*Merna* I looked at the gown that the Master wanted me to wear for the gathering. Several times I asked if it was necessary for my presence. I was one hair away from begging to be excused until I found out that everyone was going to be there. That meant I would have the chance to see Pierre. I can not remember the last time I was able to see him. Every time I asked Sadragon how Pierre was doing, he always told me that Pierre was no longer my concern. It did break me that I was not able to see my brother. Seeing the jealousy that Sadragon had toward me stopped me from pushing forward with my questions. Pierre was not harmed and was happy, that was good enough for me. I studied my reflection in the mirror as I smoothed out the dress. It was made from the finest gold silk that I have ever felt. If I were more into dresses and fashion, this would be by far my favourite outfits that the Master had made for me. “I see that Chaos has bought the finest for his consort.” Puabi was getting ready to do my hair and makeup. “Chaos did go too far this time!” I smiled at my reflection, “he has a better taste in fashion than I do!” “Mother?” Anatu screeched. “My dear daughter … Merna has called your father worse.” Puabi started to laugh. “I see that the serfs have been gossiping again” I could not hide my smile from Puabi, “Plus, no one else has ever dared to tell him the truth!” I added to the conversation. Puabi was shaking her head, “Chaos told me that you were in need of help!” I pushed my bottom lip out, “I am good at many things! Not being seen, defending my family, and hiding bodies … dressing like a lady has never been on my list to do! So I am out of my element now.” Anatu snorted air out of her nose, “father spends far too much on this human born!” “Anatu, that is none of our business! If your father wants to spend his fortune on Merna, that is his choice.” She reminded her daughter that it was her father's choosing. “Chaos better not spend his fortune on me, I would kill him if he ever did such a thing! Fancy things are worthless, just a way to show off wealth.” I said in utter shock. “Someone has an issue with wealth!” Anatu snapped at me. Clarifying, “Not with wealth but the handlers of it!” I retorted!Anatu took a couple of steps towards me, “So you have a problem with my father?” “I always have issues with Chaos, but not with his wealth. He is realistic in that manner. Everything else about him …” I was not able to finish. “If you would just have sex with him, you would be less tense. The tension between the two of you is so thick I would need an axe to cut it!” Puabi sat me in front of the mirror and started to wiggle her fingers through my hair. My jaw dropped, and I was ready to protest. “I have watch you two banter, eye fucking each other, just to start over again. If not Chaos, there are plenty of healthy hunters that have been eyeing you up and down. Besides your sex life … it …is!” “Non-existing!” Anatu chimed in. “Is there any chance we could change the topic!” I was begging not to bring up my issues. Anatu started to chuckle, “Oh mommy, what if Merna prefers females?” I hi-fived my forehead with the palm of my hand. “I prefer what looks good to me at the time. Can we please stop talking about the lack of my … sex life and focus on how badly I am not enjoying the fact I have to be around individuals … way too many individuals.” I huffed out as I could feel the tension in my chest building. “I do not do well around … arrogance … rude … idiots! I am not going to survive this!” I started to whine. Puabi patted my shoulder, “You will be able to see your friends tonight, that should make you feel better!” “Pierre is my only friend! I do not have friends, just a shit ton of enemies!” I pointed out facts. “Perfect for your father!” Puabi smiled at her daughter. Quick to reply, “As a consort?” Anatu gave her mother a quick pout. “Merna will never replace me, my love!” She was quick to understand her daughter's troubles. “What?” I glazed in the mirror looking between the two women, “I am not replacing nothing!” I turned to see Puabi, “one year! I have to make it one year and I have my freedom and I will be out of here … and back to …” I started to frown, “my mundane existence!” Anatu seemed to be happier with what she heard coming out of my mother’s mouth. Puabi on the other hand appeared surprised. Turning back to face the mirror, I studied my facial expression. Why did I appear sad? Placing her hands on my shoulders, Puabi continued, “I have Merna’s hair, Anatu, you take over her makeup … go neutral!”