The Taste of Seduction

A lavender moon shone brightly in the night, illuminating the lake. Stars spatter the dark night sky. A warm breeze whisked her disarrayed hair from her eyes.

Enchanted by the pastoral beauty, she had momentarily forgotten that she had been transported to another world.

"This is so beautiful," Meredith muttered in a daze.

"Welcome to the city of Arkaan, princess." Elvin whispered, breaking her from her trance.

Meredith glanced at Elvin and noticed he was kneeling on one knee with his head bowed and right hand on his chest.

Meredith flushed in embarrassment.

"Ahwhy are you kneeling?" She whispered a bit nervously.

"This is how knights show their respect, my lady. Now that you\'re at Arkaan. You should get used to it."

"Oh.you may rise?" Meredith uttered with uncertainty. She wasn\'t sure what to say but based on the basic knowledge she had from watching movies and reading she knew this is what they said.

"Thank you, my lady."

Elvin stood up, " I know you have lots of questions and I will answer all of them over dinner after we have taken a bath and rested for a while.

We will rest here tonight, then tomorrow I will take you to the palace."

Meredith bit her lips as her brows furrowed into a frown. Was she ready to spend the night with a stranger in the middle of nowhere?

"Don\'t worry my lady, I will protect you with my life and will never hurt you. I promised your parents I will take care of you for the rest of my life."

Elvin assured her as if he could read her thoughts.

Meredith gave a hesitant nod, "Alright."

"Here, follow me."

He took her deeper into the lush forest and there was nothing but forest surrounding them.

Trees plunged into the dimming sky, the canopies softly swaying in the breeze. Tangles of vines, roots and varying plants littered the ground. There was no sign of civilization in sight.

Meredith glanced around, nerves fluttering in her belly.

They stopped in front of a big oak tree. Elvin removed a crystal from his pouch and placed it in the middle of the tree.

Just as she was about to open her mouth to ask him what he was doing, something amazing happened.

A light breeze blew them as invisible walls before them began to disappear slowly.

Meredith watched in disbelief as the mirror like

walls disappeared, revealing a huge Victorian manor.

The manor nestled against the gentle curve

of a hill not far from a picturesque lake.

Beautiful lawns and gardens in full bloom surrounded it, and everywhere she looked, statue fountains and reflecting pools sparkled in the dark.

"Here is a secret hideout for the royal family. No one knows about it apart from me and your parents.

I got a family of servants to take care of it but they don\'t even know how to get here. I blindfolded them through the journey here. So rest assured you\'re safe for the night here."

Elvin said as the vast arched doors to the manor swung open as they approached.

An older, brunette woman with piercing brown hair was waiting for them.

As they approached closer, Meredith marveled at her beauty.

It seems everyone in the city of Arkaans was beautiful. Then if she was her parents daughter then why was she so plain? Based on the memories she had seen her parents possessed an unworldly beauty. But why her-

"Master, you\'re back." The woman bowed at Elvin before her gaze fell on Meredith. She stiffened and raised her brows in question.

"Who is thismaster?" She asked, surprised that the master was bringing someone here for the first time.

She and her family had taken care of this manor for years now never leaving and not a single soul apart from her master has visited them.

"She is my visitor for the night. Please take care of her."

"Oh..alright. Welcome, my lady." The woman bowed slightly.

"Mom..is the master back?" An excited feminine voice sounded as footsteps hurried towards them.

A young woman appeared behind the older woman. Her long black hair was flowing down her back.

Her slender face was almost white expect for a slight tinge of pink in her cheeks causing her to look cute.Her plump lips were the reddest she has ever seen. If Meredith had to envisioned Snow White she would be the perfect example.

The girl\'s beauty was so pure and innocent even Meredith couldn\'t stop looking at her.

The girl\'s wide smile morphed into a frown when she saw Meredith.

She bit her lips and gazed at Elvin.

"Masterwho is this?" Her voice shook slightly but Meredith noticed it. It seems the poor girl liked Elvin.

She turned to look at Elvin and noticed the affection shimmering in his eyes as he looked at the girl in a daze.

"I\'m Meredith. Elvin\'s."

Meredith purposely paused waiting to see their reaction.

"E-Elvin\'seh I mean master.sorry masterI didn\'t mean to. I-I-"

She put a hand over her mouth as if she could take the words back while the bitter flower of shame reddened her cheeks.

Meredith chuckled at her flustered look. She was so cute.

"She is my visitor and will be staying for the night. Help her take a bath and find comfortable clothes for her. "

Elvin ordered. His voice laced with tiredness.

"Alright master." Both mother and daughter bowed as Elvin entered the house with Meredith following behind him.

"Take a bath, we will talk over dinner." Elvin said to Meredith.

Meredith nodded, "Alright."

Then Elvin left her alone with the girl who was looking at her curiously.

"You\'re not from here are you?"

Meredith turned around when she heard her.

Her lips curled into a soft smile.

"Why do you say that?" Meredith asked, curious about what she would say.

The girl shrugged. "You\'re different."

"Different?" Meredith raised her brows in question.

"Yes you\'re-"

"Bella, stop disturbing the lady. She must be tired and hungry." The older woman scolded her daughter.

"Come my lady. Let me show you to your room. You can freshen up while I serve dinner."

"Thank you." Meredith said warmly.

"Welcome my lady. It\'s our first time to get a visitor so please make yourself at home.. Dinner will be delivered soon."