Chapter 5 The Rule

Chapter 5

She could only shake her head at what was said. She really did suit the role of a muse.

"I must agree, Lady Camilla. You're absolutely gorgeous in my eyes," Empire said, taking her hand and kissing it.

"Then you should pick me as your muse next time," she said, biting her lip.

"We'll see."

Empire was just flattering her, but she was completely falling for it. She knew Camilla wasn't his type. Shaking her head, she excused herself from the two to avoid prolonging the conversation.

"Prim..."

She felt a tug on her wrist just as Ross was momentarily distracted.

"Trojan?" she asked in confusion.

"Do you still have school tomorrow? If I were you, I'd excuse myself and get some rest."

"But-"

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

She hesitantly nodded.

"This is a rare occasion, isn't it? Can't I just make the most of it? I promise I'll start working after classes tomorrow. I already studied how the staff serves the guests earlier."

"Prim, isn't it clear to you yet? You're not a staff member here. You're a muse. Your status is even higher than those guests. Every butler here is meant to serve you."

"Huh? But... h-how does that work? I still want to do some work so I don't feel like a freeloader..."

"Your stay here is free, and you have no other responsibilities."

She fell silent.

"I'm not telling you not to enjoy the party. Just remember-don't get too carried away. Don't forget reality," he said seriously.

"It just feels nice to have everyone's attention on me. And they're all being so kind." She smiled. "It's unfamiliar but... exciting."

He shook his head.

"I'll take you to your room."

She nodded. "Alright."

They had barely taken a few steps when he suddenly pulled her to a stop.

"Ah, Prim..."

"What?"

"You look even prettier when you're just being yourself."

Her cheeks flushed.

"R-really?"

Just then, Ross appeared in front of them.

"And where do you plan on taking the muse?"

"Prim has school tomorrow. She can't stay up late," Trojan replied. "Don't forget-she's still in high school."

"Concerned, are we?" Ross asked sarcastically.

"Uhm, Ross, Trojan is right," Prim interjected. "Sorry, I actually wanted to stay longer, but I really can't miss school tomorrow..."

"Is that so?" Ross nodded. "Then I'll take you to your room." He offered his arm.

Prim looked at Trojan for approval, but he seemed irritated. Hesitantly, she took Ross's waiting arm.

"Sleep early," Trojan simply said before turning away.

"Ross, I just noticed something..."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Are you and Trojan... not on good terms? It feels like he's distant from you. Even the way he talks to you is different."

"Why don't we talk about us instead?" Ross murmured, gently pushing her against the wall.

He slowly traced his fingers across her face.

"Uhm, Ross... I thought-"

Her eyes widened as he leaned in to kiss her. Luckily, she quickly placed her hand over her lips.

She gulped.

Rule No 2

A muse can be courted through any means-gifts, service, and being treated like a princess. Kissing on the cheek or lips, hugging, or even more is allowed, as long as she doesn't refuse.

Prim blinked, momentarily frozen. Her face burned with heat.

"What? You've never been kissed before?" Ross asked, amused.

"T-the truth is... no, I haven't..." she admitted shyly. "I-I should go to bed now. T-thank you for everything..." she stammered.

Ross smirked. "I have more to offer... aside from my handsome face," he teased.

From a distance, Trojan clenched his fists as he watched.

Prim woke up early the next morning. Yes, she stayed up late because of the party, but she still felt light and refreshed.

Even when she got to school, she couldn't shake off her daydreaming.

"Is it because of the party last night that you're like this?" Troj remarked.

"It's not just because of the party. I just had a really good sleep."

"Did something happen?" he asked innocently.

She smiled, feeling giddy.

"N-no, nothing happened. Don't mind me. It's not important."

"I told you, don't get carried away."

"I'm not getting carried away, okay? I'm just really happy. That was the first time I experienced something like that," she defended.

"Liar."

"What do you mean, liar?"

"Was it really just the party?"

"Of course!"

"Or was it because Ross kissed you?"

Prim choked on her juice at his words.

"H-how did you know?!" she panicked.

"I saw it," he replied flatly.

Prim instinctively touched her cheek in embarrassment.

"Do you really think he did it because he likes you?"

"Huh?"

"A decent guy only kisses a girl he truly likes. But Ross? Do you really think he did that because he likes you?" he asked seriously.

"I-I don't know," she admitted, feeling deflated. "I was shocked too. That was actually my first-"

Troj suddenly choked on air. "First?!" he blurted out.

She nodded.

"He's the first-"

Before she could finish, he covered her mouth.

"Don't say it again," he muttered in dismay. "I'm not interested."

"Sorry..."

She quietly finished her snacks, watching as Troj massaged his temples.

"Next time, don't let anyone kiss you."

"But it's not like-"

"-Don't let your guard down."

"Are you concerned about me?"

