Pretty little mouth

"Are you going to meet that gardener?" There was an edge to his voice.

"I'm going to my room," Just as she removed her hand from his back, he grabbed it once again intertwining their fingers, "Even if I meet him, that's not something you should interfere in. And you should address Mr. Reiner more respectful-"

"Shhh. Don't take his name when you can do much better things with that pretty little mouth of yours," He pressed a finger on her lips, feeling them tremble right under his touch, a hint of blush remained on her fair skin perhaps because the depth of his words settled in her mind. She wasn't entirely naïve and he was sure of it.

His gaze darkened as he stepped back from her, putting an appropriate distance between, "Come back soon. I might not feel like going anywhere later.''

She felt the immediate loss of warmth that had enveloped her body. She glanced at the lazy smile resting on her face. He was mean and he might do what he said. She wanted to argue that she had not told him to capture that woman and he did it for his own sake so that she would pretend to be his lover in front of the King but then, this man was just petty.

He will hold a grudge and won't take her to that handmaiden so she just held herself back.

Shaking her head inwardly, she walked out of the room, her footsteps matching the pace of her heart. Did he ever feel ashamed when he said such twisted words? Because even if he didn't, she sure did to hear them.

Aleister sat on the window sill, his index finger fiddled with the velvet material of the curtain, "Her lips are softer," The curtain burned to ashes as the man leaned back on the wall, letting out a deep sigh. He raked his fingers through his hair, frustration apparent on his face, ''What have you done to me?"

"Aleister," Rowan stepped inside followed by the white tiger who was visibly guilty given the way he walked towards his Master, wagging his large tail.

Aleister glanced at the beast in disgust, "What are you, a cat?" He clicked his tongue.

Leo roared in protest, wondering whether his Master was angry. There was no way he could have known that that human girl was fooling him as the promised meat was never given to him.

"Don't worry. You will have your fair share of punishment," Aleister glanced at Rowan, "Smear some coal on his white fur and do some art on him before hanging him upside down in the hallways. Make sure she hears about it."

Rowan frowned, "What do you want to do?"

"Catching the prey by throwing a bait," Aleister glanced at Leo who was glaring at him.

"Shall I do it now?"

"Tomorrow,'' He glanced at his right-hand man, "Did you find anything?"

"She is a human and an ordinary servant. She has never heard anything about Lady Esmeray," Rowan replied, his keen eyes did not miss the burnt curtains. He wondered what was their sin that they had to suffer this Lord's wrath.

Aleister was quiet for a few moments before he spoke, "Look into every part of the castle where she went today. Gauge every living person and dig out the corpses if needed. Find out who has ill intentions towards her.''

Rowan bowed slightly at the man before he turned around and left. Except for her unparalleled beauty, what qualities did Lady Esmeray possess that had this cruel man sparing his attention to her? He couldn't help but wonder about it.

Aleister's expression darkened when he thought back to the events that occurred in the day. When he stepped inside the bath, the first thing he witnessed was the water that had turned entirely crimson, while her blood-soaked body laid in the bottom of the pool. He could not have seen her because of the depth of the water if not for the edge of her gown which was floating in the water and the blue rose that he had placed in her hair when she was not noticing. When he carried her out of there, she was just like a lifeless twig in his arms, which might break with any wrong move on his part.

Paler than a blank canvas, she laid there on his bed, trembling like she was left frozen on a chilly night.

Once the person responsible for her condition stood before his eyes, it will be good to tear them apart. Flesh to Flesh and bone to bone.

A ruthless curve made its way across his lips which soon faded the moment his eyes landed on the moon which had half of its face hidden in the clouds, amidst the darkness.

She was equally mysterious, wasn't she?

As soon as Esme stepped inside her room, the woman sitting on her bed stood up.

"Lady Esmeray," She bowed.

Esme grabbed her shoulders, "No need for this," She was not a princess her and even if she was, she just found all this unnecessary, ''How do you feel now?"

"I'm feeling really well now for I had a really good sleep. I have been a bother to you as you had to replace me in court. Apologies for the inconvenience and I am grateful for your help.''

Esme smiled, "It's alright. The Princess did not recognize me," She glanced out of the window. It was getting late. She had to go back to him so that he could take her to meet that woman.

"Who was selected to be the Prince's wife?" The woman asked curiously.

"Me…'' Esme paused as she snapped out of her trance…"