elethea

Elethea, Princess of the Lapis Kingdom, ruler of the small town of Errendel, was the strongest, smartest, and most capable daughter to King Arandiel. The only issue? She always had her walls up. Worried for their daughter's emotional well-being, they called for the most skillful scholar of the Academy, Alden Nathaniel, to be her teacher and her aide.

They had hoped that Elethea would be able to relate and open up to the bright young man. However, Alden had bolder plans to smash those walls once and for all. After all, Alden was more than just the sweet, charming persona he chose to portray to the world. He was heartless, manipulative and ignorant of any societal norms.

♕

Elethea opened her palm and slowly scrunched her hand, directing her focus on unwinding the magical binds that gripped her body. The binds shook lightly, but it showed no signs of breaking apart. She cursed her family for sending a spellcaster that was far more powerful than her. "What do you want, Alden?"

He stood up from his seat, towering over her. He slid a hand over her cheek, making her wince and squirm away from the sudden skin contact. She hated getting touched. She never did allow anyone to get close -- not even her friends, her family, and especially not him. It felt like he slashed away the walls she put up, and there was nothing she could do to defend herself. It felt violating.

He held her cheek more firmly and forcefully raised her chin. The light jerk made her gaze shoot up to meet his dark, maroon eyes. They felt powerful and hypnotising, yet calm and in control. Her fists tightened instinctively from distress.

"I just need you to let me do my job," Alden growled, "Tell me your worries. Your thoughts. Your feelings. Open up for once." He used his thumb to softly caress her cheek. "You've got a lot in your mind, and no one to talk to -- so let me be that person. Talk to me, punch me, use me, and throw me away once you're done with me."

# 237 (out of 14.5k) in "warrior"