The Captured Princess

Chapter Thirty-Four: Theo

I kept my gaze locked on Adira, hoping to send her some comfort, however small. It was obvious that she was quite frightened, her heavy breathing and shaking giving her away. But I couldn't blame her; she was so young, and didn't deserve to go through this.

Mentally, I was kicking myself over and over. How could I have been so stupid? I should have come up with a better plan. If I had, Adira wouldn't be forced into this position because of me.

That woman held the knife under Adira's chin while watching me closely. "Now tell me, where does the king keep his precious ring?"

Ring? What ring?

"I don't know what you are talking about," I answered steadily. If they were after information that they thought I knew, they were gravely mistaken. And the reality was clear: things wouldn't end well for Adira or I.

My shoulder painfully reminded me of the knife that had recently been inside it and I grit my teeth to keep from groaning when a fresh wave of pain swept over me. I glanced down to see blood sluggishly drip from my wound and add to the large pool gathered beneath me. I was losing blood fast, and I realized I would soon feel the effects.

I looked back up at Adira, and I could see the concern in her eyes. But it was wrong. She shouldn't be concerned for me; she was the one with a knife to her neck.

The woman grabbed Adira's arm in a piercing grip and traced the knife against it, answering me mockingly, "Are you sure about that?"

"Don't you dare..." I threatened, sending her a dangerous look.

"Hurt her?" she finished, dragging the knife into my precious Adira's arm, blood spurting from the wound. Adira flinched and I watched as tears dripped down her face. But she remained silent, and I was so proud of her for that.

"Leave her alone!" I shouted, struggling to stand up, but failing miserably with my hands bound and my shoulder aching.

"I will, if you tell us what we want to know. It's as simple as that," the woman said in mock sympathy as she slowly pulled the blade from Adira's arm.

"We don't know anything about a ring!" I shouted, "I can't tell you what you want to know if I don't know myself."

The woman shrugged and looked to her partner who was standing nearby. "Well that's unfortunate. Isn't it?"

Gaahhh!! 'Dis is no good!!! Oh, as if ll of you didn't know that already. Teeheehee. Anywho, thank you for reading!! And voting, should you do so. :)

Theo - Ithildae