In the Nest of the Fallen Serpent - Chapter 27
Chapter 27
Threats silenced her. She was utterly lost, despair settling heavily as her gaze fell upon the table. It was laden with a luxurious array of dishes, most of which she had never seen before.
Bread, soup, and the occasional withered apple had been the staples of her existence; this feast was a foreign land.
Her eyes drifted to the silver dish placed before Benedict. Deep and empty.
‘Is it for serving?’ she wondered. A thick stew and ladle caught her attention. Hesitantly, she shuffled closer.
“May I… serve you this first?”
No reply came, but it felt permissible. With trembling hands, she carefully ladled the stew, concentrating on not spilling a single drop. Just as she successfully filled the dish and turned to place it before him, a sleek, black serpent slithered across the floor.
“Ah!”
She shrieked, losing her balance. The thought to save the dish flashed through her mind, but it was too late. Her body lurched forward, and she squeezed her eyes shut. The clatter of silver against stone echoed sharply. She braced for pain as she landed, but it never came.
‘It doesn’t hurt…?’
It was strange. She should have been in agony, but there was nothing. Eyes flying open, the reality of her situation struck her, freezing her in place. She had fallen, landing squarely in her master’s lap.
‘What have I done…?’
“What,” a cold voice descended from above, sending her heart plummeting, “do you think you’re doing?”
She knew she should move, apologize, clean the mess, but fear paralyzed her. Finally, she managed to force her stiff tongue to move.
“I’m… I’m so sor…Ngh!” Before she could finish, a large hand seized the back of her neck, yanking her back. It wasn’t painful, but the abruptness made her flinch.
A wet sound filled the air as the thick stew clinging between her cheek and his thigh was pulled away. Benedict, having forcibly lifted her torso, sneered.
“Such absurd theatrics.”
Ice-cold, yellow eyes, like those of a serpent, raked over her. “Did you think your meager body could accomplish anything?”
“No, no, it wasn’t like that…”
Kneeling, she shook her head frantically, suddenly remembering the serpent.
“I saw a snake… I was startled…” Her eyes darted around the room, finally locating the coiled creature in a corner.
Benedict followed her gaze, a mocking smile twisting his lips. “A convenient excuse.”
His lack of surprise revealed his awareness of the snake. Looking up at him, she asked cautiously,
“Do you… keep it as a pet?”
“A pet?” He twisted his lips. “Like one breaks in a slave.”
His golden eyes flashed, making her flinch. He was angry. Angry at the slave who had dared to push him and fall into his lap.
“Then do your job,” he commanded, his voice low. “You made this mess.”
“The… your trousers…” In her panic, she’d forgotten. She frantically searched the table for something to clean the stain, her hand reaching for a napkin just as her wrist was caught.
“Master…?”
