Chapter 3 Three

For the next week, no one would see Elaine, speak to her, or even address her about anything. She had her birthday in the putrid-smelling cell, given only stale bread and murky water as a meal that would last her the entire day. Gone were the slow mornings, the sweet-smelling snacks, and rich teas she had for breakfast, and the overall feeling of peace and idleness punctuated by moments of boredom. All she felt was dread and fear.

She couldn't believe her life had turned into this on such short notice. Devastated couldn't even begin to cover how she felt. She'd sobbed till she was exhausted, her eyes swollen and itchy, so she just sat huddled in the corner of the cell, staring blearily at the steel bars, waiting for the day she would be let out.

It finally happened on her tenth day in the dungeons. With her head buried between her knees, she heard the sounds of footsteps approaching and slowly raised her head up just in time to watch a burly soldier open up the steel doors and swing them open. The moment he stepped in, all the air in the cell seemed to vanish, and the hair on Eliane's neck stood on end.

He stalked towards her, grabbed her arm, pulled her up to her feet, and dragged her along with him. Too exhausted and hungry to fight, she allowed him to take her out of the dungeon and towards the castle. Sentries and maids alike stopped to watch her, their expressions filled with disdain and anger. Some even went as far as hurling stones at her, every action filled with deep-seated loathing.

"Monster!" another spat as they walked past. Elaine flinched but still managed to hold her head high, meeting their gazes as they approached the castle.

Once inside, the soldier left her alone, and a long row of maids took over, leading her to one of the chambers they had prepared. They gave her a thorough bath until her skin crumpled and turned pink, and her long matted hair was brushed until it shone. Then, they dressed her, making her wear a simple yet thin gown that stopped just above her knees.

Looking at the mirror, Elaine saw a semblance of the woman she used to be – long, honey-blonde hair, dark hazel eyes with gold flecks, and pale skin. But instead of the beautiful smiling face, she just looked haunted.

"It's time for you to meet their majesties," one announced, and Elaine snapped her head to look at the figure who spoke, her heart skipping multiple beats. Her body began to tremble, and the door opened. Two soldiers stepped in and motioned for her to follow. She would be meeting her captors.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and followed the soldiers. They led her through the dark and winding corridors, up a flight of stairs and another floor, stopping at the end of another hallway with grand double doors. A soldier stepped forward and knocked, announcing their presence, and goosebumps grew on Elaine's skin.

"Let her in. Alone," a deep voice broke through, and Eliane bit her lips to stop herself from screaming. The doors were opened, and Eliane was pushed in. The door instantly shut behind her.

Elaine's heart hammered in her chest as her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting in the chambers, where all other natural sources of light had been snuffed out, replaced with candles that flickered ominously. When they did, she dropped her gaze to the ground, too afraid to look up, cold sweat breaking out on her skin.

"You summoned me, your majesties..." she called out in a shaky voice, her teeth clattering and tears filling her eyes. The tension was so thick that Elaine found it hard to breathe.

"Raise your head," a voice ordered, and she did so, having no choice. Her gaze settled on the two muscular men she'd met on that horrible night in the woods, only now they looked more terrifying. One sat, sprawled against the huge oak chair, resting his chin on his hand while he glared at her with narrowed eyes, lips pursed in displeasure. The candlelight flickering against the scar on his face made him appear even more savage.

The other was standing next to him, looking just as disgusted, hands clasped behind his back as he looked down at her. Their eyes were filled with so much hatred and loathing that she took several steps back until her back hit the door. Terrifying couldn't even begin to describe how they looked right now. These men were the reincarnation of death and hell itself.

"We meet again," the scarred one began to speak, slightly leaning forward. "What's your name again?" he asked, tilting his head to the side. Elaine swallowed shakily, feeling sweat drops run down her back.

"My name is Princess Elaine Renee Valys," she answered, hating how weak and terrified her voice sounded.

"Valys..." The scarred one spoke the word like it was vermin. His lips curled in cynicism. "Offspring of that bastard," he spat, a low growl budding in his throat as his eyes flashed. Fear filled Elaine so much that she thought she might pass out.

"W-what do you want from me?" she stuttered out, her voice shaking too much. "Why did you capture me? Imprison me?" Even if they were going to kill her eventually, she had to know. "M-more importantly, why did you attack my kingdom?"

"You don't know?" the one who was standing asked, and she shook her head, holding back a whimper. He scoffed, shaking his head.

"Well, your people had it coming a long time ago. The moment you decided to be greedy and started attacking other kingdoms for no just cause," the standing one said.

"You also decided to take their royal family as slaves, poison their lands and water, keeping everyone except for you in abject poverty," the scarred one added, tilting his head to the side.

Elaine shook her head vigorously, not believing the words they had just spoken. "T-that can't be true. My father did that?"

"Oh... He did worse. Can't you see? We're his creations. The royal children he kept as personal slaves and playthings." The scarred one said, chuckling without mirth.

Elaine looked at them, really looked at them, and gasped. Though most of their bodies were covered, the exposed parts were filled with scars. She'd heard about her father's exploits from her nanny but never knew they were this destructive. She'd been living in a bubble for so long.

"But we escaped. And survived. And now, we're back to pay him back in his own coin," the scarred one continued. "Your entire family has been slaughtered, save for one, and you. You will pay for your father's crimes."

All the blood drained from Elaine's body, and she staggered. "S-surely, you don't mean it. You're going to punish me for the sins of my father? But I had no knowledge of any of this! No one ever told me anything!!"

"Which is why you're perfect for this," he added in a mild tone.

"We were once innocent too. Oblivious to the world around us till your father showed up at our kingdom and destroyed everything we ever held dear. And now, we get to do the same to you." His voice dropped, growing sinister. "Every hell we went through, you'll go through as well, until you can no longer take it. Until you beg for mercy." He snarled, and Elaine collapsed to the ground, her breath hitching.

She had begun to hyperventilate. Her vision tunneled, her breathing thundering in her ears. This cannot be happening! This cannot be her new life!!!

"No... No... No!" She muttered, shaking her head, her eyes wide with horror. "Just kill me already. This is worse. This is so much worse." She muttered, unable to help the tears that dropped from her eyes as she hugged her knees, struggling to breathe.

The one who was standing walked up to her, and she curled into herself, her gaze swimming as tears filled her eyes. He lowered himself, wrapping something around her neck and clamping it tight, securing it. Her fingers went up to her neck as she checked what it was – a collar. She had been branded. Reduced to a slave. Elaine's stomach churned so much that she almost threw up.

"From today onwards, you'll be our captive. Our acquisition. Your life will be resigned to this chamber, to serving us. You'll answer to our every beck and call, and should you try to be defiant, we wouldn't hesitate to strip you bare and whip the devil out of you before locking you up in the dungeons without food and water. Are. We. Clear?" He ground out, punctuating the words with feral anger.

Tears burned Elaine's eyes, her body shaking like a leaf in the wind, filled with trepidation. She choked on her own sob, but she had to answer. "Yes... Masters." She forced out, pitifully breaking into a sob. Their lips twitched then.

"Welcome to your new life, Elaine. We hope you enjoy it."