Cold....damp...dark. The only thing I knew from the past decade. I sit here in my cell in the dungeon listening to the drip of water that trickles from the streets above me. A small, barred window several feet above my head as my only light. Chained to the wall crucifixion style, I can barely move my ears straining for any sign that someone may come. My life wasn't always this way. I use to reside in the palace above adored and dressed in only the best, a harsh contrast to the rags I wear now. Years ago, in my childhood days I resided as princess of the Laveon region, my father was the well-respected king. I spent my days exploring the grounds with the servants' children, our days were so bright and carefree. Until my uncle came, he brought with him a plague. shortly after arriving conflicts started to arise in our peaceful region and that conflict made its way into our palace. I remember arguing and my mother desperately fighting for the peace. One night as I slept, I awoke to fire and loud noises, the servants tried to drag me out of my room. I ran terrified from my room, scared of what was happening, with tears running down my face i ran right into my uncle. Thinking i found someone safe i looked up for comfort only to find him sneering in disgust. He harshly grabbed my arm with one hand and slapped me hard across the face with the other. He dragged me through the palace as it burned, down to the dungeons. Rats scattered as we stumbled down the winding stairs to the cells that held the worst criminals in the region, throwing me in a cell alone. And without so much as a word he left. As the years wore by, I was punished and restricted more and more. Meals now come once a week, but the lashings come more frequently. I wish I knew what I did to warrant my punishment, try as I might my apologies and cries fall upon deaf ears.
A door creaks as someone descends the stairs to my cell, my head wearily lifts to greet the visitor.
"Uncle," I croak, my voice weak from exhaustion "what a pleasant surprise."
"Shut your mouth! I came only to bring you news." he snaps back, "tomorrow morning you will be sent off. You're 17 years old now and i have decided that you will marry king Solomon to bring our regions together."
"Why me? I've been locked in here the past 10 years, i have no training on being a proper lady. what about Marilyn?"
"You insolent brat! why would i give my own daughter to that old man when i have trash like you to throw his way??" He screams as his face turns bright red.
I wince as his anger fills the room knowing if he doesn't calm down, I will receive more lashings tonight as my reward.
"I'm sorry uncle." I whisper lowering my head "I'll do what you request of me."
"Do not refer to me as 'uncle' again I will not have an orphan as my niece! You will be prepared tonight for your departure." He responds harshly before stomping away.
My soul weeps though I have little tears left. This will not be my fate, I refuse to go from one prison to another. somehow, I will find a way to gain my freedom once again.