I paced in my room to find a pot of water and another for toilet and a shabby bed with dirty covers. I made my way to the corner and sat there thinking how to escape and find my sweetheart since it was going to be a long night.  

Prince POV

It's been two days I have come back to Kingdom and I feel out of my element here. I am not used to this life of luxury. I like being in extreme conditions where I can show my worth. I like challenges, and I would have stayed away had my King not ordered me to come back. I don't call him father because he has never been one.

He is a  fan of luxury and he likes everything to be done in his way and I didn't like the way my mother the queen was treated. She has been there for him, to act like lovely hostess when he throws ballroom parties and be there for him when he need heirs for his Kingdom. When I was little I expected the love and warmth which I felt in the houses of our maids or staff. I could feel the kids were being loved and cared for. For me it was always to be prim and proper, being a royal it was considered below my status to mingle with the kids of people who worked for us, so I was sent away for education and learning the skills of war at the age of ten so that I could learn to rule my Kingdom after my father. It was some sort of tradition which was followed in Royal bloodlines.

Its been fourteen years but seems like yesterday when I was moved out because I wanted to be friends with the kids around my age who were neither prince nor from the family of Royalty but mere children of worker class. My father, who was King disliked this and he sent me away to master the skills and education befitting a future prince and King. My Father had never been close to his people. I wanted to be close to my people because I believed that its my people who make us Royal so it is our duty to not only provide for them but respect them.

At the small age being thrown out of my comfort zone I grew up with strangers and made me awfully suspicious of others. I don't trust anyone easily. If I would have stayed till the age of one and four may be I would have felt loved or may be I would have trusted someone. But the reality was when my own Father did not feel love for me then how can I expect strangers to show any emotion for me until and unless they have ulterior motives.But I do not disrespect someone blatantly until I believe I have enough evidence. 

My experience has taught me that people behave differently when you are rich and entirely different when you are a common man. I have ventured between my people and resolved issues. But my not trusting people easily comes very handy during in the wars I fought for this Kingdom. I always had people looking at each other and whoever brings in word which didn't match I would always know what happened and what didn't. I had mastered myself in torture and all my soldiers knew it and so they didn't betray me because of fear.

I wanted myself to be respected and loved but experiences have shown that respect and love is earned either by money, power or fear. Since I am not the King then it is the fear factor for me. I may sound cruel but I never made unjust punishments. My actions were justified, I would not punish the innocent and excuse a criminal.

Since there was not much to do here after daily practice I was on my night rounds which I used to do at nights, like in my camp on borders. I was on the second floor of the palace when I noticed a figure running from the gardens and at the same time bushes shaking on the path leading to forest. I ran to the entrance of the garden to ambush the figure.

I thought the person would try to sneak into palace but I saw it was a female silhouette coming out of gardens and so I observed her. She was conscious about her surrounding or should I say it felt she hid something and was trying to escape.

I saw soldier enquiring her what she was doing. She replied though in confident voice but I could feel nervousness in her voice. She was relieved when she was allowed to pass. As she made her way towards servant quarter, I understood she was one of the slaves. But I was suspicious of her activity so I stopped her to 

"Halt.. May I know who you are" I questioned her.

She turned but kept her face on floor as if it was the most interesting thing.  When I looked in the direction of her gaze I could see her look was on my shoes which was quite strange. And after a pregnant pause she didn't even bother to answer my question I repeated myself.

"I asked who you are"I asked.

"I...I am one of the slaves Sir..." she replied in her quivering voice clearly indicating her anxious condition.

"What were you doing coming from the gardens at this time" I asked.

"I went to feed fishes " She responded not meeting my eyes and at the same time she was breaking her knuckles very fast. I observed her for sometime and then moved her chin upwards with my index finger  and asked "Didn't anyone tell you it is rude when you don't look in the eyes of person you are talking to". She didn't say anything I could feel the fear radiating from her persona.

When I lift her face I was surprised to see such beauty. Her beauty was matchless, though her skin was pale, her cheeks were flushed and her glossy pink lips were parted. But she reminded me of someone familiar who was once considered epitome of beauty. But that woman was two-three generations before my time. When I saw this female I was stunned for it seemed that she was like portrait had come alive in the form of this woman with beauty enhanced. I wanted to stare into her eyes to feel it to be true and not just my imagination. When I found her closed eyes, I could not keep myself from noticing the long black eyelashes which made graceful movement even when her body was tensed . I could feel the goodness of her soft  skin in my rough and callous hand and I could not stop myself from caressing her face which made her breath go heavy by my action.

I felt a need built in me to gaze into those eyes that I could not stop from uttering the words"Open your eyes", but she didn't. It made me agitated as I  was too eager to have a look into her eyes to confirm that she was indeed real so I asked again  "I said Open your eyes right away" but this time it was more authoritative and immediately I found her eyes fluttered open and her oceanic blue orbs were available for me to sink in. I could not control my next action, I brought her face near mine so near that if that I could feel our breathes mixing, I kept staring in her sapphire eyes for a while that it made me lose the sense of time and only the heavy thump of the spear near the entrance broke me from my trance. I released her and told her go. She ran away like a beast was after her life and yes it was true because I had my eyes trained on her till I saw her faint in darkness.

She had captured my eyes and I have all the plan to keep my eyes on her. One she came from Gardens in midnight which was suspicious because even though I was away I knew all the slaves retire to bed before midnight since they wake up in wee hours of morning. Second how is it that a slave look like an incarnation of the most beautiful woman that was ever known to my generation.

