Chapter 18: Flora
Back in Flora things had deteriorated over the nine years to the point where many were in poverty, and barely able to make it by. Amoxious had taken complete control of the country, ruling it as his head guard and advisor ruled Natta.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnieSEVn4r
Amoxious was very pleased with himself. It had worked better than he had planned. Nate was gone, the two children were, as far as he believed, dead, and Sophia, the love of his life, was imprisoned in the dungeon. He had kept trying over and over to convince her to love him as well as to wed him but still she refused, still saying she would only love Nate.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpggIM2N4VY
Amoxious sat on the silver throne with red vinyl seating, backing and arms while strumming his fingers on the hard uncovered surface of one arm boredly, with his head resting in the palm of his other hand. Groaning he slowly got up while brushing back his black hair, running his fingers through it as his silver eyes closed briefly then slowly opened. His steps echoed off the quiet throne room walls as he walked down the red carpet, a small smirk pulled at a corner of his lips despite his internal frustration. “She has to break soon. I’m sure she’s giving in and weakening.” Amoxious grumbled quietly annoyed. Yet he was impressed that Sophia had held up this long against him and his power.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrBSYTRtyx
He left the throne room, the doors closing loudly to echo off the stone and metal walls. Servants and slaves bowed to him as he made his way through the corridors to see his catch. The door to the dungeon squeaked and groaned open on unoiled hinges before slamming shut with a mighty force. The sound of footfalls brought one of Sophia’s ears to twitch while she listened, tracking the person as the steps echoed on the solid stone nearing her cell.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwKJEC9XFP
She kept her head down and eyes closed until the click of the shoes stopped. She slowly opened her eyes and lifted her head to see her visitor. There before her had stopped Amoxious with a smirk on his face. This brought her to frown and glare at his cocky expression.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhk3WzQjNl
Amoxious was pleased as he eyed down at the woman he loved deeply enough to keep her imprisoned with nothing but the clothing on her back. Sophia sat against the back wall with shackles on her wrists which were connected by thick chains to the wall, which were long enough to allow her movement around half of the cell. “How are you doing my dear?” he asked smoothly unfazed by her glare.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXA7WgXCNUR
“…You know how I am doing.” Sophia growled in a low tone with venom. “You ordered your men to do what they wished to me. And maybe even what you want to do to me, in hopes to gain my acceptance and word to join you at your side.” Her recount did not lessen his confident and cocky body attitude. He hoped for a ‘yes’ to finally exit her lips. “My answer remains the same Amoxious. I will only stand at Nate’s side, not yours.” The thirty-nine year old stated firmly in a voice that was a little rough from refusing drinks for the past two to three weeks from him.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoXWiijJK2
Amoxious lost the smirk as it fell into a frown upon hearing her refusal to an unasked question. “Stubborn as always I see. Why did I not expect anything less from the great and mighty Sophia who was able to wed and love a ruthless beast?” he asked with almost a sneer entering his words and to reflect on his face.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkjy3mxUhb
“Nate was not the ruthless beast.” Sophia snapped sharply, her body pulling away from the wall some. “You are the beast that devours this land with the people’s bodies and souls.”1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK9vCeBUgY
“Thank you my dear. That’s so flattering for you to say.” Amoxious said charmingly with a renewed smirk as he gave a polite bow at the waist, sweeping one arm across his waist as one foot moved back during the gesture. “I can hardly wait until you are at my side.” He cooed while lifting his head to lock eyes with the woman. “You are such a beautiful creature that the metal bars and shackles do not do justice.”1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PHGvuDEnG
He stood upright and gestured around him with his hands, his arms extending. “You should be free and that can happen…” he took a breath, “if…” he paused removing his eyes from hers for a moment before giving her a kind smile with his eyes sparkling in a softened and caring allure. “You join me and rule this country as it should be ruled.” Once his hand was offered to her, her rage flew up like a fire with whiskey tossed onto it.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzA4zl5doC
Sophia said nothing while glaring at his offered appendage. Slowly she shuffled her body as far as she could from the wall, turning her sight onto his face. She quietly worked spit from her throat into her mouth and when at the length of her chains on her knees, she spat at him. It landed on his hand and upon seeing him jerk his gloved hand back with pure disgust on his face made her smirk.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCnCiFycdq
An evil sneer took the place of his once sympathetic expression on his face, twisting his handsome features to clearly show his distaste of her action as he shook his hand off once, keeping the appendage away from his body. “You filthy bitch!” he snarled with eyes narrowed on his moist glove before taking out a hankie to pull the fabric covering off. “It seems you still haven’t learnt how to treat and respect your superiors,” he growled shifting his eyes to glare dangerously down at her pleased expression. “Who be also your only keys to freedom.” He spat with venom in his tone.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb9e2JheES
“I treat my superiors how I see they wish to be treated.” Sophia pointed out sharply with a voice that was both calm yet firm. “You I see wish to be treated as a filthy mutt on its last legs, begging and scrounging for scraps on the street.” She stated sternly before continuing in a quieting yet cold tone. “Just a measly fleabag that bites any who offer warmth and aid in the freezing cold of isolation.” her eyes never left his nor did her body slouch. She wasn’t about to show him any signs of weakness.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAFWbZEOFg
“For that I will enjoy seeing your face when you are hanged for treason against the crown.” He threatened coldly with his body tensing in his frustration towards her.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMJPfYo7AF
“Do what you want. After all you do anyways as it is.” Sophia pointed out as she straightened her back more, placing her hands on her lap. “I’ll be with my love fully then.” Her words made him roar in rage before he turned briskly, storming out of the dungeon. The door slammed loudly behind him and smirk slowly faded as she moved backwards with a sigh, leaning back against the far wall and closed her eyes. What have I gotten myself into? She thought while slowly opening her eyes halfway to stare at the stone floor in front of her. I’ve spent years here…I’m not sure how long…” she took a breath and sighed, closing her eyes again with her head tilting to rest her chin on her chest.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPP9aC05FIy
I guess I’m not ready to die whether it be from Amoxious or rotting away, but I can’t gain freedom and feel good about myself by vowing even false love to that slime. She leaned her head back against the cool stone. Nate…I hope I’ll see you again. Her eyes slowly opened halfway to stare at the ceiling lights outside the bars then up above her head. If you are still alive then I hope you find our children…and keep them safe. I’ll be waiting at the spirits door for you in time.1081Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmL48AwpvN
Sophia felt a tear well up in the corner of her eyes as her hand came up to touch her chest where the necklaces used to hang. “Alura….please be safe….and take care of your brother.” She whispered as a tear slipped out and slid down her cheek, her beautiful eyes twinkled with moisture in the faint beams of sunlight coming in several inches above her head. Inhaling a shaking breath she exhaled closing her eyes as her hand closed into a gentle fist. “Alura, please stay with Talon and stay wherever you hide.” She quietly pleaded, opening her eyes to watch specks of dust with small insects dancing in the yellow rays of daylight.
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