"As an offering of peace between our two parties, I present, Heidi Kalaia."
Silas bowed, gently coaxing Heidi in front of him. Heidi was unable to meet anyone's eyes, her tears created a glazey film over her own.
"Remove your cloak," ordered the King. He felt the tiniest drop of excitement for his new toy.
She brought her trembling hands to the hem of her hood, and slowly pushed it back, and she raised her head, her glassy eyes accidentally making contact with the king's. Her eyes locked into his, and she stared at him, not in awe, nor hatred, nor fear.
She simply stared with her hollow eyes.
"Heidi, Kalaia. From which area do you hail?"
Her skin crawled at the sound of her name on his tongue.
"Westonhurst." she replied in an emotionless and robotic manner.
"Ah! You come from the outskirts! I've heard they have the best of the best!" he exclaimed.
Silas pretended to examine a pattern on the carpet, filled with strange guilt.
"Well!" he says as clapped hands together, "I hope your stay here is, pleasurable," he chuckled crudely, throwing his head back.
"Laria! Escort this young lady to the Seraglio and inform Zella of the circumstance."
Laria nodded and placed herself next to Heidi.
"You are dismissed! And Silas, do visit again." he requested in a more hushed tone.
Silas nodded stiffly and turned to lock eyes with Heidi, before averting his gaze, and being escorted out by the guards.
The king himself rose, and descended the steps that lead to his throne and stood in front of Heidi, his eyes glinting brighter than the jewels on his golden crown.
Edging closer, he lifted Heidi's chin toward him, and Heidi felt his hot breath, stinking of a lavish meal that included no less than 8 courses, fan her face.
"Welcome, to the Palace." he whispered huskily.
He removed his hand, and gave her a sly wink, before guards barricaded him, and led him out.
***
Laria led Heidi back the doors they came through, and got back into the elevator, this time going up several dozen floors.
The elevator doors opened to a long and cold hallway, it's walls and floors made entirely out of smooth concrete.
Laria exited first, with Heidi trailing close by.
They turned a corner after a short while, and the path ahead stretched into darkness.
"Don't worry, the lights turn on as we get nearer." Laria assured, pointing to the large, rectangular industrial lights glowing above them.
