Draco ran his left finger up and down her right arm, enjoying the warmth of her skin. Her fingers ran through his wet hair, moving the platinum locks out of his forehead. Some of the water spilled over the rim of the bathtub as he shifted under her touch. Hermione was sitting over his lap, with each of her legs at the sides of his hips. Her hands softly roaming his body as she washed the remains of their encounter.

"You didn't tell me you weren't a virgin," he mumbled, closing his eyes and resting his head against the tub.

Her fingers stopped moving over the scar on his shoulder, and he could almost feel her frown. "After almost a month you are asking this?"

He knew it was somewhat laughable to ask her when, indeed, he had been fucking her for almost a month. And he had loved every bloody second of it. He had had a bite of his forbidden fruit, and he had wanted more. He was insatiable. Addicted to the smell of her hair, the sensation of her soft skin against his and the way she moaned his name. At the beginning she had been reluctant to acknowledge what had happened, afraid of the consequences, afraid of the punishment. But a couple of kisses later she had been on his bed again.

He opened his eyes, watching as she had a playful smile on her lips and one of her brows up. He pushed her softly, smiling. "So, are you going to tell me?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, mocking annoyance. "Why so interested in my status?"

He chuckled, and her fingers resumed their path. "Well, Lady Hermione, as future King I worry about the people that serve me and my family, and I must know everything that goes under my roof. After all, aren't you called Ladies for a reason? Aren't you as pure as the white roses that blossom in summer?"

"Well, Master, you must remember that I was not meant to be a Lady and therefore didn't have to live by those expectations. And I don't think that you will ever know everything that happens under your roof."

Draco just lifted a brow at her response and after a few seconds she sighed. "I was sixteen and head over heels for a boy. He was twenty and had more than a couple of girls downstairs gushing over him, including myself. He was a Manservant for a Lord, or so he claimed to be," her eyes were fixated on the skin of his chest, her fingers caressing him mindlessly. "He was so charming. He knew how to get a girl fall for him, that's for sure. I was naïve and crazy about the attention he was giving me. It only took a month of pretty words before he took away my innocence. He was sent off to the southern province. I was so heartbroken after his departure, cried for days… Well, that was until I found out that four girls were bearing him a child. Then I felt stupid."

His pale brown eyebrows came together. "I suppose Eirene doesn't know about this."

"Oh, no," she sat back, pushing her body away from his, her hands flat against his chest. "She would've killed me with her bare hands," shaking her head she laughed.

"I'm sure you prefer my bare hands," smirking, he pushed her down the tub, so now he was the one hovering over her. His hands travelled down her body, holding her hips down. A second later his lips were at the base of her neck, kissing, biting and licking the soft skin covering her collar.

Her hands grabbed his shoulders and a heavy sigh escaped her lips. "Are you always so rapacious?"

"I'd say insatiable," his husky voice said against her skin.

Hermione tried to move to accommodate under him, but Draco quickly reacted. His right hand captured both her hands by the wrists, holding them above her head as his left hand pushed her hips against the white ivory of the bathtub, pinning her. His knee pushed her legs apart, so he could rest between them. He looked up, his lips traveling down the milky skin of her breasts, and he met with a pair of golden eyes glowing with lust.

"The first flowers are blossoming. You know the consequences will be worse when you get married," she whispered, between a moan, as he pushed himself between her folds. She arched her back, pressing her body against his, shaking with the want to move under his grip. "Spring is comin—" Draco thrusted again, with much force and she whimpered.

"Let's worry about my marriage when the day comes," he captured her soft lips between his, biting on her lower one. "Let me enjoy you for now," he started to move in and out of her, and her body relaxed under him, letting pleasure take over her body erasing her worries.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked, her spine straight and her head held high.

Her Master had sent her to his study to gather some books and return them to their respective places in the main library. But she had not expected to encounter an intruder in her Master's study, as no-one was allowed in without his permission. And she never imagined that this intruder would be no other than Lord Potter.

He stood up, his green eyes staring coldly at her. Some of the drawers were pulled out, and various papers were scattered around. Lord Potter had been prying her Master's things, and by the way the small desk stood, he had tried and failed to open the drawer that her Master kept locked at all times.

