Word Count : 1705

~Millicent

I barely slept all night.

Originally, I had planned on staying up in order to gather my thoughts and prepare for this morning, but instead, I sat in front of my fire, waiting for it to completely consume me. My mind is numb, leaving me with no hope in facing him. I have a point I need to get across, which I can't do when I'm so nervous. He gets into my head, and I don't know how to get him out.

"I drew a bath for you, if you would like to prepare for your meeting," I hear from behind me. The words are accompanied by a bit of streaming light through my windows as Lucy opens my curtains. I wince. How long have I been sitting here?

"Thank you Lucy," I respond hoarsely, stretching my back out. Everything aches. I haven't moved since Sinful left last night. Even my heavy eyelids protest.

Lucy opens the door to my bathroom. It's a prompt.

Glancing over my shoulder, I eye the steaming bath through the doorway, despondent. I'm not sure how Lucy knows about the meeting, but I'm assuming it's due to my current actions. It's not everyday I stay up all night staring into a fire when my mate isn't plaguing my life. She reads me well like that so often, it's almost unnerving.

"You'll do well today, Millicent," Lucy comments warmly, giving me a tight smile. Standing up, I brush past her, moving into the bathroom. She follows me, presumably to ensure I actually get into the bath.

"Well lets just hope darling Sinful actually listens to me," I sigh, slipping my robe off. Lucy holds it for me while I slip into the bath.

"As long as you get what you need," Lucy comments, sprinkling sweet smelling salts into the bath.

I breathe in deeply. "Indeed."

After my bath, I dressed, and allowed Lucy to do my hair. I asked for a style that is simple, effortless, to not give the impression that I care particularly much about Sinful's opinion on my appearance. However, I made sure she did a small amount of makeup though. The last thing I want is for Sinful to notice the dark circles under my eyes that suggest my lack of sleep.

Sinful and I decided to meeting in the dining room. No one really goes in their at this time of the morning, and it gives me time before I'm required to go to the temple for my morning ritual.

And of course, he's already sitting there waiting for me.

I pause in the doorway as I look at him. He sits at the opposite end to where I usually sit. Most of him is concealed behind the table, but from where I stand, I can see the pristine white coat he wears atop a dark purple button up shirt. He looks regal, prepared. At least my expression suggests I'm unfazed by his immaculate appearance.

"You look stunning as usual," he comments, watching me lazily as I slip into my seat.

Thankfully, he sits at the other end of the table, giving me enough space to gather my bearings. I'm approaching this like a business meeting. I'm here to get answers out of him, which if he refuses to supply, I will leave. Then, he will be forced to come to me if he wants anything done.

"Your compliments mean nothing to me," I remind him with a raised eyebrow. He shrugs, smiling loosely. I hate how calm, unfazed he comes across. Nothing I could say can get to him.

"Just attempting to lighten the mood. Remember we are mates, at the end of the day," Sinful comments, to which I have to grit my teeth in order to not reply snarkily. He knows this mate bond doesn't mean anything to me. I know the effects of it when you spend too much time around your mate, which is why I try to avoid him.

I've been around him for a small amount of time and already I feel it.

"First, I think you owe me an explanation as to why you're standing here, undetected by the Moon," I say, clasping my hands together. My tone is business like, and my stare is unrelenting. It's about time he answers some questions, instead of turning them around on me.

I watch him warily, as he pulls out a chair much closer to him, and motions to it. "Why don't you come and sit closer, and we can have a proper discussion."

My throat is dry. "I'm fine here."

"I was simply thinking that our conversation could supply each other better with what we want. Especially since we have a lurker outside who is listening," Sinful comments, glancing toward the door. I know that behind, Lucy wait, probably hearing a lot of our conversation. I could send her away, but she's the only other upper hand I have over Sinful.

This is the one thing I'm going to give to Sinful. As much as I trust Lucy, I want privacy with this too. So, I get up from my seat, and take the one sitting close to him. Immediately, I get hit by that jasmine scent he emits, but I'm not going to let it get to me.

"Now, you wanted to talk to me, so go ahead," he offers, looking at me intently. I want to roll my eyes. After all his dramatics, he's finally handing the floor to me.

"You know what I want to know," I remind him smoothly.

"Ah yes. You want to know how I'm standing here without being tormented by the all powerful being who runs this place," Sinful says, as if it is some kind of joke. As if the Moon isn't at all threatening. "Well, I made a deal with someone important."

My face screws up. It's so typical of Sinful to make a deal. He's a master manipulator; everything he does is for a specific reason. He's quick, and witty and especially convincing. It's all traits that are charismatic and make people fall for him. Innocent people. It's taken me years to come to that conclusion. Now that I'm aware, I'm only slightly more immune to his charms.

"You made a deal with the Moon himself?" I question. The thought of that being the case send a shiver throughout my entire body.

Sinful chuckles. "Not quite. But close."

It hits me immediately. "Kyser."

"Kyser is more powerful than you may think. He's an entirely different breed of immortal creature. But, like any immortal, he has his weakness, which wasn't impossible to exploit," Sinful admits, leaning back in his chair. The success of this has stroked his ego. I can tell.

"What else do you know about him?" I question. I may have only come into contact with Kyser once before throughout this entire time being within the Moon's estate, but already, I know he plays a major role around here. He might be my chance to get more information about the Moon.

Sinful narrows his eyes playfully for a moment." And what good would it do either him or me in telling you about him. I think he wants you to indulge him with your curiosity."

"And you're okay with that?"

I don't particularly care about whether or not he cares, as my mate. I'm sure he has done other acts with other women before, being the Sin of Lust, and although the idea bothers me slightly, it's not something I'll ever approach him about in anger. So I'm curious whether he feels jealous too. I somehow doubt it. He has no reason to be.

"I'm not threatened by Kyser. He knows that you're my mate, and he knows that crossing me isn't in his best interest. So no, I'm not concerned," he comments simply.

Even though he says that, I sense unease.

"So tell me, what does this deal entail?" I questions. I want to get to the point, find out why he is here right now, and I can't even take a letter from Analia and not have severe consequences. Sinful is technically the Moon's offspring, but in some weird magical sense, rather than an actual bond.

"He allows me to roam undetected for a certain amount of time, and I grant him the ability to walk the immortal lands throughout my territory for a few moments of freedom. That way, he's protected from all the people who want to kill him. Including the Moon," Sinful explains.

I can't help but shiver. I know what it feels like to be a servant to the Moon. Maybe Kyser and I have a lot more in common than I first thought.

That doesn't mean I trust him, though.

"So why do you want to be here, then? Do you want to terrorise me to no end?" I question. I'm not sure how much more of his random visits I can handle. Yes, I might need his help to learn more about Kyser and the Moon, but if he appears without invitation, my mind and my body might not be able to handle it.

Sinful takes a moment to consider his reply, but his smile never falters. "I want you to come with me. Kyser can ensure your absence isn't missed for a few days. Come with me, and see the life you've been missing down below."

"How does that benefit me?" I question him.

The thought of leaving this place and exploring the immortal land, which I haven't stood within for many years, sends shivers throughout me. I've always been tempted to explore, but I've never had the opportunity. Once I've completed what I need to, I'll be completely free, anyway.

"I might have some information that you might like. But you have to do something for me, first," Sinful offers, leaning against the table, eyes glinting devilishly. "What do you say?"

Information. It's something I've been searching for for many years. I don't even give myself a second to think.

"Okay. I'll come with you."

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If you're liking the story, head over to Radish, where this book is ten chapters ahead (:

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~Midika 💜🐼