My stomach sinks.
“There’s nothing wrong with showing me what’s already mine, Vivian. But as I said, I want this to work. So, I’m willing to give you another chance. So long as you don’t embarrass me again, I won’t force you toundress before me.” He pushes off the wall as he makes the proposition, stalking toward me.
I know his word means nothing, but the prospect of not being naked around him is too good to pass up. “Deal.”
I hate myself for saying it. But survival has never been pretty.
“Excellent!” Leon exclaims, pivoting to head for the door instead. He looks triumphant, as if he’s just won an important battle between us.
I frown, feeling like I’ve missed something important, until he opens the door. An older woman, clad in a black-and-white silk dress, waits on the other side.
“This servant has been chosen to act as your lady’s maid,” he notes, not even bothering to look at her as he tosses the dress in her direction. “I’ll be back to collect you shortly.”
A sinking feeling settles in my stomach as I realize she was already waiting to come in. I don’t think Leon was ever planning on staying to watch me undress. I think he orchestrated this entire argument just so he could prove that he can control me without the leash. The thought sends a shudder through me, just as the woman enters the room and shuts the door.
It takes all of three seconds for the ominous vibes in the room to dissipate once Kenzie, my lady’s maid, opens her mouth. She has an infectiously bright and bubbly personality, and she keeps up a steady chatter as she dresses me. It’s clear she’s excited about her new position, and her green eyes light up as she goes on about how grand the castle is and how all her friends in the kitchens will be jealous that she gets to talk to me.
Her enthusiasm is heartwarming, but mostly surprising. Maybe she’s new here? Because I certainly didn’t expect to find anyone who is happy to work for Need. Then again, I suppose I have no basis for that thought, since the last time I was here, I only saw ghost servants.
The thought gives me pause. I don’t think I saw a single ghost earlier. But then again, I wasn’t paying close attention.
The pale-yellow gown scratches against my skin, but I sit still as Kenzie twists my hair into a fancy updo. Her hands tremble as she pins my strands, but her smilenever falters. It’s the only thing that gives away the nervousness beneath her bubbly exterior.
“How long have you worked here?” I ask when she finally takes a breath.
“Oh, not long at all, Ma’am. All the servants are new. We’ve only been here for a couple of weeks at most.”
I try to hide my shock and give her a small smile instead. “That must have been quite the learning curve. Why did the castle suddenly want human staff?”
Kenzie doesn’t answer right away, instead putting the final pin in my hair. Her smile finally falters as a nervous expression crosses her face. “We aren’t supposed to talk about it,” she whispers, before pursing her lips and looking around the room, as if to confirm that we’re alone. “But from what I’ve heard, all the spirits have gone missing, and we’ve been sent to replace them.”
My brow furrows. I can’t free Hades if there are no spirits around. “Where are the spirits? What happened to them?”
“I’m not sure. No one is. But I’ll make sure to keep an ear out, in case I hear anything,” she answers, still whispering.
“Thank you.” A small dash of hope lights up in my chest. It’s too soon to put my trust in someone, but if Kenzie is new, then maybe she isn’t corrupted. Maybe she can help me.
Kenzie opens her mouth to say something else when the door swings open, and Leon strides inside. He didn’t bother knocking, and he’s stilldressed in the same outfit from earlier. I don’t miss the double standard.
He looks me over, giving me a slight nod of approval. Kenzie curtsies, slipping out of the room and shutting the door behind her, but Leon never acknowledges her existence.
“We’re going to a dinner with Need. She would like to brief you on the duties of your station. You may speak if she asks you a question, but you will show her the utmost respect. Do I make myself clear?” His words are interlaced with warning. “Answer me,” he orders.
“Crystal clear,” I snap, my entire body once again tensing from being in his presence.
“Good.” He grabs my hand and all but drags me out of the room. I glare down at the spot where his hand is holding mine captive.
“Don’t forget our deal,” he hisses, clearly seeing my reaction to his touch.
I grit my teeth and force myself to stare blankly ahead, even as my mind riots at my submission.
Just because Leon is using threats and leashes to control me doesn’t mean I’ve given up.
I will not stop fighting.
I hum theImperial Marchunder my breath the entire way there.
Chapter 5
