AN: Author here once again. How are you liking the story so far? What do you dislike? What do you hope to see more of?

Saw something odd when looking at views. Saw something like thousands of views on particular chapters when others are barely in the hundreds which confuses me. Is this some kind of error? If anyone knows please feel free to reply. Although I hope that many people enjoy reading the story, I understand my writing isn't that far, yet.

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Two weeks had passed since the Paden’s embarrassing show for the whole caravan and word had gotten around the following morning. A lot of the older women called Paden over for lap pillows while they caressed his hair and despite his embarrassment he submitted. This earned him some looks from their daughters who started taking an interest in him which was odd. Paden knew most of them and had seen them around but they were never that close.

Something about his display with Axel’s girls seemed to have set something off in them and many visited the camp area of Paden and Axel’s families. A lot of the single friends Paden hung out with had noticed this and doubled their efforts to impress the women. Some had even managed to pair off. A weird rumor spread that if you gave Paden a lap pillow and pat his head, you will find your destined spouse and so some of Paden’s male friends had requested this of him.

Paden almost exploded in embarrassment when he heard the rumor. Axel and Weillin laughed their asses off and even the normally taciturn Randolph gave a restrained chuckle. However, it was all in light fun. The journey had been relatively uneventful and they arrived at the small village before the city of Zouvier where Weillin’s family lived.

Quick farewells were made to those who would live outside the city in the developing village. Paden said his farewells to some of his friends and promised to see each other in the city tavern or visit the village in the future as he gave one last look at Lily. It seemed she and his friend, Mike, was an item now and they would marry when her family returned after selling off their property in Avery.

It was a three hour ride to the city gates. Paden’s group bypassed the line formed to enter the city. This is an abuse of power, Paden screamed inwardly.

After entering, the remaining six families split off. Paden along with families of Axel, Eber and Gerard would head for the City Lord’s mansion as the other three had families in town they had sent word ahead to. If there were any problems they could seek help from Weillin.

Paden looked at the massive city in wonder. The buildings were towering, over three and sometimes four floors. The streets were six carriages wide and had separated walkways. Paden looked outside and took in the sights and sounds as Weillin’s group travelled unhindered through the center of the street.

They passed three walled off areas. One, Marie told him, was set for markets. The second had been set for high end shops and stalls. The third was a residential are for the rich and affluent of the city which was by far, the cleanest and heavily patrolled. Compared to the other areas where he only saw two groups of guards while passing through, this area alone, Paden saw six groups.

They arrived an hour or two past noon. Paden was separated from Axel, Eber and Gerard’s families as he looked to his aunt for an explanation. However, thinking it through, he understood and smiled bitterly at himself. Of course those three would live separately from him. The thought made him slightly lonely as he was accustomed to that cramp home.

“It’s only a minute’s walk away,” Marie told him as she sensed his mood placing a hand over his in reassurance.

Their carriage arrived at the front of a large mansion made of meticulously even cut stone. Everything Paden saw as he stepped out could be expressed in one word. Immaculate. He had never seen a home so awe inspiring. Fit for a king, he thought with a chuckle.

Weillin and Randolph were already waiting at the entrance where servants were lined up to receive them. The sight intimidated Paden and reminded him of his aunt and uncle’s station in life. Paden began to wonder if it was alright for him to even be here. No matter what his aunt said, he could not see himself as being worthy of such treatment, family or not.

Marie coughed and hooked her arm in Paden’s as she led him forward. Paden inhaled deeply when he walked into the foyer as it was stories taller than Woodhaven’s city lord manor. Immaculate white stone and brass fixtures decorated the room. A daunting staircase and crystal chandelier became its focal points.

As Paden was observing the foyer, two people walked over to their group. The man had salt and pepper hair. His piercing blue eyes seemed familiar to Paden. He had a trimmed goatee and compared to the charming Weillin, the man before him looked stern. His build was broader than Weillin’s athletic build and Paden was surprised given his age. A white ring with a blue jewel donned his right finger and stood out amongst his black clothing.

The woman was gorgeous. His aunt was something but the woman before her was something else. She oozed sexiness and Paden felt his heart beating erratically in his chest. Long brown hair, soft features and a lithe body stimulated something primal in Paden. It was the first time he felt such lust for another person.

“Father, Mother, let me introduce you to Marie’s nephew, Paden,” Weillin greeted the two with a charming smile.

Mother?! Paden locked up. All eyes fell on Paden who was trying to digest the bombshell Weillin dropped as he looked at Weillin with a stupid expression. His head shook and his face changed expressions repeatedly. It all looked odd to the surrounding onlookers and Marie was concerned for her nephew.

“Paden, honey, what’s wrong?” Marie asked snapping Paden out of it.

“She’s your mom?!” Paden asked in an exaggerated shout.

Everyone began to understand that the boy had been shocked by Weillin’s introduction. Most people were shocked when learning the woman was married and already a mother but most did not give such reactions. It was silly and improper for anyone of nobility to act such a way but oddly refreshing as well. Everyone gathered there laughed at his reaction and expression.

