Chapter 11 : The Devil’s Bargain
Cassian's legs felt like they could give out at any moment. The prince's words are repeated in his mind at an alarming rate, he was almost crushed by the weight of his words.
He couldn't tell if this was some twisted form of punishment or if the young man was offering him a favor disguised as a curse. Whatever the case, the outcome did not appear to be in his favor.
Damn it! Cassian cursed inwardly, feeling as though he had just walked straight into the lair of a demon—a demon who was smiling wickedly, extending his hand as if to say, Come, take my hand, and let's see how far you can walk.
He wanted to flee from this place and escape the intensity of the young man's gaze, but the reality was a cold slap on his face as he knew the truth of his situation. Rejecting a nobleman was not an option for him, who is a mere commoner.
The stories he had heard about those who crossed the nobles were enough to chill him to the bone. He could only imagine what might happen if he dared to refuse him outright. The thought of never seeing the sun rise again sent shivers down his spine.
Dorian watched Cassian closely, the boy's face was changing color rapidly with different emotions—pale with fear one moment, flushed with embarrassment the next. Was it anger or something else?
Dorian couldn't tell exactly, but he found it all immensely entertaining. Cassian's discomfort was like fuel to the fire within him, it made the urge in him to tease Cassian all the more irresistible.
"Don't even think about saying no," Dorian said with a low voice, but for Cassian, it almost sounded like a growl.
Dorian's expression turned stern, his eyes narrowing dangerously at Cassian. "You really don't want to know what happens to those who try to defy me, Cassian. Believe me, you wouldn't like it."
Cassian's heart pounded in his chest, he could hear his own heart beating like a drum. The young man's warning was clear—this was not a request, but an order. He swallowed hard while shaking his head.
"No, no, I would never—how could I possibly reject such a... gentleman as yourself?" Cassian stammered his voice trembling slightly. He forced a weak smile wanting to mask his fear with an air of deference. "I'm just... confused. How could someone like me, a commoner, possibly be of service to you when you have trained servants waiting at your beck and call?"
He prayed silently that this line of reasoning would satisfy the prince, allowing him to escape this uncomfortable situation. Cassian knew he was walking a tightrope, hoping that by downplaying his importance, he might be dismissed as insignificant. After all, who would bother with a lowly servant when there were dozens more ready and waiting to serve?