Chapter Two

"One more." He added with his eyes still on me.

"Take her into the palace, put the virgin label on her." He instructed. My eyes widened in shock.

"No!" I immediately covered my mouth in fear. I didn't intend to say that loudly for him and everyone to hear. Murmurings followed immediately, I know it was too late. I might get in trouble for that.

Everyone looked shocked, the maiden ceremony was considered a joyous ceremony. Me saying No was like refusing the king.

"Are you refusing the king's orders?" Nikolai asked, he looked kind of amused.

"What is wrong with her?"

"She should be greatful to the king."

"I will do anything to be in her position, who does she think she is to reject the offer. So proud. Woe unto her."

I could clearly hear the words of other maidens, crucifying me with their words.

"I am sorry master. I didn't mean it that way." I whispered, trying not to tremble. I was really scared and it seems unbelievable that I was chosen. I wish I could just wake up and discover it is a dream.

"Take her into the palace and keep your eyes on her." Nikolai ordered the palace guard.

I was taken into the palace, my heart became heavy as I gave a finally look at the back. This was it, I have been chosen. The king owns me, my body, mind and soul and he is going to do to me as he pleases starting from today.

I was led straight into the chambers where other chosen maidens were in, it was a large room with huge sofas. About ten guards were in the room. The happy faces of the chosen maidens was getting on my nerves, finally they got what they all wanted. The king was no where in sight, it's not like I know what he looks like. None of us has seen the king before, I doubt if any of the chosen maidens has seen him either.

I stepped in fully into the room, looking for a spot to stay before the next agenda.

"Look who is here, I never imagined you will get chosen." Lola teased.

"The king won't even spare you a glance." She mocked, scoffing loudly. I wanted to tell her I don't mind, being noticed by the King is what I am going to avoid at all costs. I know I have to start treading carefully and I am fully ready for that.

"Why do you say so?" One of the other chosen maidens asked her.

"She is beautiful, and I love her long hair. It's shinning." The maiden said, checking me out.

"She is surely going to get noticed by the King. I heard the King's mother has a long black hair too." She whispered. I don't know if I should be angry at the maid for making such predictions or not. Of course she was speaking in my favor. But I don't like that one bit. I really don't want to be noticed by the King.

Suddenly the door of the chambers opened widely and Nikolai stepped in with some palace maids followed behind him. The room suddenly became quiet. It was like everyone knew they had to be quite. Even a pin drop could be heard.

Nikolai cleared his throat loudly.

"Welcome to the palace maidens, you are now officially the King's women. He owns you all and you are to be at his beckon. His commands are for you to obey. Every command and instructions given by the King must be followed."

"Beware! There are punishments for those who disobey the king's orders. Brutal punishments, you can be flogged in the market square, beheaded or locked up in the dungeon."

I sank my teeth into my lips as I paid attention to everything being said. How I wish I could turn back the hands of time, I was so close to being free from this. Why did I have to get chosen by the King.

"The palace maids are going to help in cleaning you up, and you will be given rooms to stay. You will be trained on how to attend to the king."

"Warning: You all have to be focused on the teachings. You will be meeting the king once you are done with the trainings."

"Now, we are going to the wash room. Where you will all be cleaned up."

"Maid Bella." He suddenly barked out.

"Yes, master." The maid replied

"Lead the way," He instructed.

"Follow me," she said and began to walk out of the room. We all followed her, none of the palace guards followed us, but the other palace maids followed behind us. I have no idea why Nikolai was following us, like he said we were going for a wash. But why was he following us. I noticed I was not the only one who noticed he was following us. I could hear other chosen maidens giggling and discussing. I scoffed at their dumbness. I know Nikolai was good looking, fit and strong. His long dreadlocks were neat and almost reaching his waist. And there was something about his eyes, when he stares at you, it is like he is looking straight into your soul. There was once a rumour that he was related to the king, but the rumour was never confirmed has being true.

We kept on walking through the palace hallway, guards were lined up in different sections of the hallways. The palace maids were all over the palace, getting things done. Suddenly, we stepped into a room with a extremely huge door. The maid, Bella, opened the door, only to reveal a huge washroom with bathtubs filled with rose water, scented oils and scented candles, some maids were already waiting to serve each one of us.

"Now, you can all strip and get into the bathtub. The maids here will wash you." She said with a sweet innocent smile on her face. I stared at the washroom with gaped mouth. I heard the door to the bathroom close loudly, and I immediately turned around, just in time to see Nikolai watching us all carefully with his hands behind his back.

Everyone of us stared at him with unbelieve.

"Strip!" He commanded, everyone else obeyed, except me who is still looking confused. Are we expected to undress infront of him while he watches us. I didn't strip, because I know no one is meant to see my nakedness except from the king who owns me.

The maid that was supposed to attend to me came closer to me and whispered.

"You will get into trouble if you don't undress."

I rolled my eyes, then he noticed I was the only one dressed.

"What is the problem?" He suddenly asked.

"The maiden here as refused to undress." The maid said, bowing her head.

"Is that true?" Nikolai asked, walking towards me.

"Seems like you are going to be giving the king a hard time, well he is going to have a great time taming you." He added, lifting up my chin.

"And if the King doesn't want you. I will have you to myself." He whispered for me alone to hear.

He fisted his hands on my dress and was about to rip it off. I could hear the tearing sounds.