CHAPTER SEVEN;Tamed by love

In the kingdom of Everia, Queen Mother paced endlessly within the castle walls, her mind consumed by the disturbing news that had just reached her. King Maric her beloved son, had been taken captive by the ruthless Lord Nigel of Ashwood.

Determined to rescue her son, the Queen Mother summoned one of her most trusted guards, a seasoned warrior named Captain Edwards.

"Captain Edwards, I have a task of utmost importance for you," she said, her voice low and urgent. "You must rescue King Maric from the clutches of Lord Nigel. He is being held captive in Ashwood Castle."

The Queen Mother's eyes narrowed, her expression resolute. "You will take a small team, no more than two men, and infiltrate the castle quietly. Avoid detection at all costs. I want my son back, Captain Edwards, and I want him back alive."

Captain Edwards bowed, his face set in a determined expression. "I will not fail, Your Majesty. We will bring King Marrick home."

With a nod, the Queen Mother dismissed Captain Edwards, her heart heavy with worry, but also filled with hope that her son would soon be safe.

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Lord Nigel's face twisted in rage as he glared at Aria who cowered before him. "You clumsy fool!" he bellowed. "You'll pay for your carelessness!"

With a flick of his wrist, Lord Nigel summoned his guards. "Take her to the dungeons," he commanded. "Throw her into the darkest cell, and let her rot there for a fortnight."

Arya's eyes widened in terror as the guards dragged her away, her pleas for mercy falling on deaf ears.

Lord Nigel's anger still simmered, but he felt a sense of satisfaction at having dealt with the insolent servant. He turned to Lady Charlotte, who stood watching the scene with a pale face.

"See that she is not released until her punishment is complete," Lord Nigel instructed. "And make sure she is given only bread and water during her imprisonment."

Lady Charlotte curtsied, her eyes downcast. "Yes, my lord!"

Lord Nigel's POV

I paced back and forth in my chambers, my mind consumed by the image of the servant's terrified face as she begged for mercy. Why did her pleas haunt me so? I was a just ruler, and she had committed a grave offense.

But as the minutes ticked by, my anger began to simmer down, replaced by a growing sense of unease. Was I truly justified in condemning her to a fortnight in the dungeons?

No, I thought, my mind made up. That punishment was too harsh.

I strode to the door and flung it open, summoning my guard. "Wait!" I commanded, my voice echoing down the corridor. "Do not take her to the dungeons."

The guard hesitated, unsure of what to do. I took a deep breath, my mind racing with alternatives.

"Instead," I declared, "take her to the courtyard and make her stand under the sun , that will be her punishment."

The guard bowed, obedience etched on their face. "Yes, my lord."

I watched as the guard hurried off to carry out my new orders, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over me. Yes, this punishment was more fitting.

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Two shadowy figures, clad in black and with masked faces, crept through the night, their eyes fixed on the Ashwood Palace gates. With stealthy precision, they sprinkled a mysterious substance on the guards, who crumpled to the ground, fast asleep.

The figures slipped into the palace, avoiding detection by hiding in the shadows and dodging patrolling guards. When necessary, they used the substance to incapacitate any guards who threatened to discover them.

Finally, they reached the cells where King Maric was being held. With a bow, they greeted him. "Your Majesty, we're here to rescue you."

With swift efficiency, they produced a vial of liquid and used it to melt the lock on the cell door. As the door creaked open, they freed King Maric.

Just as they were making their escape, a guard spotted them and raised the alarm. More guards rushed to the scene, and one of the rescuers stood their ground, fighting off the guards while the other helped King Maric flee.

As they ran, the sound of clashing steel and shouts filled the air, but the rescuers refused to yield, determined to save the king.

The clash of steel on steel echoed through the palace grounds as the rescuer fought off the guards. Meanwhile, his partner had managed to flee with king maric.

As soon as the rescuer saw his partner make their escape, he turned and sprinted towards the fence, his feet pounding the ground in a bid for freedom. He jumped the fence with ease, disappearing into thin air, just as the guards were about to seize him.

Lord Nigel, alerted by the commotion, marched outside to investigate. A guard knelt before him, his face pale. "My lord, King Maric has escaped!"

Lord Nigel's face darkened, his eyes blazing with fury. "What?" he thundered. "How could this have happened?"

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Aria was dragged away by the guards, her feet stumbling as they pulled her across the courtyard. They stopped at a pole, where they tied her wrists and ankles, leaving her exposed to the scorching sun.

As the sun beat down on her, Aria's regret turned to despair. Why had she ever come to work at Ashwood Palace? Her life had been a series of misfortunes: she and her mother abandonment, her family's poverty, and now this humiliation.

Tears streamed down her face as she thought about her miserable luck. She had barely worked a week, and already she was suffering. Her fellow servants passed by, some casting pitying glances, while others sneered.

Aria felt a pang of shame, her heart heavy with sorrow. She hung her head, her body trembling with sobs, as the sun continued its relentless assault.