Unexpected news and unwelcome changes.

I found the baths empty, which wasn't a surprise that time of day. The serving maid in charge of the baths was nowhere to be found, probably eating lunch or tending to some other chores, so I just helped myself. It was a struggle to open my dress without help or the use of my magic, but I managed it, carefully removing the fine garment and hanging it neatly in a dry area. Releasing the delicate buckles of my shoes' ankle straps, I stepped out of them and then carefully peeled my stockings off my legs. Each item was carefully placed where it would remain safe and undamaged.

My hands worked carefully. Perhaps I felt that my clothing was the last part of me that hadn't been spoiled by the Hero. Perhaps it was that I still had something precious I could protect and care for. Either way, it was a comfort to safeguard my clothing. It had been very expensive, made by the finest clothiers in the area. When I'd been accepted as the apprentice to the royal mage, I had felt very important. The dress had come to represent something meaningful to me although I wasn't sure what. Status? Power? Pride? Whichever. It was important to me.

Fully nude, I felt ****. I didn't want anyone to see the evidence of my **** before I'd had a chance to wash it. Traces of blood and cum stained my skin and hair. Fortunately, the maid was still missing when I gathered the things I'd need and rushed to the water. It wasn't until I'd scrubbed myself pink and the heat of the bath had worked its way into my bone that I finally felt myself relax, enjoying the soft scents of the soaps and oils of the baths.

But as soon as I closed my eyes, I saw the images from my dreams again. The women. Screaming and crying. I saw myself among them this time, and I felt the realization like a fist to my heart. Those weren't dreams. They were memories. His memories. My stomach churned. So many women... he really was a monster. And I was... nothing. Nothing to him. Just one among dozens, maybe hundreds. Just a tool to be used. Just a woman. I picked up the scrub brush again, suddenly felling dirty once more.

The news of Anfony's **** reached the castle a few hours later. He'd managed to banish the ifrit, but not before it had grievously injured him. He'd simply been too weak to survive the spell. The soldiers assured me his **** was due to his injury and not mana depletion, which was of some small comfort. When his body arrived, I could confirm it was true. Mana depletion left... evidence. It wasn't pretty. No, his **** had been tragic, but not horrific.

There was a small procession as the body was brought before the king. Being his apprentice, I was required to attend. The Hero was there, and he seemed amused that I smelled of fresh lilac oils, but thankfully said nothing. He merely watched me with his unnervingly beautiful eyes. His too-knowing eyes, like he could read my thoughts. For all I knew, he could. Fuck, I didn't know.

The king was not a man known for his sentiment or great benevolence. He said a few words about how Anfony died saving the kingdom from evil, and would be remembered with honor. But then he turned to me and named me the new Royal Mage. The official seal was taken from around Anfony's neck and offered to me. It was a magical thing more than a physical thing, and only the king could move it.

No, wait. No.

The seal would give me a great deal more power and influence over a great many things in the kingdom.

The Hero smiled at me and I lowered my head to receive the seal. Had he somehow planned this?

I would have access to all parts of the castle, including the arcane vaults holding dangerous and powerful artifacts.

The magic touched me and I felt it burrow painlessly into my skin and spread like a tattoo. I wanted to scream not to give it to me. I was compromised! Beware the Hero! But I kept silent.

"Thank you, my king." I said softly, and raised my head. The mark of the seal was completely hidden beneath the collar of my dress, but I could feel it gently encircling my throat. It felt like a **** collar, now. Whatever chance there may have been before that the Hero would lose interest in me, it was gone now.

My eyes went to the Hero, standing just over the king's shoulder. Meeting his eyes again stirred something primal in me. Something I didn't want to admit. He was all powerful and I was nothing. He owned me, and I feared him deeply. "I will serve you faithfully with this power."

The Hero and King both nodded in acceptance. But the Hero knew what the stupid King didn't. He knew whom it was I would be serving, and it wasn't the king. Damnit, but I had ****. Right?