Chapter 2: Hybrid Slave
**MARVEL**
Xerxes manor is the second biggest most beautiful place after the Royal castle,of course. The manor was unlike anything I had ever seen before I arrived. Magnificent and grand, its walls adorned with the finest stone. Every corner of the estate seemed touched by the hands of artists and craftsmen, from the carved archways to the sweeping marble floors, all shimmering under the light of golden chandeliers. From what I've heard, the family who owns this estate is among the wealthiest in the land, just below the royal family in rank, and it is clear from the manor's sheer size and splendor.
The estate sprawls across acres of carefully curated gardens, where vibrant flowers bloom in patterns too precise to be natural. Gardeners work day and night, keeping every hedge and tree trimmed to perfection, each plant carefully selected for its beauty. There are so many of them, tending the grounds, that one could be forgiven for thinking they were more soldiers than gardeners. Even from the young miss room, you could see the estate in all its splendor.
Inside, the manor is a labyrinth of halls and chambers, many of which I've never been allowed to enter. But the parts I do see each day are enough to tell the story of its grandeur. The ballroom, for instance, is the size of a small village square, with a ceiling that seems to stretch into the heavens. The walls are lined with portraits of ancestors long gone, and between them, rare tapestries hang, woven with threads that glitter in the light. I have heard that some of these tapestries are older than the manor itself, brought over from distant lands.
Then there are the kitchens. I spend much of my time there, and it is a world of its own. The head chef Mary commands a small army, each one skilled in their own right, yet none as refined as the chef herself, charged with overseeing the preparation of every meal with an iron hand. Fresh produce is brought in daily, straight from the family's own farms, while rare spices are imported from foreign shores. There is never a moment of stillness here – the fires never cease, and the knives are always in motion, ensuring that every meal is a feast fit for kings, though never surpassing what the royal family would expect, of course.
The stables, too, speak to the family's wealth. Rows of horses, each more magnificent than the last, stand tall and proud in their stalls. Some say they are descended from the finest stock in the kingdom, rivaling even the royal family's mounts. Groomsmen tend to them with care, brushing their coats until they gleam and making sure they are fed the best oats and hay money can buy.
The manor itself may not rival the royal palace in size or opulence, but it comes dangerously close. The family has everything – power, influence, and wealth beyond measure – but they always seem careful not to outshine the true rulers of the land. Which I doubt they can.
Then there's me, the chained hybrid as everyone calls me , bound never to leave the manor or go anywhere without tight scrutiny by the manor guards, living my life in chains as long as I can remember. I am Marvel, a hybrid----half wolf,half witch. Although I have never fully activated my witch side, once in a while my wolf does come out but it is weaker than the pack's Omega. The Xerxes claimed they found me rotting away and decided to give me a chance to survive. Pfft, more like a chance to be enslaved.
Sir Thomas and Lady Anne, patriarch and matriarch of the manor, had only daughter, who is also my tormentor and worst nightmare Camila Xerxes. I was her personal maid, she had me sleeping on the cold floor for years and speaks to me about anything but I'm never allowed to reply and even when she Permit me to, it must be something she wants to hear. Of course my opinion never mattered, not with her though.
Every sunset and sunrise passes through me in her room, even when Camila travels or visits her friends I remain locked inside her room, soon i was accustomed to the suffocation, used to seeing the same furniture in her room, every single second that I could possibly count how many threads her embroidery had, every article of clothing, designs on the curtains. Her room was one of the biggest in the manor, she had her own personal work-in closet, the best bathroom and toilet, her own little kitchenette. Yet, her goodness was smaller than a peep hole.
She is a monster, an evil demon raised from the pit of hell moulded to become a lady. She gave me rules and regulations and if I ever were to break any, I'd wish to be crushed by the kings horses or even fall off a cliff. "Marv ..." She called out, I was restricted from going far away from her bed as the chains that bound my feet kept me in place .
"Yes, Miss Camila." I answered, my heads bowed low, I once made a mistake of looking at her while I answered and she starved me for five whole days.
"Where had you gone to you imbecile!! I shouted at the top of my voice loud enough that the church bells would never stand a chance at the tone, yet you said no word." She hissed. I know better than to deny her claims or I might be soaked in the bath all day. So I continued looking down,waiting for her to permit me to say anything.
"Have you gone deaf, or you simply do not wish to speak?" She said, giving me room to speak.
"I'm sorry Miss Camilla, I'll do well to answer your very first call miss." I said humbly. She walked to where I stood and smacked me hard across the face, my head tilted to the side at the impact of her cruelty.
