"Zenyph and Asura and you..."
Lynette raised her eyebrow curiously at Alice's question. She brought her slender hand up to her chin contemplating her response.
"Are you in love with Zenyph, little Alice?" inquired Lynette teasingly.
The raven haired woman giggled softly as she watched the red tint grow across Alice's cheeks.
"Of c-course not, why would I-I..."
"Feelings can sometimes be unexplainable, especially when they involve handsome princes." winked Lynette.
"No. He's my friend."
"A friend?" echoed Lynette incredulously.
Alice nodded firmly confirming her statement.
"If he was merely a friend then why did you feel jealousy, anger and possessiveness when Asura declared her status as his spouse."
Alice blushed as memories of those feelings flashed in her mind.
"I... don't know why. She annoyed me when she announced her bond to Zenyph. He deserved a ceremony, flowers, gifts and other such nonsense. He wasn't treated with respect like a true royal." explained Alice passionately.
"Such fire. little Alice you truly have strong feelings for my master. Why are you denying it?" questioned Lynette, confused at her master's close companion's denial of her own feelings.
Alice looked away from Lynette focusing her attention towards the kitchen in the back instead. Her blue eyes gleamed brightly, reflecting the surrounding light perfectly.
"I don't think we should continue this discussion, Lynette. I'm starting to feel uncomfortable." confessed Alice bashfully.
"Understood, I apologize for prying." said Lynette with a regretful look.
Alice smiled softly reassuring her friend.
"There's nothing wrong with wanting answers from a close friend, I understand. Then maybe you'd like some advice?" asked Lynette
"Advice?" repeated Alice curiously.
"For courting my master." Lynette clarified.
The petite human stiffened visibly at Lynette's suggestion.
"You're okay with other women going after your master?"
"Hmm why do you think that? Zenyph's a royal, of course he's going to have a harem." answered Lynette matter-of-factly.
"Royal? Harem? Are you joking Lynette?" Alice could barely hide her shock as her eyes widened even further.
"I'm most certainly not. He may have his flaws but being loyal is not one of them. He will honor the bonds he makes in the future with his wives."
"Wives. Plural. WIVES? Why? How? Who? Don't dragons have the same customs as humans and vampires? One partner for life? For eternity." asked Alice frantically.
"Technically yes. However, his majesty Notos was the first to break such traditions by taking several wives. The draconic counsil approved since it produced stronger offspring."
"His majesty Notos broke the taboo because he was so much stronger than his father. His power was overwhelming. It wouldn't make sense for him to choose a single female when he can procreate with many. It is logical. Though I won't deny that some of the royals hate him for it. He's still the Emperor of Eldritha, so they would never dare rebel against him."
"How come Zenyph didn't tell me about the new tradition?" Alice couldn't wrap her mind around the revelation.
"Because you didn't ask? Perhaps it didn't come up? Dragons are open about their sexual life unlike humans or vampires, our customs are quite a mystery."
"Still, why is this even allowed? I thought Zenyph would just marry Asura since they're bonded now? Or at least a proposal. Maybe invite her to his home, meet the family etc..."
"Honestly Alice their bond is a walking disaster, if her highness Bloodthorne finds out Zenyph and Asura are connected for life, I can almost guarantee you there will be a war."
"War? Why?" Alice didn't like the idea of war between the seven races.
"Because Asura already has an arranged marriage with the first prince of the Nocturne family. I'm actually waiting for the right time to tell Zenyph. I have no doubt that master will be putting that canine down when he finds out. Even if it causes an international incident."
"Waiting for the right time? How come you won't tell him now? We live with him. In the same room."
"As long as he's happy, I'm content with seeing him smiling and enjoying the present. Once Asura realizes her mistake it'll cause tension between you guys and her, and Zenyph deserves peace. No stress or unnecessary drama."
"But it's unfair to him. Aren't you just postponing the inevitable." argued Alice passionately.
"Life isn't always fair Alice, especially not when your friends are royalty. Besides, he might find another woman to pursue once we return to the capital. Who knows how many potential mates exist?"
"Women? Pursuing?" Alice couldn't hide her anxiety any longer as she blurted out the question loudly.
Lynette snickered lightly amused at her companion's behavior. She leaned back, stretching out her legs.
"I'm just teasing you, little Alice. Though my master could certainly do better than Asura. I suppose we'll find out soon enough."
Alice let out a sigh of relief hearing Lynette's playful joke. She calmed herself down while attempting to appear composed.
"Can I ask you something Lynette?"
"Anything." replied Lynette earnestly.
"Will you tell me everything you know about Zenyph? Please?" pleaded Alice softly.
Lynette tilted her head slightly before responding.
"Sure but first I have to ask you a very important question, Alice Gryphon."
"What?" asked Alice cautiously.
"What kind of relationship do you want with Zenyph?" asked Lynette with a deadly tone that completely shifted the mood.
Alice's heart thumped rapidly. Sweat dripped off her forehead dripping onto her cute pink pajama that had bunny patterns on it.
"I just want to be close friends," replied Alice quickly averting her gaze from the maid.
