*PUPPET-PART ONE*

Fear.

Shallow gasps escaped her lips as her body shuddered in absolute fear. The sight of the fangs brought back memories. Memories of what was meant to be forgotten.

Memories of her mother.

Her heart was racing as she watched him lean to her with his fangs in display.

Suddenly, she didn't feel confident anymore, she felt weak, so weak that she hated herself for it.

"Sebastian."

She heard a voice she oh too familiar with.

Sebastian turned his head and stared at her ex master who had a blank look plastered on his face.

She never knew there would be a time where she was actually thankful to see him.

"You are not allowed to touch those underneath the king." His tone was flat but one could easily tell that he was slightly annoyed.

"You forget that this castle has rules and she had stepped into my part of the castle and is therefore liable to whatever I would do to her." He hadn't put his fangs back and Bethany was beginning to feel really dizzy.

"And the same castle's rule also says that the strongest will be the victor." Alex took a step forward and Sebastian frowned, annoyed at his situation. If he were to fight Alex, he knew that he couldn't win even if he tried so he let the slave out of his hand and glared at her.

"Next time, I would not let you go so easily."

After which, he left without turning back.

Bethany felt the world spin and she leaned on the wall for support, her heart still not calming down.

"Are you alright?."

Alex asked, his show of concern throwing her off guard but she quickly composed herself.

"So my ex- master really cares about me." She chuckled, closing her eyes a little and she heard him his footsteps get louder before they stopped in front of her.

"I can hear your heart, it's still racing." She didn't know why her heart did a skip when he said that. His deep soothing voice calmed her considerably.

"It isn't for you."

"I hope so."

She opened her eyes, frustrated by his quick response but gasped when she discovered how close he was to her.

"I would have bet that you had something to say." He leaned back and she thought she saw him smile through his eyes but it disappeared making her doubt it certainty.

Why does he even bother to wear a mask? What was he hiding?.

"How did you know I was in trouble anyway?." She watched him turn around and start walking and she followed suite.

"Instincts." Was all he said and confusion clouded her eyes. That was the most stupid answer ever. He was probably lying.

"Shouldn't you be with the king now?." He asked her his own question and she laughed nervously.

"He seems to enjoy putting me in chains." She scoffed.

"So you escaped?."

"I wouldn't call it escaping. Just going out for sightseeing." She smiled brightly and he gave her a side eye.

"Can you please not tell the king what happened here, I may get punished again." She stopped walking and turned to him and he gave her a ridiculous expression.

"Believe me when I say that I will enjoy seeing you in punishment."

"Master!?." She faked a gasp and he frowned at what she called him.

"I am not your master." His tone became cold and she frowned at him.

"Yes you are. I don't even want to be with the k-." She couldn't complete her sentence as he placed a single finger on her lips that scattered her train of thoughts.

"One more word from your mouth can put us both in the dungeon for committing treason against the king." His reduced the volume of his voice, as though telling her a secret but her eyes were focused on his finger that was on her lips.

Imagine if it went further, down her collar bone and into her-

Aggh! What was she thinking!?

"You look red." He chirped in and her face reddened.

"What were you thinking about?" He removed his finger and tilted his head and she quickly shook hers.

"Nothing."

Something."

"Nothing."

"Something."

Him. She couldn't say it. She had a reputation to keep.

"Just let me be!." She huffed and glared at him and he chuckled at her childish display.

It seemed like he enjoyed driving her crazy.

"Alex." Someone called his name and they both turned to see the king.

He looked slightly amused and surprised.

"You two seem to be having a good time." He didn't move from his position but Bethany felt like her heart would have exploded if given the chance.

Was he a ghost!?.

"Your Majesty." Alex bowed a little and Bethany did the same.

"I am curious, how did you get out?." The king was now talking to Bethany who presently felt like the temperature had increased.

Why was it suddenly hot in here?.

"Suprise?." She waved her hand in the air and Alex frowned at her.

Why was she this stupid!? No human was meant to be this stupid. He had to get out of here or she was probably drive him crazy.

"Is that so?." He hummed and stretched his hands.

"Come slave, we'll have a nice long chat in the room." He spun around and started walking immediately.

"Master." She turned to Alex who looked at her.

"Please help me, he'll kill me." She whispered hurriedly.

That king was crazy! She knew it from his very smile at the fact that she escaped his punishment. No normal person would do that!.

Rolling his eyes, Alex replied"He won't."

"Promise me. Promise me that you will protect me from the king when the time comes."

Curiosity twinkled in his eyes but he nodded nevertheless"I promise." After which he left but not without glancing at her.

"Move, or the king might get angry."

That was more than enough to get her moving and soon she arrived at his room.

"Oh God help me." She prayed silently before entering the room.

The first thing she was greeted by was darkness. Why was the room dark!?.

"Why can't you just stay still?." She stiffened when she felt her hair lift up. She didn't dare try to look. He played with her hair a little before letting it fall on her shoulders.

"You were such a good slave in the establishment." He continued and she felt his fingers trace her chin, drawing invisible circles on her cheek.

His touch. His touch was like feathers, it was almost enjoyable. It felt strangely good.

Wait. He knew her at the establishment?.

"How did you know me?." She snapped out of the trance, trying to locate the king but she couldn't see him front of him but could feel his presence there.

"I thought you had forgotten how to speak. Huh slave?." She heard his chuckle next to her ears and she took in a mouthful of air.

Damn this king.

"S-stop, whatever thing you are doing to me is not funny." She tried to lift her hand but she was suddenly not in control of her body!.

"Pat your head darling." He commanded and she lifted her hand to Pat her head.

What! She did not do that, what was going on!?.

"Now I can control your mind, mouth and body. Suprise!." He chuckled and realisation hit a like a slap.

This meant he could get anything from her.

Even the fact that she wanted to kill him would be known to him.

This was not good