Chapter 4

The purr of the engine brings my attention to the car moving forward, away from the pet store. Streets pass by, and the thoughts of escaping vanish. Instead, I am trapped with strong arms wrapped around me as Prince Alekai’s lips roam from my neck down to my collar bone, the enhancement drugs causing my body to slowly heat up with this erotic action. A small moan escapes my lips when the Prince bites me gently, a chuckle being his response.

“I am not one for enhancement drugs, but I do enjoy the benefits they bring,” he whispers into my ear, one of his hands freeing my breast from the skimpy top, the other moving to draw slow circles on my stomach. The Prince continues his ministrations, lips kissing any free skin while both his hands find their way to groping me, fingers pinching the hard buds that are my nipples.

“P-please stop,” I stutter out in a whimper, squeezing my legs tight, trying to stop the ache from building.

“Sorry, Little Songbird, but if I stop, I won't be satisfied, and I’ll end up doing more.” Prince Alekai answers, his voice husky. Lips replace fingers as his mouth descends upon my breast, rolling the hard bud between his teeth and sending shocks of pleasure coursing through me. His free hand is pushed between my legs, where the tips of his fingers find the wet material that barely blocks my entrance from his exploration. My mind is hazy with the pleasure his lips and hands bring, Prince Alekai changing from biting my hard nipple to sucking on it, the feeling of liquid flowing out as the milk produced is suckled and drank by him. Strong fingers tear away the material guarding my wet pussy before being pushed deep inside me, massaging my insides as a low sensual moan escapes me. All sense of time leaves me, the pleasure building inside with each stroke of these fingers, my juices seeping out. My hips involuntarily grind against him, my mind focused on only the pleasure and relief I seek to the pressure that keeps building, as the sounds of my moans and Prince Alekai suckling from my breasts fill the limousine. The speed of the fingers inside me increases, causing me to cry out as my walls twitch and squeeze, relief of orgasm crashing down around my hazy mind. Taking deep breaths, I finally break through the haze that consumed me to find myself laying on my back. Prince Alekai is above me, licking his fingers clean from my cum as he grinds into me, his pants the only thing separating his hard bulge from taking my virginity as the car comes to a stop.

“Guess I’ll have to wait for tonight to take every inch of you.” He chuckles with a grin on his face. I go to move, but the Prince is too fast as I find my hands pinned above me with his lips, still holding the tase of my cum and breast milk, claiming mine. His tongue invades my mouth while he continues to grind against me, the pressure building once again and turning my mind into a hazy mush. Still, I pray that something makes this stop as I want to find some way away from the man above me, my body feeling used and dirty from the way the Maid at the Pet Shop and Prince Alekai has touched me. Then, as if answering my prayers, a knock on the window snaps the Prince away from me, bringing me some relief while I distance myself from him and rearrange the skimpy clothes to cover myself as best as possible. He chuckles at my movements, shaking his head at me as I glare back at Prince Alekai before the door is opened, and I am left alone to my thoughts as Prince Alekai leaves the limousine. I was kidnapped and turned into a slave—a sex slave. I was bought by the Prince of this nation. And if I stay here with no chance of escape, I will lose my virginity quickly to a man that only sees me as his property and nothing else. What I need to do now is escape, and soon.

“Miss Lyra?” I jump, hearing a light musical voice from outside the vehicle before a face greets me with a warm smile.

“Hello. His Highness would like for you to come with me and have you prepared for later tonight.” Dread settles into me as I take in the appearance of the young woman before me. Her chestnut-coloured hair is pristinely pulled on top of her head and styled into a neat bun. Her gaze is warm as she smiles at me, the wind ruffling her black and white uniform that she pushes down to keep from riding up. What finally clues me into her position here in the palace is the apron tied around her waist. I had seen this familiar uniform many times in Aime’s studio, with her father and her supplying the uniforms for the Royal Palace workers. She was one of the maids that worked here and, if I am correct, is assigned to Prince Alekai’s wing.

“How do you know my name?” I ask wearily, refusing to move from my position in the limousine as the Maid and I stare at each other.

“The driver called ahead of time when the Prince purchased you. Everything you need is already assembled and waiting in the Prince’s chambers where you will stay.”

“How can that be when you don’t know my size or-“

“We know everything about you, Miss Lyra, from the bra size you wear to your medical history.” My face blanches at her statement, and I take a deep breath. My privacy is gone, and so is my life at this point. But the chance of escape still had hope simmering inside me.

"Now, if you will get out, I will take you to the Prince's room." Her words left no room for an argument. To this Maid, I was a pet, a person meant to comfort my owner. I am not a human being anymore in the eyes of the law and could be treated like a dog led on a leash. I did not want to be led away from the safety of the limousine just to be the Prince's plaything but I had no choice but to obey this Maid. Refusal would most likely lead to punishment. With a sigh, I slide closer to the door watching the Maid back away to the side and allowing me to exit. The view before me as I stood, as I stretched my cramped muscles from being confined and played with by Prince Alekai, took my breath away. The Palace, a five-story white brick building with ivy growing along some crevices, looked like a place out of a fairytale. Around the palace were impeccable gardens with fountains full of crystal clear water.

