Vladimir and Eugenia settled beside a low burning fire, feeling the warmth of its glow. They had been walking for hours and their bodies were tired. As they rested, Vladimir's stomach let out a loud growl, causing Eugenia to laugh. "Seems like someone has a bottomless stomach," she teased. Vladimir chuckled, feeling slightly embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I can't help it," he said. Eugenia rummaged through her bag and pulled out an apple. "Here," she said, handing it to him. "This should keep you quiet for a while." Vladimir took a bite of the apple savoring its sweetness. "Thank you," he said, feeling grateful for the small gesture. Vladimir took another bite of the apple and smiled mischievously at Eugenia. "You're soft inside, you know that?" he teased. Eugenia rolled her eyes, knowing he was just trying to get a reaction out of her. "Don't get any ideas," she said, trying to hide a smile. "I was just trying to help so your stomach noise won't disrupt my sleep." Vladimir laughed an
Serendipity Hill 21 years ago Before
As the days passed, Valentine became more and more careless about his duties as a ruler. He spent most of his time partying and reveling in his newfound power, ignoring the needs of his people. The once prosperous and peaceful kingdom began to deteriorate under his rule. Valentine's carelessness was evident as he indulged in his lavish lifestyle without regard for the consequences. He spent his days and nights reveling in the attention of the women who fawned over him, living in the moment without a thought for the future. His careless behavior and disregard for the needs of his people had begun to sow the seeds of discontent, and many whispered in hushed tones about the direction their kingdom was headed. Despite the warnings and the growing unrest, Valentine continued to bask in his moment of glory, blind to the potential dangers that lay ahead. On the third day of his reign, one of his spies came to report an incident. The spy reported to Valentine, "My lord, the warlocks are crea
As the hours passed, Isabella's stomach began to grumble, aching for food. But she knew it was unlikely that she would receive anything from her captors. They had made it clear that they had no intention of showing her any mercy. Just as Isabella was beginning to lose hope, she caught the eye of the head maid as she walked past her cell. The maid seemed to understand the silent plea in her eyes, and Isabella felt a spark of hope flicker within her. Later that night, as Isabella lay on her hard, damp mattress, she heard a soft tapping at her cell door. She sat up, her heart racing with anticipation. The door creaked open, and the head maid slipped inside, carrying a small plate of warm soup and crackers. Isabella’s eyes widened with surprise and gratitude as she took the plate from the maid's hands. She felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she took her first sip of the warm soup. It was the first proper meal she had had in what felt like weeks. "Thank you," she whispered, h
Serendipity hill Present day. Valentine led fay into his chambers. She felt her guts failing her but she knew she was doing this for the greater good. She smiled at him even though she wanted to just drive a dagger deep into his chest and take away that drool from his face. He closed the doors behind them and pulled her to him. "It's going to be a very long night." He stated as he ordered her to strip. "Strip!" She shuddered as she pulled the string holding her corsets. "Faster woman." He yelled. She knew if she continued like this she would give him the ultimate power over her. If there was one place fay wanted to have a little say in it was in the bedroom so she stopped and turned to him giving him her bravest look. "First of all, if you want us to have a great time you need to drop the yelling." She retorted. It sounded harsher than she planned it causing Valentine to raise a brow in question. She had to smile to lessen the tension in the room. "What is that supposed to m
Isabella leaned into the wall and clutched her knees to her chest. She watched as a rat came out from a hole in the wall and eyed her stale bread. It nuzzled closer and picked the smaller chunk then ran back to the hole. On any other situation she would have found it funny but she wasn’t the least bit amused. She sighed and turned her gaze to the chains on her hands as the clanked against each other. They had the size reduced when her hands grew too thin and would easily let loose from the previous one. She sat there as her hair matted to her head from sweat and moisture from the tepid temperature of the cell. The locks clicked and doors to the cells rattled before it was thrown open. A guard walked in and opened her chains. He ordered her to follow him. She looked at him in surprise. The only time she ever left her cell was once every two months when she reinforced the Wards. But she just did so a few days ago, or has she lost track of time and two months has gone by quick
Isabella was woken up by the rattling of keys. She stirred and opened her eyes. She eyed the door lazily. It's been three days since she was brought to this room. She sat up on the bed and yawned as the door was thrown open. Sarah walked in with a man on white coat. "Good morning, Isabella." Sarah greeted with a smile. "How did you sleep?" She asked. "Good morning Sarah. I slept well and you?" Isabella asked. Sarah shrugged, "I can't complain. This is the healer sent to monitor your health." She responded Isabella turned to the man. He looked to be middle aged with a stubby moustache. "Good morning." She greeted offering him a weak smile. “Good morning to you.” The healer greeted as he dropped his bag on the cupboard. The healer didn't meet up the other day. Hence, his presence here. “You can call me Adolphus.” He said. Isabella nodded as she watched him open the bag. He brought out a long tube with opening on both side and told her to lift up to breathe in. He used it t
He removed a strand of hair from her face and leaned in to give her a kiss, but paused mid way. He sat upright and wondered what was wrong with him. Was he getting weak? He shook he head and walked into his bathroom. Valentine stood under the shower, letting the water flow through his hair and over his body. His thoughts drifted to Fay, the woman lying on his bed, waiting for him. He couldn't deny the attraction he felt towards her, but he knew he had to get a string hold on himself as this was just a mere distraction. She is a good lay and he need not think so much about it. As he continued to shower, his thoughts turned to the weakened wards and the said prisoner. He knew he need to get situation report on what was going on with Isabella. Valentine shook his head, trying to rid his mind of the distracting thoughts. He turned off the shower and reached for a towel, drying himself off quickly before heading back to his chambers to face Fay.Valentine shook his head and walked back