Eden POV

A sense of familiarity and belonging bloomed in me when I entered my house. It's been five years since I last visited this place. I always felt it is home but now since mother lives here no more I feel this is a big rock mansion. I loved my mother and she did everything in her power to keep me safe from my psychotic father. My father General Christopher Nobili was sick man he never treated my mother Jacquelin with respect. He would always call her names. I never saw her raising her eyes to any male, even the soldiers. I didn't even understand why it was that my father didn't treat her well.

He would even treat me badly. I only remember him glaring at me even when I did nothing wrong. As much as I remember that man never said a word of praise or even spoke with me properly. He would always be there to point out my mistakes even though there was none. He had a mission to make my and my mother's life hell. I would ask my mother but she never answered.

The only person who I remember ever tried to answer my question was my Nanny. My nanny told me that my mother Jacquelin married my father because she was in love with him. My father was a Sergeant Major soldier when my mother first saw him competing against many skilled man and then he was promoted to a Captain once he excelled in it. Then he fought many battles and captured the eyes of my Grandfather General Nicholas Fulghum who later ensured he is General before he retired from his post. Even though I accepted the story but my mind could not figure out how could a man treat a woman who loved him with her being so badly. Moreover if he didn't like her why did he marry her or even had child with her.

One day I voiced my thoughts to my Nanny, that I don't any feel love in their relationship my nanny told me caressing my head that it is complicated. When I begged her to tell me she told me that my father was in love with another woman Lilian Bertil who ran away with another man Josh Connors. After which my father drowned himself in alcohol and it was my mother who compelled my grandfather Nicholas to marry her to him.

I felt bad for my father but that was it. When I saw him treating my mother badly I didn't feel anything but hate for him.  He never treated me as his son, I always felt like he treated me as stranger's child. I never felt any bond with him.  When I turned ten he sent me away to get trained and even though my Mom plead for me, he was adamant on his decision. When I left my mother made me promise her that I will be the best warrior at the academy. I mastered my skills as promised to my Mother, to show to my father that I was a good son and that he would be proud of me. I wanted him to recognise my efforts, values my mother imbibed in me, by showing my warrior skills and respecting his decision. After rigorous  training of five years, one day I was summoned by my father. I felt ecstatic thinking that the words of my valour reached his ears and I have made him proud as I promised my mother. I thought that now I will get his love as I have shown him that I am worthy. Little did I knew that it was all my imagination.

When I reached home, I wanted to share my happiness with my mother. I wanted her to know that I have passed the test and won the challenge. I have at last made my father proud that I got his acceptance. I called out for my mother but there was no answer. I ran from room to room in search of her but no sign of her. I bolted to servant quarter to find it deserted.  I found some working in garden and asked them but they remained quiet. I was still looking for answers when I saw my Nanny appearing in front of me with miserable look, she didn't answer me in words but took me to the graveyard where preparation for her burial were ready.

I was shocked that I was not even notified of her illness. It was too hard to believe that my mother was no more, that I will no longer receive her love and warmth, I wailed in despair, the injustice of whole thing. I was dejected  and went in depression. I didn't come out of my room once I was back after my mother's funeral, and stayed mute, not eating. My Nanny was patient with me but when she saw that sorrow of my mother's death was killing me, her patience ran out.

She made me realise that my mother's death should not be an example of weakness to me. Because my mother fought till end for her life for love. I should learn from my mother to make that man realised what he missed. Now my only mission should be to full fill her wish of me being the best warrior.  I took off from this mansion which was no longer my home. I loved my mother but I could not bear to be with the person who never uttered a single word of condolence. The man who was so into his world that he didn't even realise the loss of his wife. That day I realised my father will never accept me, and that I don't have anyone who will love me unconditionally like my mother. I went away and fought battles for 5 year and continued to do so. My services rendered me with promotion and within next 5 years I was a Major General. Irony of it all,  I was often compared to my father as his journey was similar .

I never tried to communicate with my father since I left after my mother's funeral and neither did he. After 13 years, one fine day I was summoned by my father that he is having a wedding and he need my presence and I was to arrive before wedding preparations. Seems like my old man wanted to get married again, though it surprised me why now after so many years. It's been 10 years my mother's been dead and it was really intriguing that what made that stone heart to beat again. I came to make a formal presence as is the custom and leave once the celebration was over. I came here to find the house which felt dead after my mother looked much more live and filled with warmth. For a moment it felt like mother is live again, but I knew it was not true. The ambience felt so full of life but I ignored it thinking might be due to celebration, might be I was missing my mother so much after staying away for long time.

I saw servants working cheerfully, and once again in this Rockwood mansion there were smiles and happiness. The usual sadness was not there it seemed something has sparked life in nonliving picture. I heard staff talking about a girl called Aria who made everyone happy. Seems like the girl was everyone's favourite. They were whispering how she would take care of each and everything in the mansion and they all were happy with her being in charge of everything. It felt good to have people happy around. I felt like thanking the girl who brought this happiness. I moved away so that they wouldn't know that I had caught them gossiping.

I kept my schedule of usual practice and I didn't interact much with anyone. My presence was just for show then I will do only that. One day I was just walking around my mansion when I noticed a girl watering the plants, I would have ignore if not for her sweet voice. She was in her own world humming a melody. Her voice attracted me to her and When I walked few steps towards her but as I looked at her face, I was stunned to see beauty, innocence and purity incarnated in the form of the female body. I stalked closer and felt her body tensed up but when when she steal a glance at me I found an expression of relief but a guarded expression nonetheless which she hid lowering her gaze as a sign of submission and respect.

