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IMPRESS.

Chapter Twenty: Trip Out In Titan.

PART 1

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"Please- please stop, it hurts..." Lord McLaren was bent over still holding onto his territory in pain as I laughed in his face.

"This will all be over soon," I repeated and mimicked his words from not even ten minutes ago before turning again to see my brother storming down the hallway with electric blue eyes throwing bots left, right and centre.

My eyes changed back to their normal colour as I ran to my brother who had teleported closer and hugged him. "Oh my God!! Alaric, I am so happy to see you!"

I squeezed my brother looking up to see his eyes fade back to their normal piercing blue after electrocuting Lord McLaren to the floor just as he did Jamie Hayes.

My brother wrapped his arms around me for a long moment and then released me in order to grasp my chin to check if I was hurt. "I knew something like this would happen as soon as I was told not even ten minutes ago who the two men that were representing Icilia were... Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"

I was out of breath still trying to comprehend the fact I was almost raped...

Again.

"No I- They were- He was about to r- rape me. I panicked. I'm so sorry..." I hadn't realised that I was crying until Alaric thumb grazed just under my eyes to get rid of the tears streaming down.

"Shuushhh... It's okay. You don't need to apologise. Nobody can touch you like that and get away with it. Nobody. And when I tell Zac, trust me, these two fuckers won't know what's coming. When they wake up, they will already be dead."

I spun around unsurely and stared at the two bodies laid on the floor before turning back, sniffing up and wiping my eyes. "Thanks, Alaric."

If only Alaric knew I wasn't a virgin.

That this had happened before...

And when it did... No one, not even my ability was there to save me.

"Your servants told me you have planned to have a day out in Aeralin..." Alaric started and when I wanted to interject he cut me off, "-don't worry I am not going to stop you but Derek is coming with you. To keep you safe from shit like this."

With no energy to argue, I nodded my head. "Okay, I don't mind he can come."

***

I had changed into a dark green dress which was mostly made from velvet and gave my chest the extra exposure.

This dress was very fine, was clearly of an expensive material and wasn't torn apart like my other dress I wore this morning was by Jamie Hayes.

Now I was here trying to cheer up the man I had saved not long ago.

"I am really sorry Viktor. Terribly sorry for your loss. I am sure Louisa and Adam are in a better place now..." I moved my hand in circular motions against his back as I stared at his face which was hung low and buried in his hands. "Would you like to go home to your wife?"

I pursed my lips, a habit of mine when I was awkward in a moment. As I did so, Viktor rose from his seat and walked forward facing away from me so I wouldn't see his tears.

"I think it is time, yes, my lady if you don't mind. I would like to return home to Miriadan..." Viktor slowly turned on his heel and genuinely pleaded with his eyes.

I nodded instantly, "of course you can!! But, you aren't leaving empty handed. I'll get you some money and make sure your children are buried in a good place."

Viktor opened his arms and literally threw them around me after using his speed to get close to me. "Thank you, my lady, bless your soul. You are so pure and I hope you never lose your sanity."

"Thanks, Viktor. I'm really glad I saved you, you are a good man. I'll make sure when I come back, everything is sorted for your road back to Miriadan."

--

Holding Derek's hand as support to get onto the carriage that was taking me, my ladies and Derek out to explore Aeralin, something suddenly stopped me.

Not something. But, two male voices which called my name in unison from behind. "Natalya!!"

The sound of the voices combined made the inside of my stomach churn from all the butterflies that had flooded it.

I stepped back down from the carriage step with help from Derek and turned around to see two of the most attractive men I had ever laid eyes on, aside from Derek and my best friend Harrison.

Zac and Xander.

Both stood side to side, clear worry plastered on Xander's face and more concern on Zac's face.

Oh God.

I have a feeling Alaric told them. Told them what happened this morning when I was walking the castle corridors alone.

I had this feeling because when I saw Derek a little earlier he knew too, and he wouldn't and I mean wouldn't stop asking if I was okay.

Don't get me wrong it's an amazing feeling to know they care but, it's embarrassing that they know what almost happened to me.

