The day finally came that Victor’s sister, Lily, was arriving. Victor had left this morning to meet her, by the seas. Father was giving us last minute advice, and how to behave around her. He even tells us not to be fooled by any kindness. Victor had told him how Lily loves to prey on others. Almost like how Victor saw father as someone to be used and then killed. Father and mother are only allowed to live because of me and brother. Father sometimes likes to remind us of this fact. We always hated when he did that.

Before long, two phoenixes had entered the throne room. We all stand, then brother and I stand on either side of father. Mother is not allowed to show herself during Lily’s visit. Mostly due for mother’s own safety. We do not know what this sister is capable of, and that scares us. The phoenixes land on each throne, and then we see the siblings walking in. We do notice that Victor is walking behind. That’s something that he never willing does. He insist that he’s always be in front. “Oh, dear brother, they’re absolutely yummy. Can I take one back with me?”

“No Lily. We have spoken about this.” Victor then looks to us, before looking away. I wonder why. The moment they reached us, Lily hugged Kensi. Brother didn’t move, or seem to be affected. She then lets him go and seems disappointed. “Lily, could you please.” She shakes her head, and walks behind us, up the steps, to sit on mother’s throne.

“Whelp with the short hair, come to me.” Was she talking about me? “I will not repeat myself.” In a panic, I turn around and walk over to her. The moment I was in front of her, she smiled up at me. “Listen well. On my stay here, you will be my servant and follow my orders. That means you are not allowed to follow anyone else. You are not even allowed to speak to anyone without my say. The only time you’re allowed to be away from me is when I feed and when I go to bed. And one more thing. You’re not allow to speak in my presence.” She points, with her left hand, and tell me to sit. I then sit on the back on my legs, and I feel her petting my head.

She then tells father and Kensi to leave, that she has talk to with Victor. They don’t even look back, as they walk away. I find myself feeling terrified. I know it’s not their fault, and Victor gave us plenty of warning. But I still feel a deep sense of fear. What if I mess up, and it’ll be the end of me? The moment they turn, to close the doors, I lock eyes with brother. But the moment those doors close, I know I’m trapped.

“Lily, can’t you stop. Let him be.”

“I will not. I’m going to be here for a month. And so, I will do as I see fit. Now stop being a runt, and get me something to eat. That trip was too long for my liking. I still don’t even understand why you took it in the first place.” I could feel her nails becoming claws, as she begins to lightly scratch my head. I can feel the need to get away, but I try to stay as calm as possible. “You need to go back home to father and mother, begging for their forgiveness! You left without a word to anyone! Then almost 6 months later you send word that you’re on a different country. Do you even understand how upset our parents are with you?” She gets up, and then goes and slaps Victor. “Father not only killed all the human servants; mother went as far as killing their families.” Victor looked shocked by the news. “They won’t even allow any of us to have humans as slaves anymore. You’re such a selfish whelp!” She then slapped him again. “Father even said the moment you come home we can attack to kill. The only reason I can’t do anything now, is because mother demanded I be nice to you, on this little visit.”

She then looked to me, and told me to follow. She even said to not look at Victor. As I walked past him, I hear him faintly whisper a good luck. Now that’s really something. The moment we leave the throne room, I spot brother was by the door. Somehow that calm me down, and not feeling so alone. It makes me smile as I walk past him. I even hear him faintly whisper a good luck. Now I can’t stop smiling as I continued walking. As we walked, she was very quiet. Victor at least spoke or asked us to say something. He didn’t like the quietness at times. When we reached the dining hall, does she finally look at me.

“It’s ashamed I can’t bring you back with me. You look like a good time.” I was completely thrown off guard. She stepped closer to me, and kissed my lips. For someone taller than Victor, she had to slightly bend down. I have not reacted to her kiss, and I think that might have upset her. For when she pulled away, she looked annoyed. “Next time I kiss you, you kiss back. I might be on another country, but I’ll have some fun. If anyone found out, back at home, I would be killed. Since I am a married woman. But not like you would ever tell. Especially since you won’t even set foot on my homeland.” She smiled as she stepped into the dining hall, and told me to wait outside. Once the door closes, do I try to relax. I even wipe my mouth.

I then had turned around and spotted Victor. “She doesn’t know that I’m bringing you. Make sure she never finds out.” I nod my head. “I’m sorry for that.” I was shocked that he even apologized. “Could you do me a slight favor?”

“What is it?”

“Whatever secrets she tells you, tell me the moment you have a chance. I respect my family house, but doesn’t mean I don’t want to bring my siblings down. I hate my siblings. I see you and your brother as the siblings I wish I had growing up. You both are nicer to me.” He smiles. “Don’t tell Ariel, but I never intended to bed her. It was a simple scare. But when she returns, I would like to meet with the both of you.”

“Understood.” I looked to the door. “You might want to hurry.” We both chuckled, before looking serious again. “Before you go in.” I could feel his eyes on me. “What did she mean by being married?”

I heard him sighed. “She’s a mated woman. Back at home, it’s a sin to sleep around when you’re mated. One would have been beheaded for committing such sin. Where I come from sin is a bad thing. I requested that to be your name, not because I want you to do bad things. It was because you are the good in a bad situation. Remember that. I am sorry for crossing the line with your mother.” He patted my shoulder. “But I never bedded her. I will give your mother the respect I should have given. I’m sorry.” He lowers his head. I pat his shoulder and told him that I forgive him. He smiles. “Maybe after Lily leaves, we could find ourselves some humans to play with.” Before I could say anything, we heard Lily yelling runt. Victor shook his head, and walked into the dining hall.