant, nearly translucent white nightgown that left little to the imagination. She still didn't have undergarments, which would be here in the morning.
She shyly wanted to stay in the bathroom, but if she did, he would probably go get her, she thought. She reluctantly walked out, blushing vigorously. She didn't ask what the master wanted, but he had picked her up and carried her to his bed before she could muster up the courage. She weighed nothing to him, and when he pulled back the sheets, he laid her down on his large mattress. She was getting nervous, but he didn't seem to care.
"Get some rest." He said, getting in, and giving her a peck on the top of her head. He wrapped his strong arms around her, and buried his face in the crook of her neck. Tomorrow, he would do something about his hunger, but tonight, he needed her.
"Ok." She whispered. He treated her so tenderly, that she couldn't believe it. He did like her. She couldn't lie to herself. At the present moment, she only feared this man. He was powerful enough to do what he pleased, and just as strong. If there was any feeling, she had shoved it down, thinking she would lose her head. He held her as if she would run away, and she soon could hear his steady breathing. She saw out the corner of her eyes movement, and turned her head to the door, to see a maid picking up the basket of clothes to wash.