Cost Of The Crown

Chapter 7

Daveigh's POV

He left the net of chains on, and I couldn't move. I stayed in my bed in my pyjamas, listening to them rattle every time I moved. They were thin, but it was enough to hold me down. Dare even came by to visit, and he held me, all without removing the net. I was growing weaker each day. I did not eat the food provided to me, though he had been starving me for a few days. I supposed eating was pointless if I couldn't move to get the food anyway.

"How are you today, my love?" Dare asked softly, sitting down on my bed with me. I had been in the same position for three days and I was beginning to go nuts.

"Uncomfortable," I wined. "I want this off."

"I know, darling," Dare took my hand through the chains. "We're having more garments forged for you, and then we'll be able to take this off. But you're strong, sweetheart. You've fought through the metal. That never happens."

"Ever?" I asked in a hollow voice. Dare shook his head. "How long till the garments are made?"

"A few days more," he told me.

Begging came too easily.

"Please, take this off. I won't move. I'll do anything." I was pleading, and I hated it. This was a sign of weakness, and I was not weak.

Dare sighed, but removed the net of chains. He left it by my bed incase, though. And there was still the one above my bed, ready to drop at any moment.

I didn't move, like I promised. My fingers twitched a little, but that's it. "I think we're going to start injecting you with this," he said softly, stroking my hair. "It'll weaken you quite a bit, but I'll let you build up your strength. You'll be fighting by my side when your rebellion comes for me." I did nothing. Said nothing. "You're not moving," Dare noted.

"I can't," I mumbled. "It hurts."

"Maybe we'll hold off on those injections," he muttered to himself.

"I don't need them, I'm weak enough as it is." Maybe that wasn't the complete truth. I managed to light my hands aflame even with the manacles on my wrists and ankles.

"For now," Dare sighed. "But when you're up and running you have little trouble. You're stronger than I thought, Daveigh. We need to keep you down."

I couldn't fight him on it anymore. I had no energy left.

~ ~ ~

I was significantly less weak than I had been a few days ago. Dare now had me in manacles around my wrists, ankles, and a thick necklace of the metal around my throat. It didn't choke me, but it was uncomfortable. I could also take it off easily, but Dare had threatened to kill everyone I loved, so I decided against it.

He was throwing a party. And by party I meant he was inviting the royal members of the cities around Blackcoast to a royal ball of sorts, and also to introduce me to them as his... I wasn't even sure what I was. Prisoner for sure. Warrior, maybe. Future queen? Only if I was forced.

My dress was beautiful. It was a brighter orange, and completely sleeveless. The skirt flared out a little, and the top half had a few jewels here and there.

The maids came to my room and did my hair and makeup. I really hated that. Makeup was gross, and I wanted my braids. But Dare hated them. I doubted I would ever have them again.

"Come, we'll escort you to the ball," one of the maid said carefully. The two of them bowed their heads, almost refusing to look me in the eye.

"You're afraid of me," I realized. They said nothing. "Please look at me." The two girls did as I said, lips almost quivering. "Don't be afraid," I said softly. "I'm not here to hurt you, or anyone else for that matter. I'm here to save you."