It's embarrassing to know that they may think I'm weak and a liability now that that has happened.

"Master," I bowed my head and bent my knees in order to curtsy but immediately my actions were broken when I felt a pair of muscular arms envelop me into a hug.

"You don't need to say or do that," he muttered into my ear and I closed my eyes at the comfort of his arms. I was surprised at how perfectly my body fit against his.

For a moment I was frightened to move because it was unusual to me to see Zac acting in this way.

All the stories I was told back in Icilia about Zac portrayed him as this heartless, off the rails, sexy and powerful monster.

I mean he was sexy, powerful and he could sometimes be a heartless monster but I don't think he had fully lost his humanity.

Maybe I haven't been here too long to see his true colours and I know this is the only day so far where he hasn't done anything questionable so maybe I'm doubting those stories too quickly.

Over his shoulder once I opened my eyes, I saw Xander staring straight at me like right into my soul with a pained expression that he was desperately trying to hide.

He was looking between me and Zac and balling his fists, however, keeping his composure as he did so.

You could almost say he was jealous seeing Zac being so touchy feely with me.

When Zac released me and only had one hand on my cheek, he began to speak in his low, sexy foreign-like voice. Voice qualities similar to Xander.

"When you get back. I will make sure you watch those sick twats buried to their deaths..." Zac kissed the surface of my cheek he wasn't touching and vanished as soon as his lips touched my skin.

What just happened?

Had Zac just gone soft for the second time today?

My mouth was left ajar by his tenderness and when Xander stepped forward towards me I closed it. "You heard too?"

Xander furrowed his eyebrows as he pushed a loose strand of my hair back behind my ear, "Cathryn heard from Alaric and told us in an instant. Trust me when I say you won't be seeing those two men ever again after today love."

I swallowed hard as I nodded my head and crossed my arms over my chest.

"You are strong, you know that?" Xander started, "most girls wouldn't be handling this kind of situation as well as you are now..."

Xander was beginning to get suspicious as I remained silent and watched his eyebrows rise.

"Unless..." Alexander looked back down at me whilst sliding his hands down my arms, "this isn't the first time this has happened to you, is it?"

Widening my eyes I shook my head immediately but not convincingly because Xander stood back and rose his hand to his mouth.

Derek at my side was watching and eyeing me with more hurt and pity than he had been all morning.

"I don't want to speak about this anymore. I'm fine, I swear. Please just..." I hung my head low and wiped my watery eyes. "I'll talk to you when I'm back, Xander. I'm sorry I just can't-"

Xander pressed his finger against my mouth and shushed me, "I understand if you don't want to talk about- It. You go have some fun before the second stage of the event. I'll see you later, princess."

With a kiss to the forehead from him and a silent reply from me, Xander sped back inside the castle after sending me one last sympathetic look.

Breathing in and then out, I felt Derek take hold of my hand and when he did so, I allowed him to lead me back to the carriage where my ladies were also waiting for me. Completely oblivious about everything going right now.

***

"He was like an onion to my eyes. Every time he was around, he triggered a fountain worth of tears to spill from my eyes. But, he also made a weird mean spirit within me arise," I finished telling my ladies the story of a disgusting boy named Fredrick just as the carriage came to a stop.

They were all agreeing with me that Fredrick was a massive asshole.

"As if you are best friends with his brother. Did you ever tell the Harrison guy how much of an asswipe his brother was?" Claudia said with no regret in the words she used in front of me.

This felt better. I felt closer to my ladies like they were friends more than just servants. Throughout this forty minute ride, I had learnt a lot and they had learnt a lot about me too.

I heard learnt that my three ladies never really had a life before this. They were serving high-class families where they weren't treated properly or respectfully. They were abused emotionally and physically.

It was hard to hear. But, I also learnt Claudia was a servant in Weimos, Leia was a servant in Agriassi and Kiera was a servant here in Aeralin. Each of them had scars inside and outside just like me, and I told them that. I told them that I knew how they felt, that I had scars too.

Well, fortunately not as many as them, but enough to be broken on the inside.