I don't know why I wanted to know who she was. I could not stop myself so before thinking anything I asked her "What is your name?".

"Aria my lord" she answered with her gaze glued to ground. 

"Aria... "I tasted her name on my lips and told her it was nice. Her sweet voice was like melody so I wanted to engage her in conversation that I told her my name.

"My name is Eden Ria..." 

Hearing myself introducing myself shocked her and for a while my smile faltered.

"Master... you don't need to tell me your name" she said immediately looking up and then again lowered her gaze.

I don't know what spell she casted with her eyes with just momentary glance that I felt myself attracted to her, like iron to magnet. It was not allowed for slaves to call their master by name but still for her I wanted no such thing. I wanted to hear her say my name. I wanted to touch her so I went near her and lift her chin and said "Call me Eden... love" while making sure we make eye contact this time. 

The action took her by surprise and her glistening blue eyes stared into mine holding me in trance but she slapped my hands after a while like my touch burnt her and ran away like a deer who fled from lion's grasp. I shouted for her to stop but she didn't. I followed her inside the mansion which was not normal for me and when I found her in the arms of my father, I felt feelings unknown to me awoken in me-- feelings of jealousy, rage and betrayal. Though she pulled away from him immediately and walked away after apologising him for bumping into him but  the mere thought of seeing her in someone else arms filled me with fury.

 "Soon you would be in my arms for forever dear..." My father said chuckling at her retreating figure unaware of my presence. When she faded my father turned to look at me to find my questioning gaze and what he said next crumpled the ground under my feet.

"Well she is your soon to be stepmother Son" He said so casually as if it didn't matter. It enraged me that he was marrying a young girl good enough for his daughter and he has no qualms about it. Though I felt like killing him for this, for betraying my mother. I felt anger at loosing the first woman I showed interest to my father. I could not think of her as my stepmother, I had to go away from my father so  I walked to my room to calm myself. I called my trusted servant Alvin to get to know about Aria. 

Alvin told me that Aria was brought here at the age of 11 by my father after 4 years of my mother's death. But when he told me that that Aria was the daughter of the very same woman my father loved, I felt that fate was playing a sick game. Her mother has ruined my mother's life and now the daughter of same woman has come here to rule the house which belonged to my mother. It boiled my blood to know that the woman who ruined my mother's life, will have her daughter be give the same status, honour and rights which belonged only to my mother. I dismissed him as I didn't want him to suffer my wrath. I felt like I must leave the mansion for a while.

I was going to clear my mind when I saw Aria walking towards my servant quarters, I instantly thought of teaching her a lesson, I wanted to know what her game was. She was too young to marry my father and she didn't object. Who was I kidding, she was a slave and my father could give her money, power and status what else could a woman of her status want. I reached the room in the hall via shortcut to catch her. And before she could make her way to the servant room, I gripped her and yanked her in the room, she was about to shout for help so I clasped my hand at her mouth and warned her " You bitch don't make noise".

Her eyes widened with fear when she saw me  "You won't make a noise when I remove my hand or there will be hell to pay" I told her and she nodded in ascent. When I removed my hand she tried to say something. I narrowed my eyes at her and thought she really is a good actress acting all innocent. That's how she has woven her spell around my father. I wanted her to confess but no she won't so I provoked her by calling her bitch in my harsh tone "Bitch don't act innocent... now tell me what do you want from General....". 

I felt a expression of hurt in her eyes but she replied meekly "I... I don't want anything sir". Initially I thought she was acting but when I saw her body shaking, I knew she was terrified, I thought she would panic and spill the beans or she might try to threaten me stating she will tell on me to my father but she didn't. She was genuinely afraid of me, though I was not cruel like my father, I wanted her to reveal why she agreed to marry him.

So I stepped near her and when I felt her cringing in the wall it made me feel bad for her but still I asked her in my hard voice "Then what were you doing in his arms this morning. Surely it was not like nothing when he said you would be in his arms forever you didn't even deny. Why?? It felt more like a joke between lovers"

Her eyes which were anywhere but at me, suddenly glared at me with accusing look. I saw her eyes watering  immediately. She was trying to hold her tears while she said "I bumped in to him sir and if you are thinking that I want anything to do with General then you are wrong because I want nothing to do with him. But he would not leave me alone". 

As soon as she finished her statement I slapped her on her I felt that she was acting innocent like her mother and pretending she was naive . I could not control my anger and hate towards her and her mother and yelled at her"You leach you try tarnish the reputation of the General and that too in front of me.. his son. Who do you think you are. If I see you again anywhere near General I will make sure you will suffer".  

Though I threatened and justified my actions but It didn't feel right,directing my anger and hate towards her. I just could not control my rage. I had never raised my hand on any woman, but this woman made me do something which I will regret later so I walked away leaving her in the room. I ventured around the mansion to keep myself at peace but her crying image won't leave my mind but seemed like it was imprinted there.  I felt the need to talk to someone but not just someone but the person who will understand me and guide me so I made my way to my nanny's room.

She took care of me along with my mother. Since my mother was taken so many times away from me by father to ballrooms parties thrown by Royals and other aristocrats to keep appearances I had bonded with her. She was like second mother to me.

I knocked her door and she opened immediately. She was shocked first but then smiled at me and asked"Son why are you here".

I hugged her and said "Mother I am not able to understand my feelings. I feel rage,anger, regret and guilt. I want to run away from this place but I must be here to do the formality. Why mother must I suffer like this".

She pulled away and made me sit on the bed and asked "What happened? "

I sat on the floor and kept my head on her lap and starting telling my worries.

