Episode 2

To any sensible person or living creature, the sound of the name of the Overlord was enough to give nightmares. No one dared challenge the greatest warrior both politically, physically and financially. And even otherwise! But then, I was not normal.

“Where are we?” I asked the maid, who led me through a maze of winding passages. One could definitely get lost here, I mused as the maid walked on briskly without a word dropping from her lips.

"We are here, Miss Hatherleigh!” The maid announced with a bow as we got to an ornately carved oak door. 

The designs on it were the moon, clouds and wolf heads.

I knocked on the door because it was a polite thing to do, and before hearing any response, I entered. 

"So nice to finally meet the Elise of Hatherleigh.” A masculine voice that brooded power and sensuality spoke as I tried to adjust my eyes to the dimmed lightings in the room. From what I could see, it was just normal.

It was like an ordinary office cum library which had a nice brick fireplace, and the furniture was in polished teak; leather and black hide overtones. Nothing was gaudy or extravagant. This was quite the opposite I expected from the Overlord. 

Everything looked neat, in moderation and proper, and even the table and bookshelves were polished to give off a shiny effect.

As if by magic, the door slammed shut behind me, and a rather elderly man, old enough to be my father emerged from behind the door. "Is he the Overlord?” I asked myself, muttering my words as he walked straight to the table. He was all dressed in silver and black livery as accustomed to servants, and he had a gold pocket watch.

“Good evening, Miss Hatherleigh.. It is a genuine pleasure to meet you!” He said in a rather pompous tone that had a hint of the British accent. 

I immediately knew who he was. It was Thomas, the unrivalled butler and close confidant of the Overlord. I knew there was no way I would be so lucky enough to see the Overlord without passing through him.

“Good evening, Thomas. Where is your master, please?" I shot a swift glance at his watch again. "I just heard his voice but I can not seem to place my eyes on him.” I mentioned sarcastically, and the meaning was not lost on Thomas. 

He grinned and pointed at my outfit. “You do realize you look absolutely ridiculous and dirty like this. You need to eat and shower first. Perhaps, get a change of clothes before seeing my master.” he answered, and I groaned inwardly, my face contorted with no remorse, as I took a glance at myself. 

"What does he mean by that?"

I knew I looked worse than a homeless hobo, with no life, but did he have to plaster it off on my face?

I looked again at the office before following him out. And as we left, I heard that same voice that sounded as smooth as wine, thanking Thomas.

I flinched, swirled around me, yet, I saw no one.

“What's the meaning of that? Are you in any way trying to imply that I'm a lady who's not fit to see your master? Is he some kind of god, or what?.” I questioned bitterly, as I followed Thomas through another corridor with so many doors. 

Thomas walked on and ignored my questions, making me mumble the more.

“I am not deaf, Miss Hatherleigh. My master has given instructions on how you should be received and I'm to follow his orders, not yours!” he replied at last, and as we got to another door, a maid who looked too cheerful for my liking attended to me while Thomas gave the enthusiastic girl instructions to follow.

After a good scrub in a luxurious bathroom with different scented soaps and oils, and a nice hot meal of biscuits, grilled bacon and eggs to top it up, I found herself relishing the moment, and Thomas did not seem too uptight, as we both realized we had a lot in common. We both loved travelling, learning new languages, cooking and eating. I felt so comfortable, especially as I discovered that Thomas was a relative from my paternal uncle’s side as the maid brought in a new set of clothes.

“I believe it's time to meet my master. Vanessa has brought a change of clothes, a cashmere designer sweater, jeans and under stuff suitable for your needs.” said Thomas as the maid stretched forward the package to me.

Thomas brought me out of the comfortable reverie I was in, and I groaned as I took the clothes from the maid.

“Thomas, no matter what happens between your master and I, I want you to know that you have an ally in me. Uncle Gregory was a good man and he lived a good life. It is so sad he left that way.” I said as I was left to dress up. 

Thomas only bowed and left the room.

As soon as I was all dressed and my hair was neatly arranged, curled and pinned in a wavy bun, Vanessa went to call in Thomas who followed behind her. 

“Thank you so much, Miss Hatherleigh. You have grown into a smart and beautiful woman. I hope you are smart enough to deal with this issue with a leveled head rather than a hot temper?”

I pondered on what he said as we went back to the office. 

While waiting for the Overlord, I began to imagine what he would look like. He would definitely be in his sixties, with bald head and a round potbelly for him to have such a title and to have a butler as reliable as Thomas.

I had never seen a picture of this Overlord, people claim he liked being mysterious and quiet. He never really appeared in functions and when he did, the press rarely caught his picture. 

I heard the Overlord lived a solitary life like a monk, because he hadn't met his mate. Rumors also had it that he claimed to be waiting for the one true mate instead of sampling the field like other alphas. 

Some claimed that he gave his virility and drive to become the Overlord. While others claimed that he was too old to get it up. But no one knew exactly what he was and who he was, and how he was looking.

And as I roamed around my thoughts, I was suddenly blown away by a strange looking being!

The man who walked in from the door of the other side of the office.