The Royal Halo

Chapter 5

The sound of the a door creaking up wakes me from my light slumber. I sit up in the bed, if you can even call it that. It felt like sleeping on concrete.

Arden steps into the room, walking over to me. "Get up." He urges, grabbing me roughly by upper arm. I wince as he practically drags me out of the bed, leading  me out of my room.

He walks me down the same hallway as the night before, into the same room as when I first got here and sits me in the same chair, not bothering to tie me up this time.

I take in the musty stench in the room, something I missed yesterday. My face crinkles in disgust and I peer around as many men start to file into the room as Arden's stood beside me. His facial expression is stone cold and he stares at the wall in front of him, ignoring my presence.

I scoff which earns me a short glance from him.

"Ms. Maynard," a voice speaks up as they walk into the room, the same guy from before. "I hope you are well rested, we have a busy day ahead of us."

The anxiety rises inside of me, taking over every inch of my body.

"I would like to show you something first." He says before clicking a tv on, on the wall to my right.

I swing my head to the side watching the tv as a news broadcaster appears on the screen, my father standing beside her. I let out a gasp and the man chuckles next to me.

"Harmony, if you are listening to this, I love you and I miss you dearly please come home. If you know where my daughter is please step forward. A reward will be in your favor."

Tears stream down my face as my dad speaks into the camera his voice breaking with every other word. I can only imagine how heartbroken and helpless he must feel at this moment. Wondering where his daughter, his prized possession must be, his only thing left. It shatters me heart into a million pieces. If I would have just stayed home yesterday or at least let a guard go with me, we wouldn't be in this position. He must think I ran away out of defiance, but that's not the case.

Anger grows in me and I jump out of my seat bolting for the door. Men are quick to grab me, pushing me back into my seat, this time tying me up.

I make eye contact with Arden as he wears the same hard expression on his face as tears stream down mine. How can this man feel no sympathy?

"Here's the deal," the bald man speaks up again, "you work for me now. You will help us take over your dad and collect his money." I swallow harshly, blinking back tears, "A small profit might be in it for you if you succeed." He finishes with a grin.

Before even thinking of my actions I spit at him. His face scrunches as he wipes his face and anger falls over his features. He jolts towards me, stopping in front of my face, "I should kill you for that!" He yells.

Arden steps in, touching the man's shoulder and whispering, "Boss, she's not valuable if you kill her."

The man's chest heaves in anger and he pulls tight at the ropes holding my wrist to the chair. I yelp as the friction burns my skin. He grins, clearly pleased with himself.

"Arden, see her to her room." Arden focuses his attention on me, undoing the ropes around my wrist, lifting me out of my seat and heading for the door. "And Harmony," we stop and I face the man, "pull a stunt like that again and I will kill you."

I swallow harshly.

It's silent as Arden walks me down the hall. I pause for a second before muttering, "W-who are you?" I ask, glancing up at him.

He side eyes me but doesn't respond.

I bite my lip looking back down at the ground, "Why're you doing this?" I ask once more.

He lets out a deep breath before speaking, "It's business."

"Business is kidnapping a girl and holding her against her will?" I snap.

He chuckles still leading me down the hallway towards the room.

"My dad will come for you, all of you. He can pay you, any price you want if you just let me go!" I plead.

He scoffs, "What it must be like to privileged." He says.

I furrow my brows, "What is that supposed to mean?"

He shakes his head as we reach my room, not uttering a word as he shoves me into the room and locks the door behind me.

I let out a sigh as I turn to the bed. I was hoping I would be able to get something out of him. But he's stone cold, emotionless.

Tears stream down my face once more as I lay onto the bed feeling hopeless.

2 updates in one day? I'm on a role, hopefully I can keep up with it this time. A bit shorter of a chapter, let me know if you like shorter chapters or longer chapters? Which makes it more enjoyable for you to read?

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