 " My mother left me, I could not even tell her that I became a warrior. My father who never cared for my mother or me is marrying the daughter of the very same woman who left my father and the one who was responsible for suffering of my dear mother. How could he do that? I am feeling injustice done to my mother. I feel hating that girl and I am feeling like killing her mother but I also feel like its not her fault and take her away from this place".

"Son, it's your mind that says to hate her but your heart says not to. But I must tell you that she is not at fault. That innocent girl is also suffering because of your father. It is your father you should be directing your anger. He is the one who is responsible for everyone's suffering. That little girl has been working as a slave since she was 11 years and your father has always been treating her like trash" My nanny replied.

"Mother... you are taking her side" I jerked my head to look at my Nanny.

"No...Son I am telling the truth. I have always told you your mother married your father for love. But I never told you the other part of the story, story of your father. The truth is the girl's mother Lilian never loved your father. Your father knew she was in love with another man and still he went ahead and proposed marriage to her and when she refused he forcefully engaged her threatening to kill her father. 

Her father didn't knew anything at that time and accepted the proposal. But when he realised his daughter was not herself he asked her and she disclosed all the secrets. Her father told her to run away with Josh Connors because even he could not stop the marriage as he was just a common man. Lilian didn't wanted to go but her father made her to promise to live her life happily as he has already lived his and so she should run go and marry her love. He promised his mother that he will keep her girl happy and he wanted that for her. Lillian took off with her lover on the night of wedding.

He made sure to take his vengeance and it was directed at Lilian's father. He took away her father's property and even made sure to imprison the old man. Though the old man didn't survive for long. After he saw that old man didn't survive and there were no clue of Lilian he drowned himself in alcohol.

Your Mother who was young and in love with your father thought if she married him she would be able to bring him out of his misery. So she begged your grandfather to get her married to your father after confessing her feelings to your grandfather. Your grandfather gave in at her only daughter's persistent pleas.

Your father married your mother not because he respected your mother's love but because your grandfather pursued him to marry her and promised that he will get the 100 of soldier under his direct command and he can use them at his will and wish. He used these soldiers to find out about Lilian's whereabouts. For people who saw him thought that marriage to Jacqueline has done him wonders and it was a perfect marriage with perfect couple and didn't see that the man became a devil. For appearances he took your mother to balls but he would demand money and more soldiers from your Grandfather. He also convinced your grandfather to make him General once he retires if he wants his daughter happy. 

He treated your mother politely initially but as years passed his behaviour turned abusive. He would verbally abuse your mother and then he even started the physical abuse which of course you might not remember. He even abused you so your mother to shield you begged him to take his anger on her. He sent you away to cause her pain and  this really broke your mother's heart. She lost her health and keep getting sick often.

After 5 years when you came on your mother's death ceremony, that was the time your father discovered clues about Lilian. When your mother came to know that he was still looking for another woman, it was the final straw which took away the hope that your father will ever lover her. She died but it didn't bother him, he continued to search and finally after 4 years of your mother's death he was successful in finding her. He did a massacre in her village. Whole village was burnt down, the people who were alive were taken as slave. For a week they looked for Lilian and found her. 

When Lilian was captured she refused to be your father's wife after her husband's death and committed suicide after swallowing poison in her ring.Unfortunately her daughter Jocelyn who is now called Aria had to pay the price. Since your father could not bear to hear Josh's name, he even changed her name. He took away her parents, her life and even her identity.Since then your father had been redirecting his anger, frustrations on the poor girl. She was made to sleep in cinder rooms in cold nights as a slave. She was not feed for 4 days in a row for any little mistake. She was whipped when she broke a china vase in the hall. She did everything which was asked of her. Still the girl stayed lively but didn't last for much time. 

The day she turned sixteen when she was dancing in the rain was the last day of her happiness. That was the day your father saw her drenched and realised his lust for her. He made her his personal slave from next day and asked her to help him in anything needed. He touched her inappropriately at every chance. He even got engaged to her forcefully and made her to learn the lessons of a proper lady so he could marry her. If you ask me I feel pity for her and would say she is the most unfortunate girl who was born for she is going to marry the man who she doesn't even like, a murderer of her parents, her abuser.

 I have seen that girl during her stay and she is kind and caring. Her treatment by your father is wrong so I would ask you to not make that girl suffer more.  My Nanny finished wiping her tears.I felt myself pained that Aria suffered and she was not at fault. She was forced by my father to marry him just like her mother. I made my mind that I will save her from this forced marriage.

In the morning I refreshed myself and went to her quarter only to find it empty. I remembered that since she is my father's personal slave, she would be in his room catering to his needs, I cringed at that idea. I reached his room and was about to knock the door  when I heard my father's voice.

"You smell good Ria..." My father whispered.  "Ria... I can't wait anymore... I am announcing our marriage today...".

. "Please my lord... I ... I don't want to marry you sir.... I don't want to be your wife... please let me go sir... " I heard Aria begging.

"And tell me why not Aria...Do you think I am not worthy of you... you think you are so high above me" " My Father said angrily.

I was surprised when I heard Aria replying back with equal hatred  "Is it not enough that you made me orphan... is it not enough that I served you for last 5 years for the no fault of mine.. the woman you loved is gone... I am not my mother... please leave me...You are old enough to be my father... You might be worthy of love... but I cannot love you... Every time I see.. I recall my parents death... I recall my village's destruction... is that revenge not enough....Please let me go.... I am loosing my mind here... let me go please" I could hear her crying at the end.

