Chapter Eleven
The Caged
I awake in the morning, unshackled. My arms feel better than they have in weeks. The welts less red and my muscles finally loose. I stretch out, sighing as I take in the massive bed. I curl back up in a ball, pulling the blankets up around me, relishing in the warmth.
Tobias was soft last night, caring even.
We ate together, talking about nothing in particular, and then he held me again as we fell asleep.
He was gentle and reminded me so much of the man he once was.
I frown slightly thinking of the old Tobias.
He was kind, but he was also doing the same things to me at night when I wouldn’t remember.
He’s always been this way; I just didn’t know. But I know now.
Could things actually be different? Can I pretend to love him in a way that doesn’t end up with me actually feeling that way?
The blankets are ripped off of me and I gasp. Davel is standing next to the bed, a smile plastered to his pockmarked face.His crooked teeth are biting into his lower lip, and I want to gag.
“What do you want?” I snap, sitting up.
“Do you know where your husband is?” I look around the room, seeing that it’s empty. I shake my head. “He left to visit Tellavid. Meaning he will not be back until this evening.” I almost say something sarcastic, but the look in his eyes tells me that I am not about to like what he has to say.
“If you touch me again, I will tell him.” I warn, a lump already forming in my throat. He chuckles loudly, and I flinch.
“Do you think he’d believe you, whore ? Who hasn’t been in between your legs?” He reaches forward, snatching my ankle. I kick out, but he grabs my other foot with his free hand. I kick as much as I can, but his grip is strong. He yanks me down, settling me against the edge of the bed.
“Get off of me!” I scream. I reach around, clawing his face. I leave deep gouges along his cheek, narrowly missing his eye. Blood pools in the wounds instantly and his eyes widen.
“You bitch!” His fist flies out, hitting my temple.
My neck makes a weird cracking sound and I cry out as pain radiates down my spine.
I can hear his pants dropping and I shake my head to clear the fogginess.
He has my legs trapped in between his thighs and I kick out.
I get a leg free and plant my foot against his hip, shoving him back.
Panic barrels through me as I try and get free.
He trips on his pants and falls off the raised platform, landing on his backside.
He shoots back up, righting his pants, as I scramble across the bed.
My heart is in my throat as I throw myself over the other side of the mattress, landing hard on the marble floor.
I get back to my feet, ignoring the pain snaking down my back and the bruises no doubt forming on my knees.
He jumps over the bed, reaching for me, but I dart out of the way at the right time, sending him sprawling across the ground.
I run as fast as I can, and get to the door.
His hand tangles in my hair, yanking me back against him.
I feel strands rip from my scalp, and I scream before sending an elbow back, hitting his nose.
He falls back to the floor, taking me down with him.
His arm around me loosens just enough, and I slide out of his grasp.
I get the door open and fall face first into the hallway.
I scramble to my feet and run as fast as I possibly can.
I don’t pass a single guard, a single servant in the hallway.
I reach the stairs and fly down them, my bare feet sliding on the slippery floor.
My nightgown is short, and I know I am probably going to give anyone I pass an eyeful of my body, but I don’t stop.
I can hear him running after me, and I fully let the tears fall as he gains ground. Where the hell is everyone? I cross through the side exit and see the stables. Not only do I see the stables, but I see Tobias is still sitting on Wyclif talking to a man in a red cloak.
His head shoots up in my direction and he quickly dismounts, fury pooling in his eyes. He meets me halfway and I throw my arms around him.
“He–he tried to rape me.” I spit out, breathlessly. He holds me close to him and I can feel as his head snaps up. His hand holds my head against his chest, his arm wrapping around my back.
“She’s lying.” Davel retorts, just as breathless. “She tried to run.”
“I didn’t, Tobias. Please believe me. He said you were gone, headed to Tellavid and that you wouldn’t believe me.” The words tumble out of me in a single breath along with a steady stream of tears.
“That’s not true!” I lean back and grasp the sides of Tobias’s face, begging for him to believe me.
“If you love me at all, look at me. Look at what he did.” I can feel the blood dripping from my hairline, feel the muscles in my neck spasming from whatever he did to it. His eyes search my face, taking in every scrape and bruise.
“Put him in the dungeon.” I nearly melt into him as a sob escapes my throat.
