CHAPTER EIGHT
The first day of the festival is busy, the entire estate bustling with activity. All of the girls are rounded up in groups, disappearing from the quarters we currently call home. I can only wonder where they’re going, what they’re doing. They do not return for some time, leaving myself and the other girls to ponder amongst ourselves.
“Perhaps they’re being sliced and diced for the festival banquet,” Lena teases, and I narrow my eyes at the grim implication. “Oh, come on Rynna. Take a joke,” she murmurs in response to my expression, and the other girls giggle airily.
“That stew meat is certainly richer than anything I’ve had before. Maybe dining on human flesh is part of the ritual,” Trinity says with a quirk of her lips. I can only roll my eyes at how silly they’re being.
“Dragons are not foretold to consume human meat,” I mutter, and the girls look at me with cheeky expressions.
"Just who are you trying to assure, Rynna? You'd be so fortunate to have the Dragon King dining between your thighs," Tara murmurs. As usual, my response to their teasing is to grow flush and avert my eyes. I don't exactly know what she's implying, but I suppose it has something to do with what Lena had mentioned about using my mouth on the man. I shiver, the thought of some ravenous beast settled between my thighs sending jolts of an unfamiliar feeling through my body. My skin grows flush, and there is a dull throb at the apex of my thighs, in my most sensitive area. The girls seem to pay little mind to my shift in demeanor, chattering amongst themselves. I'm shaken from my thoughts as the older woman who has been tending to our basic needs bustles into the room to gather another group of women.
“You four,” she orders, pointing at myself and my companions. I jolt upright as a sign of respect, and her eyes shine with warmth. “Follow me, young ones. We must prepare for the ceremony,” she says with a glint in her eye. The other girls rise at a much more leisurely pace, and for once I am leading the pack.
“Miss… you’ve been taking such grand care of us, and I don’t even know your name,” I say awkwardly, trying to make conversation. She glances over her shoulder at me, smiling gently.
"Oh, well. I do try not to get attached to the new girls until I am certain they will remain. But I don't see the harm in letting you know my name. I am Veyara Vexus, one of the Dragon King's attendants. My job is primarily to prep the most exceptional of women to join his harem, though your general care has been entrusted to me as well," she hums. I nod quietly, trailing behind her as she leads us through a massive arch of a doorway. Inside, the air is much warmer and almost humid. Tantalizing scents dance beneath my nostrils, though not of the edible variety in this particular case. There are several large basins, each with an attractive older woman standing just to the side. The women hold trays with bottles of various sizes, and Veraya steps forward before turning back to consider me and my group. "Now, then. If the four of you will strip and slip into a tub, you must be carefully bathed and scented to appeal to the Dragon King. Some of his most trusted harem members will be tending to you, as a show of goodwill," Veraya announces. My eyes widen, and I try not to show how embarrassed I am to be stripping down before the other women. I step towards a basin quickly, sinking into the water and involuntarily moaning at just how warm the water is. The woman at the head of the tub laughs heartily, resting a hand on my shoulder.
“Where I lived before, I had always bathed in cold water,” I explain weakly, and she offers me a warm smile.
“We have all been there, dearest. Enjoy it while you can,” she smiles, grabbing a small pail and filling it with some of the warm water. She douses my hair, and goosebumps pop up along my exposed skin. “Lean back, now. Tell me about yourself; any troubles or worries you may have,” she offers gently. I hesitate, shivering as she massages some heavenly smelling liquid into my hair. I try to keep my mind on her words, ignoring the sheer pleasure of the situation.
“While I know those selected are intended to be chaste, there are some girls yet who have… experience. I fear that my lack of experience of any kind will harm my chances of being chosen,” I admit quietly, shivering as she rubs my shoulders.
"Girls still have this idea that their meager experiences outside of the estate will have any impact on the Dragon King's choice? I too had a bit of experience, though not like some girls in my group. It amounted to nothing when it came down to the actual process of being chosen. An experience with the Dragon King is unlike any other. No man can hope to compare to his prowess," she explains. I feel vaguely comforted by the assurance, but the fear still lingers at the edge of my mind. "You are beautiful, one of the most beautiful I have seen today. While beauty only accounts for so much… do not count yourself out of the competition without trying, love," the woman says gently. She douses my body with water, rinsing off the suds that have formed.
“You truly think I am beautiful?” I inquire hesitantly. She smiles, nodding her head.
“Yes, but ultimately, my opinion accounts for very little. The Dragon King can be a fickle man at times. Simply do your best. Now, if you will put this on,” she pauses, draping a silk robe around my shoulders. “Your time will be coming soon. Allow yourself to get swept up in the moment. You will not regret it,” she murmurs. I catch her gaze, and she smiles gently before nudging me forward.
“Thank you,” I blurt, and she giggles.
“Good luck.”