Brenna's POV

I got to Paige's door without being seen by any of the servants. I presumed they had yet to start their day. The closer I got to the door, the weaker my knees grew. Was I really about to confront this woman?

I tried to steady my breathing as my heart pounded. My arm felt heavy when I tried to lift it to the door. It was not unlike any of the others in the castle. I hesitated but reminded myself of the possible outcome of all this.

It was made of thick dark wood, treated with something to preserve its integrity. The wood had a slight sheen. I could only guess they used tar to treat it. I exhaled and lifted my closed fist to the door.

My fist was clenched so tight that my knuckles appeared to be white. Finally, my skin met the wood. I tapped three times and waited for a response. My heart began pounding so hard. All I could concentrate on was its sound.

After what seemed like a decade, a voice broke the silence.

"Come in." The voice called to me.

I had not spoken to Paige before now; I didn't know what her voice sounded like until this moment. It was everything I could have imagined. It was smooth and sultry. I'd only heard two words from her so far. Her voice made her all the more hypnotic. I could only compare it to that of a nymph's dulcet tones.

I gulped for air and forced my legs to move, but they had frozen in place. I pushed the door open and stepped inside; a gush of hot air encircled me. The fireplace crackled with flames. The smell of spices filled the room.

Paige sat across from me at a vanity. She hadn't dressed yet and was still in her nightgown. Her clothing was unlike anything I had ever seen. It was sewn from a shear lacey fabric and was the color of garnet.

The neckline plunged below her sternum and was fitted at the small of her waist. Each side of the skirt was slit to the top of her hip. Her silky legs peaked out of the slits revealing her pearlescent browned skin.

The back was open all the way down to the base of her spine and had a few skinny straps crisscrossing her upper back. The fabric was so thin I could see her undergarments or lack thereof. Her panties were made of the same material, and she wasn't wearing a bra, so I could make out the features of her breasts through the gown.

She watched me through the mirror as she used a large comb to pick out her thick textured hair. I could see why Jasper or any orc or human alike would be infatuated with her. She is absolutely hypnotizing.

I had been so afraid to knock on her door that I had forgotten what I would say when she answered.

I stammered at first, trying to force the words from my mouth. "Good morning, I am Bre..."

Paige stopped me before I could continue. "Spare me the pleasantries. I know who you are. What do you need, Brenna?"

I was shocked by her forwardness. She didn't seem to mean it rudely. She had this playful gleam in her eye as she kept watching me through the mirror.

I looked down, trying to think of what to say next. I saw the cup in my hand and remembered my plan. Without thinking, I took a few steps forward; Paige's expression changed slightly. I was having a hard time reading what she was thinking.

"Oh... I... Helena asked me to bring this up for you to help with your stomach." I stammered.

I held the cup out toward her. I didn't notice until now, but I was shaking. My trembling caused the cup to chatter against the saucer. She eyed me skeptically.

"It isn't poisoned, is it?" She said as the corner of her lip curled into a tiny smile.

"Oh! God's no!" I squeaked. I could feel myself sweating.

She giggled softly to herself. Her reaction confused me. She seemed to be entertained by my awkwardness.

"I had to ask. I can't take any chances." She stood up and glided toward me.

The skirt of her nightgown flowed as she stepped forward gracefully. She took the cup from my trembling hands. She looked me over like she was trying to read me as well. She smelled the mixture in the teacup before pressing her full lips against the cup to take a sip.

She cocked her head to one side and closed her eyes. I could only assume she was taking in the flavor of the drink. She opened her eyes to look at me again. She had a peculiar expression on her face.

"Helena didn't really send you. So, what is that you really want?"

My heart completely stopped. I didn't know what to say. Would Paige be angry with me?

I stuttered, trying to think. "How... did you know... that Helena didn't send me?"

She giggled to herself with that sultry tone. "The brew, you added too much ginger. I assume you've come to talk to me about Jasper." She said without breaking eye contact.

My cheeks began to burn with embarrassment. I couldn't bear to look Paige in the eye now, so I looked to my feet and thwittled my fingers together. I didn't respond.

"You don't need to worry about him and I, love." She said with a genuine tone in her voice.

I met her gaze again and looked at her questioningly. She must have read my thoughts because she didn't wait for me to reply.

"He and I had a little chat before he left. He explained everything to me." Paige said. "I don't know what spell you have him under, but I've never seen him like this." She said admittedly.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, Jasper said he couldn't see me again. He went on about how much he cared for you."

I blushed at what she said. I still had that one question in the back of my mind. I needed to know the answer, or it would kill me.

"so... you aren't." I paused. She looked at me curiously. "with child."

Paige immediately had a surprised look on her face. "Gods, no. You don't know about me, do you?"

I shook my head.

"Well, that's a shock, the Orc may be nonjudgmental, but I can't say the same about the women around here, the gossipy bitches." She laughed.

I breathed out in relief but wondered what Paige was talking about.

"Well, I might as well tell you. You'll find out sooner or later." Paige took my hand and sat me on her bed.