As consciousness slowly trickled back into her, Sineka found herself enveloped in a cocoon of warmth and softness. The first thing she noticed was the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, the rhythmic motion a comforting reassurance. Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking against the soft light that filtered through the room.
The sight that greeted her took her breath away. She found herself lying on a sumptuous bed, adorned with plush pillows and luxurious linens that cradled her like a cloud. The room itself exuded opulence, with rich fabrics draping the walls and elegant furnishings that spoke of wealth and sophistication.
As Sineka took in her surroundings, a sense of disorientation washed over her. Where was she? How had she come to be in such a lavish setting? Her memories were hazy, fragmented pieces that refused to coalesce into a coherent narrative.
Pushing herself into a sitting position, Sineka glanced around the room, her eyes landing on a nearby mirror. The reflection that stared back at her was a stark reminder of the trials she had endured - the hollows beneath her eyes, the pallor of her skin, the faint tremor in her hands.
But amidst the weariness and uncertainty, there was a glimmer of hope. She was safe, for now at least. And as she gazed around the room, taking in the luxury that surrounded her, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of gratitude for whoever had brought her here.
Footsteps sounded outside just as her prayers ended. As the door creaked open, Sineka's heart pounded in her chest, her breath catching in her throat. She had been praying for her safety, hoping against hope that whoever entered would be a friend rather than a foe. And when she saw Crocodile step into the room, a flood of relief washed over her, and she couldn't contain the sob that escaped her lips.
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Crocodile's eyes widened in concern as he took in Sineka's tear-streaked face. Without a word, he hurried to her side, his footsteps echoing softly on the plush carpet. The room enveloped them in a sense of tranquillity, its elegant furnishings and subdued lighting offering a sanctuary from the chaos outside.
The decor spoke of refinement and taste, with dark wood furnishings complemented by touches of gold and deep burgundy accents. A massive four-poster bed dominated one corner of the room, its canopy draped in rich fabrics that cascaded to the floor. A fireplace crackled merrily on the opposite wall, casting a warm glow over the room and adding to the sense of comfort and security.
"You are awake," Crocodile awkwardly noted, not used to tears.
"Yes," Sineka sobbed, gratitude colouring her voice.
"You're crying," he noted again, gulping as he adjusted his cravat in discomfort.
Sineka chuckled, meeting his eyes as amusement won. "Yes. I am just so relieved I reached here finally."
Crocodile pulled the chair away from the desk at one far corner of the room. "Are you hurt anywhere?"
"Not anymore," she replied solemnly. Her swollen eyes traced her fidgeting fingers. She took a deep breath. "How long was I unconscious for?"
"A few hours, it's the same day," he replied before his voice took a grave turn. "What happened, Sineka?"
Her lower lip tumbled as she looked up at him. "Many things," she strained to let out her words. "God knows I am so happy to see you again. I don't know what to tell you, it was horrible. Father reached the island the day you left and..."
Crocodile waited with dread, as she composed herself enough to continue. He knew these past days had been ugly to her. No one becomes so skeletal in a shy of half a month by walking in the park.
"Everyone thought we had slept together and then you decided you won't marry me anymore. He dined with me in his ship and told me how I was a disappointment to his name. He told me that you must have me even if you don't want to because you have bought me from him. He demanded I pack my bags and leave with him to come here."
She sounded pained at that point. Crocodile had half a mind to make her stop but he wanted to know. He needed to.
"We left the same day. He locked me in his room and twice a day someone would bring me a meal."
The meal was too small for a grown woman, Crocodile deduced. She was being trained thinned out as to be in the right proportions for a bride.
"It took 15 days to reach here."
His hair on the nape stood at the revelation. If they had reached the shore on Day 15th, why was she found on Day 18th?
Sineka knew what he was thinking, Crocodile could see it in the way her eyes pleaded his silence.
"He left me at the shore, he said he did not care what happened to me from that moment on and left," she whispered. "And everywhere I looked, I saw vultures and their demured slave-like wives, who looked broken. I was so terrified. It felt nothing like Alabasta. No one would answer when I asked about a gambling hell and some even tried to touch me."
She sobbed on her knees as she tried to curl up in a ball. Crocodile's fists curled up tight as he tried controlling his rage. The Desert King may be a sinner but he never could condone crimes against women.
"I was so panicked, I just wanted to reach you. So I kept walking. I had no money so I couldn't stop but yesterday I found a little shelter and I think I slept for a little while. When I woke up, my luggage was gone. But I kept going and just as I thought I finally found you, everything went blank."
That's how Crocodile had found her. Almost dead with nothing but the clothes on her back. It had been true hell for someone who had never been allowed to step foot out of her house.
Crocodile was reminded of caged birds who were freed to fend for themselves, only to die too fast in the wild.
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A Bride for the Desert King | Crocodile
Fanfiction"Marry me," she commanded, almost. Crocodile narrowed his eyes at the impertinence of the woman who stood in front of him. "Ara," he heard Ms All Sunday mutter amusedly. "Who are you?" "Sineka Duskblade," she replied.
