A TALE OF DARK LUST

4

An interesting chapter for you all. 

ISABELLE'S POV

I enter the harem and I am surprised to see it. I loom from one corner to another. My eyes move toward every single part of it. It is beautifully decorated. It looks like a place from heaven. The addition of candles and rose petals is just adding beauty to it. I have never seen a harem decorated beautifully like this. At festivals, it used to be decorated but not like this. These decorations themselves seem to be from heaven. Different types and colors of flowers are hanging on the walls. Every color of the rainbow is present here.

I know all these decorations are only because of the king's arrival but why have they decorated this place? It is not like the king will straightly come here after coming to the palace. It seems like there is going to be a huge party here. This makes me think, is there really going to be a party here? Will the king attend?

I look around me. All the other slaves and maids are busy with the work. Some are decorating the area with flowers while some are arranging the things. Where are Ivy and Elise? Unlike me, they are allowed to roam in the palace because they have to do the chores. There is no prohibition on them if they want to leave the harem. They have told me numerous times about what the other parts of the palace look like. From what they told me; I can imagine that it is nothing less than magnificent.

My eyes fall on Ivy. She is standing with Lillian. I was going towards them but stopped when I noticed Ivy's expressions. Ivy's head is bowed and her eyes are cast downwards. Lillian's anger is visible on her face. It is evident that Lillian is scolding Ivy for something. From Ivy's face, it seems like she will cry at any moment. Why is Lillian angry?

I decided to check myself and move toward them. Why is Lillian scolding Ivy? It is not like Ivy is an irresponsible girl. She does every work with perfection that's why I don't see any reason for Lillian to be angry at her. When Lillian's eyes fall on me and she sees me approaching her she becomes quiet. This all looks weird to me. Why would Lillian become quiet after seeing me?

"Ivy, are you ok?" I ask Ivy when I am standing close to them. Ivy looks at me with her sad face. Her face is red. I wonder if she is fine? Is she sick?

"Yes, yes. I am fine". These words quickly rush out of her mouth. It seems like she is hiding something from me but what could she be hiding? What is the need for her to hide anything from me? I am her friend and if she shares everything with me then why would she hide anything from me.

"Isabelle, what are you doing out of your room?" Lillian asks me with a rude tone. Her rude voice is enough for me to come back from my thoughts. I look at her confused. Why is she asking me this question? As far as I remember, I was allowed to leave my room whenever I wanted. I don't remember her telling me that I should not leave my room. She never misses a chance to show me anger.

"I was feeling lonely in my room so I decided to come here". I told her. Upon hearing my answer an angry expression takes power on her face. Did I say anything wrong?

"Well then go back to your room. You are not allowed to leave your room". Lillian orders angrily. I am now more confused. Why should I go back? Why am I not allowed to leave my room? It is not like there are chances of me running from here. Sometimes I don't understand the rules here. They change with Lillian's mood.

"Why?... I mean why am I not allowed to leave my room?" I ask Lillian. I am not understanding anything. I am hearing danger bells in my ears.

"Because I ordered this. Go back to your room this moment Isabelle". The moment Lillian spoke in her angry voice, I knew that it is now time for me to stop asking her questions and to obey her. I nod and turn back towards my room.