The Prince and the Witch Prisoner | Prinxiety

3

Virgil's back was stiff from sleeping on the concrete floor but that was nothing new. It had been a few days since Roman had arrived and he and Roman had talked a little bit but there wasn't much more to talk about.

Roman's outfit had become dirty and his hair was a mess compared to how it was when he first came in. Prison life was clearly starting to get to him.

The only time anyone from outside the cell had made contact with them was when they were given food, and Virgil found that weird. Usually within the first few days the Lord would come to talk with the person being held ransom, and they would try to talk Virgil into giving him what he wanted.

Virgil would never give in though, he just can't! It would be far too dangerous, and after what that man has done to Virgil... well Virgil has no intention of helping him. He would rather be trapped in this cell for the rest of his life.

Virgil tired and planned to take a nap but before he could he heard footsteps coming from down the hall. He couldn't make out how many people there were, but there were quite a few.

They stopped in front of the cell and Virgil heard them unlocking the door. He glanced at Roman and they shared a confused look before the door swung open.

Four guards were standing there in full armor with swords and crossbows. One of them was in front of the other three.

"The Lord wants to speak to you, Virgil," he said.

Virgil was confused but stood up. "You mean... outside of the cell?"

"Yes, come along."

Virgil shot Roman a confused look, uncertain of what is about to happen. Still, he followed the guards out of the cell. The cell door closed, leaving Roman alone and confused in the cell.

Virgil looked around the hall he was in, he was unconscious when he was brought to the cell so everything around him was new. After six months alone in the cell, he was finally out, and that made him nervous.

The walls were made of brick and the hallway was long and dark, with torches lighting the way. There were other cell doors and Virgil wondered if anyone was behind them. They must be underground, the air was musty but wet and Virgil could hear a faint drip of water from somewhere. Were they in a catacombs of some sort?

After walking for what seemed like half an hour, they finally reached a spiral staircase. Virgil was nervous as they climbed and they seemed to be climbing for forever, but eventually they came to another hall, but there was a light at the end of it and the air was so much cleaner.

Virgil wanted to run to the light, to escape and leave this prison and be free again. But he knew he would be killed before he could even run ten feet.

They walked towards the light and Virgil had to blink as his eyes adjusted. It was far too bright, so it must be day.

They came up to a gate and one of the guards unlocked a chain around it before opening it. The sunlight burned Virgil's eyes and he blinked some tears away but they didn't stop walking.

They walked through what looked like a garden, the gate to the catacombs was inside a hill, not very hidden but not too threatening or that suspicious. Virgil wondered where they were and looked around, seeing a large mansion in the distance.

They were walking towards the mansion and not for the first time Virgil wondered how much money this Lord has. He was brought to a white gazebo that was surrounded by a lot of guards. Underneath the gazebo was a table with tea and pastries on it and two chairs. Sitting in one of the chairs was the Lord.

The Lord wore a brown patterned vest with a black long sleeved shirt underneath, black pants and shoes. He had black hair and eyes that contrasted against his pale skin.

He smiled and gestured for Virgil to sit across from him in the other chair.

"Welcome Virgil, it is so good to see you," he greeted as if Virgil was just visiting his home.

Virgil didn't say anything and just looked at him suspiciously, trying to figure out what he was planning.

"I'm sure it's nice to be out in the open once again," he continued. "Why don't we get those cuffs off of your wrists."

A servant came forward and unlocked the cuffs, taking them from Virgil.

Virgil rubbed his wrists where the skin was rubbed raw. It was nice to finally have those cuffs off, but he knew he couldn't do anything otherwise one of the guards would kill him.

"Why don't you eat something, we have plenty of food here," the Lord continued.

"I'm good," Virgil answered.

"I suppose you want me to get straight to it."

"I already know what you want, Lord."

"Please, call me Alec."

"It doesn't matter what I call you, because you mean nothing to me."

"Have you reconsidered at all?"

"The answer is no, and nothing you say will get me to change my mind."

"Virgil if you and I team up together we will become unstoppable! We could rule all! You could be my right hand man!"

"No," Virgil answered again.

"What if I sweetened the offer? You help me, and not only will you receive some of the riches, but you will be free again! You could go anywhere, do anything! Even... see your brother?"

Virgil froze. There's no way... it was impossible.

"W-what-" he tried to ask.

"You didn't know that he survived?"

"You killed him," Virgil's voice was barely above a whisper.

"Why would we do that? We don't want him dead, we just wanted both of you to help in our cause!"

"I don't believe it, you're lying! He's dead! You killed him!" Tears were gathering in Virgil's eyes. How dare they, there's no way he survived.

Alec pulled out a picture of something and placed it in front of Virgil. Virgil looked at it and his breath was caught in his throat.

It was a picture of a man standing on a quarter deck of a ship. They wore a captains hat and a white baggy shirt, yellow was tied around their waist. Their hair is black and in a small pony tail and they had tan skin from working out in the sun. But what stood out to Virgil was the burn on his face, covering his left eye and cheek. It's definitely him.

"It's amazing," Alec commented, "It's been six months since you've come here and in that time your brother was able to become a captain of a pirate crew. It's possible he believes you're dead, but you can see him again and show him that you're alive and well! If you can help me with your cause."

Virgil was speechless, he couldn't believe what he was hearing or seeing. His brother is alive? And he seems to be doing well. Is there really a chance that Virgil could see him again?

"I'll give you some time to think about your answer. In the meantime, why don't you stay in our guest room in the house. I'll send the prince there after I have a small talk with him. I'll let you keep the cuffs off but you will be watched so don't try anything. You can clean up in the bathroom there and there's a spare change of clothes in one of the dressers."

Two guards came forward and pulled Virgil out of the chair, leading him towards the mansion. Virgil was lost in thought and he held on tight to the picture in his hand. His brother is alive, and Virgil is determined to see him again. One way or another.