"Never... will I let you go Aria...Seems like you forgot your place Aria.... I thought I will have you after wedding but your defiance need to suppressed... I have changed my mind and I will have you today and now at this moment" I heard my father's angry voice yelling.

I could hear the struggles from outside, I felt myself filled with fury. I force opened the door and found him on top of her holding her hands down and trying to kiss her forcefully. I could not control my fury he was trying to rape her, my woman (yes I felt at that moment that I was in love with her) so I took the kitchen knife from the table and stabbed him. I kept stabbing him till I heard him go still. 

Once he was dead, I pushed his body away from her and asked her to leave the room. Because seeing her in that state was enough to make me go crazy. It made feel like stabbing him more and dissecting his limbs. She ran away as soon as I told her to. I cleaned the knife and kept it at the fruit table and left the room as if nothing happened.

I walked back to my room and then I heard one of the servant yelling that General is dead. I went to his room and faked tears. I arranged for his funeral and could not bring in me to reach Aria since incident was fresh. I left her alone, I wanted to express my feelings to her, I wanted to apologise for my past behaviour but I gave her space.

After a week there was a demand from Queen for extra help in palace and slaves from each household of dignitaries were sent and from my house it was five of them along-with Aria. I wanted to stop her from going but I felt she wanted to go when she conversed with her friends. I felt it would be good for Aria to be in Royal Palace than in this haunted mansion.  I would visit palace at any given opportunity and made sure men keep themselves away from my Aria. In 2 years I became general and had a permanent place in palace now, could see my Ria... anytime, the thought itself makes me happy. 

I would try to talk to her but she would ignore me or try to escape. Even when I manage to get her alone she would be cowering in fear or find excuse to escape. I wanted to express my feelings to her but she kept rejecting me but still I pursued her. I knew it was because of my father but my feelings for her were not of just physical touch. I wanted her heart, body and soul.

I had been persistent in expressing my feelings and was loosing my patience and then I found her in gardens when taking rounds with my soldiers. I could not control but approach her, I turned her around suddenly and started confessing my feelings only to find her not meeting my gaze and looking anywhere but me. So I cupped her face trying to make her focus on me. I felt her avoiding my eyes, her trying to ignore me so I brought her closer. The nearness only made me yearn for a kiss, but she pushed me away when she realised what I was about to do, which shocked me but hurt me too. Had she done that in isolated area I would have let it go but it was in front of my sub-ordinates I could not let this slide so I called soldiers to take her to prison so that she will not repeat it.

I could hear soldiers making fun that a slave dared to reject their General. This infuriated me so I went to prison to discipline her but my angry took over. I didn't know who gave me the whipping hunter and  I kept lashing her till she was passed out.Once the sanity returned to me, I realised what I had done but it was too late. I  carried her to my antechamber where I took care of her. I assigned a maid to take care of her wounds daytime at night I would dress her wounds at night. I would feed her breakfast as a means to apologise. When I felt her skin has healed and left scars I kissed her back to let her know my feelings. I  felt goosebumps appear on her soft skin and could see her not enjoying in the mirror  but needless to say I continued because I wanted her to know if I had given her pain it will be I who will offer her relief and pleasure.

She was healed but I still kept her there but she slipped from there, when I forgot to instruct the guard to not let anyone out of my chamber.When I didn't find her in room I was frantic I searched for her and found her in the gardens working with other slaves I summoned a guard to bring her to me . Though I was angry but seeing her laughing and smiling with her friends while walking towards me I calmed myself and when she came near me I felt like I need to tell her in words that she is mine, so I caught her wrist and pulled her to me and said  "You are mine Ria.... You will understand one day... but meanwhile enjoy your free time and once I win your hand from King to serve me I will make sure your every waking moment is spent under me in my bed".

I saw her eyes widened at my words, her breath hitched. I expected her to run away but it seemed she was too shocked to make a move and I was happy that I can confess my feeling. I stepped closer and she took one back to run away but I caught her and brought her closer and leaned my face to her neck and sniffed her. Her scent calmed me and  It felt great and so I told her  "You smell so nice...love.. you will do me good as my wife..." Her eyes  which were already wide widen more and I chuckled at her reaction and whispered "So very good" while walking away.

It was time for prince arrival and spending time doing my General duties I felt I should see my Aria even though I knew she would be busy with her chores. But there was a urgent need in me to see her, to hold her in my arms. I observed her running and lighting the smelling wax as soon as the sound of prince arrival was made and soon the fragrance spread across the Palace walls. I enjoyed watching her. Soon a guard came and shouted to her.

"Hey girl cook is asking for help. Go to kitchen".

She made her way to kitchen through the slave passage and but I followed her to catch my sweetheart before I meet the prince. She was my lucky charm and so I used a parallel path across the halls and pulled her in the room. She panicked and was struggling and but when she looked at me she stopped.

"Oh Aria...It's just me your Eden" I said smiling. 

She looked at me in shock  for a while. "Please let me go sir...I am needed in the kitchen else I would be whipped for being late" She begged and I knew she was afraid of me after the whipping experience and being in secluded place with me.

But I needed to see her, to touch her, she was my addiction. Her being afraid of made me kill myself and even though she was giving whipping as an excuse to escape I knew cook would not complain about her because she was great at everything she did, so I said "Oh my Aria.. I know you are a slave but dear I know cook would never do that you. Don't you think ?" 

Her not answering confirmed my statement. I found her struggling but I didn't want her to go yet so I pulled her to my chest and and her nearness made me go crazy and I felt like kissing her and so I whispered to her "Just one Kiss Aria and I will let you go till we meet again".  