*Master* This gathering was to see who was still an ally of mine, and who had turned tail and joined my siblings. I did not call on those who are neutral, they would not involve themselves in eternal affairs. ‘Where are you Merna?’ I was starting to get impatient. Of all days she decides to be late it had to be this day. ‘Perfection takes time!’ Merna’s voice sounds unsure and nervous. Internally I started to groan, ‘Of all the time you have been here you have never been …’ ‘I'm coming!’ I saw Puabi pushing a nervous-looking Merna into the ballroom. I waited as everyone started to arrive at my domain. This was the first time since I won the rights to this territory that I held a gathering of such expense. It was Pinapancam’s idea! At first, I was not going to follow Pinapancam’s suggestion. I was going to back out, though Merna kept on protesting. Her discomfort was the perfect punishment for her continued defiance. Every time I turn around she questions my orders, points out everything I do wrong and has the nerve to get angry when I start to yell. I will not even get started on her number count, fifteen Chaos, twenty me! When Merna strolled into the ballroom, that is when I realized that it was not her who would be punished tonight, I would be the one being punished. I let out a low growl as I made my way to Merna. She was captivating! The gold-coloured silk with hand-embroidered green vines going up the dress suited her skin tone as I had figured. The top of the dress had no strap. The corset pushed up her breast just enough so that I could have an eye full. Oh, tonight was going to be a painful night indeed. ‘Puabi!’ Smiling at me, ‘Yes my king!’ Puabi’s voice had a seductress tone in it. I might have had a hand in the choosing of the dress but Puabi had her hands in everything else that made Merna stand out from all the individuals here. Every eye was on her! ‘My chamber tonight!’ My sight was dead pinned on her. ‘As much as I enjoy the attention that I am getting from you, though I can’t help but feel that it is Merna that you are wanting!’ Puabi had a knowing smile as her eyes sparkled knowing something that she would not say.I raised a brow, ‘Are you questioning me Puabi?’ I could hear the giggling of Puabi in my mind, ‘give Merna a bottle of wine tonight and I am sure she will join you tonight!’ She suggested. I thought about it for a bit, ‘I doubt that! That woman has turned down everything that I have offered her. Besides I do not picture Merna drinking wine … rum or whisky!’ I huffed in annoyance as I reached Merna. Merna broke the private conversation that Puabi and I were having. “See something you like, Master?” Holding on to the r for a couple of extra seconds, Merna smiled up at me sweetly. I wonder if she has any idea how she affects me with her emerald eyes. ‘Puabi!’ I shouted ‘As you wish, my king!’ I could hear the lingering laughter in my mind. I placed my hand lightly on her back and started to lead her away, “Everything is to my liking!” I answered Merna’s question. Did I see a hint of disappointment in Merna’s eyes? If it was there it was gone just as quick as I had seen it. “Only tonight will I allow you to speak with Pierre. You will mingle and speak with others here. As the consort it is your responsibility to know each and everyone here.” Merna’s jaw dropped and I thought for a second she would cry. Does Pierre mean that much to her that she would exhibit this emotion? Or was this because she had to communicate with the guest? Her expression was foreign to me, I would never display such an emotion. Whatever the cause of her sudden change she would have to still do as I command. “Close your mouth little hybrid! Speaking with Pierre comes at a cost!” My thumb moved back and forth finding her skin. Just that bit of contact and a flare of warmth spread across my hand. Removing my hand I wondered if she felt it too. “What is the cost?” She whispered. I leaned towards her right ear, “I will come and collect it later!” I whispered. My lips were dangerously close to her neck. ‘What would the cost be?’ I wondered to myself as I glared at her neck and travelled downwards. I brought my sight to her face. I moved my eyes from her lips to her cleavage. Females have always been here for my pleasure. For the pleasure of the hunters, never have I cared about their emotions. ‘It is the red hair!’ ‘If you are finished eye fucking me, I need to mingle and do as you have asked. Unless …’ Merna did not finish her thought.My dick twitched as I watched Merna strolling away, making her introductions. Only once did she glance back at me. What was that look in her eyes? What was she saying to me? This was going to be a long night.