Chapter 7 The Price Of Slave

My eyes slowly opened as waking came to me. My whole body ached; even after sleeping, I still felt exhausted, as if I hadn't rested enough. Sunlight streamed through the large window where the curtains had already been drawn. What time is it? The sound of a spoon clinking against a cup woke me. I peeked out from under the covers. Elijah was sitting on the daybed, dressed in a black kimono, his legs crossed quietly as he sipped his coffee. The aroma wafted over to me. "Wake up, sleepyhead!" Elijah ordered. I didn't answer, instead burrowing deeper under the covers. I wasn't wearing a stitch of clothing, so how could I get out of bed like this? I heard his footsteps approaching, and I grew more alert. Suddenly, he yanked off the blanket, and a rush of cold air hit my entire body. "No!" I yelped, immediately covering my sensitive parts even though it felt pointless. "I'm embarrassed." "I explored every inch of you. What's there to be embarrassed about?" He snorted. After everything we'd been through last night, I wasn't expecting a sweet morning, but the disgusted look on his face wasn't what I wanted either. "Well, I..." I was at a loss for words. "Was this your first time?" "Yes," I answered briefly. "And now you're sentimental about it?" He looked at me with disgust. "You're just a slave, Delilah." I had once imagined giving up my virtue as a unique and sacred moment with someone who would be my mate. But last night, I could barely remember what had happened. Now I realized I'd given it all to Elijah as a mere slave. The thought filled me with sadness. I bit my bottom lip and nodded weakly. My feet touched the cold floor, and I stumbled toward the bathroom, my lower body aching terribly. "Delilah," he called. I stopped in the doorway and looked back at Elijah. "What we did was just a primal need. Don't exaggerate it. It would be even better if you'd give me a cub, understood?" he continued. What did he just say? "I'm just a fake Luna to you, so why should I give you a child?" Suddenly, Elijah came as fast as the wind and stood before me, gripping my chin tightly. His eyes flashed in irritation. "You dare answer me? As a slave, you have no right to ask questions! Just because we have an agreement doesn't mean you can disrespect me!" he shouted. Elijah's power intensified the pain in my body, and my legs began to shake. I nodded quickly, holding back tears. "I'm sorry, my king," I whimpered. Elijah stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. My body crumpled to the floor, and I could only crawl to the bathroom. I caught a glimpse of myself, covered in crimson marks in various places, especially on my sensitive areas. On my first night, I couldn't refuse. So this is what it's like to be with a grown man. I thought they'd be gentler, but Elijah was different. The remnants of last night left me unable to walk properly. And after that? He threw me away like garbage when he was satisfied. Cruelly. I turned on the bathtub faucet and let the water flow as I cried my heart out. It hurt. Why is life so unfair to me? I'm just trash in Elijah's eyes. * Eugenia arrived promptly at four in the afternoon as the event was scheduled to begin at six. I had spent the whole day locked in my room, too lazy to even touch the food Flo and Kat had brought. "Why does the king's Luna look so sad?" Eugenia sighed as she came in. "No matter how much makeup I put on, you don't look good with a frown like that, darling." I forced a smile, though it was bitter. "I'm just tired, that's all." Eugenia brought several dresses and hung them in the closet, all black, with a white one tucked in. "I've prepared a few dresses, but there's one that's perfect for you," Eugenia said, taking out a black satin off-the-shoulder gown. "It looks elegant and won't make you look 'old,'" she added, chuckling softly. That color again—wasn't there any other choice? My eyes drifted to the white dress among the others. "What about that one?" I asked, pointing to the white dress. "Our king specifically asked for black, my dear." "Will you be sentenced to death if you put me in another color?" "It's a formal occasion, Delilah." Eugenia sighed. "I don't think going against King Elijah's wishes is wise. He must have a reason for choosing black." My eyes lingered on the white robe. "Because he's color blind from the accident?" I asked. "Please don't bring that up. I don't want any trouble." I took Eugenia's stunning white dress, which was pearl white and featured a fitted bodice, floral embroidery, a sheer high neckline, a corset-accentuated waist, and a voluminous A-line skirt. It was stunning. "I'll wear this," I decided. Eugenia looked at me in horror and shook her head. "Delilah, please. Let's just go with what King Elijah wants, okay? I don't want us to get into big trouble." "This is a small matter." "You don't understand." "Then I won't come out of my room to meet the guests." I wasn't sure why I said that to Eugenia or acted so stubbornly. But the anger had been simmering since Elijah left the room, and I wanted to get even. "Fine." Eugenia relented, nodding grudgingly. Finally, after putting on the dress, doing my makeup, and styling my hair— a process that took nearly two hours— I was ready. Though Eugenia's face still showed concern, she gave me a genuine smile. "You look stunning, like the moon goddess herself," she praised. Eugenia walked me out of the room, and as I approached the hall, I could hear classical music playing. The sound grew louder, mingling with the guests' murmurs. My heart was beating faster. Everyone turned to look at me as I reached the top of the stairs. I searched the crowd for Elijah, and he finally turned to face me. I smiled at him. But his reaction was a sharp glare, and he quickly made his way up the stairs, pulling me back into the hallway. "What the hell are you doing?" he snapped.