I knew she was not comfortable but I was loosing my mind without seeing her. I cupped her face and stared in her crystal blue eyes to see any sign of defiance and she knew what I was about to do.

"No please let go " She cried and I didn't like her crying. But I wanted to test the theory that a Kiss conveys more than the words and soon she stopped struggling, might be she was afraid of me or she felt she could not escape but I wanted her to feel my love and to understand that I will always protect her.

"Leave the lady right now before I behead you.. you dirty Dog" A voice said stopping me from my first Kiss, I knew no one in their right mind would challenge me, so I turned pissed off to find a person who was dressed as outlaw so I released Aria to confront him.

I was angry that this man have death wish not only he disturbed by intimate moment with my woman but challenged me. I removed my sword from my belt to fight him but I also noticed Aria trying to walk away. I didn't like it I wanted her to witness me fighting and what fun it would be to claim her lips as my prize, so I warned her saying " Don't even think about it Ria.... I warn you .... if you even make a move out of this room I will make sure you are punished...."

This stopped her but the stranger chuckled and spoke "You think you can outdo me General. You think when I have sword around your neck and your life is about to end and yet to care to threaten a lady" You amuse me.

"You don't know what you are doing filth" I yelled angrily.

"Oh.. I do know what I am doing bastard" He said and then he said to Aria " Woman make a move from here if you don't want to see his blood".

I didn't like him talking to my Aria and when she hesitated he said "Woman if you want to see his blood then I promise to give you a great show".

I saw Aria's running from the room and I pounced on the stranger.

The stranger jumped from balcony of the room and lunged at me with full force. I stopped him in between with my sword. We kept fighting like this him attacking me, me protecting, me attacking and he dodging my attacks. For a person who was not a soldier this man was really skilled.  I liked how he challenged me. I was about to strike him at his lower abdomen when he striked my right arm with his sword and I felt blood seeping through the broken skin. He attacked me again and I blocked in mid air but he kicked me in stomach and I fell down and I was trying to wake up when I felt dizziness and instantly I knew his sword is poisoned. The bastard had made sure to cut it enough so it mixes in my bloodstream. The man attacked me again and managed to pierce my stomach and kept striking me till the soldiers barge in the room. The stranger escaped from the way he entered. I ordered the soldiers to go after him. 

I tried to capture the man by running after him but I could not find him. I remembered that this person was dangerous as he is outlaw and he might try to reach Aria to harm her or worst take her away from me, the way he was looking at her made me feel like piercing his heart. I made my way towards kitchen to find only cook there and then I went wherever I  thought she would go. Although I was injured and I was still looking for Aria, then I recalled whenever Aria might have taken refuge in her room so I came to her room and opened her door to find her standing near balcony.

"Aria" I said fearing inside that stranger reached her before me.

I found her eyes widen in fear and looking at floor bowing her head.

"Come to me Aria" I said but it came harsh because of the pain.

She shook her head in denial.

"Aria I said come to me at once" I groaned  in pain.

She looked up to see and found I was bleeding and at once my caring and loving Aria ran to me to hold me in her arms. I was happy that she cared and so I smiled saying her "Aria you didn't let me fall, I knew you care for me".

She called for soldiers to take care of me but I didn't want to be away from her so I said "No don't.. Let Aria take care of me" and I passed out .

I woke up to find Royal Physician dressing my wounds. "Aria...." I murmured when I didn't find her. Sam tried to make me drink medicine but I was not having it so again I murmured her name.

I woke up to find myself supported in Aria's arms and she asked "Sir... please open your mouth" and I looked at her I found her worried expression and then I murmured "You came Ria... I was waiting for you". I was glad she was worried for me.

She replied "Sir.. please open your mouth this potion will help you".

"I will drink it Ria... only if you promise not to leave me...even while I sleep" I whispered due to lack of energy.

"I will stay here sir...please drink this potion" she said pleading. I felt happy and opened my mouth. Though she promised she will not leave I gripped her hand so she will stay.

I felt restless when memories of my childhood surfaced but then I heard a sweet voice singing and I was able to sleep. I found her sleeping next to my bed in a very uncomfortable position. I felt bad that I made her stay so uncomfortable but I was happy she was there.She woke up suddenly.

"Ria... you stayed" I asked her feeling happy and loved. This woman who I and my father have wronged took care of me when I was vulnerable even though she could have just escaped. She nodded while looking at floor.

"Ria.... I..." I wanted to tell her I wanted her with me but not like this.  I was about to say something when Royal Physician Samuel entered followed by a maid. 

"I need to do dressing of your wounds. Please leave" Samuel said to her and the maid.

Aria got up to leave after the old maid, but I stopped her saying  "Ria.. won't you help Sam treat my wounds". Aria stopped but Sam said "My lord I would be able to manage but your wounds may frighten the young girl" Samuel finished curtly.

"I didn't ask your opinion Sam..." I said annoyed for I wanted my Ria to stay. My Ria stayed for dressing of my wounds I knew she would, she was very kind and helping.Sam got down to his work and cleaned up with the solution and bandaged but I didn't feel anything I was in trance looking at my beautiful Ria, my soon to be wife.

Sam removed the bandage from my lower abdomen and may be it was too deep because I felt Aria's face cringed seeing the blood. She was looking anywhere but at me. "Ria..." I called her and she looked up but only to fled to wash area and vomited. I could not rest seeing her like this so I got up even though it pained pushing Sam away. I reached behind her and held hair  away from her face and caressed her back to calm her. I felt her shivering and felt bad for stopping her when she could have left. She washed her mouth and when she was done, she turned but fainted. I held her in my arms and picked her up in bridal style to keep her in antechamber.