He pursed his lips, glaring at her. "Turn down your tone. That's not the way to talk to your superiors. Or perhaps you are up to spend a night down in the dungeons after a session of lashing?"

Hermione opened her mouth to snap back at him, but quickly closed it after remembering the last time Queen Narcissa had ordered for her to be lashed. She bit her lower lip, looking away.

Lord Potter approached her, and grabbed her chin, his fingernails digging on her cheeks. Turning to face him, Hermione saw how his face was clouded with darkness. "You are not so brave when your Master is not around to protect you, are you?" he spoke through gritted teeth, his hot breath crashing against Hermione's face.

His hand pushed her with so much strength, that she fell back on her back, her palms scraping the floor. "Be a good girl and keep your nose out of the King's business."

He turned on his heels, exiting the room and slamming the door behind him.

Hearing the muffled voice behind the wooden door, Hermione stepped into the room and slowly approached the ebony desk. General Sirius nodded towards her, acknowledging her presence. He returned his gaze to the papers and the map before him, his left hand picking up the wine cup and bringing it towards his lips.

He took a sip of his wine and sighed before speaking. "What brings you here, my little flower?"

For the past few months she had grown fond of General Sirius. He was a breath of fresh air between the stone-cold faces that inhabited the castle. And his fatherly instinct had picked her up, like a little girl knocking at his door asking for someone to protect her. He usually escorted her out of the castle, their arms locked, standing by her side as she walked the streets of Civitas and she ran errands. Hermione always welcomed the tender but wise advice that he gave to her. That was the reason she was standing in his office.

"I am tired of being weak, General. I am tired of being what everyone expects me to be and not who I really am. This," she gestured at her dress in despair, "is not what I am."

General Sirius stood up, frowning, and quickly went to close the door. He turned on his heels, watching her carefully. "Hermione, be careful of what you say. People could misread your words and could accuse you of being a rebel. And you know very well that I can't stop executions of people that presumably attempt against the crown."

She knew that he was right; that everyone was denying it, but the truth was that the crown was hanging by a thread. But her soul was tired of being pushed back, the flames growing stronger with every passing day.

"You know better than anyone that I am a devoted servant. That I would never harm my Master," the words left her lips through gritted teeth.

General Sirius smiled softly. "I know that. But I am very aware that there are people that are not your Master pushing you to the limit."

Hermione turned to face the window. She would never admit it, but he was right. "I—I just want to be myself again. You were right. I'm not the same than before. I'm not the strong and wise woman that was helping her Master. Now I'm just a façade. I just want to be that girl again. I want to be strong. Feel strong. I want to walk down the hall as a servant, yes, but with my head held high."

His big callused hand patted her shoulder. "My little flower, it seems that you are feeling guilty over something."

Hermione turned to face him. She knew what his words were implying, but didn't know how to respond without giving it away.

He shook his head, shrugging. "The devil knows because he is the devil, but he knows more because he's old."

"I do not feel guilty about it. I feel guilty because I don't really care about the consequences…" Hermione trailed off. "But that's not the point. I want to be myself again."

They both stood in silence, standing before the window, watching as people in Civitas followed their daily life and the sea far from them stood still under the cloudless day.

Taking a deep breath Hermione broke the silence. "Show me how to fight."

"What?"

General Sirius turned to see her, bewildered.

"Show me how to fight," her eyes sparkled with possibility. "Show me how to use a sword and how to fight in a war. And if the day comes where you go to the front as the enemy approaches the Kingdom, take me with you. Take me to fight and to prove myself."

"But—But I can't do that," he shook his head. "It's not proper of a Lady to fight, to hold a sword, to march with an army."

Hermione pushed his hand away and pulled at her hair. "I am not a Lady! I am not this! I want to fight! I want to march with the legion! I want to be me! I don't want to sit here waiting for someone to save me, like all Ladies do. Don't you understand? I was born alone. I was not born into this life. I have to save myself, by my own hand."

She saw how a dozen emotions crossed the General's face. She could see the dilemma going inside his head. Choosing between what was proper and what was the best for her. His shoulders slouched, giving up.

"Alright," he sighed. "I will train you, teach you how to use a sword."

Hermione couldn't help the small smile that curved her lips. But before her excitement could go further, he grabbed her by the shoulders. His face turned dead serious, a dark shadow hovering over him.

