Dinner was a vish affair, the table groaning under roasted pheasant, honeyed figs, and wine dark as blood. Elizabeth watched Arthur eat with deliberate slowness, as if expecting poison.

  “You have manners,” she observed.

  “I’ve been in pces where cking manners meant a beating,” I replied, swirling the wine in my gss. “Or worse.”

  She leaned forward, the candlelight catching flecks of gold in her hair. “Tell me,” she said softly.

  For the first time, something shifted in my expression. Surprise, perhaps, that she even cared to ask.

  “Another time,” I answered, my gaze dropping to the table.

  “You’re so cute when you blush like that,” she smiled, taking another slow sip of wine. “Don’t you think it’s unfair?”

  “What do you mean, Lady Elizabeth?” I asked, puzzled by her pyful tone.

  “You still haven’t told me your name,” she said, resting her chin gently in her hands.

  “I am Arthur, my dy,” I said quietly. Her face leaned a little closer to mine, and I could feel the warmth of her presence.

  “Your name truly suits your beautiful face, Arthur,” she said, her voice like silk.

  “Thank you,” I replied, cheeks warming despite myself.

  She let out a soft ugh, almost musical. “But it seems like you’re not enjoying the food,” she said, gncing at my pte. Only a small piece of meat remained, the rest untouched. There was a note of disappointment in her voice.

  “I’m sorry,” I said, lowering my head. “I’m just not used to this kind of treatment.”

  “Well, you better get used to it quickly, Arthur,” she murmured. Her eyes finally moved away from mine as she took another delicate, almost seductive bite.

  “But why are you so kind to me, Lady Elizabeth?” I asked, frustration breaking through my voice. Memories of my past owner’s cruelty surged back, and to my shame, a quiet tear rolled down my cheek.

  “What’s with that face, Arthur?” she said, clearly caught off guard. She leaned in and gently wiped the tear away. “Don’t worry. I simply have high expectations for you, hence the treatment.” Her hand lingered for a moment, warm against my cheek.

  “Alright, it seems like you’re full. Why don’t we change our location?” she said, gracefully shifting the mood. “Follow me.”

  I rose from the table and followed her through the vast mansion. I couldn’t help but watch her as she walked ahead of me. Her long silver hair swayed from side to side, catching the low lights as it danced along her back. It seemed to tease me, occasionally sweeping over her elegantly swaying hips.

  The house was enormous. It took nearly five minutes of walking through marbled halls and towering doors before we reached the destination.

  “Here, Arthur. This is your room,” she said, opening the door to reveal a chamber that took my breath away.

  The room was rge, draped in shades of crimson and gold.

  Velvet curtains framed tall windows that allowed moonlight to bathe the marble floor.

  A massive bed sat in the center, covered in rich red sheets with golden embroidery.

  Pillows were perfectly arranged, and heavy, royal red curtains surrounded the bed like a throne.

  A grand mirror stood near the far wall, its silver frame shaped with delicate carvings of roses and vines.

  On one side, a carved oak desk with intricate patterns and brass inys stood ready, beside shelves lined with books and fine ornaments.

  A crystal chandelier sparkled overhead, casting warm light in gentle patterns across the polished floor.

  “My room? Wait, how?” I asked, stunned. “It’s too much.”

  “Stop with all these reactions, boy, and just make yourself at home,” she said with a knowing smile. “I’ll visit you once I’ve finished a few things,” she added, her voice pyful and her eyes lingering just a moment longer.

  “Thank you, my dy,” I said. For the first time since I arrived, I smiled.

  She blinked, a soft blush coloring her cheeks, and then quietly closed the door behind her.

  I turned slowly, drinking in the space around me.

  This was nothing like the cold cells or straw beds I had known.

  I walked to the bed, touched the sheets, and sat down.

  It felt like being held in warm arms.

  The scent in the room was faintly floral and calming.

  Luxurious.

  Without realizing it, I drifted into sleep.

  I woke up to a knock at the door.

  “Arthur, are you sleeping?” Lady Elizabeth’s voice called softly from the hallway.

  I didn’t want to admit I had dozed off. “No, not at all, my dy,” I replied quickly.

  “Good,” she said as she opened the door. “Do you like it here?”

  “Y-yes,” I answered, my voice catching as I saw her.

  Her previous dark gown had been repced with a loose, silver nightdress that shimmered like starlight, clinging softly to her figure. It matched the shade of her hair perfectly and left very little to the imagination.

  The moment she stepped in, a sweet fragrance surrounded her. I could hardly keep my eyes on hers.

  “Why are you so red, Arthur?” she asked with a teasing smile.

  She took a few slow steps toward me, the silk of her nightdress whispering with each movement.

  The closer she came, the stronger her scent became, sweet and dizzying.

  “I’m fine, my dy,” I mumbled, trying to keep my eyes averted.

  “Good,” she said, now standing beside the bed. “Because before we sleep, I’d like you to massage this stiff body of mine. Wearing all those heavy clothes today left me quite sore.”

  She sat on the edge of the bed with a soft sigh and looked up at me with expectant eyes.

  “W-wait, we? Are we going to sleep here together?” I asked, stunned.

  “Of course~” she replied with a light ugh, covering her mouth with her pale, graceful hand. “Didn’t I mention this was my room too?”

  So that was it.

  I knew it was too good to be true.

  There was no way she would give such a room to a sve.

  She was clever, beautiful, and a trickster all the same.

  But even knowing that, I couldn’t stop the flush rising to my face again.