am-books Chapter 9: The First Time
Chapter 9: The First Time
Chapter 9: The First Time
Athena was caught off guard when the warship descended toward a majestic mountain that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky.
I thought it was close to the military compound. How come we're in the wilderness?
As the ship neared its landing pad, she realized that the entire mountain was the Mors Estate.
The estate was a marvel of engineering and grandeur. Just how rich is the galaxy's youngest Major General?
Several towering structures, blending futuristic technology with classical design, were strategically positioned along the slopes, while the mansion itself stood imposingly at the mountain's peak.
This place has a different charm compared to Demerin's Estate.
The glowing lights from the estate illuminated the dense greenery surrounding it, giving the entire mountain an ethereal glow under the twilight.
When the ship touched down, Athena stepped out into the cool, crisp air. The silence of the mountain was broken only by the faint hum of distant machinery.
Her boots clicked against the polished stone pathway as she approached the mansion, which loomed like a fortress of steel and glass.
It feels like royalty lives here...
As she entered, she was greeted by an unusual sight. No women appeared among the staff, only a mix of male workers and humanoid robots with distinctly feminine programming.
Is he truly allergic to women? Their metallic forms were extraordinary and lifelike, their movements fluid as they went about their tasks.
The head steward, a tall man with sharp features and a pristine uniform, bowed respectfully.
Beside him stood the head maid, Dorothy, a kind-faced older woman with an air of calm efficiency. Behind them, a line of uniformed staff stood at attention, waiting to welcome her.
Dorothy is not human. I don't know how many are similar to her.
"Welcome, young madam," the steward said, his voice smooth and formal. "We are honored to have you join us at the Mors Estate."
Athena nodded politely, though her unease lingered. Will they adapt so well to someone they just met?
The grandeur of the estate was overwhelming, and the absence of other women added an eerie quality to the atmosphere.
After the formal introductions, she was led through a series of high-tech procedures. At each checkpoint, her genetic data was collected and uploaded to the estate's system.
Biometric scanners, holographic displays, and automated systems ensured her access to every secured facility within the sprawling estate.
So meticulous?
Once the formalities were completed, Dorothy stepped forward with a warm smile. "Young madam, if you'll follow me, I'll show you to your room," she said, her voice gentle but firm.
"Who are you, and who let you in?" His voice was low and commanding, laced with suspicion.
Athena glared at him, her voice sharp with indignation. "This is my room. How did it become yours?"
The man froze for a moment, his grip loosening slightly as realization dawned. "Athena Demerin?" he asked his tone a mix of surprise and recognition.
Did he know me?
Then...
Wait...
His face looks familiar...
Shit!
This is the GHOST... I mean my husband!
Why did he return so late? Athena frowned. "Haven't you seen the face of the woman you married?"
Her gaze shifted to his eyes, which, she now noticed, were unfocused and unmoving. A pang of curiosity, and concern, struck her. "What happened to your eyes?"
He hesitated before replying curtly, "A temporary illness."
Without another word, he released her and stood, moving toward the wardrobe. An illness, how can that be?
He gathered clean clothes with unhurried movements, utterly unaffected by the confrontation as if it had never occurred.
Athena sat up on the bed, watching him warily. She felt her irritation rising, but also a strange sense of intrigue.
This man, her so-called husband, had entered her room unannounced, fought her, and now acted as if it were just another ordinary night.
Wait, this must be the master's bedroom and also his room! They let us share a room?
"Who are you exactly?" she asked, breaking the tense silence.
He paused, turning his head slightly toward her. "Mors Jericho. Major General of Planet Sinalta. And, as it seems, your husband."
Athena's lips pressed into a thin line, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and annoyance. "Well, husband, next time, knock before barging into the room."
His lips twitched, almost imperceptibly, into what might have been a smirk. "Noted, wife."
He walked out of the room without saying anything more, leaving Athena to sit by herself in the bright light.
Her thoughts spun with unsolved questions about the mysterious man she had married. That's it? He won't even argue with me?