He bends slightly and I wrap my legs around his waist as he lifts me.
He’s walking, and I think he’s going to take me to the palace, but we step into the stables.
Silence blankets us and it almost feels as if the shadows are pushing in around us, giving us privacy.
He sets me down on a workbench and pulls back.
He brushes hair away from my face and I wince when he touches my temple.
“What happened?” He asks as he searches my skin for every wound.
“Tobias, he said that he wasn’t the only one who’s touched me.” I whimper and his eyes snap back to mine.
“What?”
“He said that he wouldn’t be the first.” My voice cracks and I suck in a shaky breath. I’m not pretending this time. The pain and desperation I feel is real. And I hate to admit that the comfort of being here with him is real too.
“Are you saying that others have touched you?” His voice is deep, edged in anger.
“Not to my knowledge, but have you ever left me alone when I am too drugged to remember? Have you left me alone during any time I could be vulnerable?” He ponders this for a moment and then his face hardens before shock settles into his features.
“Gods, Ela, I’m sorry.” He pulls me to his chest, and I relax into it, into him. Cedar and smoke wafting around us, mixing with the scent of hay and horse, and for once I feel safe in his arms. Elaenor, what are you doing?
He carries me back to our room after that, watching as Apollo checks my neck and my head. I pulled a muscle in my neck, but thankfully it’s nothing serious. I change with the help of Lydia, and when I exit the dressing room, Tobias is still there.
“Are you still going to Tellavid?” He nods and tucks a stray curl that escaped my braid behind my ear.
“Yes, but Laris will be with you. Just him.” I nod and he kisses my forehead.
“Are you still up to having lunch with Thelonious?” I nod again and he rests his forehead against mine.
“If things stay like this, my Ela, how they are right now, I think we’ll be okay.
” I close my eyes and keep them closed until I hear the door softly close. I’m not going to be okay.
Thel is already in the banquet room when I leave my chambers to join him for lunch, the guards keeping a careful eye on him. I had thought we’d be having lunch in my room, but it seems I am trusted enough to be in public without Tobias keeping an eye on me.
Laris escorts me to his table, and I take a seat.
Thel’s eyes widen as he looks at me, seeing the new bruise on my face.
One of the servants comes by, setting a plate in front of me.
The smell of potatoes and roasted chicken hits my nose and my stomach growls.
I never ate breakfast as I opted to stay in my room and away from people.
“My Gods, what happened?” He whispers.
“One of the guards.” I respond, looking down.
“They hurt you. Does the king know?” I nod and take a sip of the water in front of me. He glances around, seeing that the guards have given us room to talk. “I want the truth, how are you?” I roll my lips, contemplating how much to share.
“I am alright.” I say slowly.
“Elaenor, I know that is a lie. Look at you.”
“I will be okay, uncle.” He leans forward.
“They will come for you.” He whispers and I nervously glance around.
“What?” I whisper back.
“They will come for you, just hold on.” His hand reaches out and takes mine, squeezing it.I search his eyes, my chest fluttering.
“Who?” I say softly.
“Who do you think?” He questions, tilting his head. A quiet gasp leaves my lips. He can’t mean…
“Enzo?” He nods and my mouth falls open.
“How? I don’t understand. What really happened in Rakushia?” He shakes his head and leans back, taking a bite of roasted potatoes.
“I can’t tell you everything right now, but I am here to ensure you are okay. They will get you out, you just have to wait.”
“I can’t really do much but wait, uncle.” I reply and take a small bite of chicken.
“What has been happening?” I chew slowly and glance around.
“I don’t remember much. He uses drugs to keep me compliant. Some moments are fine, but then other moments I think he’s gone mad.” He tilts his head softly. “I think maybe I’ve gone–” I feel the brush of air as someone steps up behind me.
“Your Grace, I am to escort you back to your room.”
“I haven’t finished my meal, Laris. I just got here.” I reply, taking another small bite.
“It is the king’s orders.”
“It was the king’s orders for me to have lunch with my uncle, was it not? The king isn’t even here.” I snap back.
“The king has already returned.” I whip my head around.
“He left just a few hours ago, Laris.” He grips my arm and yanks me out of the chair.