Turning to look back at the limousine, I realize that other than the Maid and the Driver climbing back into the vehicle and myself, no one else is around. This sparks a tiny bit of hope as I take this chance to run, my body moving on its own down the elaborate driveway, hoping to find my freedom. But my escape is short-lived as guards appear out of nowhere, surrounding me with no room to maneuver around them.

“Miss Lyra, please understand that we cannot let you leave. You are the Prince’s property, making you a royal pet. If you were to escape or be injured under our watch, we would be heavily punished.” The Maid appears behind me, her face an emotionless mask as I turn to face her. At this moment, I realize that I am condemned to the fate of a pet. I have to give up any hope of escape now as the guards surrounding me would stop any movement I make by force. With no choice in my own life anymore and shoulders slumping in defeat, the guards take this as their cue to guide me back towards the Palace entrance, the Maid placing a hand on the small of my back, probably to grab me the moment I try to make another futile escape.

“Thank you, gentlemen, but I think I can handle the Prince’s pet from here.” Once inside the Palace entrance, the grand doors are shut, and I am left to stare at what will be my new home. Unfortunately for me, the Palace would be more like a prison for many years to come.

“Miss Lyra, I know you are not here on your own accord, and I am sorry, but orders are orders for me. I am Elisa, the maid responsible for ensuring you are safe and well-groomed. To the people working and living inside the Palace, I am your handler. But hopefully, you can count on me as a friend.” I just nod at Elisa as she explains her role and what is expected of me as a pet, unable to enjoy the beauty of the Palace interior while she takes my arms and leads me up the grand staircase.

“As you know, the Prince has yet to choose a Princess consort. As such, the King recommended he get himself a companion from the pet store. It was a way to ensure that if the Prince owned the companion, then the Royal family would not have to deal with a scandal on their hands. This is why you are here.” Elisa continues to talk endlessly, filling the quiet ascent with rules and regulations within the Palace: how a pet is supposed to act during Royal Balls and Formal Events, how a pet is required to dress, where a pet is allowed and forbidden. Rules will be the shackle to said prison. After climbing three floors, my legs were beginning to feel heavy, and I was happy when Elisa led me towards the right corridor instead of turning to climb the fourth set of stairs.

“Stand still.” She orders me, and I comply. A gold chain is slipped around my neck, tight enough that I cannot pull it over my head to take it off but loose enough to slip two fingers between the chain and my neck. A single gold chain is attached to the main one with a charm dangling from it. I wasn’t stupid and realized that the charm was the royal crest but altered with two wolves on either side of the crest. This was a collar to match the shackling rules and further my status as a pet.

“This is the Prince’s crest, and this necklace is only removable with his thumbprint. You are free to roam the Palace grounds, and this chain not only keeps you from leaving without the Prince by your side but also lets others know who you belong to.” Elisa pauses her speech as I absorb her information. I could explore the Palace without repercussions on my own but would be trapped inside without any escape. This collar is designed in a way it could not be tampered with and I had a feeling that there is more to it.

“You are allowed outside of the Palace with his Highness, but understand that if you leave his side for more than a ten-meter radius, you will be injected with a drug that will render you weak and possibly immobile while the GPS tracker alerts someone to your position so that you can be collected.” She continues before motioning me to follow her.

“This floor belongs to the Prince, and it is where you will live. You are to be in the bedroom by nine o’clock each night, but other than that, you are free to do as you please unless the Prince gives you an order.” Lead to a massive double oak doorway, two Guards on either side open the entrance, revealing a large, brightly lit sitting room. A massive flat-screen television is mounted on the wall opposite the door above a stone fireplace, a fire already roaring and warming up the room. Plush black sofas look enticing, and the thought of sitting on them crosses my mind. The final touch to this room is a small kitchenette off the side with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in the sunlight. Without a chance to explore the first room, Elisa takes my hand, pulling me with her towards another set of double doors opened and waiting for us to step through while the guards close the first set. This time I am greeted by the sight of a large bedroom, a king-size canopy bed with a red and gold covering and a mountain of plush pillows waiting for me. I swallow hard, knowing that this will soon be the bed I share with Prince Alekai. Again, the room has floor-to-ceiling glass windows with another wall full of built-in bookshelves split in half by a large tapestry with the same crest on my necklace and a few armchairs placed in front of the beautiful tapestry. This will be a perfect reading nook to relax with a good book full of natural light. If the foreshadowing of my impending virginity loss wasn’t dampening my mood, I would have been excited to have a room like this.

“There’s more to this room, Miss Lyra.” Elisa smiles, beckoning me to follow her, which, unfortunately, I have to no matter what. Leading me across the room towards another set of double doors, Elisa smiles mischievously at me, motioning me to take the lead.