“It looks…pft…like Paden had been exhausted by the journey, pft. We should continue the introductions after he has had time to pft… I-I can’t. Hahahaha,” Weillin hunched over as he roared in laughter. The youth’s actions could be construed as rood but they strangely felt refreshing and funny instead.

Paden looked at Weillin displeased. His eyes met Weillin’s and he puffed his cheeks in displeasure but this only made Weillin laugh harder. Even his mother laughed at the boy.

“Paden, go and rest in your room.” Marie signaled two maids and they came over. “These two will lead you to your room. If you need anything these two will get it for you.”

“What about my things?” – Paden.

“They should be in your room already. Now that I remember, most of those things were inferior quality. We will take you into the city later. I think eight or nine hours should be good. Yes, that amount of time, it should only take use six days to select your full wardrobe,” Marie spoke with an ecstatic expression on her face.

Paden’s heart sunk. He wasn’t a whiz with math but even he could tell that amount of time added up to something horrifying and so he looked to Weillin for help. Weillin of course noticed his look for help. However, Weillin turned his head and looked away leaving Paden to hang. Weillin couldn’t help the poor boy. If he said anything Marie would probably drag him along. Their first month of marriage she had done the same thing to Weillin. He was not looking for a Nightmare Week Part II.

This was all missed by Marie who watched her nephew somberly march while being led by the maids to his room. Marie and Weillin spoke to their parents. They needed to inform them of Paden having dual affinities to light and darkness as they couldn’t send advance notice because of the security risk inherent in long distance communication.

Paden was led forward by the two maids. Both were considerably young and attractive. Paden leered at their asses as they walked in front of him which was not missed by the maids who giggled at his unrestrained gaze. Compared to other nobles who had no qualms with taking maids in their service the boy seemed rather gentlemanly. He was somewhat cute, they thought together.

If they could hear the thoughts in Paden’s head then those thoughts would probably change. Paden was young, naïve, unexperienced, shy but more importantly, fifteen years old. Paden was very horny. It seemed the sight of their asses caused his little soldier to stand at attention. Something luckily missed by them but not him. He was very awkward at that moment.

They led him to his room and offered to show him around. Blushing, Paden refused them and tried to get them to leave sooner. He sighed in relief as they finally left. However, his situation was completely seen by the two who understood why the youth had been so adamant that they leave. They walked out and laughed as soon as they closed the doors. He was too adorable.

Paden looked around his ‘room’. It was bigger than the room Marie and Weillin stayed in at Avery as two of Axel’s homes could fit inside. The room was divided into four sections. The entrance led into a massive sitting room. Next was the massive master bedroom. Attached to the bedroom was a large walk in closet and a bath. The bath drew water somehow and there was a sit in toilet.

Paden was flabbergasted. He had heard of toilets in houses but that was exclusive to nobility and not as complex as what was in his room. There was even a smaller sink to wash his hands. He had never seen such luxuries before. He burst out laughing thinking all of this was his. He walked over to his bed and laid himself down. Even the bed was outstanding. He was completely drawn in by his room thinking he would never wish to leave.

Paden laid on his bed as people came in with his things. His bows, quivers and knives were moved to an area close to his bed out of habit. His clothes were all unpacked and put in the large closet. A lot of the furs he processed were also put in an area of his closet. I still need to sell these and earn some coin, he thought. He had completely forgotten as everything on the trip was paid by Marie and Weillin.

After his things were put away, Paden walked over to his bed and lied down. Sleep came quick as he was slightly exhausted and he dreamt a pleasant dream of him and the two cute maids who led him to his room. Time slowly passed as two observed their new master with curious gazes.

Paden awoke to some giggles and got up groggily as he scanned the room for the source of the sound. Whoever it was caused him to recall the intricate details of his dream making him very unhappy at the moment. His unhappy gaze was met by the two subjects of his dream. As he recalled their giggles, he wondered what it was that made them so. However, his question was answered by the snug pull of his pants against his little soldier. Realizing his battle buddy was at attention and in full view of the two he immediately turned scarlet around the ears.

“Master and Mistress have instructed us to inform you that dinner will be in thirty minutes. Please, get ready,” informed the older maid in her late teens.

“Okay,” Paden replied as he got up trying to ignore their inquisitive gazes.

He walked over to the bathroom and found water already drawn. However, he was not alone. He sensed the two maids follow him from behind and looked at them questioningly.

“Uhm, why have you followed me?” – Paden.

“It is our duty to serve young master,” chirped the younger maid happily. Paden almost accepted on the spot, almost.

"I can’t really take a bath with you two in here,” Paden told them shyly as he waited for them to leave.

The two pouted as Paden sent them away. They were slightly interested in the body of this young master and were hoping to get an eyeful but were disappointed when they were sent away.

Paden heaved a long sigh. Young maids like that were not good on his heart. Maybe he could get his aunt to change them for older unattractive women. It would be less stimulating, that’s for sure.

AN: How was it. Felt a little off about how I have treated the whole issue with Paden's first crush. Should I have added more to it? How do you feel about Lily? Should she appear later down the road for closure or growth of some kind?