My life has always made sense up until I was captured. I did not expect this turn of events, nor to be chauffeured around a palace for a day. I want to be out of this place and with Äezli, doing what was necessary for us to begin our journey. Yet, I am here, at the Baron’s beck and call. While I might have the oversight of two guards, this was also the closest I have ever gotten to tasting the luxuries that the nobility take for granted.

I had never taken a bath that was hot and filled with aromas that were still lingering on my skin. The heat of the water left my skin warm even after the wash maids dried my body and hair. I was scrubbed and plucked in areas that I did not know you could clean. I felt like the woman I had always wanted to be but was not. My hair was the cleanest I think it had ever been, and the ornate braids the young maid did made me feel a sense of beauty I did not know I possessed. The ball gown of my dreams, now snuggly wrapped around my body, showing off the womanly figure that was normally hidden by heavy cloaks and tunics. I looked like a proper woman, in a scenario I had only ever dreamed of being in.

This was a real-life dream, or maybe a nightmare because soon I would be having dinner with Baron Damiano. The fantasy that I had been building up was about to come to an end, by a real-life monster. I knew against my better judgment that they were not going to answer me, but before I could stop myself I heard myself say, “Please, tell me what he wants from me?”

Amon just smiled and patted my hand. My once bruised and maimed skin was restored to perfection; even old scars were gone. Something in the drink he gave me and the water the maids had bathed me in, rinsed away the physical appearance of the abuse I have endured. The bones that Drax broke in my wrist and ribs were still there, but the pain was now a mere annoyance. Amon and Glynna remained silent like I knew they were going to be. Dread and fear started to build up inside me. Why did Baron Damiano want me? He had his henchmen beat me, had me locked away in a tower, to then treat me to luxuries. It made no sense; the Baron’s games seemed to have no rules and I was just a pawn to him.

I let out a drawn-out sigh and looked over at Amon, "You aren’t going to tell me anything, are you?"

Amon's smile never faltered, but there was a flicker of pain behind his eyes. "Miss, it's not a guard’s place to question the Baron or his intentions." Again, another pat on my hand for reassurance. I had never been treated with such familiarity before, and the way this elderly man acted made me feel at ease.

Glynna, who had remained silent up until now, adjusted my gown’s shoulders and added in a soft hushed voice, "The Baron always has a reason. Best not dwell on what is unknown." Her accent was unusual and hard to place.

I looked between their faces, anger started to bubble up inside me. "How can you be like this towards me? How can you work for someone who abuses people?” I was shaking from the feelings that were starting to explode out of me. “Why are you ok with him abducting people off the streets for his sick pleasure?" I had been keeping all these emotions in since Drax captured me and now I could not keep them bottled up any longer.

Glynna looked at me, and for a moment, her glass-like eyes held a hint of something—remorse? "We all are here on our own accord, there is nowhere else," she whispered. "It's not always as simple as it appears."

Amon softly coughed to break the moment. "The Baron is waiting for you, miss. Best not keep him waiting any longer."

With a heaviness in my body, I reluctantly nodded, and with that, they led me down the grand hallways of the palace to the banquet hall. The walls that lead that way were adorned with tapestries depicting battles of old, similar to the turmoil that was inside me. As we walked, I could not help but think of Äezli and our plans. What must he be feeling thinking I am missing, or worse, dead? It has been nearly two days since I disappeared into the darkness with Drax. Is he still at the shack, or maybe, he is looking for me?

As we reached the banquet hall, I noticed the massive wood doors, carved with intricate designs of harvest and great feasts. Amon knocked against the heavy wooden doors, and a voice I had come to recognize called out from inside, "Enter."

Amon and Glynna pushed against the golden handles, gliding the heavy wooden doors open to reveal a bountiful room fit for a bouquet hall. There was a long wooden table set for two, with candelabras and fruit bowls as the centerpiece. Baron Damiano stood at the far end, arms stretched in a way to highlight all that was his. A devious smile played on the corners of his lips. He was tall and imposing, even now with his body now hidden behind his formal dinner suit. His dark hair swept across his piercing eyes that seemed to penetrate through me.

