❥ SARAH ❥

"Let's go,"

Chris instructed, his hand wrapping firmly around my waist while clutching his suit in the other.

I couldn't help but mumble silently, questioning the need for such proximity, especially with the watchful eyes of the guards surrounding the jet. He remained silent, his grip tightening slightly, intensifying the sensation of his touch.

Sighing in resignation, I relented and walked outside alongside him. The moment the sun's rays caressed my face, I instinctively closed my eyes, attempting to shield myself from the brightness.

Slowly, I blinked several times, allowing my eyes to adjust until the overwhelming radiance subsided, revealing a sight that left me awestruck.

"Woah," I breathed, the word escaping my lips involuntarily.

This was undeniably a palace.

"Impressed?" Alex's voice broke through my reverie, and I glanced down to find her smirking, her eyes flickering towards Chris and the way he held me. Her smirk seemed to widen, as if she had uncovered a secret.

"It's beautiful," I replied, my gaze sweeping across the surroundings once more.

The lush green grass stretched as far as the eye could see, adorned with vibrant flowers in an array of colors. Nestled amidst this natural splendor stood the palace, an embodiment of regality, reminiscent of the grandeur found in vintage films.

Armed guards stood at every corner, their vigilant presence sending a shiver down my spine. "Why so many guns?" I couldn't help but ask Chris as we began making our way towards the palace's entrance.

"Why not?" he answered simply, his tone carrying an air of nonchalance. My breath hitched slightly at his response, my mind grappling with the implications.

As we stepped inside, my eyes were drawn to the portraits lining the walls, each one telling a story, particularly the older ones. However, there was one portrait that held my attention, a family portrait that seemed peculiar.

In the picture, Alex and Chris stood with their parents, but there was a glaring absence-their older brother was nowhere to be seen.

Weird.

"Ignore that portrait," Christopher's voice resonated in my ears. "It's merely an illusion my father clings to," he declared, his tone laced with sternness. A deep emotion flickered in his eyes, but its true nature eluded my comprehension.

Pain.

A heavy silence descended upon us, and I found myself scanning the surroundings, searching for Alex. My gaze landed on her face, and I observed the somber expression etched upon it. It became apparent that neither of them harbored any excitement about returning home.

Just like me.

Christopher withdrew his hand from my waist, creating an inexplicable void that left me feeling strangely empty and oddly cold. It was a peculiar sensation, one I chose to brush aside, unwilling to delve into its significance.

"My parents will soon inquire about you," he began, his tone shifting with a hint of anticipation. "The deal commences now, I presume," he smirked, inching closer to me.

The guards maintained their watchful presence, and I was certain Alex lingered behind us.

He leaned in, his breath caressing my ear as he whispered, "I hope you're ready because I know I am."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and my body trembled as his gaze locked with mine, his face drawing perilously close to mine, creating an inescapable intimacy that stole my breath away.

It felt like torture, as if the air had been sucked out of the room, leaving me gasping for breath.

His lips hovered just inches away from mine, a mere fraction of movement away from sealing the deal. I anticipated a kiss, a gesture that would serve as a proclamation of the beginning of our arrangement. Yet, unexpectedly, he pulled back, a mischievous grin playing upon his lips.

"See you at dinner, love," he waved me off, striding away with two guards trailing behind him.

My mind went blank, struggling to process what had just transpired.

Was he teasing me?!

"Still think you can control him, huh?" Alex's voice broke through my daze as she stood next to me. "It will be difficult, but not impossible," she chuckled. "Let's forget about him and focus on you."

"Me?" I questioned, my voice laden with uncertainty.

"Of course," she affirmed, leading the way towards a nearby door. "This will be your room." With a swift motion, she opened the door, unveiling the interior. I stepped inside, my eyes darting around the room.

"This..." I faltered, unable to find the right words. "This looks..."

"Small?" Alex interjected, offering a guess.