Derek wasn't inside the carriage he was with the driver in the front, helping control the horses and keeping an eye on the path we were taking on our way down into the main city of Aeralin, Titan.

"I told him every single time, trust me, Harrison knew how much of a shitface his asswipe of a brother was. Sorry for the crude language." I said with a small smile and my fingertips touching my lips.

"No worries, we are all friends here... I'm guessing." As Kiera waved her hand at me and spoke. The curtain of the carriage was drawn open just as I was about to confirm that we were friends now.

"We are here, in this beautiful city that is Titan. Zac told me that you could get anything you wanted from anywhere because you have his royal approval. I am starting to think that night may have work.." Derek winked at me as he referred to the night I practically seduced the prince.

When my ladies got an idea of what Derek was talking about, I blushed and immediately went to exit the carriage with an attractive idiot Derek laughing at my humiliation.

"You don't need to blush. I hope one day we have a successful night like that..." Derek said suggestively as he attempted to mess my hair up. Luckily I ducked under his arm before he could lay a finger on a strand of hair and shook my head at him.

Rolling my eyes, I stepped away from him with a small smile, "in your dreams, maybe."

Derek continued to laugh, "well, definitely not my nightmares."

My ladies were just trying not to laugh at me as the heat of embarrassment of Derek hitting on me began to warm up my face. I don't want him to see what he is doing to me.

I don't think I have ever blushed this much in my life, "okay okay, you've had your fun. Now let's go do something fun that involves us all. Any fun recommendations Derek?"

"I have a few..."

"-Nothing, that involves us touching you up preferably." I crossed my arms and he rolled his eyes with a smirk on his face.

"Damn, that's a disappointment. But, yeah seriously follow me, there is quite a bit to do in this city. Like pottery..." Derek stated and my ladies and I arched our brows all saying in unison, "what is pottery???"

Derek had a mischievous look on his face and he shrugged and creepily said, "you'll see..."

Now I'm scared.

****

"I thought I told you to suggest something that doesn't involve me touching you up, what part of that did you not understand?" I scowled at Derek literally ten seconds after finding out from the teacher of this class we were in, what pottery was.

Derek grinned, "you didn't say anything about me touching you up."

I covered my face with my hands and exhaustedly groaned aloud, grabbing the attention of other people who had entered the wooden home to learn how to make pots.

Some looked for longer especially when they realised I was a royal guest, well not royal royal but part of the IMPRESS event which was very much a big deal.

They probably saw me in stage one of the event, and hopefully, I was their favourite.

I think the fact Derek is here and he being a quite well-known, strong castle guard means hopefully no one will come bother me. They are most likely scared to take the slightest whiff of me, even from afar.

Derek was keeping an eye out and very close to me. And I mean very very close.

"You are unbelievable, disgusting and actually kind of smart. I have to admit, you've got quite the brain." I pouted my bottom lip and approvingly nodded.

I turned around, adjusting my apron.

We were currently sat down in front of wet clay? I don't know what exactly it was but I was sure it was clay which looked like a wet, deformed vase that was spinning on a wheel. It was an awkward position we were sat in because I was sat in front of Derek who was behind me practically pressed against my back ready to touch the wet, soggy clay.

Derek wiggled his eyebrows at me as he chuckled, "So I've been told many times."

"People are going to think we are flirting with each other, and then word will get out that I'm abusing my position in the competition and then I will be kicked out of the competition, killed! And all because Zac would have ordered for me to be burnt to death as he would think I'm not taking the competition seriously and think I am attracted to you instead of him, when clearly we don't have any chemistry and I don't even like Za-" Derek's hand moved up to cover my mouth so fast that I thought he was going to slap me.

The rest of my rant came out muffled and Derek tilted his head giving me a deadly seriously stop ranting glare and I put my hands up in surrender as he uncovered my lips.

"First of all, there is a lot of chemistry between us and we both know it," Derek whispered so quietly that I was certain not even a vampire in the room could hear him, "second of all, of course you like Zac why else would you have chosen to compete? Unless you just want to be Queen. And third of all, don't scream any negative comments about Zac. Because if Zac finds out, I don't know how close he is to your brother but I am sure he won't take those comments lightly."

