Sold to a Hybrid Prince

Chapter 10

XYLA

I sighed. My happiness didn't last too long. I was stupid to even hope it would. 

I stood outside the door, contemplating whether to knock or just walk in. I wasn't looking forward to being alone with Allister right now. He was definitely mad, or he wouldn't have called me back inside. 

In any case, I had to face the consequences of disobeying my supposed owner. 

I clenched my jaw, before taking a deep breath and raising my fist to knock. But before I could, the door opened, making me gasp and shrink back. 

Yeah. He was upset. 

His lips were pressed into a thin line, and his eyes were dangerously narrowed. 

Allister gave me a hard look, before wordlessly gesturing at me to enter. I gulped, obliging to his silent command, and flinched when the door slammed shut behind me. 

He stepped in front of me, and I lowered my gaze to show guilt and submission. Even though I wasn't regretting my actions one bit. 

It wasn't like I had committed a crime. 

"What did I tell you when you were leaving?" His tone was stern. 

"You told me to mind my own business," I said quietly. 

"And what did you do?" 

"I minded my own business."

I felt him tense up at my response, and withheld the urge to step back. 

I felt the need to elaborate before he'd decide to slap me for what he'd think was lying. 

"I really did. I was just looking at the flowers. The slaves saw me and one of them walked over. I only answered his questions."

"Wow." He stepped closer to me. "And who said you could do that?" 

"You didn't precisely tell me not to," I muttered. 

I don't know why I was talking back. Or how I got the courage to. I guess his usual calm demeanor towards me was actually spoiling me. 

"I also didn't precisely tell you not to shake his hand. Why did you hold back on that? You should've given him a hug!" he snapped sarcastically. 

I gulped, before looking up and meeting his gaze. "Okay."

His jaw clenched and he took a threatening step closer to me, making me squeak out and back away. 

"I'm sorry!" I said frantically, staring at him with wide eyes. "I--I didn't take his hand because I don't like physical contact with people that I don't trust."

His gaze softened a little, eyebrows furrowing. 

"What?" 

"I don’t like when… someone touches me. Men, specifically," I muttered, biting my lip. 

"Even if it isn’t inappropriate?" 

I shook my head. 

"Why not?" 

My teeth dug deeper into my lip, as I lowered my gaze. 

"Xyla?" He took a step closer, making me back away again. 

"I... I was--"

"Stop," he cut me off. 

I met his gaze, realizing mine was blurred with tears. He held a frown on his face, the previous anger completely absent. 

"It’s okay. You don't have to tell me, I’m sorry for pushing you," he said softly, his eyes gentle. "But whatever happened to you, it's over now. No one is going to hurt you again, alright? Not on my watch."

I stared at him dumbfounded, my mouth parting in surprise at his words. 

What on earth was he talking about? What did he even mean by that? 

No one except him would hurt me? 

"Since this was your first mistake, I'll let it slide. But you're not going down to the gardens, not for another two days. And the few rules that I've set out for you, aren't to show you who's boss. They're for your own safety and well-being. This castle isn't an ideal home for humans, and I don't want you getting hurt. Is that clear?" 

I blinked a couple of times, before nodding. 

Wow. He grounded me. 

But only for two days. And for someone who had spent six years like that, it wasn't the slightest big deal. Honestly, I had thought the garden was a one time thing. He apparently planned to allow me regularly. 

That was... surprising, and relieving. 

"Why are you smiling at your punishment?" he asked, his eyes narrowed. 

Mine widened. "I'm not. I... I thought I was going to get hurt when you called me back."

"Oh you were," he replied, sending an instant shiver through me. "But then I realized that I could let you off with a warning. I'm sure you're smart enough to know what would happen if you'd do it again."

My eyebrows furrowed. "I am," I promised. "Th--Thank you. For not hurting me."

"I don't think I could bring myself to do it even if I wanted to." And with that, he left the room. 

ALLISTER

Really? Did I really just say that to her? What was I hoping to achieve by such statements? Making her comfortable, or disobedient? 

My previous pet had been far more cooperative than her. Her name was Jiya, and her blood was amazing. She was also very obedient, respectful, and not-clumsy. Unlike this one. Who was always messing things up and not even realizing it. 

This morning she had left the tap slightly open, and water was dripping into the sink for almost an hour until I got back to the room. And she didn't even realize what she had done. 

Even then, I let her go to the gardens, and then she went on and spoke to a slave. Why would she do that, knowing that I had forbidden it? Was she stupid, or she just didn't care? 

Maybe I had been too lenient. 

Yes, definitely. If my father found out the way I was treating her, he would throw a fit before going into one himself. Nevertheless, being the Crown Prince I had s**t to take care of, and my pet wasn't supposed to be one of them. She was supposed to serve me, not the other way round. 

The guards stationed outside Nora's door opened it for me, bowing their heads in respect. I ignored them and walked in, to catch my sister in bed with her pet. He had his arms wrapped around her, and she was fast asleep on his chest. 

I raised an eyebrow at them, mentally scoffing. 

What the hell was she doing? How could she allow her pet to sleep in the same bed as her? 

Was that even acceptable? 

"Nora!" I yelled, causing their eyes to shoot open and widen considerably. 

Her pet rolled off the bed, falling to the ground on his butt, while Nora quickly sat up, pulling the comforter to her chest. 

