Trigger Warning!
Mentions of stalking, violence, murder, and death.
The confusion from that scene must have followed me in my dreams...
I lay in my bed at home after a long day of work. The space heater created comforting background noise as I lay planning my upcoming week. "Rent is due next Thursday. I have a test on Friday and a project due Monday… I'm picking up an extra shift Tuesday since I'll be busy with the test on Friday..." I mumbled to myself.
Suddenly, I felt the warmth of a large slender hand on my left cheek pulling my focus to the right. There to my side lay Assir. His smile radiated like light. "My lady," He whispered as he nuzzled into my hair. His breath felt hot on my neck and as he tilted his head upward, the tip of his nose brushed against my ear, and I felt a shiver crawl down my spine. "You really should be resting right now." His words tickled my ear. "If you've still got so much energy then, shall I help you to expel it?" The heat rose throughout my body and my limbs became limp. The man rose himself above me slightly, his long dark hair cascading around my face as the corners of his mouth lifted into a devious smirk. His thumb trailed along my cheek as he moved his face closer to mine. I couldn't speak a word before his lips pressed firmly against mine, sliding his hot tongue into my mouth and pressing his large body gently atop my smaller frame. All I could let out was a groan as I gasped for air and felt that intense heat permeating between my thighs. Assir's other hand trailed along the light curvature of my body stopping only to fondle one of my hardened nipples as he continued kissing me passionately. His hand ventured lower, sliding easily under the loosened waistband of my pajama shorts. I felt his confident fingers glide between my folds, instantly discovering my sweet spot. I gasped.
And at that very moment, I woke up in a cold sweat. "What the fuck." I murmured. I sat up. Looking around, I come to my senses a bit. I am in my room... not at home, but in Prospertinia, and I'm alone. I sink back into the soft pillows and try to catch my breath. Man, its worse than I thought, I think to myself before I settle back into a deep sleep. I really miss my vibrator…
___________________ ___________________
The sunlight likes to pierce my eyes every morning. As beautiful as it is, it is also a bit annoying if I'm honest. After cursing the sun, I like to roll around a bit before finally getting up to start the day. I've become somewhat of a procrastinator since I came to this new place. My days consist of engaging in light conversation with Assir and Von Mae, eating delicious exotic foods prepared by the kitchen staff, painting in the mid-morning, having afternoon tea in the center of the garden, reading some smutty romance novels in the early evening, which to my surprise turn out to be just as enjoyable as the ones back home, and taking long baths after dinner in the afternoons. These have become even more enjoyable since Von Mae acquired scented bath salts on my behalf. He always seems happy to hear any requests I have. I've gotten used to the routine here and rarely feel as bored as I had when I first arrived. It is still strange not having to consider things like rent or bills though.
Von Mae has laid out one of the many dresses Assir and I bought while we were at the market a few days ago. I am reminded of that strange scene I saw as I get ready for yet another day of leisure. Even more than that, the memories of the dream I had that night appear in my mind here and there. I have done well not to act strangely in front of Assir, but I catch myself reminiscing throughout the day of those events that didn't even actually happen. I open the door to the hall and like clockwork, Von Mae exclaims, "Good morning, miss Eve! Did you sleep well?" His puppy-like nature is unbearably adorable. He might be double my stature, but I cannot help but assume he might be younger than me. I have not found the right moment to ask about ages yet.
"I slept well! Thank you for asking!" I replied cheerfully.
"You look lovely in your dress today miss Eve. I think the color pink really suits you," he says.
"Isn't that what you said about the blue dress yesterday?" I teased.
Von Mae blushes, "Miss Eve looks beautiful in every color."
"Thank you, Von Mae." I grin in return.
We make our way to the dining hall in silence as I take note on the way of how familiar this space has become to me. I have only been here for about a week, yet it's starting to feel homey to me. Von Mae bows carefully before leaving me at the entrance of the dining hall. I poke my head around the wall taking a quick peak into the hall. Assir is sitting in his usual seat closest to mine. He flips through a stack of papers which I can only assume are some kind of news source before feeling my gaze on him. He looks up from the stack to my direction and smiles. "My lady!" I wave for him to remain seated and make my way to my chair. The table is already set as extravagantly as it is every morning. "How are you faring today?" He asks.
"Another day, another dollar!" I cheer. Confusion spreads across his face but he has learned not to question the meaning of everything I say so he just chuckles to himself.
