Page 48 of Blood Day
Would it be like that if I kept her here? Would she need me to guide her every move? Because that would grow tiresome.
I enjoyed being in charge, especially in the bedroom. But there was a limit to that control.
Perhaps I should keep her here and teach her how to live.
It’d be selfish on my part, knowing what her life would become after Blood Day. However, it might just make her final months here worth all the inevitable pain.
I could help give her positive memories to take to her grave.
Would that make it better or worse for her? I wasn’t quite sure.
She entered the bath area behind me, but I caught her reflection in the windows framing the tub area. Her eyes widened as she took in the creamy stone floor and tiled walk-in shower. Then she admired the jeweled accents decorating the countertops and walls.
It certainly added an air of opulence to the room.
Every bathroom and bedroom had a collection of jewels, just in different colors.
The gemstones adorning my quarters were all rubies.
“A lot of the materials in the palace used to belong to wealthy humans,” I told her. “I think they were going for a desert palace vibe from the days when sultans ruled this land, but they added some global opulence to it as well. However, the white stonework is all true to the region, keeping everything cool in the warmer months.”
There was also a healthy bit of air-conditioning to keep everything cool, even in the open-aired courtyard in the middle of the property.
“They use solar energy to keep everything self-sustainable,” I added, shrugging. “So it’s like an ancient palace with upgraded technology.”
And honestly not all that expensive to maintain as a result.
Just a lot of rooms to keep clean and ready for potential visitors.
“It’s actually quite beautiful,” I admitted as I switched off the water. It seemed to be high enough. “Maybe I’ll give you a tour after our bath.”
She might enjoy seeing some of the historical statues and the palm trees. The university grounds were barren, while the courtyards here flourished with life, thanks to the underground watering system.
Her gaze met mine as I faced her, then quickly dropped to the ground.
I caught her chin, pulling her focus back to me. “I don’t expect formalities here, Lily. Now take off your clothes.”
I was aware of the conflict of my statements—telling her not to bow in one sentence while demanding herobedience in the next—but I suspected she needed that to help ground her a bit.
Given how quickly she reacted, it seemed I was right.
She didn’t hesitate in undressing, even going as far as to fold her garments on the marble counter. Then she moved them to the floor as though they were too dirty for the pristine surface.
I almost corrected her.
But she really wasn’t wrong.
I’d have to find her new clothes to wear here.
Assuming I keep her.
The notion appealed to me more and more with each passing second. It’d be easy to negotiate. And I maintained the status to request it, too.
Although, it would potentially pique Silvano’s interest.
And that would end very badly for Lily.
Decisions, decisions.