"No one can know, Hermione. We will train before the sun rises and we will keep this a secret between us."

Hermione nodded, and exited his office with her head held high.

Outside the castle, the gardens were plagued with blossoming flowers. A swirl of colors and scents. Lords and Ladies were lining the Great Hall, flashing expensive silk gowns and jewels. The first round of wine cups was served. Lords talked to each other, bragging about their business, money, lovers… Ladies gossiped, leaning gently over each other, stealing mischievous looks towards the Lady that was subject of their conversation. Manservants were dressed in their best suits and Ladies-in-waiting wore long embellished dresses. White flowers could be seen everywhere. The King and Queen, his parents, were sitting on the throne, over the dais.

The priests entered the room, walking down the long green carpet, until they reached the first step of the dais and greeted the monarchs.

Taking a last glance at the Hall, Draco hopped to see the soft caramel curls of his most loyal servant. But she was nowhere to be seen. For the last week Hermione had been distant, figuring a way out of his arms. Never staying with him alone, unless it was necessary.

The priest turned to greet the people a sepulchral silence falling over the Hall. Their mouths chanting, praying to the gods as Astoria walked towards him. The cream dress embroidered with silver, displacing various elements belonging to the House of Malfoy Coat of Arms. A bouquet of white freesias on her hands.

He hated freesias.

The crown over his head suddenly felt heavy, throwing all his new duties over his shoulders.

He took her hand, brushing his lips against her knuckles, and they turned to face the priests.

Everyone remained silent.

"Pone deos precor, ut nos ad nuptias ut benedicam."

Draco watched Astoria out of the corner of his eye, a satisfied smile curved her red lips.

"Di enim convenerant separare mortalium."

Lord and Lady Greengrass were standing a few feet from them, their faces pleased.

Sirius showed no emotion, his arms crossed over his chest.

His father walked down the stairs of the dais, moving his hand before them, approving the union.

"Et aqua asperguntur deum suum. Et sanguinem qui defendat."

Draco blinked a couple of times. Hermione approached the priest, a silver bowl filled with water in her hands. Her body displayed on a sky blue backless-dress. Her hair falling in soft curls reaching her waist and a crown of white and pink daisies adorning her head. The sun coming through the window forming a halo around her. A beautiful vision, and by the whispers behind him, he could tell he wasn't the only one that noticed.

"Sanguis de fideli servo. Sanguis enim cura est de vobis."

One of the priestesses pulled a dagger out. Taking Hermione's hand, she dragged the blade over the soft skin of his servant. His silver eyes found her gold ones. A few drops of her blood fell into the water.

More prayers were said. Her soul burning behind her chocolate irises.

The brown-eyed woman, that had warmed his bed, bowed before him and Astoria, lifting the silver bowl. His stomach clenched at the thought of her blood. Her blood was going to bless his marriage.

Blood of a loyal servant.

Blood of an innocent soul.

Blood of his sins.

Draco dipped the ring in the cold water before sliding it into Astoria's finger. His bride repeated the action.

The priests blessed the union.

"Why her blood?" Draco asked, barely above a whisper, so no one around them could hear.

The music and laughter were loud, everyone enjoying his wedding reception. Astoria walked around the room, a small tiara over her head, flashing her ring at every Lady present. Fake laughs and shallow conversation were heard everywhere.

His uncle placed his cutlery down and raised a brow. "Any problem with the ritual?"

Sirius smirked, his eyes flashing something that said I know something you don't. Draco glared at him.

"I was just surprised it was her blood. I thought you would pick someone else," he shrugged, trying to play it off. Pretend he didn't care.

A pale blue dress twirled around, in the center of the ballroom. Her back showing a long pearly scar. Draco saw how Hermione was passed from arms to arms, every man enchanted by her, wanting to get a minute of her attention while they danced. Her face glowing with pure happiness, laughing as another gentleman got a hold of her before leading her around the ballroom, dancing.

Sirius followed his gaze, and grinned when his dark eyes landed on the beauty Draco was admiring.

"I didn't choose her."

Draco turned to face him, perplexed. "What?"

"I didn't choose her," Sirius brought the wine cup to his lips, taking a long gulp. "She offered to be your blood intercessor. I think I could never find someone better than her. She is devoted and loyal to you like no other and her soul is not tinted."

