12: Darken: Resurrection

Chapter Nine: Daria

The following morning, we got dressed, but instead of making me wear rags, Draus had the maids bring me a light blue dress. It was simple yet elegant, made of silk that fell gracefully to the floor, with long, flowing sleeves and golden details sewn into it. The back was open, exposing my wounds to the air.

I glanced at Thespian, confusion evident in my eyes. "Why?" I asked softly, "Why would he allow me to wear clothes that are not what his captives are wearing?"

The maids laid out some simple jewelry and a hair brush alongside the dress. The pieces were delicate, adding to the surreal elegance of the situation. I picked up the brush, running it through my black hair, the familiar motion providing a small comfort amid the chaos.

Thespian met my gaze, a mix of sorrow and frustration in his eyes. "It's his way of showing control," he explained quietly. "He wants to keep you off balance, to remind you of your vulnerability while displaying his power. The dress is a symbol—both of your status and his dominance."

"May as well accept it," I said, continuing to brush my hair. I glanced at the maids who remained in the room, attempting to inject some levity into the situation. "Though you might want to tell your master that a bath rather than just a wash basin would be welcomed."

The maids ignored me, their faces blank and unresponsive. The silence was almost oppressive, a stark reminder of Draus's control over everything and everyone in this place.

Thespian walked over to the fresh wash basin, dipping a cloth into the water, "we should clean your wounds before we get you dressed."

I nodded, setting the brush down. As Thespian carefully unwrapped the bandages, he gasped. "What is it?" I asked, not feeling the usual pain on my back.

"All that's left are scars," he said, his face filled with worry. "As if they have been healing for a long time."

"Your father mentioned something about healing faster," I said, processing this new information. "But I never noticed it before, How are your wounds?" I asked, turning to face him.

"They're already closed," Thespian replied, a hint of relief in his voice. "Dragons also heal faster than humans, but not as fast as you, it appears."

"Good," i nodded, looking down, sad that i could not also take his lashings. 

"lets get you cleaned up, we can at least use the basin to wash your hair," he said as he wiped the remaining blood from my back. he then grabbed the basin and helped me lean back, gently washing my hair. "he is already letting me live as the son of the new king, but... if only he would allow you so live as my partner..."

i motioned to the items laid on the bed as he used a towel to dry my hair, "this is a start."

When he was done i started to brush my hair but he quickly took the brush from me, seeming to enjoy taking care of me.

his face looked like he was deep in thought as he brushed, i placed my hand on the brush and he looked into my eyes, "what is the matter?" i asked. 

"if i just end myself now... this will be all over and you will be free." he said, sorrow in his voice. 

i hugged him, my head against his chest, surely getting his shirt wet. "dont you dare think like that, not for a second. there has to be another way, im sure of it."

he smiled down at me, "lets get you dressed, im sure father expects our presence soon."

The dress was really pretty, but so far removed from what I was used to. "Can't keep him waiting, right?" I rolled my eyes as I changed into the dress. Thespian helped me with the jewelry—a simple aquamarine pendant in a teardrop shape, matching earrings, all set in gold. A few plain gold bracelets completed the look.