Eulia And The Butterfly Dragon

Chapter 3 Dance

A large pole with ribbons dominated one end of the dance area and Eulia danced with the other young women as she held a ribbon dancing and skipping around the pole causing the ribbon to wrap in a loose knot around the pole, then reversing direction and unraveling the ribbons. Then smiling she approached Jacob.

"Where's your family?"

"Mom was exhausted so she and Becky decided to use the baths and retire early."

"I don't see Ian."

"He's using the baths too. Then he'll be guarding the wagon. Aren't you going to ask me to dance?" Eulia replied then pouted looking into his eyes.

"I'd like to Euly, but I'm afraid you'll trod on my feet!" Eulia laughed at his statement.

"I'll try not to," she said very seriously, then laughed. Jacob extended his hand and they walked onto the dance floor as a couples dance started.

"I simply love dancing," she whispered.

"I could get used to it I guess," Jacob teased.They danced several dances together.

"I bet you're thirsty half pint, I know I am."

"Yes, but not enough to stop dancing, I love dancing with my boyfriend with a capital 'B'."

"I'll just nip off and get you something, girlfriend."

"What if some other handsome man happens along wanting a dance?" she asked coyly.

"I'll be insanely jealous, but I want you to enjoy yourself." He left her standing and went off in pursuit of a drink. He thought ginger beer was her favorite, Eulia stood on the side line tapping her foot to the music waiting. Two uniformed imperial guard stopped in front of her.

"She's the one Magistrate Arsenio mentioned. You girl! come with us!"

"I'm waiting for my boyfriend," Eulia responded.

"Your 'punter' most likely," they said laughing cruelly. They both seized her upper arms holding her painfully in their grip and unceremoniously marched her off. Once free of the market crowd additional imperial guards joined them as she was pushed and shoved along through the Farmers Gate into the walled city and then up hill to the keep. Once in the keep she was taken first into large palatial summer residence of the chief magistrate then upstairs where she was made to stand before a heavy set man in a purple robe. "Here she is Magistrate." They left her and closed the door. Eulia rubbed her upper arms looking about the room. She had anticipated a court room or another similar room but this was obviously a bedroom suite. Arsenio stood and walked toward her. He removed his robe watching her closely and threw it carelessly over a chair. He was huge towering over her and was at least three hundred pounds in weight, and being frightened Eulia backed up.

"You can't run stupid girl."

"Why am I here?" she said in a hoarse whisper.

"Prostitution is against the law, the punishment very severe."

"I'm not a prostitute, I'm a free woman, a farm girl. The man I kissed..."

"Drop it!" Arsenio barked cutting off her words. He moved very close to her and Eulia backed up until she hit the wall with her back. He reached and took her necklace in his hand. "This rather nice for a simple 'farm girl'."

"It was a gift."

"You spread you legs for this? I'm impressed." He yanked the necklace from her neck breaking it sending the pearls scattering on the floor. He seized her hair and lifted her off the ground as he slammed her head against the wall. Eulia responded by opening her eyes wide and verbalizing a soft squeak. Arsenio jammed his thumb in her mouth forcing it open wide. "Nice teeth. I'll find a good use for that mouth."