The Truth
Hiding, I eavesdropped onto the conversation between Lilith and her commander.
"How was Caius in training today? Is he ready?" I heard Lady Lilith ask. Hearing my name I paid extra attention to what was being discussed.
"As you saw he bested me. After that he held his own in the rest of the training and exercises we performed. However during this time he seemed disappointed in himself. Like he was disappointed in his abilities today." Rina answered, curiously.
"Or lack thereof," Lilith said with a giggle. "And, what of our defenses?"
"The walls stand strong. No attacks have had a massive impact on their structure. The scouts have seen movements of Kanur's movement to the east, close to the border with the Carnelian Queendom, and Divine Order forces to the south."
"Caius will be pleased if we let him fight the Order. Do you think he is ready?"
"To fight? Yes, to lead our forces? No. He is still too young. Too inexperienced. Give him some time. I am sure he will be ready for the role you planned for him shortly." Rina answered truthfully.
'What plan do they have in store for me? Lead their forces?'
'The order is south of us?' I continued listening as more and more information was revealed.
"He still resists my charm. His body follows but I can tell his mind doesn't." Lilith said frustrated.
"Is that not what you wanted? I thought you were sick of mindless husks?"
"I am, and yet it infuriates me knowing he defies me in his mind. That he only follows my commands out of his body forcing him to. I used the same ritual my mother did for her husband and yet the charm seems to have been far less potent."
"Maybe it's his divine blood? How do Malcanthet and the rest of the succubi fair?"
"They are not doing well. Kanur's elite place strain on the defenses of the Pleasure Gardens while my great-grandmother struggles to defend our people.
Her hope is the war here will change the focus from Hell to the Primus. Caius needs to be ready for when the time comes."
"I will train him to the best of my ability but I make no promise he will be able to lead our forces."
"My little dragon will be ready when needed. Focus on preparing him for combat and I will ensure that he leads."
Hearing the conversation draw to an end I snuck back out of the room and into the labyrinthian corridors of Aphrodisia.
Exploring the corridors, I found who I was looking for, Zyldove, the elven maid. "Where is my room?" I asked, needing to rest from the events of today.
"The lady's room is on the second floor. I can show you the way if you like." She answered, dully.
"Is there a guest room? I will not sleep in the same bed as my lady tonight."
"Not for you. Our lady wishes for you to sleep in her bedchamber tonight and the nights to come." Her eyes, radiating a pink hue.
Looking over her again I found a symbol placed upon her breast. Referencing my knowledge I realized it was a slave crest, designed to take away one's free will when given orders. The only way to break it, without the help of a master, is to save the master's life, without an order.
"Where are the servant chambers?" The thought of one being placed upon me sent shivers down my spine.
"Down the spiral staircase and through the double doors my lord."
"Thank you Zyldove. Please do not tell Lilith my whereabouts." I asked, hoping I would not be discovered for some time.
The elf looked at me blankly in response, curtsied and then resumed her duties. I followed her instructions and found myself in an unclaimed servant chamber.
The chambers were small rooms with just enough space for a straw bed, a dresser and wardrobe, as well as a small chest for personal items. A far cry from the chambers I had woken up in that morning.
I laid my body upon the straw mattress and closed my eyes, drifting into the realm of Oneira.