“I think this might be your favourite part of the living quarters, Miss Lyra.” Frowning at her secrecy, I cautiously step towards the doors, grasping each handle and pausing to say a silent prayer hoping for protection. Finally, with a push, the doors open, revealing a bright room. Once again, the windows are floor to ceiling, contributing to the bright space. But what is most shocking is that this is a large bathroom designed as a spa. Cream curtains are pulled back to allow the light to filter into the room, matching the cream walls that give the bathroom a warm and relaxing feel. A large shower sits in the far-right corner, made out of black marble with the glass sparkling as if translucent. One would have to look closely, or else they could walk into the glass walls. On the left side of the room sits a vanity with his and hers sink combination, the wall a mirror to allow one to get ready easily, and beside that is a shelf that holds every last form of bath product from bath salts to bubble baths and everything in between. The most magnificent piece though is the large black marble infinity bathtub that sits in the center of the room closest to the windows. Steam rises into the air as the water continues to flow, creating a surreal effect as the scent of roses and mint fills the air. I yearned to soak away the disgusting feeling of the Slave Market and the stress accumulated this morning, wanting nothing more to fade into the water and hopefully come up in my own home as if this was all a bad dream. But the cool chain around my neck reminds me this is reality.

“It’s time for you to bathe Miss Lyra. After that, the prep team will be here to prep your body.” Elisa states, leading me towards the infinity tub and helping me undress. She bids me goodbye, stating she would be back within two hours after the beauty specialists have helped me scrub the grime away and freshen me up, allowing me some form of privacy for a moment. I climb into the tub, realizing there is enough space for three people and sigh. I have a feeling the Prince would want to enjoy some quality time in here. The hot, scented water does wonders in helping my muscles relax, my body feeling like it is melting away as I submerge myself underneath for a few seconds, letting my mind go blank while I slowly accept reality. This is my fate. No longer was I a culinary student studying to better my life. I was a pet, owned for my master's pleasure. I could either accept the role and the luxuries that come with it or die trying to escape. An idea pops into my mind, and I surface from the water, lean back against the tub and smile as I look out the window. I could accept the luxuries of my stay while looking for a way to escape. Why waste an opportunity of pampering, as I have a feeling I would be stuck here for a while until I can regain my freedom.

Sometime later, three ladies dressed in a light blue uniform stroll into the bathroom, each pushing some form of cart and readying the equipment quietly to the side. I watch curiously, wondering what their plans are as I realize these ladies are the prep team. Finally, two finish their current job and come toward me with friendly smiles.

“Hello, Miss Lyra. We are here to help you bathe and prep your body.” The first one speaks. She is short, maybe five-foot-three inches, with curly red hair contained as best as it can be in a messy bun. Her tanned skin matches her curly red hair and bright green-friendly eyes beautifully, and I smile back at her.

“I won't be difficult since it's your job,” I reply, giving them permission to do what they must do. The second lady sighs as if in relief, most likely worried I would throw a fit and make things difficult for them. But being from a damaged home and poverty, I understood their fears better than anyone else. The second lady is a curvy woman with braided black hair and dark, almost chocolate-coloured skin. She is of rare African American descent and carries her heritage proudly, from what I can tell. The war really took a toll on the human population, and many cultures were lost. It is refreshing to see this woman working happily, and with her skin glowing beautifully in the sunlight, I just know I am in capable hands. She turns and walks to the shelves, picking and choosing from the products. She returns, and the two get to work, helping me to scrub my body clean and being careful not to touch any sensitive spots that would cause a reaction due to the stupid drugs the Pet Store injected into me.

Their hands were gentle yet firm as they helped ease even more tension from my body. I felt like a princess in the moment, letting my body relax in their care as the grimy feeling from this morning washed away. Once declared fully clean by the ladies, the two help me out of the tub and help me dry off, both complimenting me on my hair and body, while the third woman fiddles with more equipment and prepares a massage bed where I am finally led to and asked to lie down.

“The next process may hurt Miss Lyra. Please bear with it for now.” The redhead warns, giving me a sympathetic look before a table is rolled towards me, and the unmistakable smell of wax reaches my nose. I understand what is next as Aime loved getting her eyebrows waxed, and if the warning is true, I am not going to like the next phase. As if on cue, the ladies begin to spread wax onto every part of my body, apologizing along the way as I cry out in pain. Tears flow freely from my eyes as the experience is something I never thought would happen.

“We are almost done, Hun. The last part, unfortunately, will be the most painful.” I just nod, asking for a moment to ready myself as they clean up the current mess and prepare for what I learned is a bikini wax, one that left me very sore. All hair was gone, except for my now perfectly sculpted eyebrows and soon-to-be styled and cut hair.

“Now is the best part, Miss Lyra. Just close your eyes and relax.” The third woman says with a musical lilt to her voice. Before I know it, the ladies smooth warm oil onto the sore parts of my body where the wax has removed any hair. The massage slowly soothes my aches as the scented oils calm my mind. Before I know it, I find myself dozing off to sleep.