By the time Elika returned home night had completely fallen, her father's men furious that their raid was delayed because of the absent princess.
Elika entered the palace steadily, careful of her training in both self defence and princess like stances, her father believed that a princess should be seen and not heard; so she remained painfully silent.
The princess remained wary as she made her way through the endless halls, knowing that once she reached her father the blows would come. The punishments were always the same, painful and seemingly endless.
Though Elika had no other choice but to remain silent and still, one noise or tear made the blows come faster and more brutal. She breathed deeply before silently nodding to the guards, announcing that she was ready to enter the throne room and take her punishment.
When the doors opened Elika placed both hands neatly crossed in front of her and entered the throne room with her head bowed, exactly as her mother had always taught her. When she reached the centre of the large room she looked up at her father who was stood just beyond the steps leading to the large golden throne.
His face twisted and moulded in anger as he looked upon his youngest child. She knew that she was all but a disappointment, but she couldn't help herself. She had always felt at peace in nature, even if it was forbidden she would go back to the wood, no matter the consequences or the pain that followed.
The large throne room was skilfully designed with several pillars at either side of the walkway leading up to the throne, delicate carvings lining the brick. The floor was made from fresh white marble, the servants polishing and mending it daily. Tables lined the outer walls, each wonder structure below a rectangular window.
The windows were created with frosted glass, making it impossible to see out of the room, or for anyone to see inside.
"Daughter, where have you been?" Her father said slowly, noticeably controlling his temper as he strolled further away from the marble steps. "The hour is late."
Elika choose her words carefully before speaking, knowing that one wrong move on her part would all but ensure pain. "Father, I attended a simple walk. I forgot my place and left without escort; I must apologize for my actions." Elika spoke with the grace and manor of a queen; just like her mother had always made her. "They were rash and unplanned."
Atlas' eyes softened slightly, as if taken back by her manner. "Your mother was beside herself with worry of your safety; you must not leave the grounds without escort you know this." He sighed before continuing, his tone dulling as he voiced his disappointment in her. "We delayed the raid; your brothers and I are most disappointed in you my daughter."
Elika raised her head slowly and glanced at her father, his blood red eyes glowing in the dim candle light. His short brown hair neat and presentable under the simple golden crown, he stood over a foot taller than Elika reaching 6 foot 4.
Atlas wore all black with a simple gold armoured breast plate he wore in battle, the scar along his right cheek noticeable against his pale skin.
"Father I am wounded to hear such a thing, I must be punished for such a misdeed. You must know that I only wish to make you happy." Elika produced her best and most gentle voice, attempting to soften her father. "To make you proud."
Her father sighed loudly, rubbing the centre of his forehead with two fingers. "You must try to follow the rules daughter, this brings me no pleasure." Her father stated before turning away from her.
Elika knew all too well what came next; she mentally and physically prepared herself for the pain. Atlas turned back towards her a long metal pole in hand, the pole that had scared and broke the skin on her back since before she knew the reasons.
This was the way her father punished his children, the pain almost unbearable. The princess took a shaky breath, looking into her father's blood red eyes pleadingly.
"Turn around Elika." Atlas commanded his voice screaming power.
Elika did as he commanded and turned, her back now facing her father. The princess' hands were still placed neatly before her, attempting to control her trembles as she prepared for the first blow.
"Five strikes are your punishment." Her father stated; his voice flat and uncaring.
Elika remained silent, knowing that if she spoke now; the strikes would rise higher on her back, shredding more skin than was needed for her offence.
The first blow came with a shock of pain that shook her whole body, the skin on her back tearing and splitting under the weight of the pole.
She stifled a cry when the second blow came, her legs losing their balance as she crashed to the floor.
The princess made no sound when the third blow came; the sound of the metal pole hitting her back was the only echo throughout the palace.
Blood began to flow free from the wounds on Elika's back, tears sliding down her cheeks as she gasped in silent pain.
The fourth blow forced her onto her hands and knees, the sound of skin breaking sickly and painful to her ears.
When the fifth blow came she was numb, the pain in her back only serving as a reminder of her solitude.
She was doomed to live a life of silent objections, her will to survive forever being challenged by those around her.
"The raid will leave before dawn; I hope you attend with the family's of those leaving to fight. Now, go and clean yourself up daughter." Atlas commanded once more, Elika silently obeying.
Elika slowly rose to her feet, her agony hidden under a mask of obedience. She would not show her father how he had hurt her; she couldn't allow him the satisfaction of that.
The vast winding hallways were eerie silent as the princess strolled towards her chamber, each step agonisingly painful. She kept her head low as she was taught, forcing herself to remain strong. She would not cry, not in front of the guards.
Elika always hid her emotions, holding them in until she was alone; until she could drown in her solitude. She prayed for the day when she could leave, but it never came. Her brother Jake had tried on many occasions to get her out of the city. And yet here she was, her father always finding them. Always forcing them back into his clutches. Elika returned to her chamber silently, she would attend the send off as told. After all as a princess her duty was above all selfish intentions.