The Lion's Kiss

VIII

"How many days has it been?" I said to myself.

Winter had already arrived. The days were shorter and the nights were longer. Vlad would only visit a couple minutes a day to feed and wash me. He got no further than a kiss with me, and all hopes of escape was crushed due to my hands and feet being tied.

"I want to dance..."

My legs longed to be stretched; they ached. When summer comes, I'll be fifteen. By then, the warriors will soon be eyeing us. But, here I am. Helpless. The man I used to love, betrayed me and I am helpless. Wind rattled the walls of my cage, howling.

"Why? Why me?!"

I sobbed. No one can hear me. No one is coming to save me.

Then, the door busted opened revealing Vlad. He rushed towards me covering my mouth.

"Hush, woman."

He was covered in sweat and blood. There was open wounds on his forearms. Someone attacked him.

"Vlad--"

"I said, 'Hush!'"

I obeyed him. His hand was trembling over my mouth, he was afraid. He was weak. Now, was my chance! His eyes were still locked on the door, and no weapon was in sight.

"Let me go!" I bite his hand, drawing blood. "Help me! I'm in here!"

"Shut up!" he slapped me.

I turned back to face him, "I am no longer going to be your prisoner."

"If you want to live, shut your mouth. Out there is--"

The door was pushed down, pushing winter wind into the small room. There in the doorway stood five warriors as larger as beasts. Vlad was only half of their size, he was nothing compared to these men. 

One of the men laughed pointing at Vlad, "There's the boy that ran."

"A girl," one of them said pointing at me. 

Vlad rushed toward the door, only to be pushed down.

"Vlad!" I shouted. "Don't leave me!"

I understood the situation right away. We were under attack by these warriors. Vlad must of ran leaving the village to fend for itself, only to bring them here to me.

"Vika..." the look in his eyes burned my soul. Two of the men, ran at Vlad punching him in the gut. 

"Stop..." I said crying. "Please, stop!"

"You heard her," the largest of warrior said. "Stop. The boy is already unconscious."

"Oh, sorry. We just got carried away."

Vlad was bleeding and his face was so swollen I could not tell who the man was anymore. These men were truly beasts. 

"Take him away."

"No! Please, don't hurt him anymore!" I shouted as the two men who beat him up took him away.

"Vika."

I turned to look into the eyes of lion. This man was covered with blood, and not with his own. 

"I like this woman, nobody is to lay hands on her," he said to the other men. 

"Please," I said trembling. "Don't hurt him."

He nodded gently, "Come."

He cut the ties at my feet, only leaving my hand tied. 

"Stand."

The power in my legs had weakened, I stood only to put myself back on the ground. 

"What are you doing? Stand up!"

I was afraid, "I can't."

He picked me up and lifted me into his arms, "Don't move too much."

I was in the mouth of a lion, I couldn't move. But, strangely I didn't mind. 

{ I would like to take a moment of everyone's time to appreciate KTKTBK for making my book cover! Thank you so much!}