Chapter 8

    “ I’m not letting you go so soon, little one,” he whispered, his hot breath making me gasp for air and sending shivers across my body. No man had ever been this close to me.

    Suddenly, his hands grabbed my waist, and he picked me up, throwing me over his shoulder as if I weighed nothing.

    “ Put me down! You… you barbarian!” I shouted, hitting his back with all my strength.

    SMACK!

The sound reverberated through the dungeon as he slapped me on the rear.

    “ How dare you touch me, you Barbarian!” I exclaimed, anger coursing through me.

    “ Behave yourself, little one, or I might have to do it again,” he warned, giving me a smirk that hinted at the possibility of another smack.

    “ You wouldn’t dare,” I warned, glaring at him over his shoulder. His smirk made it clear that he just might.

    The  barbarian swaggered out of the dungeon with me still on his shoulder. I kicked and screamed. I kicked and screamed, desperately trying to break free from his grasp, but my efforts were in vain.

    As he carried me on his shoulder, people stared at us with curious eyes. Their gazes fixed upon us, they smiled and whispered to each other, their words barely audible but their amusement evident. The sight of me, helpless and being carried away, seemed to entertain them.

   Their smiles widened, their laughter hushed, as they relished in the spectacle before them. Their whispers filled the air, adding to the tension and making me scream in frustration, which resulted in another…

    SMACK!

Once again, his hand struck my rear, causing a burning sensation.

    “ I warned you, little one,” he gruffly stated.

As we passed by others, they turned their heads as if they hadn’t noticed a thing. No one was going to help. They must all be afraid of the king. After numerous failed attempts to escape, I gave up and hung over the pervert’s shoulder like a lifeless sack as he continued to carry me towards the castle.

    “ Please, put me down,” I pleaded, hoping he would show some mercy.

   “ Will you leave the kingdom if I do?” he questioned, his motives unclear to me.

    “ Yes, I’ll go back home. I never should have come here in the first place,” I replied, frustration evident in my voice.

    “ I’m sorry, little one, but I won’t put you down,” he stated firmly.

    “ Why did you release me from the cell if you’re not going to let me go?” I asked, confusion and fear intertwining within me.

    “ I have my reasons,” he replied, sending a chill down my spine. I should have never followed Merilla here. What was I thinking?  Now I’m in an unfamiliar place with a stranger who refuses to set me free. I fear for my life, unsure of where this man will take me on his shoulder.

    I can only imagine the worst, perhaps to his king as a plaything. If he won’t release me, then I’ll put up a fight.

    I start kicking and screaming as loudly as I can, but I’m weak and exhausted from lack of sleep and I haven’t eaten in two days.

    He ascends a staircase with what seems like a thousand steps, effortlessly carrying me on his shoulder until we reach a massive set of double white, wooded doors.

    He flung the door wide open, revealing an interior covered in white marble with touches of gold on the furniture and fabrics beautifully draped over the bed. It was hard to get a full view while hanging upside down.

    The Barbarian tossed me onto the bed, his back turning as he swiftly locked the door. Hope of escape vanished with the key now tucked safely in his pocket, far out of my reach. He turned back towards me, his gaze fixed and predatory as he closed the distance between us.

    Fear coiled in my chest with each step he took closer. I leapt off the bed and dashed for the balcony, fueled by adrenaline despite my exhaustion. Dizziness swept over me suddenly, threatening to betray my escape.

    But before I could reach the door, he was there, strong arms wrapping around me just as my legs threatened to give way. He lifted me effortlessly, holding me close.

    " Stop being so stubborn, little one," he murmured in a soft voice that almost sounded caring. Almost. I knew better than to believe his facade.

    " What do you care?" I growled back, defiance coloring my voice, even as my energy drained.

    His eyes darkened the moment the words left my mouth, a shadow passing over his face. I could see a storm brewing in his expression, but he didn’t respond right away. Instead, he placed me gently back on the bed, his touch surprisingly careful for someone of his size and strength.

    My heart pounded as I watched him walk to the door where four ropes dangled from the ceiling, their purpose unclear. He reached up, pulling on one of the ropes with a deliberate, practiced motion. I didn’t know what he was doing, but dread settled in my stomach as he turned back to me.

    He returned to my side, his gaze never leaving mine. His face was calm, but there was something dangerous lurking just beneath the surface.

    " You think you’re still in control," he said, his voice low, almost a whisper. “But you’re not.”

    I swallowed hard, trying to keep the fear from showing on my face. His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I realized with a sickening clarity that whatever he had planned, it wouldn’t end with me simply tied to this bed.

    I tensed, ready to fight back, but the dizziness still lingered, making my limbs feel heavy and slow. He noticed my struggle, and a slight smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, as if he enjoyed watching me try.