"Lord you are not in a condition to carry the girl. Moreover you should not even get up" Sam shouted from back.

I didn't care for my wounds because I knew the woman I love, cared for me and when she is there with me I don't need any medicine so I whispered "I am never too weak for my Ria...".

I took the healing potion instructed by Sam and sat at the chair near her bed. I stared at her angel face looking so peaceful. Her body stirred and her eyes flew open and I could feel her confusion finding herself on the comfortable bed. She tried to get up when I stopped her "Ria.. don't" 

She still sat on bed and looked anywhere but at me. I knew she was a shy girl but I wanted her to talk to me so I asked "Ria... how do you feel".

"I am feeling good Sir... Can I go now I have lots of chores pending" she said looking at the quilt while caressing the quilt with my fingers. How I wished it was my hair and me and her kissing. I clear my mind and told her sternly to rest.

"Ria... I know you have chores but you are not well yet and till I tell you you won't move from here".

"I... I am.. I am in good health Sir. Please can I go now" she pleaded still not meeting my eyes. I could feel the nervousness but I wanted her to rest as directed by Sam so she can recover.

"It's not me who held you here dear. It's Royal Physician Sam. He told me you passed out due to lack of sleep and lack of food" and "Well if I can I will never let you leave my room" I murmured to myself.

"I.. I ate food Sir.... may be lack of sleep" she answered quickly and I knew she was lying.

" So when was the last time you had your food?" I asked.

"I... I.. I ate in the Night before she answered hesitatingly.

What ?? is she for real. How can it be that she didn't eat for a whole day.

"Why??" I asked.

"We.. we were busy preparing for the celebration Sir..." she said nervously.

I could not believe it so I asked her again "Why??" She was agitated and said "I don't understand what you are asking Sir".

"I am asking you why you missed the meal for a whole day" I rephrased my question.

"I missed the morning meal since I was busy with my chores and Cook forgot to keep the leftover for us and next one was in evening which I again missed" she replied.

"What about afternoon meal" I asked understanding the breakfast but afternoon too it was impossible.

"We don't get afternoon meal" she answered and I was shocked and pissed so I asked "And tell me why not?"

"Sir we are slaves and we are fed twice a day" she replied softly.

Since I could not understand that the girl who knew there will be no afternoon meal and still managed to missed her morning meal. Then the face of stranger flashed in my mind so I asked again"How did you missed morning meal?"

 "I was late for first meal Sir" she repeated. I could feel her on the verge of tears. But I wanted to know who that stranger was.

"Why? What were you doing so important that you missed the basic need-- Food knowing too well that you get it only twice. Probably meeting a man" I asked bluntly.

"Sir.. I promise you I don't entertain men if that's what you are implying" she said appalled at the notion. This brought peace to my mind and listened to what she said next  "I am a slave who has lot in her plate rather than entertain men and moreover men don't go after slaves like me".

I could not believe that woman was so beautiful and can have men on their knees and she was clueless "Really?? you want me to believe that" I said getting angry she would think so low of herself and but thought of stranger and her meeting in morning made me agitate so I pulled her to him and held her chin roughly"Tell me the truth now".

I could feel her frightened at that action but then she took deep breath and repeated her previous answer.

" Sir...daily I get up early in the morning to help clean the Kitchen before the food is prepared and served to officials. And while higher officials eat their meals we slave continue doing our other chores till we are called to feed on the left over meal".

"You want me to believe that... really??" I was getting angry now the woman was stubborn and not answering the questions

"What is there not to believe sir.. all I say is nothing but truth" she said while her eyes glistened with water.

"You really believe that men don't go after slave...?" I said releasing my hold. May be she is innocent and I was acting harshly.

"I do... sir.. who would give time of their day for a slave who doesn't even have rights to even walk for her own. And if some slave girl thinks a man is going to love her and wife her then surely she is mistaken because slaves remain slaves they don't become wives" she finished but I felt her voice getting bitter at the end.

I wanted to take away that bitterness and so I asked her  "What if I tell you I want to take you as wife".

"Sir... let go of me because seems like today you have a mood to mock me and I have lot of work to do. " she said blatantly ignoring my question. For the first time I felt my Aria behaved different.

"My...My Ria... finally you are growing claws"I said tilting my head and stared at her in wonder.

"Sir... If you feel I have offended you then my apologies" She said bowing my head " and if you feel that is not enough then you can lash my back"

She hit the nerve yes I did that to her but that was to make her obedient not fear me and I didn't want to repeat it so it angered me that she would suggest it on her own. What she thought I was a beast.So I said"Oh.. so you will tell me how I should punish you"  She remained quiet glancing at floor

"Stop ignoring me love... tell me why were you late for your meal" I  repeated the same question.

"Sir... how many times I have to tell you that I missed the morning meal since I was busy with my chores and Cook forgot to keep the leftover for us and next one was in evening which I again missed"

"So you are telling me you helped clean the kitchen and make food and still didn't get morsel of food. You want me to believe that" I said angrily.

"Sir... you can believe what you want" she replied "I have nothing else to say".

"Oh..so you are not going to explain what were you doing so damn important that you missed your meal Ria... you want me to actually believe that you were not meeting another man behind my back. When you know last night someone who was not from our Kingdom fought for you. You think I am a fool" I said harshly pulling her towards me. She struggled in my hold and said "Sir... I don't know what to say to that".

