The pain keeps me silent

part 7

*The Sultan grins maliciously, taking his sweet time before responding.*

"It seems our little princess has grown quite fond of you, Greek. She's begging me to let you live, insisting that you are valuable and worth sparing. Isn't that just adorable?" *he mocks.**Leonidas gazes at the Sultan, his eyes narrowing slightly at the mocking words. The thought of the Princess pleading for his life stirs something within him, a mix of disbelief and guilt. He tries to push it aside, focusing on the man in front of him.*

"What do you want in exchange? Spit it out, Sultan," *he demands, his voice steadier than his battered body would suggest.**Leonidas takes in the Sultan's words, his mind racing with confusion and a hint of disbelief. The Princess, begging for his life? He couldn't believe it.*

"Why would the Princess care if I live or die?" *he mutters, more to himself than anyone else.**His gaze then drifts to Zahra, who is silently present at his bedside. He notices the hint of concern in her eyes as she listens to the Sultan's words.**Basma suddenly appears, her presence catching Leonidas off guard. She looks at Leonidas with a cool and composed expression, as if assessing him.*"Well, well, look what the cat dragged in," *she says with a smirk, crossing her arms in front of her.**Leonidas looks up at Basma, his surprise slowly morphing into a sly smile of his own. Despite being injured and bedridden, he refuses to show any weakness.*

"And who might you be?" *he replies, his eyes roaming over her figure.**Basma raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by his attempt at nonchalance. She steps closer to the bed, her movements cat-like and graceful.*

"Basma," *she says curtly.* "And you're the Greek prisoner, huh? The one the Princess can't seem to stop talking about."*Leonidas's smile falters slightly at the mention of the Princess. He shifts his gaze to the side, his earlier nonchalance replaced by a hint of discomfort.*

"The Princess, huh?" *he mumbles, more than .*Leonidas's smile falters slightly at the mention of the Princess. He shifts his gaze to the side, his earlier nonchalance replaced by a hint of discomfort.*

"The Princess, huh?" *he mumbles, more to himself than anyone else.* "So, she's the one behind this, then?"*Basma smirks, pleased to see that she's struck a nerve. She leans in closer, her voice low and mocking.*

"Oh, yes. She's quite fond of you, it seems. Can't stop going on about how you're 'different' from the other Greeks. It's rather pathetic, if you ask me."*Zahra, standing nearby, can't help but feel a pang of sadness and worry as she listens to Basma's words. She knows how much Leonidas has suffered, and the thought of him being used as a pawn in some sort of game between the Princess and Basma makes her heart ache. She takes a slight step forward, her gaze flickering from Basma to Leonidas.*"Leonidas is not a plaything," *she says quietly, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of defensiveness.* "He's a person, just like the rest of us. He deserves respect and compassion."*Basma rolls her eyes, clearly annoyed at being interrupted. She shoots a glance at Zahra before turning back to Leonidas.*

"Oh, spare me the preachy speech, nurse," *she says, her tone dripping with sarcasm.* "He's a prisoner, not a guest. "*Zahra bristles at Basma's words, her fists clenching by her sides. She takes another step closer to the bed, standing shoulder to shoulder with Basma now.*

"Being a prisoner does not strip someone of their humanity," *she says, her voice growing stronger.* *Basma scoffs, her eyes narrowing as she regards Zahra with a mixture of annoyance and disdain.*

"Please, don't tell me you're falling for his little act," *she sneers.* "You think he's some kind of hero just because he's suffered? He's a barbarian, Zahra. A savage. Don't let his pretty face fool you."*Leonidas can't help but flinch at Basma's harsh words. He knows she sees him as nothing more than a Greek prisoner, but it still stings to hear it spoken out loud.*