Maya was pushed to one of the rundown tents at the far end of the campsite. Stumbling to the ground, Maya bit back a groan as she hissed, pain searing through her. The tent smelled awful and if it wasn't because there was nothing to retch up in her stomach, she would have vomited there and then. She picked herself up and tried to run out of the tent, but there were guards stationed in front of it. The moment they saw her, they shoved her back in, making her land back on the ground with a thud. Not wanting to incur their wrath, she decided to stay back.

Slumping to the ground, Maya tried to hold back her tears but they slipped out of her eyes and soon her body was racking with sobs. She bit her trembling lips, clutching her hands together. I'm so scared, she muttered to herself over and over again. This place was riddled with men and there was no chance of escape even if she tried.

As she cried, questions arose in her mind once again. What do they want from her but most importantly, how is Dexter?!

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Back at the palace, the whole of the castle inhabitants had grown terrified. The King was no longer their king but a half-crazed man. It had been that way since the queen's kidnapping. The palace has been safely protected but not her. As a result, everyone was walking on eggshells around him.

Dexter stood in his throne room, watching as a soldier came to give his report. Geoffrey stood far away from him, watching the scene unfold from a distance. "Have you found her?" He asked in a uncharacteristically calm voice. The soldier shuddered as he shook his head.

"No, your majesty. But..." He started to say when he was cut off by a hand grabbing his throat, pressing on it. The soldier coughed, struggling for air as he flailed his legs. He was soon slammed to the nearest wall, knocking out the remaining air of out of his chest.

Dexter glared down at the writhing soldier who was already turning red in the face. In a scathing voice, he muttered. "Find her. If you don't find her alive and well, I'm killing everyone in the palace, the kingdom and then myself. Do you understand?" He asked.

The soldier nodded hurriedly, desperate to get out of the king's chokehold. Almost immediately, Dexter pulled back and the latter fell to the ground, coughing.

"Now go and look for her and don't return until you find her." He ordered just as coldly.

"Yes, Your majesty." The latter wheezed, touching his forehead on the ground. He picked himself back up and scurried out of the king's presence.

Geoffrey swallowed nervously, glancing at the king. He looked composed... Almost. His hair was already in disarray, thanks to the countless times of he had spent, running through them. He looked like he was on the verge of loosing his mind.

Though he had been the one to tell them to stand back when the queen was in danger, he had immediately ordered for her to be looked for the second she was dragged out of the palace grounds. They had compiled immediately only for them to be met with another counter attack, stopping them from going further.

Geoffrey shook his head, taking a step closer. They should have attacked Nicholas when they had the chance but the king didn't allow it, not when the queen's life is on the line. Now they don't know where to start looking for her.

"Why are you here?" Dexter asked, finally noticing the other person in the room. Geoffrey bowed his head, stretching out a sealed parchment. His voice was low as he spoke, wary of the king.

"We received this not too long ago, your majesty. It came from a messenger bird." He announced.With soundless steps, Dexter approached Geoffrey, snatching the letter from him. He tore it open, immediately reading the contents.

Geoffrey carefully studied the king, holding his breath. Although he looked the same, there were some expressions he wasn't able to hide. Geoffrey noted his shoulders tensing, his clenched teeth and the veins popping out from his neck. He managed to glance at the King's eyes and he almost jumped from fear. They'd grown even darker. Geoffrey broke out into a cold sweat.

His hands fisted by his side, Dexter turned around and slammed the table nearest to him causing a dent. He threw the paper away, heaving out breaths. Geoffrey distinctively noticed how badly he was shaking.

Too scared to ask what was written in the letter, Geoffrey silently went to pick it up from the ground and read it. His jaw dropped at the content, his eyes widening.

The whole of Madonia for your Queen or I will return her corpse.

Gavin.

What!?

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Maya huddled down in the tent cold, tired and hungry. So many hours has passed by since she was thrown here. Every part of her body aches, especially her stomach. Her hands were still tied.

Although she felt sleepy, she was still too scared to close her eyes since Gavin said he would be coming to see her. Placing her head on her knees, she heaved a sigh, shivering from the cold.

She soon heard footsteps approaching the tent and in alarm, sluggishly stood to her feet. Dizziness slammed through her but she fought to stay conscious, she was that tired. The tent flap opened and Gavin walked in, looking imposing as ever. His eyes dart around her, his gaze darkening with anger and something more. Something that made her blood run cold. She returned it with a glare of her own.

"I did not expect you to be awake..." He started slowly, his voice tinged with amusement. Maya felt anger seeping from her bones.

"Why are you here?" Maya gritted out, her blood boiling.

"I wanted to see my hostage. You seem to be holding up quite well." He answered easily.

"What do you want from me?"

"Oh, I have no business with you. I only have business with the King. I need to get something from him and this is the only way to do it. I tried to use my daughter but you had ruin that by killing her. So I have resolved to more dirty tactics."

So this isn't even about his daughter, Maya thought as she narrowed her eyes, her anger increasing as the seconds slipped by. Just what kind of a monster was this man?

"What do you want from the King?" She asked later.

Gavin took a step closer and Maya resisted the urge to take a step back as she glared at him. "Since I'm in a good mood, I'll tell you." Raising his chin ina dignified tilt, he stated calmly. "Madonia. I want to be a ruler of Madonia. I am going to make him sign a treaty that would have him give up Madonia for me so that I can return you to him."

Maya scoffed, looking away. " What makes you think he'll agree to that?"

"Oh, he will. Knowing him,be would gladly do it just to save you. Once that is done, I'll kill him and make you watch." He stated coldly, sending shivers down her spine.

Still, Maya put on a bold front. "And you think that will work? That's the most ridiculous plan I have ever heard." She said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

"It has to. Or else you are dying first." Gavin growled.

What you makes you think I'm scared of death? Maya wanted to say to him but she was scared he might take her words literally so she snapped her mouth shut, just glaring at him. She realized Gavin was still speaking so she gave him her attention

"I already sent him a letter, I should be getting a reply soon. Then the real battle will begin." He looked down at her. "You should prepare yourself."

"Get. Out." Maya spat out coldly, her body shaking with anger. Gavin reached up to her, grabbing her chin. His eyes narrowed, Maya watched it glint mischievously.

"Maybe after his death, I'll have you warm my bed every night." He said, snickering in the end. Maya blanched at his words, her eyes widened in horror.

"I would rather die." She grated out as she pushed herself away from him, her heart pounding, her face contorted with disgust and contempt.

"Of course you will." Gavin shot back as he started to leave. Turning towards the exit, he added. "You should get some rest. You might be here awhile."

Gavin had already stepped out when Maya called him back. He turned to look at her. With determined filled eyes, she spoke the next words, calmly and clearly. "Mark my words, Gavin. I will be the one to kill you."

He chuckled, finding the threat amusing. "I would like to see you try." He uttered back. Without a backward glance, he walked out, disappearing unto the darkness.

Thanks for reading!!