Chapter 8

 " You can go now," he motioned for me to come out of the cell. Without any hesitation, I turned towards the door, eager to leave this terrible place.

     As I approached the door, a strong hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me back forcefully, causing me to collide with a broad, muscular chest. Looking up, I realized I was staring into the eyes of the Jerk. I noticed tiny specks of red in his caramel brown eyes, momentarily distracting me. The warmth of his body was inviting and overpowering. I felt like I could get lost in his strong arms wrapped around me.

     I shook my head to snap out of it and tried to push him away, but he was too strong. He leaned down close to my ear, and I froze, unsure of what he was about to say.

    " I'm not letting you go so soon," he whispered, his warm breath making me gasp for air. Chills ran down my spine as he breathed on my neck. It was a strange feeling, and I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. No man had ever been this close to me before. In one swift move, he grabbed my waist and threw me over his shoulder, and I let out a squeal. The guard behind him had a wicked smirk on his face, as if he knew what was about to happen.

    "Put me down, 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, 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 only resulted in another...

*SMACK!*

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

    "I warned you," 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 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.

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 wooden doors.