"Why would you think that? I'm just reminding you," he said as he stood up. "It didn't mean anything."

She pouted.

"I'm 18, Troj."

"In human years, Ross is already 25."

"So?"

He gave her a look of disbelief.

"And you're okay with that?" he asked. "Look at yourself. You're way too young for him."

"Hold on, what's your problem with Ross or with me being 'too young'? I already told you, I'm 18. And I'm single! What's so wrong if-"

"-If he demands more from you, can you handle it?!" he cut her off, his tone serious. "You don't know how he thinks!"

"Ouch, Troj... you're hurting me..."

Realizing his grip, he immediately let go.

"Just finish your food."

"Where are you going?"

"To get some air."

With that, Troj walked out of the cafeteria. Prim lost her appetite after what happened. She couldn't understand why Troj was acting like that-Ross was a good guy. Besides, she was already an adult. What was so wrong if she felt a little admiration for him?

It was almost her first kiss, after all, so of course, it was a big deal for her-even if the situation was awkward now.

She searched for Troj and found him behind the grandstand, sitting on a tree branch.

"Troj! What's with you?" she called, looking up at him.

He didn't respond.

"Hey! Talk to me?"

Still, no reaction.

"I get it now... I guess you're just really concerned about me," she said, lowering her voice. "Maybe it's better if..." She paused. "I just leave the café early from now on."

At that, Troj jumped down.

"You can't leave."

"Huh?" she asked, confused. "Why? I thought you didn't want me there?"

"It's too late. If you had decided sooner, you could have escaped."

"Escape? What are you talking about? What do you want me to do?"

"Listen to me. Stop yourself from being drawn in by whatever they give you. Whether it's gifts or special treatment, it's not real. It's all deception."

"Why are you badmouthing your own friends?"

"They're not my friends."

"Then why are you with them?"

"Because Gunther is my brother."

Prim's eyes widened at his words. She studied him carefully.

"Y-you're brothers? But-"

"-We don't look alike."

"Yeah, I don't see any resemblance."

"That's because I was adopted."

Prim covered her mouth. "I shouldn't have asked. Sorry."

Troj let out a bitter laugh.

"I'm there as part of their security team-one of the six. I'm a member of MidKnight, an organization of assassins that hunt down criminal vampires. As a Vampire Police officer, I have more combat experience than most."

"Gunther told me about that before."

"As repayment for taking me in, I serve their family. Even though Gunther and I don't always get along, I can't leave him. I'm older than him, and I promised his father I'd stay by his side."

"H-how old are you? I mean, if you were human?"

"Twenty."

"So that means Gunther is only 19?!" she exclaimed. "And he already owns a café?"

"There's a reason why he owns that café. It has something to do with you being the muse."

"H-how?"

"I don't want to answer that."

"Why not?"

"Why should I?"

"Hmph, you love being mysterious. What's so hard about telling the truth?"

"It's hard to say something that could hurt you."

"It's even harder to guess what you're thinking!" she huffed, rolling her eyes.

"The hardest thing of all is talking to someone who asks too many questions."

Troj still hasn't explained anything to me about the café or how it's connected to me living here. I'm getting more confused by the second. What hurt me the most was when he said that the butlers' kindness was just deception.

And all of it-everything that's happened, even Ross almost kissing me-was for a reason. I really thought his actions were genuine. That despite being rich, he was willing to share what he had with someone like me-a "beggar."

I let out a deep sigh. Deeper than the Pacific Ocean.

"So frustrating!" I grumbled. "What a waste of a moment!" I ran my hands through my hair.! No wonder there wasn't a spark. Like, nothing at all? I think I was even more affected when Troj held my hand at the subway..." I recalled that moment. "It felt like everything slowed down around us, like I was floating in the air..."

I frowned at my own imagination. Why am I even thinking about Trojan? His touch meant nothing compared to the kiss! That was way more important!

I sighed again.

"I'm losing my mind..."

I must be an idiot. I was way too ambitious. I accepted everything Ross gave me without hesitation! I didn't even try to refuse anything he did for me. Ugh, what happened to you, Prim?

"I can't believe how materialistic I've become. That's why it was so easy for him to lure me in!"

I was way too complacent.

"I'm such an idiot!" I yelled into my pillow. "Troj was right. I shouldn't have let my guard down. I made myself look so easy to get just because I'd never experienced those things before. Ross must think I'm so cheap... ugh!"

I rolled onto my back and stared at the chandelier. I need to be more cautious from now on. If what Troj said is true, then everything they've done-or will do-must come at a price.

"Could it be..." A thought hit me. "That they'll ask for my blood... or my life as payment?!" I quickly sat up.

I looked around my room.

"Now that I think about it, why would they let me stay here for free? And in such a luxurious room, no less? I must've been so naive..."

To Be Continued...