"Eve," He calls, catching me off guard since he never refers to me by name. "As per usual decorum, the ladies of the other realms must be introduced into high society." He says. "This is important for many reasons, but most of it is to ensure that the souls from the other realms are not ostracized or labeled as 'other.' I've received a letter from the emperor stating the next introduction ball will be held in one week. You will be one of the featured ladies of that evening." When Assir has news to share he is always matter of fact about it, so I just nod.
"How many other ladies will be featured?" I ask praying it's a considerable number so all the attention will naturally be spread further.
"It will be you and three others." He answered.
Shit, not as many as I had hoped.
Brunch carried on as normal with the usual chatter concerning the weather for the day, suggestions for afternoon tea and pastry selections, and the always endearing questions concerning my needs and desires. Today I requested anything Von Mae could think of that might be similar to a banana after terribly describing the appearance, taste, and texture followed by a crude drawing of the yellow crescent shaped fruit. Von Mae was happy to oblige, taking my drawing with him for reference. I feel bad for anyone who has to decipher the mess on that paper. If I had known it would be used as a mug shot for a wanted banana, I would have taken more time on it. As the help began clearing the table, Assir stood from his chair in a slow graceful movement. I followed suit doing my best to mimic the gentle act but failed tremendously as the legs of my chair screeched along the marbled floor. No one seemed to pay it any mind, but that didn't stop me from cringing, nevertheless. Assir extended a hand to me without saying anything and I placed my hand gently atop his while raising an eyebrow, curious to what event might come next as this is usually where we part ways in the day. Assir only smiled his habitually brazen smile in my direction as he led me towards the outstretched emptied floors that rested nearly untouched at the bottom of the curved staircase. The staircase that I have become surprisingly accustomed to climbing this past week. Sunlight creeped in from the backside of the manor through audaciously sized windows baring darkened wood frames, some of which were opened, letting in the slight breeze of spring air. The light hit the floors in such a way that they sparkled just slightly as my eyes trailed along them before my body came to a halt bumping into something large… someone large I mean. I stepped back hiding my embarrassment behind a smile to which Assir just smiled in return, gripping my hand tighter in his.
"Given how little time we have to prepare, this week I will be focusing all of my energy on teaching you the proper etiquette of high society, so prepare yourself. I am not a lenient teacher despite my gentle nature." He said.
"I get the impression you are only gently natured when necessary to the time and place." I said as images of that dream flickered through my mind.
"Oh, you are exceptionally good at reading others then. That makes one part of our training easier at least." Assir assured, "For the remainder of this week dance lessons will follow directly after brunch, my lady." Assir bowed his head and shoulders slowly until his gaze became level with mine despite our differences in height. His eyes shown a lighter purple in the sunlight and I felt entranced for a second as he brought my fingertips up to his lips, never once breaking eye contact. I felt a shiver travel up my spine. This guy doesn't play nice, does he?
Rather than melting before him, I decided I wouldn't play nice either. I gave him an innocent smile in return and bowed a curtsey, pulling one side of my dress into my free hand and raising my head in such a way that my cleavage would be easily visible. I gazed up at Assir from under my lashes, noticing he had already broken eye contact and opted to look towards the windows instead of at my breasts. What a gentleman he is… I win this round. "I will be the best student you have ever had, Sir Assir."
Assir's jaw clenched, and after standing upright and clearing his throat he said, "And I will ensure you are fully prepared to enter society, my lady."
We spent the next few hours dancing amongst the streams of sunlight, and as they disappeared behind clouds throughout the morning my feet began to ache, and my stomach felt empty. Dancing was harder than I had expected. My curtsey before was just a replication of some movie scene I remembered from childhood. I never expected to become so worn out from twirling around over and over. Suddenly, Assir finished guiding me into my last twirl pulling me into him at the end. I could feel his heart beating steadily through his chest and into mine.
"Ready for tea?" he asked towering over my bent body, nose almost touching my own.
"Y-yes." I couldn't help but studder.
Today Von Mae served a razzen leaf tea paired with a newfound favorite of mine, shae tart. The shae I can only compare to the taste of kiwis from Earth and the razzen has no similar taste to anything I've had before. I had seen the plant used to make the tea in the garden, and to be honest it looked dead to me. The tea runs a dark maroon color, almost black, and while the appearance isn't exactly appealing, the taste is warm and comforting. "What are you thinking about?" Assir spoke, bringing me back to reality.