I widened my eyes and slightly craned my neck forward feeling uncomfortable as Derek admitted he felt that we had 'chemistry'.

Chemistry where?

And I mentally answered the question about competing in the competition with 'I was blackmailed by an unknown person who threatened to kill my brother and I and oh yeah, expose us.' I could not say that to Derek though, could I now?

Plus, Zac won't do shit if he heard me say anything bad about him. After the way he has been acting towards me today, I feel like I am on a safe side with him. Plus, Cathryn, Xander and King Creon like me. I can't say the same about Queen Melisandre.

I think I am in an alright position. I mean they allowed me to leave the castle meaning they trust me, which is good.

I didn't reply to Derek and just waited for the teacher to begin the pottery lesson.

All my ladies were in sight, unharmed, partnered up and chatting to handsome and wealthy-looking men so everything was going well so far. Hopefully, my ladies were making some links now because I genuinely wanted them to have good lives with their own families.

After what they told me about each of their previous masters, I really ought to keep an eye out of any harm towards them and myself too.

***

"See you are doing it," Derek's warm breath was hitting my cheek as he spun the clay on the wheel with me.

His hands were clasped over mine as we attempted to create a pot from the wet clay, "now just carefully mould it to perfection." He finished as we both dirtied our hands together by running our fingers against the pot.

From the corner of my eye, I could feel Derek smiling at me, allowing me to take control over the rest of the spinning and moulding.

"I think we are about done," I brushed my hands together, "I am pretty proud of that seeing as it's my first time."

Derek laughed within a hum, "yeah I guess we make a pretty good team. I'm sorry I doubted you."

I jerked my head to the side and turned it so I could see Derek properly and scoffed, "I can't believe you've just admitted to doubting I could do this. You are the worst partner ever."

Derek brushed his hand against the side of the wheel, picking a bit of the wet colour of clay on his index finger and then slid it down my cheek.

I scrunched up my nose and went to wipe the soil-like substance off, only to rub even more from my hands onto my face. "You dick!"

With a growing smirk, I launched my hands to Derek's face from his jaw and down his neck, leaving him as filthy as me.

"Karma is such a bitch, isn't it?" I rhetorically said with an innocent smile.

Derek shook his head at me with a smile and playful glare. "I don't think ladies are supposed to swear but, you just have to be different, don't you?"

A loud laugh escaped my lips when Derek threw his arms around my waist to my front and clutched on to me.

With one hand he began to tickle me under the arms and I uncontrollably laughed unable to stop heaving as I did so. "St- stop- stop, I'm sorry. Dereeeek..." I squealed.

We had so many people turning around to see what was happening and when the teacher began to walk down the aisle I tried to conceal my laughter.

Derek stopped tickling me as the teacher came to a halt in front of us and caused us both to look up sheepishly.

The lady teacher couldn't exactly order us to stop or she'd face royal consequences so instead she complimented our pottery.

"Well manoeuvred, even better than most of my own pots. Would you like me to put this in an oven so you can take it with you?" The teacher asked and I shook my head.

"She won't but I will... I will come back for it later." Derek replied and I furrowed my eyebrows.

Why does he want to keep it?

"Every time I look at the pot I'll think of how sexy you looked helping me create it..." Derek whispered and I elbowed him in the stomach in order to get him to shut up.

If the teacher hears him flirting with me, she won't hesitate on passing on a message to the royals.

Part of me was tingly and feeling all bubbly and excited inside when Derek said what he said.

It made me smile. Like smile so hard that I thought my jaw would break apart.

"Then I guess your lesson is done, thank you for coming, my lady and Derek nice to see you here again."

"Always an honour, mother." Derek happily said and I almost choked on my spit.

What the hell???

He could have told me!

The teacher was his mother?!

I think I am going to pass out.

"Mother, wha?" I gasped in surprise and blinked confusedly.

The teacher Derek's mother pursed her lips and smiled.

"I have heard a lot about you...