Page 6 of The Princess's Pet

“Twirl,” she said, her hand rotating along to the command she gave.

I spun slowly for her and wavered on my feet slightly when I stopped. I flinched when her hands rested on my hips steadying me.

“Sit down,” she commanded, not commenting on my appearance. I didn’t know if she was pleased or not. She stood and walked over to a small kitchen area in the back corner of the room that I had not noticed before in the dark.

She returned carrying a tray that contained medical supplies. She sat down beside me and lay the tray beside her. She lifted a small pill bottle from the tray and handed it to me.

“Take two of these; it’s a painkiller.” I did as instructed, swallowing the pills dry—she offered no water.

“And one of these,” she stated, taking the small painkiller bottle from me and handing me a larger pill bottle. The pills themselves were also much larger. “Iron, to help replace what you lost,” she explained. It was harder to swallow, but I did.

She reached forward, taking hold of my tie, and I stilled in worry as she loosened and removed the tie and then undid the first few buttons of my shirt.

“Do calm down, pet,” she said, chastising. “When I next want you, you’ll know it.” She smiled mockingly, moving the shirt to reveal my neck and her mark. I watched her eyes glow slightly at the sight before she pulled away and returned with a tube of cream. “Antiseptic and numbing cream,” she explained as she applied a small amount to her fingertip and, with more care than I thought possible, applied it to my wound. She redid my shirt buttons and even tied my tie again, straightening it before standing.

“Your classes start tomorrow. For now, you will accompany me to my lectures and day’s activities,” she said, standing in front of me. “I expect nothing but the best behaviour from you. Anything else will result in swift and severe punishment. Keep your eyes low and speak only when spoken to. Follow all instructions,” she said seriously.Swift and severeplayed on repeat a few times in my head, and an anxious knot formed in my stomach.

“Yes, Ma’am,” I answered her expectant look. She smiled—not happy or playful like before but more a sneer, similar to the previous day. The bloodhigh she felt must have worn off, her behaviour no longer affected by the euphoria.

I followed the Princess a step behind her as she led us from the building I learned was the residential wing for the highest Royals. A black car awaited us, and she stopped, glancing back at me. “Open the door for me,” she huffed, frustrated.

I moved forward as quickly as I could, and opened the door. She nodded approvingly at me as she entered the car. I went around the other side and got in myself.

Like the last time I was in a vehicle with the Princess, I felt her eyes on me the entire short journey. We pulled up outside a much larger building and I could see others walking about in the same uniform as the Princess and a few others in differently coloured uniforms following closely behind them. I realised that servant uniforms were specific to the family of the individual that they served. That’s why I wore the blue of Borealis.

The Princess turned to look at me expectantly, and I got out of the car walking as fast as I could to open her door. She exited the car, without so much as a glance in my direction. I hurried to follow her up the wide steps and into the building.

There were many people, students, and staff, hustling about. The noise of chatter was a constant background.

“Selene, my dear friend,” a tall blonde called and approached the Princess. The Princess stopped and smiled brightly at the approaching woman.

“Clara, it’s nice to see you; how did you enjoy the spring break?” the Princess greeted, warmth in her voice.

“Nothing new to report. Mother wants me to marry soon after graduation. But I do believe you have some explaining to do,” Clara said, and I felt her eyeing me curiously.

“Oh, this?” the Princess questioned, stepping aside to give her friend a clear view of me.

“Of course, what else?” Clara responded.

The Princess took hold of my upper arm and pulled me closer. “I purchased myself a personal servant,” the Princess explained sounding proud.

“Eventually. I’ve been telling you for years now it’s worth it,” Clara responded, almost teasingly. “And this one is a cutie. I can smell you all over her, Selene!” she said in fake shock.

The Princess shrugged beside me, her hand leaving my upper arm and snaking around my waist, pulling me in close, her nose pressing against my hair.

“What can I say, her blood sings to me. It’s truly something else,” the Princess said, lifting her nose from my head and squeezing my waist a little tightly.

“I can only imagine. Care to share?” Clara asked, and I looked up then, fear demanding I face this new predator that wanted a bite of me. Bright green eyes briefly met mine before I looked away.

“Now why would I share with you, Clara? What do you have of equal value to give me in return?” the Princess spoke smoothly, but her fingers gripped me tighter, and she drew me in towards her closer.

“I can see from your stance you won’t be letting me wet my lips with the taste of your servant any time soon.” Clara laughed, and I wasn’t sure if it was insulting to the Princess or not.

“No, and don’t ask again to take what isn’t yours,” the Princess responded a little tensely. Clara stepped back, her head bowing slightly.

“My apologies, my Royal Highness, I was only teasing as a friend,” Clara said quickly, soberly.

I saw the Princess nod in acknowledgement from the corner of my eye. Her hand left my waist and she began to talk with her friend as if there had been no tension, talking about proposals from nobles and a summer ball in a few months. I tuned out the noise. I was weak and tired and not used to being anywhere so loud or with so many people. It was an assault on my senses.

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