Draco shook his head. "She's not a virgin."

Sirius scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Do you think I was born yesterday. Of course, I know she's not a virgin. Not after being in your arms, anyway," a sour feeling pursed Draco's lips, but his uncle didn't pay attention to it. "Not being a virgin doesn't mean her soul is tinted. Blood has never been shed by her hands, never has she been part of any crime and, the most important thing, the priests said the gods approved her."

"But why did she offer to do it?"

"I don't know, but you will have time to ask her. After all, she's the one that has to get you ready to consummate your marriage."

Draco had forgotten about that. He had to make his marriage legal in all aspects. He had to bring an Heir soon, as the whisper of war was growing louder. If he died without an Heir it would be the end of Aerglo. His people would suffer under the hands of a tyrant.

He knew that his father had committed many mistakes during his reign. That many of his people were hungry and needed shelter. But Draco hopped to amend those situations and guide the Kingdom to a better path when his time to take over the throne came. None of that would be possible if the Kingdom was taken over by the Longbottoms or any other ruler. He needed to get Astoria pregnant, soon.

His uncle was right. As the night had fallen and the full moon shone in the dark sky, he stood in the male cabinet, attached to his new bedroom. The one he was meant to share with Astoria. Hermione was still wearing her ball dress. Carefully, she took of the crown from his head and proceeded to undress him. He just watched as her delicate but skillful fingers stripped the clothes from his body.

"Sirius told me you offered to be my blood intercessor," he muttered as she slipped the nightgown over his head.

"I did."

Turning around to fold his clothes, she nodded. She brought a bowl and a pitcher, pouring warm water over his hands, cleaning them.

"Why?" he took the small towel hanging from her forearm, drying his hands.

She opened a little amber bottle, and the strong citric smell hit his nose. Some drops of oil were spilled over her hands, before she rubbed it up and down his arms and chest.

"General Sirius told me that he hadn't found someone worthy of being your blood intercessor. No one was loyal enough to you. So, I asked him if I could fulfil that position, as I thought no one would serve you as I do. No one would spill their blood for you. Naturally, he accepted," her tone was nonchalant, almost as if she didn't care.

"You did all the rituals?"

"Yes, I did Master."

Draco imagined Hermione on her knees praying to the gods, being submerged in the pool at the temple, examined by the priest and following all the rituals.

"I think it is kind of ironic, you being my blood intercessor. After all, you are the face of my sins."

"Don't flatter me, Master. We both know that even though you prefer me, many other women have warmed your bed when I wasn't able to. I believe they deserve credit for your sins, as well."

Draco frowned at her words, but Hermione didn't take notice. She appeared to be levitating around the room, her dress moving with her, as she got him ready.

"Is that the reason you have been distant?"

Her back was to him, so he couldn't see her face and only heard the snort she emitted. "I'm sorry to tell you Master, but even though my duty is to serve you, my personal life does not revolve around you. I decided that the risk was too much to take, for not receiving anything back. And as I told you before, I know my presence was not missed as you enjoyed your free time quite well," she shrugged.

Draco narrowed his eyes. "So, you want something back? Are you seeking gold and power like all those other women?"

He saw how her shoulders went up and down as she took a deep breath before turning to face him. The air was caught in Draco's throat. Her eyes were blazing with fire, a powerful will that invaded her soul.

"You offend me deeply with your words, Master. I thought that after a year of being under your command you would know that I am not, in fact, like the other women. I do not seek a price to impress others. I just know what I want and how to play my cards to get it," she took slow steps toward him. Draco could sense the thick, dangerous aura around her and his blood began to heat up.

Grabbing her by the chin, he pulled her towards him. He expected her to fight, but she gave in to his harsh move.

"Tell me what you want."

His face was just a breath away from hers. Golden eyes were staring into his silver eyes and a wicked smile turned her lips.

"Are you so desperate to have me, Master?" she whispered, her seductive voice thick with anticipation and greed.

"Don't play games with me woman," he warned.

Draco leaned in to kiss her, but she turned her face away, smirking. Without moving her face, she spied him from the corner of her eye.

