Fallen Royals

Chapter 15

Marina listened as Petra slipped out of her room. Her friend has become another person since she met Toma. Marina always looked up to her as Petra successfully glided through the cruel life of Dalma's royal family. She fought against her father to be an emotionless pawn who'd fulfill his every wish. But now, she was eating from Toma's hand as she was a spineless jellyfish.

Marina sighed and turned in the bed, closing her eyes. If there's a way to get to her, I'll be the first to take it...

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Xma time was near and the troupe's girls were sitting in a circle making presents for their colleagues and friends. It was a holiday from Old Religion. Families would gather together to exchange gifts and have a festive meal. A tree would be decorated with sparkling ornaments. Nowadays, the high class would buy a present, the middle class would mostly give a crafted present, the low class would be grateful to have a bountiful meal. Petra reminisced about her past holidays and gifts she was given; the favorite doll, a miniature version of the castle she lived in, a pup-bot, and...

"My beautiful princess, as always you have one Xma wish to make. I'll give you what you wish for."

"My king, you've taught me that a good-bad cop is a good way to break someone. Why don't we host such an event? Give the prisoners hope, just to crush it the next day?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"Bath them, give them clothes, organize a lunch. Make it seem like there's a change in your heart. Then crush it the next day with fierceness only a great king such as your highness can give them."

"Excellent idea, princess." - King Noa was very pleased. - "Such a thoughtful daughter. You haven't asked a gift for yourself but again gave one to me. Princess, ask what you want, what you need."

"Uh, well, my business needs 7 new workers. Maybe I could find new slaves in the dungeon?"

"Of course. Pick your slaves. I still need Gubavac brothers and the prince, but others are yours to pick from."

"Thank you, my king." - Princess Petra curtsied and left the study room.

The princess was in charge of organizing the event. Karlo was her right hand and he made sure all the tasks had been completed. Men, women and children had a shower, except for the three men who were the dungeon's inhabitants for years, a bath was prepared for each of them.

Natan was soaking in the bath, his head relaxed and resting on the tub, his eyes closed. Petra entered the bathroom. It was highly inappropriate for a lady to do so but she needed to do this. What should I tell him? Apologize for what I've done to him two months ago? Or just let him know he'll be soon out of the hellhole?

Natan peaked with one eye. A dark shiny hair was coming down in the waves. A girl was sitting on the edge of the tub. No, not a girl, the Ice Bitch. He closed his eyes again. Nothing will ruin his first bath experience after so many years. The last time he had a bath was at home.

"Your father agreed to ransom. You'll be free in a month or two." He didn't respond to her words. He was used to their tricks.

She quietly got up and left the bathroom.

"Petra, Petra..." A voice startled her from memories. One of the women in the circle was calling for her.

"Petra, you ok?"

"Yeah, sorry.. What did you say?"

"How are things with Toma going? He's a great lover, isn't he?"

"Yeah... he is..."