"Oh, my dear," he said with a low growl to his voice. "You look ravishing, if I may say." Taking steps my way. This time, when Amon and Glynna stepped away from me, they closed themselves outside the room. I now stood alone with the Baron.

I swallowed even though my mouth had run dry, I was trying to keep my composure under his gaze. "Baron Damiano," I replied, with a small curtsy lifting the skirt of my dress sarcastically. I did not want to give him any more power over me by knowing how I truly felt.

He finished stepping towards me, closing the gap by taking my hand and kissing it lightly. "Please,” again, another kiss against my hand. “Just call me Damiano, we are friends, after all. Aren’t we Quinn?"

His words felt like mockery to me, friends? We could never be friends. "What do you want from me? Why have you had me beaten and escorted around?" I asked, my voice trembling despite my attempts to stifle the sound.

Damiano chuckled at me and gestured towards the table. "Sit, sit. We will get to all that in good time, my dear. But first, we dine together. I promise to reveal it all to you." He had the seating arrangement for me to sit on his right hand. With no other option, I allowed him to pull out my seat, and sit me next to him. The food looked and smelled delicious, but even though I tried to eat I had no appetite. Damiano, however, seemed to savour every bite while watching me with hungry eyes.

As the meal went on, he spoke of trivial things—the weather across the country, the latest court gossip about people I did not know. I answered when needed, but it seemed Damiano was more talking to talk than to have me respond. This allowed my mind to wander elsewhere, trying to piece together his true desires with me. Finally, as a decadent chocolate cake was served for dessert, he lazily leaned against his chair and regarded me for the first time truly during this meal.

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"You must be wondering why I have called you here," he said with a smirk on his face. All I could muster was a small nod.

His smile turned, and with a hint of malice in his eyes he said, "You, my dear, are the key to everything important. Something that will change the course of our world, for the better I hope.” He looked over my body again, his eyes lingering on my exposed upper chest. “There are a few things we must discuss, however." His eyes snapped back towards mine, a darkening look flashing across his face.

I felt chills running down my spine, I do not know why I was enjoying this teasing game of his. "And if I refuse to submit to your will?"

His smile widened. "Refusal is not an option, my dear. You will do as I say, or you will suffer the consequences." He whistled, the sound bouncing off the walls of the bouquet hall. The doors swung open to Drax pulling a gagged and chained Äezli behind him. “You see, I have something you want and you have something I want.” He looked at me with amusement, waiting for my retort.

"Äezli!" I yelled seeing him in the same manner I was treated the night before. My heart sank into my hollow stomach as I saw my friend bound and gagged because of me. I wanted to run to his side and be at his aid, but Drax's menacing glare at me kept me rooted in my chair.

Damiano continued with his thoughts, not even taking note of my outburst. "My dear, I am to be married to Lady Aerth. You see, the alliance will benefit both our families greatly, but it is of no use to me.” Damiano leaned forward, resting his body mere inches from me. “However, my father insisted that I follow through. He believes it will bring unity and stability to the realms of Oculyan and Oskar. I believe it will bring ruin. She is decades older than me and doubtfully can provide me an heir to the family's claim."

I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to figure out where this was going. "And why does this involve me and Äezli?” I snarled at him. The overwhelming feelings started to bubble up again. I put my only friend in harm's way. It is my fault Äezli is currently a prisoner of Drax.

"You of course, my dear," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement, "I want you to become a part of my court. Your presence may delay, or even prevent my arranged marriage.” Damiano brushed his hands against mine. “You will be my consort, this means you’ll be my confidante, and you will have access to the people you’re seeking. With you by my side, maybe we can change things, for both of us. Your beauty, your grace—these are things that will help you in my court." His wicked smile crept across his face again, “You have skills that those in court don’t have, and I need to possess.”

I felt the cold rage building deep inside me, filling my veins with liquid fire. "You want me to play games with your court, like a chess piece waiting to be taken out? This benefits only you." Venom filled my tone and I found the confidence to look Damiano squarely in the eyes without flinching from his gaze.