I chuckled, shaking my head in disbelief. "Fuck no," I marveled, taking in the sight before me. The room was adorned in shades of dark blue and gold, an enchanting color scheme that exuded opulence. The bed, larger and more luxurious than anything I had ever encountered, beckoned me to recline upon its softness.

"This is definitely my kind of bed."

Alex laughed, her amusement contagious. "Exactly, and you should see the bathroom. Trust me, it's the epitome of luxury."

"Oh, I will," I replied, a smile playing on my lips.

"So, the maids will arrive shortly to provide you with a dress for dinner. It starts at 6, so make sure to get enough rest and think of a plausible story about how you met my brother," Alex instructed, her voice brimming with practicality.

I nodded, ready to take on the challenge. "Not a problem, but first, I need your brother's number."

Alex appeared taken aback by my request but soon smirked, a glimmer of mischief dancing in her eyes. "And why is that?"

These siblings.

"I can't concoct a convincing tale on my own. I need him to corroborate the story," I explained, hoping to sway her.

She nodded, seemingly convinced. "Great idea."

I smiled, slipping off my shoes, grateful to be free from the constraints of heels after the long journey. Mental note: never wear heels for extended travels.

She retrieved my phone and handed me both her number and Chris's. She mentioned the possibility of giving me a tour later, but expressed doubt due to the multitude of tasks she needed to address upon her return.

I couldn't help but wonder what lay behind her cryptic words.

As soon as she departed, I shed my clothes, leaving only my undergarments. Hastily, I made my way to the bathroom, shielding my exposed breasts with my hands.

I hoped fervently that there were no CCTV cameras lurking in the vicinity.

As I stepped into the royal bathroom, a hushed gasp escaped my lips, my eyes widening in awe. It was as if I had entered another world, a space that exudes luxury in every intricate detail.

The room was expansive, with marble flooring stretching out beneath me, cool and smooth against the soles of my feet. The walls were adorned with golden accents, reflecting the soft glow of the crystal chandeliers that hung from above. The gentle illumination danced upon the surfaces, casting a warm and inviting ambiance.

A large, freestanding bathtub beckoned me from the center of the room, an exquisite masterpiece crafted from pristine white marble. It was adorned with golden fixtures, elegantly curving faucets that promised a cascade of indulgent water. The bathtub was surrounded by lush greenery, carefully arranged to create a sense of tranquility and serenity.

This was too much for me.
 
Overwhelmed by the lavishness of the scene before me, I hesitated for a moment. Despite feeling out of place, I mustered the courage to approach the bathtub, its water adorned with delicate rose petals floating on the surface.

With a deep breath, I took off my underwear and slowly immersed my legs into the cool water. A sigh escaped my lips as my body sank into the tub, the warmth enveloping me, melting away the tension that had built up.

Time seemed to slip away as I relaxed, but a knock on the door shattered the tranquility, bringing me back to reality. "Coming!" I called out, quickly grabbing the bathrobe conveniently hanging nearby.

I hurriedly made my way to the door and opened it to find two young girls standing before me. One held a neatly wrapped dress in her hands while the other appeared nervous, her gaze shifting uneasily.

They must be the maids.

"Good evening, Milady," they spoke in unison, bowing slightly.

"Oh, no need for formalities, just call me Sarah," I motioned for them to enter. "And what are your names?" I asked with a gentle tone.

They exchanged surprised glances before one of them spoke up, "I'm Amanda, Milady," she introduced herself. "And I'm Samantha, Milady," the other one replied, her eyes lowered. A smile formed on my lips.

"Really? My best friend is also named Sam," I shared, trying to ease the tension.

The two girls bore a striking resemblance to each other, with similar eyes and noses, though their hair color and height differed. "Are you sisters?" I inquired curiously.

They nodded in unison."Yes, Milday,"

I let out a sigh. "I would prefer if you just called me Sarah." Disappointment flashed across their faces as they respectfully declined, explaining that they were not permitted to use my real name.

I frowned, accepting their response. My attention shifted to the dress Amanda held. "May we dress you now?" she asked.

I sighed internally, not liking how we started off, "Of course, let's get to work,"