Penance

TW: The following contains graphic scenes of nonconsensual acts, violence, and death. Reader's discretion is advised.

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Kneeling in front of an army of a hundred soldiers was a young woman of 20 years, whom in no other moment in her life had she experienced a day worthy of being called Hell. The army's commander circled around the woman methodically.

The soldiers mocked their captive known as Princess Yuna. She was second-in-line to become queen of Navadeer, but in the eyes of her enemies, she was no more than their slave.

"They have soiled our land and slain hundreds of our men, but we have come out victorious..."

Everyone was standing within mere feet away from Navadeer castle, Yuna's home since birth. The men were entertained seeing the princess wearing nothing but rope tying her wrists behind her back. The crowd had their helmets off and swords to the ground, staring intently at the royal woman who had kneeled before their feet.

Head Commander Leonardo continued his speech, "This entire place was meant to be burnt down. Our people begged to destroy their homes, leave them to starve and be food for the ants, but we will not stoop to their level. It is better to claim Navadeer as our own and merge our communities together in pursuit of peace!" Majority of the warriors cheered for their commander, but a few booed at the thought of merging with their foes.

"This was our intention!" Leo proclaimed, "We wanted peace in exchange for Yurika's hand, but she has disappeared, and I doubt any of us were responsible for it. If so, your head will be harvested for next week's festival." His followers laughed, knowing well that Leo was speaking in jest. They would never go against him by killing his potential wife.

Yuna's elder sister, Princess Yurika, was necessary to keep alive during the war. Leo found the princess cute in her efforts to prevent this war from happening through years of protests. She defended her people fiercely, saying that although there had been bloodshed coming from the Navadeerian army, not everyone who lived there was a savage.

There were poor men and women who were never involved in the destruction of Leo's community. They shouldn't be punished for other people's mistakes, but Leo thought otherwise. He wanted to take control of Navadeer and become their king, and to help the poor citizens get used to his rule, he would marry their sweet, Princess Yurika.

He knew Yurika's answer to a proposal would be a clean slice to his neck, which is why he never planned to formally propose to her. Leo would have no choice but to subdue the princess during battle and chain her to the underground dungeon of the castle where he would breed her womb. Through a child born of mixed blood, the pair would become bonded for life.

But, Yuna was the only princess he could find.

"How insulting is it to us that we are left with the royal who knows nothing of political warfare? Her title is unbefitting due to her naivety. It is thanks to her dear mother that she was given the right to be called, Princess."

Leo crouched and grabbed Yuna's long black braids, yanking them downward to lift her head.

"...And now we grant her the honor of the title: Whore."

That line had everyone erupt into laughter, excluding Yuna, who remained stoic.

"I've laughed at better jesters," she said.

Leo paused for a moment, then he tugged on her braids further.

"If your hair were any longer, I'd whip you into submission," a smirk creeped along his face, "but we have easier methods of going about that."

Releasing her braids, Leo stood Yuna up on her feet and held her hips in place. He pressed her hips against his own that were still clothed. Leo massaged her curves almost lovingly, with gentleness and genuine interest to explore her goosebumps that arose from her skin. He tickled her thighs with his rough, calloused fingers and rubbed circles around her stretch marks. Leo's light beard grazed against Yuna's cheek, making her wince at the pain from his needle-point hair.