Chapter 1

"Wake up slave." A voice says, as pain floods through my stomach. I groaned, curling up while clutching my belly. I open my eyes and looked up to see Saran, the prince's personal messenger. "The prince requests your presence in his study. Best not to keep him waiting." He said, turning to leave. Before opening the door he stops. "I warn you, the prince doesn't seem to be in a good mood so I'd advise to tread carefully." Saran said without turning around. Then without another word he opened the door and quietly closed it behind him. I had already recovered from the kick to my stomach. Humans were much weaker than they really knew. I yawned and stretched before getting up off my small cot on the floor. My room was bare compared to the other rooms in the castle, which had lavish beds and intricate art on the walls with other luxurious items. But because I was a slave, I got next to nothing. Which never really bothered me. Humans care too much about useless items anyways. I shiver as my feet make contact with the cold stone floor. I always hated how chilly the ground got in the winter. As Saran had said, I shouldn't keep the Prince waiting, so I quickly changed into my day dress and quickly combed out my hair in the mirror. After I finished, I stopped and stared at myself in the mirror, not breaking gaze with my reflection. I looked so strange compared to a normal human. With my dark yellow eyes with vertical pupils that are obviously not human, and of course my ears and tail. I was a type of demon, I don't remember much from my childhood before being sold as a slave, but I know I'm what's called a Shadow Demon. From what I heard my kind is very weak, which is why it's so easy for humans to push me around. Even though I was a demon, I wasn't in any way fearsome. I had characteristics of a cat, which confusingly seemed to be desirable within the human kingdom. As I studied my features a piece of my hair fell into my eyes, which drew my attention to it. I've always hated my hair, such a dull dark brown, not to mention I've never liked it long. But since I was a slave, my body was not my own. I asked to cut my hair once and was ordered to never cut it. Shaking myself from the thoughts, I quickly hurried to the prince's study.

As I stood outside the door to the prince's study, I heard the guard introduce me, along with the prince granting me permission to enter. After the guard allowed me to pass I walk into the study and bow before the prince. "Good morning your Highness. You asked to see me?" I asked, remembering to choose my words carefully. The prince looked up from his writing. "Yes, it's been a while since I visited you so I thought you'd be happy to get some time with me." He said, setting down his quill and standing. He led me over to a pair of lush chairs that looked incredibly comfortable, between them was a small table which was adorned with a tea set and small snacks to go with it. My mouth watered at the sight of the food but I kept myself in check. "Please, sit Yuna," the prince said, sitting himself. I nodded and thanked him. After sitting, he motioned to the servant who was standing at the ready next to the tea. The servant quietly and swiftly poured the tea then went back to their initial position. "Now, the reason I asked you here is because there is a gala that will be held here within the week, and I want you to entertain the nobles." His highness explained as he picked up his cup before taking a sip. I nodded. "Yes, your Highness. It would be an honor." I say, reaching for my own cup. He looked at me and smiled, his eyes traveling down my body. "That dress won't do." The prince said, setting down his tea cup.

He motioned to the servant, and whispered something in their ear. A normal human might not have been able to hear what he was saying, but because I was a demon with heightened hearing, it was easy for me. "Send for the royal seamstress." he whispered. I pretended to hear nothing, as the servant nodded and rushed off to fulfil the prince's orders. As the prince picked up a small finger sandwich I studied him. Even though he was hiding it, I could tell he was sleep deprived. His normally neatly combed hair was slightly mussed, and the collar of his shirt was wrinkled. For a royal this was a rare occurrence, they detested looking anything less than their best. "Are you alright your Highness? You seem tired." I ask, as I pick up my cup again. He lets out a sigh. "Yes unfortunately, this war is keeping me tied to my desk more than I'd like." he replied. "I'm sorry to hear that your Highness," I say, feigning sympathy. He looks at me, his eyes piercing right through me.

"Come here." He commands, beckoning me with his finger. I had a feeling what he was thinking and I didn't like it in the slightest, but I had no choice to obey. I set down my cup and walked to him and sat down next to him as he ordered. I tried my best to look at the floor, but the prince lifts my head up by my chin. "Look me in my eyes," he says, staring straight back at me. I did as he told, and looked into his light blue eyes, which resembled the blue of the sky on a cool spring day. And within those eyes I saw the lust that he had no intention of hiding. Disgust rose up from my stomach and the only thing I could do was tear my eyes away from his. This earned me a sharp slap across my cheek. I winced, tears pricking my eyes. Instinctively I clutched my cheek, trying to dull the sharp pain. "Did I give you permission to look away?" the prince demanded angrily. My heart start was racing and the anger in my body was starting to rise up.

No. Stop it. Don't lose control. I swallowed my anger and calmed myself before responding. "No your Highness. Please forgive me for my disobedience." I replied, still clutching my cheek. The prince gave a gentle sigh. "You are forgiven." he said, softly. I felt his hand lightly move mine to take a look at my face. "I really don't like striking you, but sometimes you leave me no choice Yuna." The prince says gently. I nod. "I know your Highness, I will try to be better." I respond. His Highness, once again lifts my head by my chin and stares into my eyes. "Such a kind pet," he murmured, as he placed his lips on my skin. Every inch of me was screaming at me to push him away, but I fought against it. The threat of a beating was enough to keep me in place. His lips traveled down my neck as his hands roamed over my chest. I felt like I was going to be sick to my stomach. It'll be over soon. Just breathe. Don't lose control. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.... Eventually he finished and was buttoning up his shirt as I fixed my dress.

"You are excused." The prince says turning back and walking towards his desk. I nod and curtsy. "Yes, your Highness. Thank you for allowing me to be in your company." I say, trying to keep myself together. I rise and quickly walk towards the door. "Oh, and-" the prince begins. I stop to hear what he has to say. "The royal seamstress will see you shortly to fit you for the dress you'll wear to the gala." He says. "Yes your Highness," I say opening the door and leave.

I quickly rush to my chamber where I hurry to shut my door. I then sink to the floor, tears flooding down my cheeks as I cough and gag. I wrap my arms tightly around my stomach in an attempt to stop the threat of getting sick. My hands shook as my skin crawled with disgust. Make it stop. Make it stop. Please! Make it stop. I began digging into the skin on my arms, trying desperately to stop the feeling of the prince's skin on mine. Even though it's no longer happening, I can still feel it. Make it stop! The tears blurred my vision and breathing became practically impossible.

After some time, the panic subsided and I laid, leaned up against my door, utterly exhausted. The tears drying on my cheeks as I lay there practically numb. The skin on my arms were rubbed raw and were red from irritation. Breathing became so much work and my eye lids felt so heavy. Maybe...just a small rest would be fine. Right? Before I could fight it, I slipped into sleep. Where everything was calm and quiet.