"You sure? You won't try to steal Zenyph away or betray him right?" prodded Lynette further.
"Positive. Zenyph is like an older brother, just someone I can lean on. He's really supportive and kind."
Lynette didn't buy the excuse, she was able to see through the lies easily thanks to her vampiric senses, but she let it slide for now. She didn't want to scare off Zenyph's companion too early. She also wanted to gauge the loyalty and bravery of this particular girl.
"Okay well I want you to sign this magic contract Alice. Then I'll tell you a bit more about my master."
Lynette placed her palm face down creating a magic circle. Black mist filled the room, Alice held her breath in fright. Soon it dissipated revealing a piece of parchment with words written in gold.
"That looks suspicious." mumbled Alice nervously.
"Nonsense, it's a simple blood oath that requires you to keep your promises. The penalty for breaking the promise is severe. It's Death."
Alice swallowed hard as she glanced down at the contract. She contemplated whether accepting the agreement was worth knowing more about the silver dragon.
After weighing the pros and cons in her head, Alice for the first time decided to stand up for herself. If Lynette couldn't tell her, then she would have to ask Zenyph directly.
"Sorry Lynette, I have to decline." Alice gave Lynette an apologetic glance.
"Decline? Why? Afraid of losing your precious head?" joked Lynette with a cheeky grin.
"It's not that. I just can't agree to being another harem member to Zenyph. I value our current friendship and I want to become more than that in the future.I do not want to be Zenyph's toy or plaything with a relationship that is solely based on carnal desire." explained Alice with conviction burning brightly within her pupils.
Lynette admired her for a moment. The courage this tiny human held impressed the half vampire immensely. It made her believe that there might just be a chance for Zenyph to find a suitable queen. Just a tiny tiny chance. But the fact that it wouldn't be her, made her sad.
"You're right, little Alice. You should aim higher than to simply be used for physical pleasures." agreed Lynette with Alice's reasoning.
"Although I have to warn you. My master is very skilled in bed and is very dominant and possessive. He doesn't like sharing either. It's part of being a dragon prince."
"I understand. But still, I would rather try for something more meaningful instead of settling for less."
"Still Alice, I insist on this magic contract. Zenyph wouldn't want to be shackled down by one woman nor do I want to lose him in any way whatsoever. So sign it."
"What if I say no? Are you gonna force me?" challenged Alice fearlessly.
Lynette narrowed her eyes slightly as she examined the petite human in front of her carefully.
Her lips curled up forming a small grin exposing her uneven fangs.
"Are you willing to bet your life on that claim, little Alice? Because that's exactly what's at stake here." threatened the half vampire.
Alice gulped nervously as beads of sweat formed on her forehead. The heat radiated off her skin, giving her an unnaturally red glow. She struggled to maintain her composure when faced with a direct threat.
But Alice Gryphon refused to submit so easily. If she gave up now, what hope could she possibly have for building a loving relationship with the silver dragon prince? She could not afford to fold after standing tall.
"I'm not signing the paper because I believe I can change his mind one day and last night Zenyph said he'd protect me. You won't hurt me, nor will you let him be harmed. Killing me would hurt him beyond repair, therefore, I am safe." declared Alice with a triumphant smile.
"Oh~?"
The atmosphere changed instantly upon Alice's declaration. A powerful pressure bore down upon her crushing her body. The pressure felt like a mountain bearing down onto her. Her knees buckled, as the pressure increased, she collapsed falling hard onto the white marble floor. Her chest felt like it was constricting, she gasped desperately trying to catch air into her lungs. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't inhale any oxygen. The pressure made breathing difficult.
The ravenette approached Alice, her red eyes were glowing ominously as she towered above the gasping human.
"Alice, this is your last chance. Sign. The. Contract." warned Lynette calmly.
Alice opened her mouth to answer but no sound came out. She didn't have the energy nor could she breathe properly to talk. Her eyes widened when she realized Lynette wasn't letting her talk anymore.
She had to do something. Fast.
Gritting her teeth together tightly, the tiny human rolled over onto her side ignoring the intense pain throbbing in her entire body. With great difficulty she managed to prop herself up into a kneeling position.
"Plea-se l-lyn-ette I wi-ll sig-"
Before Alice could finish, the pressure doubled. This time, Alice couldn't bear the agony any longer. A cry of anguish escaped from her throat as tears streamed down her face.
'It hurts. Hurts. Pain. It's too much. I give in. Please forgive me. I beg you. Let go.'
The thought crossed Alice's mind repeatedly as the pressure intensified. Her muscles strained while the bones cracked threatening to snap apart under the strain.
Tears flowed freely down her cheeks while droplets of sweat poured onto the floor. Lynette grabbed her by the throat and lifted her up to eye level. Alice's feet dangled uselessly from underneath her. The crimson-eyed beauty brought her face closer, her warm breath tickling Alice's nose.
"You will hurt him in the future." muttered Lynette softly as she stared at Alice's tearful blue orbs intensely.
"I'll protect him." declared Lynette with an obsessive look in her eyes as she completely severed Alice's head from her body.
"Lynette?"