Becoming Calder (A Sign of Love Novel)(59)

Calder waited, not seeming to move a muscle. I glanced between the two of them.
Finally, Hector continued, "It's understandable you would notice Eden's beauty. But things won't go well for you if you think to take it further than that. Am I clear?"
"Yes, of course, Father," Calder said.
Hector studied him, seeming to consider his sincerity before he went on. "Good, that's good. Now, Water Bearer, I can tell you're an ambitious boy. Your," he waved his hand around dismissively, "system thing, was not pleasing to the gods, but," he sat down in his large, black leather chair, "you have always served me well as my cup bearer, my server." He looked at Calder thoughtfully. "I can see a promotion in that same capacity could serve us both well. And so from today on, you'll be my personal cup bearer, serving not just the Temple, but me as well."
Calder's expression didn't change. "Thank you, Father. What is it I'll be expected to do in this capacity?"
Hector leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "You'll serve me when I require it. If I need something, you'll fetch it. And you'll kneel before me to do it."
Calder's eyes flashed at Hector and I flinched. For several long seconds, they stared at each other. Finally, Calder said slowly, not breaking eye contact, "Thank you for your faith in me, Father. It will be my pleasure to serve you."
Hector tapped his fingers together, regarding him. "Yes. The gods will be pleased with your sacrifice, as am I. It will serve to make you more holy, to further wash the sin from your soul. You may stand."
Calder stood, looking powerful as he straightened his lean, but muscled body. I resisted the urge to drag my eyes up and down him. I bowed my head.
"In order to best serve me, you'll need to move to the main lodge," Hector said, standing as well. Calder looked shocked for a second before replying, "Of course, Father. Should I pack my things?"
"What things would those be?"
Calder shook his head slightly. "I suppose nothing much. A change of clothes."
Hector waved his hand. "If you want. There isn't anywhere to store anything in the back room, but bring what you like."
My mouth fell open. The back room was where the laundry machines were and where the dogs slept. I snapped my lips together and looked down so as not to show any emotion on my face.
"There's no bed, either. I trust you can make do," Hector went on.
A flash of confusion passed over Calder's face, but he said simply, "I'm used to making do."
Hector regarded him. "Yes. The sacrifice of my workers is most pleasing."
Calder didn't answer.
Hector waved his hand toward the door. "You're dismissed. Gather your things and come back here. You will follow me and attend to my requests, starting today."
"Yes, Father." Calder turned and headed toward the door, but not before making eye contact with me. I held it until he had passed me and then looked back at Hector who was straightening things on his desk again.
"Eden, do you know why I called you in here while I spoke to my new server?"
I shook my head. "No, Father."
"Because, Eden, it is my job to help that boy. I want you to understand the order the gods have ordained. There are workers, and there are leaders. I am a leader, as are you. We must trust in the gods in their ultimate wisdom, and not try to change that which has been foretold. Satan tries to change our course, by averting our attention from the ways of the gods. But we must not listen. Dire consequences will rain down if we are swayed. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Father," I said.
"Good." Hector came to me, cupped my face in his hands, and gazed down into my eyes as he towered over me. "My princess, I've waited so long for you. Nothing must get in the way. Satan will try his hardest now that our union is so very near. You must ignore all temptations."
"Yes, Father."
Hector let out a breath and then leaned forward and planted his lips on mine. I froze, pressing my lips together. After a minute, Hector leaned back up. "Has Hailey spoken to you yet?"
"About what, Father?" I hedged.
"About the marriage bed."
I cleared my throat. "A little," I said, averting my eyes.
Hector nodded his head. "Good, that's good. Soon, so very soon. I feel as if I've waited a lifetime for you, my love. If only the foretelling . . ." He frowned, looking away for a moment. "But, we must follow the instructions of the gods, not our own selfish wants." He looked at me for a moment longer and then released my face. "You may go, Eden. And I want you to increase your Holy Book reading, especially the section on temptation and sacrifice."