Born to unite (Born to be a slave; Book III)

14

"I will help you settle in. Show me what belongs to you and your princess." Anna gestured for me to come along outside the room, where the chests and bags cramped up the clear corridor.

"I have nothing much, only spare clothing."

"Why is that? Everyone has something special to them. Don't you?"

"No. I had nothing dear to bring along."

I showed Anna what I needed in the room, and she swiftly organized the male servants. In no time, they brought all the chests inside, leaving more space for breathing in the hallway.

"Maybe you know who else possesses these belongings?" Anna pointed at a couple of leather bags and a larger chest ornated with golden weaving plants. It didn't look like belonging to a lady, the artful vines radiated masculine aura.

"It is Arian's - her guardian's things."

Anna's cheeks took the shade of pink as she eyed his alluring possession. 

"Then, I suppose, he should be close to her princess. What about this room opposite yours?"

She eyed me and waited for my answer, but the thought of him being so close every night terrified me. I would not be able to sleep calmly, but in the end, it was not my decision to make. It was logical for him to stay close. Arian guarded her the same way as his own life.

I nodded, not wanting to take part in the matters concerning his stay any more than needed.

Anna pushed the door to his room open with her shoulder as she had taken two bags in each hand. The male servants obediently carried the chest and placed it at the foot of the bed. I could have helped, but I would pay later for touching Arian's things. In his eyes, I was a disgusting being. He would take out his anger on me if he knew.

I couldn't help but notice Anna's dreaminess.

"Do you fancy him?"

"Who?" Her eyes lit up.

"Arian. Do you like that man?"

She suppressed a light giggle. "Of course. He is a handsome man. With eyes so magical. Every girl in this country would fall for him, just the same way as for our prince Richard, but the guard has something else in him I can't put my finger on." Anna thought deep for a moment. "More dangerous he is, maybe?"

With light steps, she came back and stared down into my eyes. "Don't you?"

I shook my head. How could I? His inner world was nothing to be liked about, but no one knew, unfortunately.

"You are a weird one." Anna gave me a polite smile and a pat on my shoulder. She turned her attention to the ornated chest. "What could be in there? Clothes? Gold? Maybe something else?"

"Weapons and armor is my guess." I interrupted her dream.

"Weapons! Real weapons! I want to take a look."

"No! No! No! Don't touch a thing. We will get in trouble. You don't know Arian and his temper."

"He will not notice. I promise."

"Please! Leave it be. Please! Trust me. I know him."

Reluctantly Anna drew her fingers away. "Alright. I won't snoop around his things."

I let out a sigh as my heart drummed uncontrollably. By this time, my palms were sweaty. The room seemed to become more suffocating. I waited for the queue to return my attention to my job - sort out the princess's belongings and be alone for some time to calm my nerves. Anna closed the door to Arian's room. She took the last look at the rather empty hallway and expressed her understanding with her characteristically polite smile.

I waited for every soul to leave and relaxed my breathing. My chest had become constricted that I could barely follow the passing of time. Taking the last glance both ways, I slipped into the room.

It smelled of fresh air with a hint of flowery scent coming from the wild blooms on the small table. The bed was massive and soft as a cloud when my hand pressed on the thick duvet. My princess will sleep as a child after the long journey. I walked further inside and found a smaller room with shelves and drawers. It appeared to be a closet but as large as a room, perfect for a lowly peasant like me.

I took one of the bags and put the clothing in their designed spaces. It was calming. No one bothered me, and no Arian's constant presence troubled my heart. 

Everyone seemed to like him or was even willing to worship him because of his inherited eyes. Women swooned over his looks and manliness. I wouldn't deny, his dark complexion made him out to be quite a handsome individual. If only with a slight change in his expressions, my heart would warm up, but with Arian's constant scowl, he reminded me of his nature. None saw his true character. How much he despised everyone around him. The only being he cherished was princess Reina.

A tear slipped out of my eye and fell on my folded linen tunic. I hated it. Even now, when I had all the peaceful time for myself, I couldn't help but think of Arian. His existence had seeped so deep into my mind, I feared him constantly, even at the moments he was nowhere near. What would it take to get him out of my head?

I couldn't leave Reina. Not when I was so far away from my home. 

With shaking hands, I wiped my tears. Half of our clothing had been carefully folded, and I thought of taking a breath of fresh air. I pushed the window open and took in the beautiful garden underneath. From the top, the paths and trimmed hedges formed an ornated pattern. The wind swept up the scent of numerous rose bushes. No people were exploring this garden, despite the house being filled with hundreds of guests.

Then I spotted a dark figure aimlessly exploring the stone-paved paths. It was a man with broad shoulders and strangely familiar attire. I didn't need to examine him for long when I realized his identity. It was none other than Arian. How could it be when I was so far away, I continued to attract his presence.

As if he heard my thoughts, Arian's gaze lifted. He appeared to be examining the architecture of the house, but I knew, if I stayed by the window any longer, he would spot me. I jumped away from the window, seeing his eyes reach the spot where I was. 

Did he notice me? 

Terrified, I pressed my palm over my mouth as if it would help to suppress my anxiousness.

I prayed I would not see him tonight.