"Dude, what the hell is wrong with you?" she said in disbelief, staring at me with wide eyes. 

"What was he doing in your bed, Nora? If Mom or Dad were to see you, you have any idea what could have happened?"

She let out an exasperated sigh, before finally climbing off, running her hands through her hair. 

She was a splitting image of our mother, with light brown hair and matching eyes. Our other sister, Hela, and I had taken over our father, with golden eyes and darker hair. Nora looked almost adopted next to us. 

"He's my pet, Alli. I decide what to do with him," she said nonchalantly.

"Yes, but having him in your bed is weird."

"No, it's not."

"Yes, it is."

"No, it--wait, why were you here?" she asked, walking closer to me. "You need anything from me?" 

Right. That. 

"Yeah. I... I needed your help with something."

"What is it?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. 

I looked away from her, thinking of the best way to say it. 

"Come on, Alli. You're acting like I'm Hela. Just say it."

"I think my pet needs new clothes. Jiya's clothes are clearly too big for her, and I have a feeling she may be uncomfortable in them," I muttered. 

Her eyebrows shot up, a smirk taking over her features. "You want me to take her shopping?" 

"No, not take her. I just want you to get some stuff yourself, as soon as you can. I’ll give you something that does fit her.”

"Hmm... Someone was giving me s**t for treating my pet nicely, and here you are, shopping for yours."

"It's a necessity," I clarified. "It's not like she's sleeping in my bed."

"She showers in your washroom."

"How do you know that?"

"People talk, Allister, walls are thin."

"They're not?" I almost growled. This was embarrassing. "The walls are literally padded. Who told you this?" 

"Relax, it doesn't matter. Just don't be a hypocrite, brother."

"Alright, whatever." I rolled my eyes. "Just tell me if you'll go. But in a couple of days, since she's grounded right now and I don’t want her thinking I sent someone shopping for her when she’d misbehaved."

“Ooh, what did she do?” Nora grinned. 

“None of your concern.”

"Jeez, okay. Pets are grounded all the time anyway, what's new?" She scoffed. "But sure, I'll  go. Anything for my dearest brother." She walked up to me and leaned up to kiss my cheek, before ruffling my hair. I caught hold of her wrist and pushed it away, glaring at her. She laughed at my reaction. 

"Thanks," I stated. "One more thing. Did you receive any word from Bella?"

She rolled her eyes. "Yes, I did. They won't be coming until after the full moon."

"Okay," I said softly. 

"Forget about her, Alli," Nora said, frowning up at me. "You knew it was stupid."

"Yeah, whatever." I lightly smacked her head and left the room. 

She was right. I had known it was stupid, but I couldn't stop myself. 

Anyway. That went well. 

Now all I had to do was go see my jerk of a father, and then get reprimanded for not murdering at least three humans a day. 

Sometimes, I wished I could just throw him off a cliff. 

I sighed, standing outside his door and waiting. This was the only room in the castle that I couldn't enter without permission, or without knocking. The entire floor would be crawling with slaves and other Superiors, stationed to protect the King and Queen. My beloved parents. 

Sometimes, I wondered if my mother ever wanted to kill him in his sleep. How suffocating everything must be for her. Living like a prisoner in her own home. 

"Welcome, your Highness," Robert opened the door, greeting me with a huge, rather unnecessary bow. He was my father's most trusted companion, and he had been around a long time. Father often used him to spy on me and my sisters. 

"Robert," I nodded, walking inside. 

"How is your pet, your Grace?" 

My jaw ticked. "She's fine."

"Does she serve you well? If you have any problems with her, I--"

"I can handle a human, Robert, thank you."

I stood before Father's desk, holding my hands behind my back. "My Lord."

He had a slave's wrist between his fangs, and he took a moment to even acknowledge my presence. "Son," he muttered, licking his lips. 

The slave fell to the ground, losing his balance. 

"You summoned me, Father?" 

"Yes, yes I did. Robert told me he got you a new pet?" 

"He did."

"Are you treating her like you should, or are you planning to spoil her the way you spoiled your last one?"

I never spoiled Jiya. She was simply too obedient. I never had to scold her or hurt her for anything. She was well-trained, from a good shop. I didn’t know where Robert got this one from. 

What happened to Jiya was simply unfortunate. 

"I'm not spoiling her at all. You'll know if you see her. She's terrified of me."

She was. But not because I did anything to her. It was just the way she was. 

"That's amazing," he nodded, smiling in approval. What a sadist. "Your mother and I are worried about you."

"I'm sorry, what for?" 

"Everything, Allister. We're your parents. I know I'm hard on you at times, but it's for your own betterment. These people have to be controlled, or they will grow fearless. You know what happens after that."

"I do." 

"Good. I'm happy that you're changing your ways. Bring your pet to dinner tonight. We'll dine as a family."

Ah s**t. 

"My pet isn't well, Father."

His eyes crinkled in amusement. That son of a--

"I'd still love to see her tonight. Bring her to dinner."

"Whatever you say, Father. But I will not have anyone else touch what's mine. I hope it won't be a problem?" 

"I understand. Not at all. You may go now."

"Thank you, my Lord."

I turned and left the room, my jaw clenching in anger. Of course this was about her. He wanted to see if she had enough bite marks on her neck, if she would tremble just at the sight of me. The latter wasn't the problem, but the former definitely was. 

She's gonna hate this. 

- - - - - -

Uh-oh.