"I am not playing games, Master. You want something from me and I want something from you. But I can't tell you what I want, as you would never understand my words without seeing it with your own eyes. Also, you must understand why I can't let you kiss me, as your wife is waiting for you behind that door," Hermione nodded towards the closed mahogany door. Gently she pushed him, until he was pressed against the door. With a swift move she was out of his grasp. "Now it's time for you to execute your duties, Master. When you are ready to see what I have to show you, let me know." She bowed, almost mockingly, before disappearing behind a servant's door.

The torches were flaming, illuminating the Place of Arms. The steel sword tightly held in her right hand, beautiful as the other swords hanging from the wall. She was pacing up and down the room, waiting. The fire of the torches flickering, and she angled the blade, so the light reflected on the polished steel.

She came to stand in front of the dusty mirror. She didn't look like Lady Hermione. She looked just like Hermione. A small smile curved her lips as she took in the sight of the woman in the reflection. Her usually so ladylike hair was tied back. Wearing trousers, a too-big long-sleeved shirt and boots, she looked like the heroines of the epic stories hidden in the library. They were not ladies that waited for a man to save them, they saved themselves, and Hermione was ready to do just that. She would not surrender to her feelings and she would prove them wrong. All of them. She would prove them that she was a servant by choice, not by bond. That she had many other things to offer. That her wisdom and strength were not to be underestimated.

The old wooden door creaked open, and a platinum blond head caught her attention. She turned to face her Master and his eyes widened in surprise, his mouth slightly open.

"What's going on, Hermione?" he closed the door behind him, but didn't step forward.

"Grab a sword," she pointed to the wall next to him, where a dozen swords were lined.

"I won't. It's not proper," he shook his head.

"I didn't ask if it was proper. I told you to grab a sword," she said annoyed. "Do it!" She commanded.

Draco grabbed a sword, testing its weight. He walked over to her in a predatory way, not sure what to expect.

"I want to show you before I ask for your favor, Master."

She raised her hand, positioning the blade indicating a challenge. His gray eyes looked at her in disbelief.

"Is this what you've been doing? Playing with swords and dressing like a man? Are you out of your mind? I'll pretend I didn't see this and forget to punish you for going against your duties," Draco shook his head, and turned on his heel ready to leave the room.

Rage invaded her veins, turning her blood to boiling point.

He was one of them. He believed that she was a porcelain doll meant to be admired. That her sole purpose in life was to serve men, smile and look pretty. That she was waiting for someone to save them. That she was one of the many women they could walk over without glancing back. But she was not.

With a swift move of her sword Hermione disarmed her Master, before he could take a step further.

He turned to face her, shook and anger twisting his handsome face.

"You will not leave after I'm done. You will listen to what I have to say. And if after this your wish is to kill me, so be it. But do it with your own hands, don't pass the duty to some of the soldiers," the authority and confidence in her voice surprised her. This was not her voice. It was the voice of her soul.

Her Master rolled his eyes and picked the sword up. He angled the blade, but the arrogant vibe around him told Hermione that he wasn't taking her seriously. He made the first move, lazily, and with a step and a sharp move of her arm he disarmed him, again. He narrowed his eyes.

Hermione smiled mockingly. "Don't have mercy. Or are you afraid of a woman?"

He picked the sword again, and this time he held it firmly, and moved towards her planning on attacking her. He was sure that a strong strike would be enough to end with this little fantasy of hers.

Hermione remembered everything Sirius had taught her. The blade is an extension of your arm, your moves must coordinate with it. She took a step closer to her Master. Never let your fragile points uncovered. Her Master moved his sword, and she avoided it, the sound of steel clashing together echoed in the room. Find your opponent's weak point. Small grunts left their lips as they fought, the swords moving around as they tried to attack each other. Don't let your moves be predictable, aim for the left and attack from the right. Soon she was the one leading the encounter, her Master couldn't handle her swift, quick and unforeseen moves and was just trying to keep up with her. She cornered him, each one of his moves were blocked by her as she attacked him again. Have no mercy, win.

With a swift move, she made him fall back, the sword falling a few feet from him. She pressed the point of the blade to his throat and smiled. He was staring angrily at her.

"I know it is forbidden for Ladies to fight. But I want your permission. I want to learn how to fight and be able to help in the front."