"You should know your place, and act your place. After all the lessons i have imbibed in you to ensure your acts are right, but the old hag blood in you will never let you listen." She started, "I need to go to Connie's, you know what to do." She smirked evily.
"Yes, Miss Camilla." I said bowing to her as I moved with my chains to her walk in closet. The Xerxes really had my slavery planned and well executed, her jewelleries and gemstone cabinet, her well furnished bath and other expensive items where places I couldn't reach because of the chains. I hurriedly yet expertly choose a dress and everything she needed for her outing.
She stood in front of her large mirror waiting for me, her Chamberlain to dress her up. I started with her chemise, then the corset, and finally I helped her into a rich velvet blue gown, adorned with intricate gold embroidery.Her bodice was clenched tight, giving her an accentuating tiny waist , Her sleeves were puffed and slashed, revealing glimpses of slip beneath. A pearl necklace encircled her throat shining like a moonlight, she stepped into her white flats and then headed to the dresser table where I styled her hair to match with the demure she was giving. I added a bit of power and painted her lips,when I was done and she looked at her mirror, she knew quite right, I did an excellent Job.
She moved around with a grace of a swan, twirling around like she always does after I finish dressing her up,her eyes danced with joy of how beautiful she look. Indeed she was beautiful,her porcelain skin glowed in whatever colour of gown she had on. The only thing missing was good nature, something most know nothing of but was very essential.
Almost immediately her smile dropped, back to her old disgusting look. "You did excel in one of your lessons, good thing; better than being utterly useless in everything you do." She hissed.
I said nothing, my gaze on the floor, just like I was taught. Her voice became distant as I recall all the lessons, 'Never look your employers in the eye.' 'Never defend yourself, you are always at fault.' 'Your mistress happiness should be your concern....' crazy rules that I had no choice than to follow.
I jolted back to reality when I noticed she has been snapping her hands in my face to gain my attention. Oh he'll!
"Look at me servant...." She screamed. Her face contorted to that of anger and wrath. I slowly raised my head expecting to be hit or punched in the face.
Nothing...…..Camila did nothing of such.
"You will go the kitchen, there you shall stay until I shall return from Connie's, try any stunt and father's guards will surely hunt you down and end you. Do you understand!" She said, her voice dripping in authority and power.
"Yes Miss Camilla." I said humbly. She carried her purse, took out a key and walked to the lock where she removed the chain from my feet.she went into her drawers and picked up a cold iron collar with the word 'Slave' inscibed on it. She put it around my neck, she tightened the lock, but it wasn't too tight, yet uncomfortable. I could breathe and talk, so I'll live.
She moved like a princess, heading to the door. I need not to be told twice as I follow suit. She lead the way, each step regal and calculated. We went through the corridors and down the flight stairs in the mansion. I was at least five feet away from her with my head down at all times, I knew we passed by guards, I couldn't see their faces, but their boot and their stance did not go unnoticed. Finally, we got to the kitchen. Mary was very busy as always, throwing orders and instructions here and there. It was always exciting to watch them cook with such great expertise.
Camila cleared her throat, announcing her presence making all of them pause and give her their undivided attention. " I'll be dropping her here, until I shall return from my outing. I trust you can all keep an eye on my slave." She asked no one in particular but it was a questioned to be answered.
Mary took a step forward, rubbing her hands on her apron. "Yes Miss Camila, she will be here upon your return."
Being the rude brat she is, she scoffed in boredom. "She better be, or you will answer to papa." She threatens, Mary says nothing but nods in acknowledgment.
Camila walked out of the kitchen, leaving me with the rest of the Kitchen servants. A pair of feet came close to me and then lifts my face. " She's ain't here no more, better lift that beautiful face to the sky and help me around a bit, yay?" The familiar vice belonging to the head cook Mary said.
I nodded as I picked up an apron and went to Her, she shakes her head in approval and points to a heap of vegetables, I needed no much ado, as I began washing the vegetables that would be used in making launch later today. Then I went to the cutting section and grabbed a knife, chopping them into the normal sizes
, just as Head cook Mary taught me all these years.We were all busy, no one said a word except to give instructions, no room for talking or gossiping. Just everyone minding their business, which is one of the places I liked in the manor, where I can peacefully think and not be disturbed. Where i could see them cook and watch better than throwing blank look at a green serene forest right across Camila's room. I could finally breathe.
I felt free....