The Prince's Gift

Chapter 24.

The guard held me steady as my body swayed into him with every step, gripping my arm firmly as I limped my way back to my tiny room. I could hear Braelyn's quiet sobs coming from behind the middle door as I walked past. The guard shoved me through my doorway before latching it shut. I winced as I was jolted from the contact, sending a quick pulse of pain throughout my entire body. The welts on back blazed hot against my skin as new bruises began forming around my throat and hips.

How could someone be so terrible? So heartless. So cruel.

I crawled onto my narrow bed and let the tears I'd been holding back for so long finally fall, silent sobs wracking my body as I wrapped my arms around myself at a small attempt at comfort. My new life was quickly becoming horribly clear. The life I had known up to this point was not ideal by any means, but it was peaceful. Yes. I'd been brought to the castle at the young age of three and forced to live the life of a slave under the vampires, but I believe they thought I was alone. The Queen had wanted to help me.

Isla had always been firm, even harsh at times, but it was always followed by a sense of nurturing. She always seemed to want to care for her maidens, protecting us as if we were her own, regardless of our status. She simply wanted us to know where we stood. It was something I could accept. Something I could understand. Zane had treated me as an equal, been angry even at my status and expectations. I knew he would have seen me freed if he could have. And even better, he loved me in spite of what I was.

But here, slaves were seen as simply property. As dirt beneath the vampires' feet. Nothing. They were something to entertain or occupy them when they needed a distraction or outlet for their cruelty. I knew now more than ever that I had to control the fear that was eating inside of me. Maddox had every intention of breaking me. Of breaking all of us. And he was right. We'd been spoiled before compared to this, and he was prepared to correct that by any means necessary. He was off to a good start. Nothing could repair the damage he'd inflicted already. I pulled the thin cover up over my body and let the sobs rock my body to sleep, finally allowing myself to fade into darkness and giving into the exhaustion that was plaguing my mind.

"Your beauty is definitely more than I expected. When Milo told me of the Prince's new...distraction...I assumed it was just because it was given to him. Something fun. Easy. But now that I see you, I can see why he fought so hard to keep you to himself." Maddox's voice was smooth as he spoke, his eyes raking down my naked body.

I remained silent, not daring to speak again without permission as my eyes remained glued on the floor in front of me as I knelt on the cold stone floor.

"Tell me, was he pleased with my daughter when she arrived?"

My eyes floated up to meet his, hovering for only a moment before fluttering back to the floor. "I believe he was your majesty. She is quite beautiful."

"Hmm. Yes she is. I'm sure he'll appreciate the upgrade. I know you're obviously good at what you do, or he wouldn't keep you around. But nothing can compare to life with your equal, which she is in every way. You're just a pathetic little human. I'm sure it was terribly annoying for him to have to hold back every time you were together." He said with a sneer.

My eyes flashed up, letting the anger get the best of me for only a moment before I reeled it back in and instantly dropped my eyes. Maddox circled me, his fingers floating delicately across my skin.

"I wouldn't be able to attest to whether he was holding back or not your majesty. But I'm sure he will be pleased with his future with her." I said softly, ignoring the stabbing pain in my chest at the thought of his future without me.