CHAPTER 33: BATHE HIM

Vlad looked at Obi. He knew he had to punish the boy, but he was in a good mood now.

"John, tell Gim what the boy did. I’ll leave Obi’s punishment to him. He can do whatever he wants," said Vlad.

Obi swallowed hard. If Gim found out, he was as good as dead. The big man was angry every day over the missing chicken. Obi didn’t know what kind of punishment he’d receive, but he bowed his head in resignation. Whatever it was, it was better than dying or being tortured by Vlad.

Grace let out a silent sigh of relief. Though Gim was rough, he wasn’t as cruel as Vlad and had never killed anyone. He often beat people, but never to death.

She looked at Obi and gestured for him to help John while she left, feeling calmer after hearing what kind of punishment her son would get.

"Hold his hand, or he’ll run away," Vlad said to Obi as he held Alvaro’s hand tightly.

Obi nodded. He was afraid of Alvaro, especially now that the man was glaring at him fiercely. But he didn’t dare disobey. So he quickly grabbed Alvaro’s hand with both of his and held it tightly. He pulled him down from the bed toward the bathroom on the first floor.

John let go of Alvaro’s leg and helped Obi hold him. But after just a few steps, Alvaro started to struggle, causing both of them to fall.

Alvaro took the chance to run as fast as he could. His heart pounded. He didn’t care about being naked. What mattered was escaping Vlad’s grip and finding Sylas.

John was startled, feeling his body shoved hard. Obi also fell back onto the floor. But neither of them thought about their own pain—they were too scared of what would happen if Alvaro escaped. They quickly got to their feet and chased after him as he ran out of the room.

Vlad sighed. He knew John and Obi weren’t strong enough to stop Alvaro. So he stepped in. He moved quickly, letting Alvaro reach the stairs, then grabbed his arm and hoisted him onto his shoulder.

Alvaro struggled again. He was desperate and angry. How could Vlad be that fast and strong? He had no chance of getting away. It made him furious.

"Please, let me go. I have to go back!" Alvaro shouted, full of despair.

"You’re not going anywhere," Vlad said, then threw Alvaro into the empty wooden bathtub.

John and Obi rushed in, lit a fire, and started heating the water. They kept an eye on Alvaro, who sat in the tub and glared furiously at Vlad, who sat at the edge.

The bathtub was wooden, with a wide surface that could be used for sitting. Alvaro sat there miserably, feeling cold.

Vlad tied his hands and feet, making it easier for John and Obi to handle him. Alvaro seemed exhausted and didn’t move much this time, but he kept cursing.

"You’ll regret this once I return to the palace!" he spat angrily.

Vlad sat close to Alvaro, stroked his head, and yanked his hair upward, forcing him to look up.

Alvaro groaned. He felt like his neck might snap. He saw Vlad staring at him with an annoying smile in his eyes. Up close, he finally noticed the man’s gray eyes—sharp and beautiful. His face was firm and symmetrical, calm and handsome.

But Alvaro wouldn’t be fooled. This man was a monster.

He frowned as Vlad pulled his hair harder. He could barely breathe. Then he felt warm lips on his own. He wanted to fight back, but every movement made his neck hurt more.

Vlad kissed him again and again, enjoying the warmth. He only stopped when Alvaro began choking and almost lost consciousness.

"Oh my... Forgive me, Larue..." Vlad said as he finally let go.

Alvaro coughed and gasped for air. He felt like he had almost died.

Vlad gently stroked his head, trying to calm him down, but Alvaro only glared harder.

Vlad smiled and stood up. "Come back soon," he said, then left.

John and Obi returned with warm water and began filling the bathtub.

Alvaro sat in silence. He was still angry and desperate. He couldn’t believe what had happened. For the first time in his life, he had been kidnapped and stripped naked. He was the second-best knight in the kingdom, recognized by the king himself. Now he was tied up and helpless.

If Sylas found out about this, Alvaro wasn’t sure he’d be able to look him in the eye again. But more importantly, how could he escape? After seeing how fast Vlad was, the chance of success seemed almost zero.

Alvaro looked at John and Obi.

"You’ll be in serious trouble when I return to the palace," he said, making both of them pause and look at him.

Alvaro knew everyone feared and respected royal knights. If they found out who he really was, he was sure they’d let him go.

"I’m a royal knight. If the king hears what you did to me, you know what the punishment will be," he continued.

John and Obi exchanged glances and stopped what they were doing. Alvaro felt a flicker of hope. His title had always protected him before. Who dared to challenge a royal knight?

He let out a slow breath of relief.

But then he frowned when he saw John and Obi go right back to pouring water into the tub, acting like they hadn’t heard a thing.

"Hey! Didn’t you hear me?! I’m a royal knight! You’ll die for this!" Alvaro yelled, unable to hold back his frustration. How could they not be afraid?

But John and Obi didn’t care. Nothing was scarier than Vlad’s punishment. And how could someone like a royal knight end up in Vlad’s manor?

They covered their ears as Alvaro’s shouts grew louder, filled with anger and desperation—until finally, the bathtub was full.

"LET ME GO FROM HERE!!!!"