The Prince's Gift

Chapter 23.

*Photo: Ehren

We were lead down a long dark hallway with small windows leaking small rays of light in. We arrived to a smaller path lined with identical wooden doors evenly spaced. "Choose your room. It will be yours for the remainder of your time here unless the King demands otherwise. Do not leave until you've been sent for." The guard barked and I immediately walked to the back of the hall, finding the last door and opening it. Braelyn quickly fell in behind me, choosing the door to my right and the third girl watched us before selecting the door closest to the entrance of the hallway. We all eyed one another before stepping into our rooms and shutting the doors. I heard the guard walk away and I let out a breath I'd been holding in since the moment we'd been selected.

The room was clean but small, and private. A small twin bed sat on the side, pushed up against the wall with a tiny square nightstand holding a lamp that barely lit the room. To the left was a toilet and sink as well as a washtub. A small table was placed up closer to the doorway.

I sat down on the bed and leaned my bare back against the cold stone, letting it ground me to the earth, reminding me that this was my life now. I'd prepared for this. I'd just forgotten. I could hear quiet sobs from Braelyn's room next door and my heart ached in my chest. She was so young. She had barely even begun her training. How was she going to deal with this so soon? I fell to my side, feeling goosebumps begin to rise against my flesh. I pulled the covers over my body and let darkness nudge me into a restless sleep until it was time for whatever horrors awaited us here to begin.

A loud knock sounded on the door and I heard someone place something on the floor outside. I jumped to my feet and swayed in dizziness from getting up too quickly. I slowly made my way to open the door and saw a tray of food sitting on the other side of the door. As I grabbed it, I saw a trembling Braelyn being led out of her room and down the hall.

"Oh no." I whispered as I caught the wide eyes of the brunette at the end of the hall.

I pushed down the fear filling me for Braelyn as I grabbed my plate and quickly shut my door. I dropped it onto my table and shoved a hand through my hair as I shifted my weight in frustration. There was nothing I could do for her. I had to let it happen. I was powerless. Just a slave. My turn would come soon enough I was sure.

I had no appetite after the sight of her being lead away like a lamb to slaughter, but I forced myself to eat and hold it down. My stomach rumbled and I realized I hadn't eaten since yesterday. I cleaned my plate before washing it down with a glass of water provided and placed it on the other side of the door to be removed. I slumped down onto my bed and curled up under the covers, tossing against the firm mattress before letting myself fade back to sleep.

My mind filled with visions of Zane, remembering his gentle touch against my skin, his lips brushing against mine before the feeling of his mark coursed through me. I felt sick at the memory of Maddox's touch against it. The dream quickly turned dark as I felt his hands harshly holding against my neck, pressing into my throat as I struggled to breathe.

"You'll die for lying to me girl. You don't know who you're dealing with!" His voice sliced through the air as he snarled, his forest green eyes swirling dark with anger.

I suddenly awoke, clawing at my throat as I forcibly sucked air in and out of my lungs. The morning light filled the tiny room and fought to reign in my racing heart and steady my ragged breathing. How could it have felt so real?

I heard a knock sound on my door and I walked over to open the door, my eyes widening as a sobbing Braelyn launched at me through the doorway. I quickly shut the door and walked her over to the bed, letting her curl up against me as she sat crying into my shoulder. We were long past our own nakedness, and all I could focus on was how to help her.