This irritated me so I whispered in her ear "I want truth from your pretty lips Ria... where were you??" She  pushed me and I was  shocked and met his angry glare. Even she was shocked but she again lowered her eyes at floor and replied

"l got up early to help clean the kitchen so cook can start making the morning meal and helped while she did. I was done when head maid came and said that we.. I mean I my friends Amela and Lisa should go and fetch flowers for decoration. So we had to go even though it was the hour of us to have our first meal of the day. We go the flowers and came back by afternoon and helped the decoration. Generally cook stacks food for the people who go out for chores but she forgot due to preparations. Then cook called me to help her prepare for the evening feast after that we were asked to light the smelling wax before Prince's arrival and while I was at my task I was called by a soldier that head maid was calling me for help again. I was going there when...." she stopped and I knew what she wanted to say so I probed her to continue"When... what dear?" 

"I was pulled into a Room by you " she said.

"So you are accusing me that I pulled you in the room and not that you came willingly to me in that room " I was amused at her nervous reaction when she mentioned our intimate moment.

She was silent so I said "You have no words now...." and said " Continue"

"And then a stranger was fighting with you before I left" she said.

"Reminds me I need to punish you for that" I said smirking.

She started shaking  but I urged her to continue and said "Then what happened"

"I went to my room and after sometime I saw you in my room injured and sent the soldier to fetch Royal Physician. After Royal Physician came I went to resume my chores".

"What?? you left me alone even though I asked you not to.. I am going to punish you for that too" I said loudly but then I remember she was there in my chamber in the morning "But then how did I found you near my bed"

"I was called by Royal Physician here to help and I stayed here till morning since you didn't let go of my arm. Hence I missed my second meal and slept without food. In the morning when Royal physician was tending to your wounds I helped him but when when I saw blood pouring out of your wound I felt nauseous and then passed out" she finished not meeting his eyes.

I looked at her she took care of me when I needed. 

"Ok so that's how you missed your food. As you took care of me in the Night and that's how you tell me you missed your sleep as well. Quite interesting Ria... Tells me you have feelings for me" He said hopefully. "Since you missed your food and Sleep because of me I brought food for you and you can eat now" He said smiling.

"Sir... I will have my meal later I have my chores to do" she said nervously b

"Ria.. you will listen to me and listen good.. you will follow my command and Right now I want you to eat and then rest" I said sternly because she was playing with her life. I didn't want my angel to be starved.

"Sir..." she again tried to convince me. but looking at me gave up. I took the tray of food and handed to her while saying

"You will rest as I have told the head maid that you are serving me today and I made sure your chores are handed over to someone else. So now eat"

She  nodded and started nibbling on the food but I watched her and made her to have her milk so she can rest. I had added sleeping pills because I didn't wanted her to slip away while I slept.

I woke up only to find her missing. I knew she would do that but at least she had her rest. Sam came to visit me and redressed my wounds. I had slept for so long so I just stood at the window admiring moon and stars after my meal. I tried sleeping but again nightmares started. I went to find Aria in her room but she was not there. I was angry that I let her go I should have instructed the soldiers to not let her pass. I was in these thoughts I lifted her bed sheets and sniffed and felt her scent and slept there. I was peaceful but again in the midnight I woke up to find that Aria has still not returned. I was about to go out when I saw room's door opened and Aria entered. She closed her eyes in relief and opened to meet mine. I was happy to see her. I moved near her to have a whiff of her scent which made me peaceful. I relaxed but her scent was different so I held my chin and asked "Where were you angel?"

"I.... I.. went to gardens near pond to feed fishes" she replied.

"Oh... that's why you smell different" I  said smiling. She nodded confused.

"Dear you smell of jasmine always but today you smell of lavender so I thought you were with someone else. " I told her and now I wanted to take her to my room and so I  said "but never mind, now that you re here lets go"

"Let's go where sir??" She asked confused.

"To my chamber. I couldn't sleep without you so I come to fetch you.Actually I was worried since I didn't find you there"I told her.

"I m sorry sir but I.. I can't come with you Sir" She said not meeting my gaze and continued " It's late night and it's not appropriate for me to go to your chamber".

I was not getting why she would say that so I asked"And Why is that Love"

"I m not whore sir and I..a don't plan on to become one" She said. This infuriated me and I pulled her by my forearms and said "Who said you are going to be a whore love" I  raised her chin  so I could look into her eyes and said "all I asked you to come to my chamber and sing me to sleep like the other night. I am not going to touch you like that I promise".

"Well Sir you don't need to do anything for me to claim the title of a whore but my mere presence in your chamber. Because slaves do not go to officials chamber in night. And those who do go are called a whore, a harlot and don't know what else.So I m not going to your chamber" She finished but by the end tears have rolled down her cheek.

I felt bad, she thought I wanted tot tarnish her reputation. So I wiped the tear from her cheek with my index finger and said "Wrong dear you will come to my chamber willingly or forced, your choice. And I do not care about people because if I want you in my chamber then I will have you in my chamber". I  cupped her cheeks in my hands and looked into her eyes so she understands that there was no escape and I will keep my promise.

"Sir... please let me be it's already early hours and soon servants will be awake and I would have to start my chores soon so please I beg you please... let me be" she plead.

I understood she feared for her reputation, she feared me but soon I will make it official so that she can be with me.

"OK fine then love... have it your way for now" I said holding her jaw and continued " but by tomorrow night or should I say tonight you will be a permanent in my chamber and what I say I make it happen" I smiled at the thought and made my way out of her room.