“Ser, that is the queen you are manhandling!” Thel rises from his chair, his hand reaching out to grab Laris.
“It’s fine, uncle. I will see you later.” I say quickly. The last thing I need is him ending up in the dungeons. I shake Laris’s grip off and follow him out of the room. “I was in there for five minutes, I don’t understand–” A hand snakes through my hair, yanking me back.
“You forgot something.” A deep voice growls in my ear and I freeze.
“What are you talking about?” I stammer as I feel Tobias’s hot breath on my neck.
“You forgot your crown.” My mouth opens in disbelief and then I am being pushed forward.
“Tobias, this is ridiculous.” His hand tightens against my scalp as he drags me up the stairs. Servants hurriedly pass us, refusing to look. “ Tobia s .” When we get to the room, he throws me against the couch.
“Why did you take it off?” He yells, slamming my crown on the table.I push myself up into a sitting position and look at him.
“I forgot it, I’m sorry.” I reply. He snatches the crown from the table and slams it down onto my head, the teeth digging into my scalp.I flinch, but don’t let the pain show.
“Never take this off! Do you understand me? You are my queen .” I nod, tears pooling in my eyes.
“I’m sorry.” I whimper. His fingers squeeze my cheeks, his eyes filled with rage.
“Laris!” He snaps.
“Yes, Your Grace?”
“Apollo, needle, thread. Now .” He demands, and the door closes quickly after him.
“Tobias?” My eyes widen and I can feel the shaking coming on. The fear as adrenaline pumps throughout my body.
“You don’t fucking take it off. Ever. You are a goddamn queen not some whore. You don’t ever take it off!”He yells, his face inches from mine. His eyes are red, frantic.
“I said I wouldn’t.” I stutter as he rips me off the couch.
He drags me over to the chair by the vanity, tossing me into it.
It nearly topples over, but he catches it just in time.
He grabs two of the cuffs he uses to attach me to the bed and straps them around my wrists.
“Tobias.” He connects the other end to the arms of the chair, holding me down.
“Tobias, what is happening?” My heart is pounding in my ears, my breath forced as I try to swallow the lump in my throat.
The door opens and Master Pakin enters with a small basket.
“Your Grace?” He asks as he makes his way over to us.
“Make sure she can never take her crown off again.” He snaps. My eyes widen in panic as I look at my husband. My king. My torturer.
“Tobias, please!” I cry out, pulling at the shackles holding me down. Laris joins Tobias as he orders him to help hold me down. Master Pakin doesn’t say anything as he comes around behind me. I can hear him rustling around in the basket before his fingers are in my hair.
“No, no. Please.” The tears are flowing freely as I stare up at Tobias. The first poke of the needle elicits a scream from my throat. I can feel the thread pulling through the skin and then another poke. I’m squirming as much as I can, but Laris and Tobias are too strong.
No, no, no, no. It’s been weeks.
Weeks since he tortured me beyond shallow wounds.
Weeks since he has kept me in the dungeon, bloody and destroyed.
Again and again the needle goes in and out of my scalp. I can feel the blood dripping down my neck and tickling my forehead.
In and out.
In and out.
The needle and thread weave through my skin.
The pain is indescribable. It feels as if he’s ripping my scalp off of my head, peeling it away one layer of skin at a time.
I’m screaming, my throat going raw as I cry out. I shut my eyes, squeezing them as tight as I can.Willing for anything to make the pain go away. Begging for some sort of reprieve.
A room flashes behind my eyes as electricity shoots through my veins like lightning. Yellow banners, a man with black hair and amethyst eyes staring at me, as if he’s worried I’m going to snap.As if he’s concerned for my safety.
Who are you?
My eyes open again and I’m back in my room, Tobias’s face close to mine. He’s straining as I struggle against him. As I try to get away from Apollo and his needle. His face is red, sweat beading on his forehead, his icy blues almost black.
I squeeze my eyes shut again and I can see the room. An older man with white hair is sitting in a large chair, a glass of whiskey in his hands. My eyes glance down, and I can see a set of olive tinted hands gripping the back of the chair, veins pulsing under the skin.
I open my mouth and scream.
The purple eyes flinch, his mouth opening in shock revealing perfectly straight teeth and pointed canines, before everything goes dark.