"You won’t be a pawn, Quinn," Damiano said coolly. "You’ll be my Queen. Help me, and I will ensure you and Äezli's safety. Refuse, and you forfeit his life."

My mind ran through the different scenarios. Could I trust this man who is known to be dangerous? I do not think I have a choice, this time. Äezli's life now was placed in my hands, my decisions could change his fate. "And if I follow through with your request? How do I know I can trust you?"

"You don't," Damiano admitted with a lazy shrug, leaning back into his chair. "But what options do you have? Cooperation, and both your lives get better. Defy me, and you both will experience true anguish.” Damiano was staring me down, waiting for me to falter under his glaze.

I glanced at Äezli, who was still struggling against Drax in a futile attempt, his eyes filled with despair. I turned back to Damiano. "What is needed of me?"

"I simply need you to be yourself," he said with a sly smile, his eyes twinkling with excitement, again. "I need you to be dressed like tonight and appear at court functions. Be seen with me in a more intimate nature—flirt with me, be on my arm, and show the court that I can have better options. Lady Aerth's family will be forced to reconsider their position, they must be aware she can’t provide an heir. You must appear to be my lady of choice."

"And Äezli?" I looked back at him before glancing up at Damiano.

"Will remain here, just like you, under my protection and my supervision. As long as you cooperate with my request, he will be safe. I can even find him something to be productive while you work for me."

I clenched my fists, digging my nails into the palms of my hands. I had the uneasy feeling of being trapped but I knew I had no other choice. "Fine. I'll do as you asked of me. But if Äezli is harmed, I will make you pay." I mustered up the last of the resistance I had left in me. The hours were weaning into the late evening hours and I had not slept in over a day, my body was tired and giving up on me.

Damiano chuckled softly, the sound sent chills through my body once more. "I admire your spirit, My Lady. Welcome to my court." He quickly stood up and clapped his hands, and Drax began to lead Äezli away.

"Wait!" I yelled after them, and Damiano raised an eyebrow with amusement. "I would like to see him. I need to know that he's alright." My voice was small, as I looked up at the Baron who had flipped my world upside down.

Damiano nodded sharply at me, offering a hand for me to stand. "Very well. A moment of reunion seems like a good favour of trust." He gestured for Drax to bring Äezli closer. I rushed over to him, and the clicking of my heels across the ground echoed against the walls. As our eyes met, I saw relief flood his eyes, mirroring mine.

"Quinn, what have you done?" Äezli's voice was muffled by the gag.

"Don't worry," I whispered back, I grazed my hand down his battered face. I tried to sound more confident than I felt. "I'll get you out of this, this is all my fault. Just, please, hang in there, for me." Tears started to fill my eyes as I looked upon the man that has only ever cared for me.

My remark must have annoyed Damiano because as I finished my statement, he snapped his fingers once more. Drax started to pull Aelzi away again, leaving me alone with Damiano. I could feel his anger before I even turned back towards him.

“You can’t do that again,” Damiano’s voice started to feel threatening, “ you are mine now. You confirmed it. Touching another man like that just will not do. Have I made myself clear?” His eyes were dark, showcasing just how serious he was. “I have a gift for you, to commemorate this partnership between us. Come sit with me again?” Gesturing to the set next to him.

Reluctantly, I obliged his request. Sitting back down at the table, wondering what this gift was going to be. I would have rather just been with Äezli as a token of good faith, than whatever this was. Damiano stood behind my chair, standing over me. I kept my head down, feeling the heat of his eyes as he peered down on me, his prize. With a small chuckle, Damiano clicked a dainty silver collar around my throat. There hung a deep purple crystal with Damiano’s inscription carved into its face.

“Turn towards me,” Damiano said, grabbing at my wrist. “You will wear my collars, at all times. It is a mark of who is courting you, but also it is enchanted with my essence.” As I turned towards him, he clicked silver bangles on both my wrist and ankles. I am now fully in ownership of Damiano and his will. As long as I bared his collars, I was his.

“You may go now.” Damiano kissed my hands before releasing me back into the guardianship of Amon and Glynna. My mission was now deeply intertwined with the man who could destroy me.