Mind of a Warrior

Chapter 2

As expected, my legs were no match for the soldiers'. Before I could usher another step, I hit a wall of muscles. I looked up. A soldier, with a long beard that tickled my forehead was looking straight at me with big black eyes. His eyes were turned in a menacing frown as he grabbed my two arms and pulled me to the side.

The second soldier reached me and hauled me up carrying me towards the throne room like a baby. Each step they took was a sharp reminder of the small injuries I had gotten during my little adventure. My head was upside down prevented me to have a clear view. The soldier underneath me was breathing heavily against my thigh. Maybe I have too much muscle for him to carry me. He even had to give me to another soldier. At least I am not some little girl that they can around like ragged doll. 

I was raging inside. My one chance at freedom slipped through my fingers like butter.

When we arrived at the throne room, they threw me on the ground, and I painfully fell on my knees.

"The stunt you pulled wasn't very wise, boy. I might very well not be in the mood to be pleasant," the king said with an annoyed look as if he had other things to do.

I felt like he wanted me for a reason but I couldn't quite grasp it. I was supposed to be a nobody -- though I feel honored he felt I was important-- but still what did he want with me? His voice pulled me from my deep thoughts,"Now that that is over with, I'll get to the point. Tell. Me. Your. Name." He said through his clenched teeth. He was sitting there like a king -- well logically he is a king. The throne he was sitting on was full of jewels. He was literally putting his ass on people's money, how arrogant. People were dying outside those walls.

Like every other time he asked me the question, I stared at him. Names had power and I wasn't about to give him more than he already had. The king gave me an exasperated look and stood up.

"You want to play games with me? Then let's play," he said menacingly.

With a flick of his hand, two slaves brought food. It was a feast: bread, fruits, ham, and cake. My stomach started growling. I stared at the food with hunger. As if I was in a trance, my hand reached for the food. An invisible force prevented me from coming closer. I jerked away surprised. Sorcerers were in the room. That is how the king knew I was lying. I looked around, a man with black robes was standing next to the king. He stood, one hand on the back of the king's throne and he was looking intensely at my hand.

I turned my eyes towards the king. With a knowing smile, he said, "Your name, then food." 

With the adrenaline leaving my body, my will started to weaken, and the two days without food started to take its toll. What would happen if I told my name? He would know who I was but with sorcerers in the room I couldn't lie. 

"Aelin Lanham," I replied.

The king did not look surprised at all that I was a girl. The force on my hand lessened and I was able to eat. I took the big loaf of bread with a big slice of ham. I was in heaven. With each bite I took I closed my eyes. There was no sound in the room except me eating. On purpose, I said, "Hmm, HMM."

 A cough made me raise my eyes from the food. Who dared disturb me when I am eating?

The king started speaking again with his annoyingly calm voice and satisfied smirk, " So, I have right now in my hands the daughter of Enke Lanham. How convenient," He eyed me like a trophy, and I hated it.

I stood up, "Yes, I'm Enke's daughter, he died because of you! You owe me his life, let me leave. I'm not important, so the only thing I will ask is my freedom."

A cruel laughed escaped his lips, "I am the king and I don't owe anything to anyone, ever. Oh, you are special, that is where you have mistaken girl, I want to keep you. You might be useful. I will ask you once and be nice. Stay and work for me."