He gazed down at the girl kneeling on the cold stone floor of his throne room. Her emerald dress made her rich, brown hair seem even more vibrant. He despised her, yet he was drawn to her.
“Lift your head,” he commanded.
She sighed and did as she was told. Her icy blue eyes locked with his fiery red ones.
“You’re not too bad for a princess. Now, take off your clothes,” he demanded, right there in front of everyone.
Fear surged through her. She stared at him, unable to believe what she’d heard. Had she misunderstood?
“I said strip, now!” he barked, his voice laced with anger. “Don’t make me say it again.”
She nodded, her hands trembling as she began to unbutton her dress. All eyes were on her.
“Stop,” he commanded, raising his hand. “Everyone out.”
Whispers filled the room as the crowd began to disperse. Once the doors closed and silence descended, he said, “Now, take off your clothes and turn around.”
“But…,” she stammered.
He rose from his throne and descended the dark wooden stairs. His posture was rigid, his head held high.
He stopped in front of her, looking down at her as if she were nothing.
“I believe I gave you an order,” he said, his eyes filled with contempt. “Don’t you dare piss me off. I don’t tolerate disobedience. Now, strip.”
She lowered her gaze to her own body. She had no other choice. She stood, turned her back to him, and began to undress. Her green dress slid down her slender frame. Fear gripped her heart.
“Who did this to you? Your mother? Your father?” he asked, tracing a finger down her spine.
“Y-yes, my father,” she managed to say, her voice trembling.
“He’s more of a monster than I am, it seems,” he murmured, tugging at her hair. “Unfortunately, no one can save you now.”
He turned her to face him, wrapping his arms around her thin waist. He pulled her close, their breaths mingling, and whispered, “Don’t even think about running. No one has ever escaped me, the dragon king, Maximus.”
Her eyes widened and she began to pant.
“W-what did you just s-say?” she stammered, her lower lip quivering.
“You heard me, human. Didn’t anyone tell you? Your father sold you to the dragon king? What a pity for you, but a pleasure for me. Now I can do whatever I want with you. I’ll show you what true fear is.”
