Claws of the Dragon

Chapter 2

Getting a better look at this woman, the feeling of her cold powerful hands on your forearm only gave you one feeling. Fear. She was scary in her ambition. Her smile was soft and warm, but her eyes held greed as though you were a prize she had won. "I've told you enough about me." You grumbled out, yanking your arm away from you as you sat on her bed. "Tell me about you, or is this a one-way street?" You shot out, meeting her gaze. Greed, but also irritation. "Perhaps I could tell you about myself. I am Lady Alcina Dimitrescu, Countess of this land and mother of three." The way she spoke told you enough. She was a pompous brat with enough money to get what she wanted.

When she finished for the night, she had you go back to your room under Bela and Cassandra's watch until dinner. You resented them, a rabbit surrounded by hungry wolf jaws at every corner. They didn't speak, which was nice. You had nothing to say to them, after all, they had drugged you. "Mother wants you to be fresh and proper for dinner. You have 3 hours. Make it count." Bela mumbled, closing your door.

Make it count, or else what? You rolled your eyes as you sat on your bed. You were not happy in the slightest, Daniela had betrayed you and you trusted her. You thought she was the sweetest person in the world when you first met her at the bar some odd months ago. She was rowdy and made your Saturdays bearable amongst the sea of drunks and travelers. She was your best friend. Was. It had been an hour, and it was best to not make your captors irritated as they could possibly hurt you. You walked to the bathroom, looking around.

Pulling away your clothes, you looked at the available soaps and their scents. Roasted Sugar and Vanilla, Dark Roast Coffee, Toffee, Lavender Honey, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Melted Chocolate. You scanned through the select soaps and picked up Roasted Sugar and Vanilla, giving it a sniff and bringing it to the bath after deciding. Just a little bit for lots of bubbles. You drizzled about a tablespoon of soap and turned the faucet on. The water was warm, but not too warm. When you had enough water, you turned off the faucet and carefully got in. The smell was wonderful and filled the entire room, to which you began to wash yourself.

Another hour had passed, making that two hours. You drained the bath and dried yourself off, burying your nose into the towel. She chose this fabric softener for me... Smells like home... How kind. You broke yourself out of your daze, completely drying off and looking over your clothing selection. You chose a simple blouse and black slacks. The clothes also smelled... Like home...

The door opened as you put on your shoes, Daniela standing in the doorway. "It's time for dinner." She called out, leaning against the door frame. "I don't want to talk to you." You growled, seeing her ease up. "Then don't. But you still have to come to dinner." She reasoned. You got off your bed, walking just behind her to the dining room. There sat Alcina, pompous but beautiful in her dress.

Tonight, your fate will be decided based on your actions.