He shook his blond head. "I don't know who brainwashed you into this, but I will not allow it."

"No one brainwashed me! This is who I am!" she yelled and pressed the blade a little harder against his skin. "I am not a lady! I don't want to sit around and wait! I want to do things by my own hand!"

"You are out of your mind, Hermione! No lady fights! No lady holds a sword!"

"Then let me be the first!"

She felt the wrath coming from every pore of her body, numbing her.

"I want to learn how to fight. I know I'm not the best, but I can improve. I want to march at the front with the General."

Draco closed his eyes. "Even if I let you train, I would never allow you to fight in the front like a simple soldier."

"Then let me useful in another way, but let me be. Don't cage me. Don't make of me what I am not."

He opened his eyes, staring at her. He placed his hand carefully around the sword that was just an inch away of taking away his life. A million emotions passed through his pewter irises. The exasperation in his voice was almost palpable. "And what do I gain from this? What benefit do I receive from this crazy idea of yours?"

Hermione took a deep breath and kneeled in front of him, her tight grip never leaving the sword.

The word left her lips like a hopeless breath. "Me."

They stayed in silence for what seemed hours. Just staring at each other in the dim light from the torches. Their breath slowly calming down after the tension of the previous events. Thoughts were running in her brain. Was he going to accept her offer? Was he going to send her back to the kitchen? Maybe he would kill her? What would happen if he accused her of being a rebel?

Draco slowly nodded, and Hermione dropped the sword. But before her brain could calm down, he pushed her down, pinning her to the floor and suddenly captured her lips in his, in an angry kiss.

He was kissing her with such violence and lust that it seemed that he wanted to hurt her. But Hermione was not staying behind, returning the kiss with the same strength, biting his lips, scratching every surface of his skin that her hands could reach. His fingers pressed so hard into her skin that bruises were quick to appear.

So many mixed feelings could be felt in the roughness of the kiss. They fought for dominance, their teeth drawing blood out of every inch of skin they grabbed. His hands tore apart the fabric of her clothes, pulling out her boots. In seconds she was laying naked over the cold stone floor. And he was quick to strip out of his clothes.

Their hands traveled up and down each other bodies. Nails scratching the skin. Teeth biting, lips kissing tongues licking. They were a mess of sweat, saliva and droplets of blood, rolling around the floor.

His hands found her legs, gripping them so she was open for him. But she was not going to lay under him like a submissive girl. She pushed him, grabbing his wrists. "No!"

With a quick move Hermione turned them around, holding his hands at the sides of his head, so she was on top of her. Her legs, positioned at the side of his hips, didn't let him move. Slowly she lowered herself into him.

He moaned, throwing his head back, as she rolled her hips. The new sensation was overwhelming. He always took the lead. But not tonight. It was her turn to make him moan her name. Hermione clutched his shoulders, digging her nails into his pale skin, as she moved up and down, up and down, again and again. Her breasts bounced with each of her thrusts. She leaned over to nibble on his neck, just over his pulse point. His snow skin quickly showed the trail of bruises left behind her love bites.

His right hand found her breast, she moaned loudly when he clenched it with no mercy, as his left hand squeezed her rear, guiding her moves.

"Say my name," she licked his neck, blowing cold air. She smirked when he shivered, but only responded with a groan.

She tensed her inner muscles with every new thrust. His eyes rolled back, his face showing pure ecstasy, as a low moan left his lips.

"Say. My. Name," she demanded, rolling her hips.

"Hermione!" he shouted as he found his release. She bit into his shoulder, trying to suppress the moan escaping her lips. Hot thick liquid filled her. Her arms gave out, and Hermione plopped down, falling into his chest. She could feel his erratic breath and his heart racing.

A/N: YESSSS finally we are getting to the best part of the story... but don't get all fussy because this is just the beginning! PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK SO FAR 3

HELLO everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful week! Thanks for all the likes and reviews 3 feel free to message me if you want to discuss something further :)

Some of you have actually asked me to have an upload schedule and I swear I'm trying my best to post a chapter between thursday and saturday, but I can't promise anything because uni always brings more and more stuff my way. (I almost got intoxicated in chem lab, btw.) But I promise I'll do my best to post in these days.

I Hope you enjoyed the chapter and I'll be reading your reviews. Until next week!