Princess Spits In Knight's Face

[IsabellaRose]

Your hands tremble, but it isn't fear that makes them shake, it's rage. This man, this invader, this butcher, thinks he can stand here, in the ruins of your home, over the blood of your father, and offer you life in chains? That he can strip you of everything and expect you to kneel at his feet like some grateful pet? Your lip curls in disgust. Over my dead body, you think to yourself, and you spit in his face.

The glob of saliva lands just below his eye, sliding down his cheek. The moment it happens, the entire world stills. The air between you is electric, humming with the weight of your defiance. The knight doesn't move, doesn't speak. He just slowly wipes his cheek with the back of his gauntlet, his fingers flexing once as he does. Then he exhales, a quiet, measured breath.

"Ah," he says, his voice lower now, almost thoughtful. His head tilts ever so slightly, his smirk sharpening into something colder. Meaner. "You've got a spine after all, Princess."

His hand flashes before you can react. Pain explodes across your cheek. You hit the ground, the stone biting into your palms, the taste of blood in your mouth, your head ringing from the force of his strike. Your vision swims, but you can hear him, boots against stone, the shift of armor as he crouches beside you.

"I'll let you in on a little secret," he says, his tone still infuriatingly amused. "I like a little fight." His fingers tangle into your hair, jerking your head back just enough to force you to meet his eyes. They are gleaming with cruel amusement, and a darker hunger.

"You want to die proud? You want to make this hard?" He leans in, his breath hot against your skin. "I'll give you that death, but not before I break you. I like breaking things that think they can't be broken."

The grip in your hair tightens and he slams your head downward against the stone floor. Sparks appear in your vision as everything else dims. You are dizzy and unable to get to your feet. Your hands slide ineffectually against the cold stone.

He straightens, rolling his shoulders, considering you like one might a beast to be tamed, or put down. "This could have been so much easier for you, Princess." His is lazy and sharp. "But now I'll have you. I'll have you right here, right now."

You scrabble back across the floor as he begins to remove his armor, but you collapse as your arms give out. You reach up to wipe the blood from your mouth. You want to scream at him, to snarl and tear at him with your teeth and nails, but he is upon you too fast. 

Continue.

Edited February 8 by IsabellaRose