Dungeon

In a cold dark cell, Zara's arms were chained to a wall. She could barely stand as her leg were numb from standing and crouching for so long. And also from the immense pain, she felt all over her body. Pain caused by constant torture. 

However, her pain was not only physical but also an inner one, as she was eight and a half months pregnant. She felt pain in her lower abdomen and her v-area. And to add to it, there were injuries all over her body.

After the war eight months ago, Zara and her people were held captive by King Luther, who defeated them in a war and took over their kingdom.

He brutally murdered and tortured her people, making them slaves in their own home...

Zara felt like she would die any time soon. The pain was getting unbearable. And she felt weak and cold. Even amidst her pain, Zara didn't cry. No, she couldn't cry. It was like her tears were all gone and dried up.

Her first five months in the dungeon, were the worst as she was constantly whipped and starved. And to top it off, she lost her husband, the love of her life.

Almost every day, Zara thought of giving up. However, the thought of her people and her baby, kept her going. No matter the pain she had to go through, the constant torture, she was willing to endure it all, for her people and her baby.

Zara had prayed that Carl would return, and save them from captivity, but after five months and he didn't show up, Zara started to slowly lose hope. 

...

The sound of footsteps and the rattling of chains drew Zara's attention. She strains her ears, casting her gaze around the dark room. It's been three days since her last torture section, and she wondered if it was time for another section. 

Fear crept into Zara's mind, and she started sweating profusely. Her wounds were still fresh, and sore, and She was not sure if she could take the torture this time.

Although she was grateful because unlike before, the torture had reduced. 

Soon, she heard the door to her dungeon opening and she felt a presence in her cell. "Who's there?" Zara mumbled in a hoarse and weak voice.

"I see you're still alive," came a curt reply. 

Zara didn't need anyone to tell her, who it was. She already knew the person. The same person whom she had welcomed into her home. The same person whom she cared for, treated like a friend and sister. The same one who betrayed and made her a prisoner 

Anger and pain surge through Zara. She could still feel the betrayal like it happened just yesterday. She could feel it almost as fresh as the wounds on her body.

"Zara, it's been a long time. I'd have to admit that I have missed you," Myla said, with a hint of amusement in her voice. Like she was mocking Zara.

"Ohh! the room is so dark, I'll be right back Zara," she added, walking out of the cell. 

Seconds later, she came back into the cell with a fire touch in her hand, striding toward Zara.

"Tsk Tsk Tsk! You look terrible queen Zara. No no I mean Zara, you are no longer a queen, but a prisoner."

Zara sneered. A scowl plastered on her dirty yet beautiful face. This was the first time since after the war that Myla had come to visit her, and she wondered why. Or maybe it was to mock her. To remind her of how stupid she was. Maybe if she wasn't so kind, she wouldn't have welcomed a stranger into their home. Then maybe all this wouldn't have happened.

For the first time in her life, Zara felt enormous hatred for someone...it's true what they say, being betrayed by someone you loved and trusted, is one of the most painful things in life.

Zara ignored Myla. She didn't see the need to answer someone like her. A traitor!

"Zara, you don't have to talk to me, I only came here to see how you're fairing in your condition!" Myla let out, touching Zara's protruding stomach.

Zara wriggled in her chains, feeling disgusted by having her enemy close by, touching her baby. Her precious baby, even if it was still inside her womb. But what can she do, she was weak and bound in chains...

Myla left minutes later, leaving Zara alone again in her dark-cold cell. "Where are you, Carl?" Zara mumbled, and for the first time after five months, she felt tears welling up in her eyes.  

                 TWO DAYS LATER

King Luther walked into Zara's cell. His head held up high in pride. After all, he had defeated the great king Carl in battle and locked his queen in a dungeon. What no king has been able to do for years, he did it.

Zara opened her weak eyes to look at him. Finally, after five months, she gets to see the face of the horrible man, who took over her nation and tortured her non-stop, without caring about her condition. Without caring about the life growing inside her. The man who brutally murdered hundreds of her people in one day. 

"Queen Zara! I must admit that you're a strong woman, but how long can you carry on? Just look at your condition, you're getting worse by day_But I can end it. I can end your suffering if you choose to fall on your knees, and lick my feet. Beg me to take you as my queen. After all, I have all the power," king Luther bragged.

Zara scoffed. "I'll never bend the knee or lick your feet, never! You think you're powerful because you brutally murder and torture people. You think you're a king because you sit on the throne and wear a crown. No! None of that makes you a king. You want to know what a true king is_one who is loved and respected by his people. The one that has the heart of people. But you king Luther, are not that person. The people don't love or respect you, they fear you."

Words could not describe how angry Zara's words made King Luther. His expression darkened, and his eyes flickered with so much anger. Even in her sorry state, she still remained stubborn and defiant. Or maybe it's because he's e been going soft on her, these past few days. Although he didn't want to admit it, he knew Zara was right. And he hated the fact that she was right.

"Queen Zara, I'll make sure you lick my feet. Even if I have to tear you limb by limb. I'll do just that. I'll do whatever it takes to break you, queen Zara."

Fear engulfed Zara, and her heartthrob fast against her chest. For such a man like King Luther, she knew he would go to any extent to keep his word. And she was sacred. How long does she and her people have to keep suffering? What if she licks his feet? There is no guarantee that he would quit killing and torturing her people.

 King Luther's lips curved into an evil smirk when he saw her expression. He knew she was scared even if she tries to act strong. And maybe he needed to start breaking her from now. 

"Guards! It's time for another torture section for queen Zara."