Thread: The Prince's Plight

Reina grit her teeth as she turned back to look at the man. Small drops of blood were pooling by his feet as they flowed out of the cuts in his hand. There was something very wild about him and she wouldn't turn her back to him for a second. No, the sooner they killed him or locked him up in a dungeon somewhere the better it would be for all of them. Even his appearance was somewhat frightening and she could see some of the noble ladies talking behind their fans, murmuring about his strange coloring. The king himself actually seemed to find this whole show amusing even as all the guards and archers tensed up, ready to strike if he even made the slightest move towards the king. Reina could feel his eyes dig into her skin as if he thought his mere gaze would be enough to strike her dead. Lifting her head slightly she met his glare with her own one and for a second it seemed like fire would start from the intensity between the two. There was obvious hatred there as they both had blood on their hands belonging to the enemy. Time and time again she had seen him strike down her own men in cold blood making the moment she brought that shield down on his head all that much sweet. An animal like him didn't deserve a heroes death and should have spent the rest of his days rotting in the dungeon, forgotten by the world. Of course that was the king's choice to make and it all depended on how the prince's father would react to the news of his capture. Their little staring match was cut short as a messenger walked in with a note in hand. Walking over to the king, the small man handed him the piece of parchment with the royal seal before stepping off to the sidelines. As the king broke the seal and his eyes scanned over the words it seemed as if the whole room was holding its breath waiting to see what would happen. Would the wild prince meet the guillotine or had his father secured his safety? The old man's eyes roamed over the paper as a strange smile seemed to spread on his lips. Whether this was good news or bad news was still up in the air as the silence deafened the room and all those who waited for his reaction. Well dear boy, it seems you are of some use after all. Your father is eager to have you back and has even offered up Esimee in exchange. Whispers filled the room as people started talking back and forth about the news. Esimee was a city on the border of the two kingdoms and had long since been disputed over. They must really want him back if they were willing to concede that land. Of course it will take a bit for the actual discussion and paperwork to be drawn up so what should we do with you until then? The king placed a finger to his lips as if he was deep in thought. I'm sure Corovia wouldn't be happy to hear that their prince was locked away in our dungeon somewhere. No, I think I have a much better idea then that. The grin on his face made Reina narrow her eyes in suspicion. She had seen that smile countless times before and it never meant anything good. Reina, I know you lost your handmaid two weeks ago when she got married and haven't had time to find a replacement. For everything that you've done lately I believe a reward is in order. For the time that he is here I think the Prince would make a fitting slave for you. Don't you agree? The old man had a bemused expression on his face like a child who had a new toy to play with. Sure he was rewarding his knight but this would also be the ultimate humiliation for the prince and Corovia. For him to serve under the very person who had captured him and killed so many of his men would only add salt to the wounds. As for Reina, her head was spinning as she tried to think up ways to get out of this. If this was the king's idea of a reward she would like no part of it. They had been on the battle campaign for a long time and she had been looking forward to actually getting some rest while back home. Having that beast anywhere near her would only put her on edge and make her uneasy. Yet he was her king and she couldn't refuse this so called gift. Yes sir, thank you. Reina said simply as she bowed to him. Maybe she could just keep Lox locked up in a room somewhere and not have to deal with him until their little deal was reached.