Page 21 of Kingdom of Lies

I take in the lavish room again. After a life of poverty, I feel like I've stepped into a dream world. That Draknir has lived this way for so long is astonishing.

"Well, it's absolutely beautiful. You're too generous," I say sincerely.

He squeezes my hand. "Nothing but the best for my dear mate."

He’s only teasing, but I blush, both thrilled and nervous to be living a life once beyond imagination. I’m glad he doesn’t seem to notice.

After getting settled, Draknir informs me we need to make my slave contract and vows formalizing our pretend relationship.

"No one must know about our arrangement," he warns gravely. "Mates are sacred unions; we will face severe consequences if anyone discovers this is a ruse."

I gulp nervously but nod in understanding. I'm agreeing to this, but I have no choice.

Draknir leads me to his private study. He presses a hidden switch, and a concealed door in the wall swings open. Apprehensively, I follow him into the dark passage beyond.

We enter a small room containing only a table and two chairs lit eerily by a single crystal ball ensconced in the wall. It feels secretive and ominous.

"We can speak freely here without any risk of being overheard," Draknir explains.

I shiver, anxious about what I'm getting myself into. But one look at Draknir's kind eyes reassures me somewhat. We will seal our forbidden arrangement in that hidden space, eternally joining our fates together. There's no going back now.

The dim glow from the crystal ball casts ominous shadows across Draknir's face as we sit at the lone table. He explains I must sign a magically binding contract to become his slave.

"You will be required to obey me unconditionally," he says seriously. "And you can tell no one about the true nature of our arrangement, or there will be dire consequences."

I swallow hard but nod in understanding. I have no choice but to agree to his terms.

"In return, you will be paid a monthly salary," Draknir continues. "You are still my mate in the eyes of all, and will want for nothing."

This lifts my spirits considerably. I've never had my own money before. And despite technically being Draknir's slave, I will live a life of comfort and security.

We outline the contract ensuring my utter obedience and secrecy. The whole thing makes me nervous, but the salary alone is a dream come true. I sign the mysterious document there in that shadowy room, binding myself to Draknir and trusting our fates to each other.

"As insurance of our arrangement, your grandmother will remain here with us," Draknir states.

I'm shocked. "You would keep her in your own home?"

Draknir shakes his head. "She must stay where I can protect her. No harm will come to either of you, as long as you uphold your loyalty to me."

I reluctantly press my thumb against the contract, sealing the deal in blood. The document then magically disintegrates before my eyes.

Draknir stands abruptly, looking me up and down. "First things first...you need a bath."

I flush, suddenly self-conscious of my dirty peasant clothes and messy hair.

"We have an image to maintain, after all," Draknir says with a twinkle in his eye. "Can't have my lovely mate looking anything less than immaculate."

12

DRAKNIR

Iring a bell for my head butler and issue a firm command, instructing him to assist Kathleen in preparing for the day. The old elf's eyes widen in surprise, his wrinkled face showing a mix of shock at my decision.

"She is to be treated as the lady of the house from now on," I declare with authority. "See that the other servants attend to her every need."

I can see the wheels turning in his mind as he quickly begins to plan out the arrangements for Kathleen's new role in our household. The thought of this frail and timid girl taking on such a position must be overwhelming, but I have faith in her and know that she will rise to the occasion.

As for myself, I cannot wait to see how she will embrace this new role and make it her own.

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