16. Raia
RAIA
THE FOLLOWING EVENING
“Here, have a sip of this. It’ll help calm your nerves.” My hand trembles as I grasp the warm cup of tea in my hands. Lucen is dressed impeccably, as usual.
I take a sip, somehow managing to keep the tremor out of my voice. “Are you going out as well?”
“Just to a meeting for work. I’ll be back before you return.”
I enter my wardrobe, casting my gaze on the myriad of dresses Lucen has gifted me.
Only a few are of my own choosing. I normally prefer to wear slightly more chaste clothing, so as not to draw any unwanted attention.
My initial intention was to wear something as homely as possible, but then my eyes slide to a dress I haven’t yet worn, even though it’s been sitting there for some months.
Something I bought on pure impulse and desire.
The moment I laid eyes on it, I fell in love with the future version of myself that would wear something so bold.
A version of myself that is powerful and confident.
Independent and unencumbered by all that I yearn to change—the societal status my mother wanted for me, the poverty that I grew up in, the shame and guilt I feel for carrying the same blood and magic in my veins as my father, this newfound crippling dependence on Lucen, the mourning and grief of those I loved.
No, the female who wears a dress like this has shed all of that like a snake does old, too-tight skin.
The dress is stunning.
Even more salacious.
And the burning resentment inside me has me feeling bold.
If Lucen is going to whore me out to his clients, then I may as well dress the part. At least I can choose this one simple thing.
I will the dress on and turn to look in the wardrobe mirror.
It’s as breathtaking as it was when I first tried it on, but the person wearing it is a stranger.
Black silk spills neatly over my ample curves to graze the floor. Twin, waist-high slits split the fabric into panels at the base of my ribs, and a low, cowled neckline teases at my generous cleavage.
My hands tremble. I shake them out, reaching once more to take another gulp of the musky, floral tea before exiting the closet to face Lucen. His jaw drops the moment I appear in the doorframe before quickly snapping shut. Jealousy burns his gaze.
“I see you’re embracing your role.”
My confidence begins to crumble, but I force my chin high.
“Did he tell you what he has planned?”
Lucen hesitates for a few moments, gaze still raking over me as his jaw clenches.
“Dinner at a private club. Anonymous is the name. It’s exclusive and high-end.”
“And then he’s going to bring me back to you?”
My gut churns, telling me I don’t want to know the answer, and soon my eyes begin to burn. My alabaster cheeks redden.
Lucen’s gaze softens before he closes the distance between us to stroke my hair—a gesture that I no longer find soothing, but that I try to desperately ground myself in, regardless.
“You’ll be back home in my arms before you know it, sweetling.”
He leans in close, pressing his lips to mine.
“It’s you and me always. Remember?”