Chapter 9 Diana's Affair

I looked up at Diana, stunned. "W-Why?" Diana met my eyes, looking stern. "Because I don't want you to hog my man anymore. Vincent is my husband. If it weren't for you, I would not have missed out on the chance to be with him at night." I nodded, looking troubled. "Alright, Princess!" During dinner, I sat down next to my father for the first time in my life. Of course, my stepmother, Vincent, and Diana were all there as well. After all, I've been reinstated as a princess. I no longer needed to do a servant's job. The meal was quiet. Vincent said, "Diana and I are heading back to Houghton tomorrow." Diana said with a smile, "Yes, I hope Jasmine comes along too. I've grown up with her. I'll miss being apart from her!" She would miss being apart from me? She just wanted my blood! My father pondered for a moment before agreeing to it. After all, I was Diana's personal blood bank. He hesitated for a while before asking, "In what capacity will she go?" Diana replied, "She doesn't need to have any status. I just miss my sister. That's all." Diana looked at Vincent, but he continued eating without saying anything. Did that mean he agreed too? My father suddenly said to me, "Jasmine, do you want to go with Diana?" This was a threat. He was afraid I would say no. I looked at Diana, then at Vincent. "Okay!" Diana hugged Vincent's arm. "See, I told you! My sister would surely promise me. We're both inseparable." I smiled bitterly. I did not want to go to Houghton with Diana. That night, I found it hard to sleep. After tossing and turning in bed for some time, I got up to take a stroll in the corridors. I was downstairs when I heard a lady moaning. I thought that it was the servants secretly having an affair. I was about to leave when I heard the man say, "My dear, is he really asleep? You have to be sure!" The lady replied through her moans. "Don't worry, my dear. As long as I head back before the bell chimes, I'll be fine." The man continued, "How I hope that you are mine and mine alone. I don't want him touching you." The lady replied through her panting, "I love you so much! This is really exciting!" It was Diana. Who was the man? My curiosity got the better of me. I headed over to the room to have a peak. The room smelled of sweat and musky perfume. Through the crack of the door, I saw Diana enjoying herself. The man had short blonde hair and a lean figure. He looked really familiar. It was Diana's guard, Ryan, who was also the strongest in the Georges. I stood there in shock. I wanted to say something to stop them, but I was stuck in a daze, unable to find my words. Diana kept moaning and kissing Ryan's neck. "My dear, tell me. Do you love me?" "Of course I do! I love you very much!" Ryan replied without missing a beat. They were so in the moment that they did not notice my presence. After a moment, Ryan said, "If King Vincent hadn't married you, you would have been my wife by now." Diana hugged Ryan's neck. "Come quickly. I still have to head back once the bell chimes. You're coming with me to Houghton tomorrow. I can only feel safe with you around." I turned around to leave, but I made a noise. Diana asked from inside the room, "Who's there?" She put on her clothes and noticed me. I wanted to flee, but Ryan caught hold of me. Diana squeezed my face with one hand. "Why the hell are you up so late at night?" She was the one in the wrong, yet there was not an ounce of guilt in her. I looked at her and said nothing. I glared at her. I finally had some leverage over her. Ryan said, "She has found out about us! We should kill her just in case!" He was just about to push me off the stairs when Dianna stopped him. I was so frightened that my legs gave way and I slumped onto the floor. Diana said to Ryan, "She can't die just yet. She still has uses. You know I need her blood." Ryan glared at me. "You better watch your mouth. If not, even Diana won't be able to save you the next time." I nodded fervently. Diana helped me up and held my hand. "Remember, we are on the same boat right now. If I got caught, you won't be able to escape this as well. Got it?" I nodded stiffly. Diana looked at me as pale as a sheet, then she chuckled and said to Ryan, "You've scared her half to death!" She bent down and made me look at her. "Jasmine, did you hear what I said?" She got furious when she still did not get a response from me. "Speak!" I said, "Yes! I'll do as you ask!" Diana stood up. "Alright, you should head back to your room." I stood up and headed back to my room. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Diana and Ryan kissing. They could not get enough of each other. I returned to my room and leaned against the door. I hugged myself. I was such a coward. How was I going to make something out of myself? That night, I tossed around, unable to sleep. All I could think of was Diana and Ryan doing it. I tried to forget it, but I could not. As dawn arrived, the morning sun shone on my face. I have never felt this before when I was in the storage room. When I got up, Wendy had already fetched the water and was waiting for me by the door. She looked at me and said, "Jasmine, you don't look too good. Did you not sleep well?" I looked in the mirror and touched my face. The two dark circles beneath my eyes were the price I had to pay for not sleeping well the night before. I said, "The bed is too soft! I'm still not used to it. It'll take some time!" I got up and washed my face. When I was wiping my face, I said to Wendy, "You don't have to wait for me so early in the morning the next time. I can do this on my own. You could sleep in a little more." I did not want Wendy to suffer like I had all these years. Wendy said, "No. Mrs. Carson has told me that if I don't serve you, she will banish me from the tribes. Compared to the other servants, I'm having it easy serving you." I smiled at her. "Alright then. You don't have to be so uptight around me. Just treat me as family." Wendy looked at me with teary eyes. I looked at her and asked, "Why are you crying? Did someone bully you?" She hugged me. "Jasmine, ever since I lost my family, you're the only one who treated me as family. I promise you I'll care for you and make sure you don't suffer."