"Oh, I was just thinking about how this tea reminded me of Christmas." I smiled at him as I clasped the teacup in both hands. "Although, the spring weather makes me feel otherwise."
"What is Christmas, my lady?" Assir leaned forward resting his elbows on the table between us. A gentle breeze wafted in the air around us. His gaze lay heavy on my face, studying my every expression. Sometimes, I find Assir to be a serious man.
"Christmas is a holiday derived from one of the many religions from my home world, though you don't necessarily have to be religious to celebrate the holiday since there is some duality within the story of Christmas." I began, "Most people, religious or otherwise, exchange gifts and have a feast with a variety of foods. My family would also play holiday games and wear ugly sweaters in a contest for a secret prize. I had a large family, so the holidays were always really hectic. You could barely hear yourself think, much less hear the person next to you speak. I often had the need to step outside for fresh air and quiet, but I enjoyed the company of most of my family members and watching children run around was cute until one would inevitably end up screaming bloody Mary." I chuckled to myself before taking another sip of the Christmas tea from my cup.
"Do you miss your family?" Assir asked gently. I only stared at him for a moment pondering how I should answer before he said, "I am sorry if I have offended you. I… am just so curious about you, Eve."
"Oh, I wasn't offended," I assured him. "I just wasn't really sure how to answer the question… Of course, I miss my family. I think I have been trying not to think about it though." I took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. "I imagine they must be grieving my loss very much. I think I am realizing now how loved I was. Part of me feels incredibly happy, but the other part is sad."
"I see…" Assir's intense eyes continued their gaze in my direction, but somehow, I felt that he wasn't really looking at me but maybe something way beyond me. "Have you regained any other memories, my lady?" He said, breaking out of his trance.
"Yes." I replied.
A few nights ago, a memory came to me while painting. As I was playing around on my palette mixing a few colors to create a midnight blue. A vision played through my mind. A marvelous, darkened sky decorated in sparkling silver stars, air so icy I could see my breath in front of me, and hot dark red blood pooling around my head. It all happened so quickly. I never got to see the face of the man who attacked me, but I remember the last words he said to me before my life faded. He said to me, "How could you be so heartless, you evil girl. I have always loved you and you knew it. You used my love to your advantage, but now I will make sure you see only me." A midnight blue sky faded to black as I choked on my last breath and my body fell as cold as the ice in the air.
"I believe I was murdered." I said bluntly. Assir's eyes widened in horror.
"Who would do such a thing? Why?" I could see Assir stiffen in his seat, an expression I had never seen before plastered across his face. His eyebrows furrowed, teeth bared, pure disgust and rage filled his usually calm eyes and the look of him did something to me. My body froze still, yet the blood running through my veins rushed to my very core. I should have been afraid of him in this moment. I should have run away at the sight of his fury, but instead I felt pleasure and a tingling between my thighs. A wicked smile took shape on my mouth.
"Why?" he continued, now pacing around near his seat at the table. "Who did that to you?" He demanded, finally looking straight at me again.
"Does it matter?" I sighed, leaning my cheek into a cupped hand unconcerned that my elbow had roughed up the delicate cloth on the table. Fuck the lace, honestly. Perhaps I was less gracious of a guest than I thought especially when under the conditions of stress.
Assir stood before me for a moment before lowering himself onto one knee. We held each other's gaze for what felt like an eternity before he gently caressed the ankle of the leg, I had thrown over the other in my tiny fit. A long slender finger slipped behind and under my heel, prying the heeled shoe from my foot. With my bare foot in his large hand, we continued to stare at one another as our bodies moved on their own in synchronized fashion. Assir's lips brushed atop the talus of my slender appendage. "On my life I swear no physical harm will ever come to you again, Eve." This was the last thing he said to me before rising and stalking away in a heated manner. A man with a mission.
I didn't see Assir again until the following morning where brunch and dance lessons went on as usual, but this time I found it much more difficult to focus on the task at hand. Assir was his usual calm and graceful self, a proper gentleman. However, I couldn't help but notice how our eyes seemed to follow each other around the room, and as our eyes met and we looked away abruptly only to return each other's stare again within the next second, I felt we were sharing a secret between us. This secret, possibly, was one that neither of us fully understood in that moment.
And thus, the rest of the week followed this new routine of stealing and avoiding glances.