The words "Xavier" and "Slave" were etched into her cheek, a permanent mark of her enslavement. The flesh around them was red and blistered, a constant reminder of the pain and humiliation she had endured.
Branding someone was a horrific act, used as a form of punishment and enslavement. The fact that Xavier had marked her meant that no matter where she went, she would always be returned to him, for some form of reward.
The brand was a claim of ownership, a declaration that she was his property, and that she could never leave his side.
Her eyes fluttered open, her gaze fixed on Xavier with a mixture of horror and anger.
"Why..." she whispered, her voice hoarse from screaming.
The pain and trauma she had endured were evident in her voice, and her eyes seemed to bore into Xavier's soul with a piercing glare.
Xavier's response was a cold smile, his eyes gleaming with a sinister light. "Your now mine. My property. Forever."
He stood up and faced Liam. "Release her."
Liam nodded, bending down to release the metal stamps and leather bands binding her.
As the restraints were removed, Alexia rubbed her sore wrists, her gaze locked on Xavier.
She sat up and raised her hand to touch her face, her fingers trembling slightly. But as soon as she made contact with her cheeks, she felt a searing pain shoot through her skin.
The mark throbbed with a scorching pain. She winced, her eyes welling up with tears as she gingerly explored the tender area.
It wasn't just the physical pain that hurt, but she felt a deep sense of violation and humiliation, as if her very identity had been defaced.
She couldn't help but wonder if she would ever be able to look at herself in the mirror again without feeling a sense of horror and shame.
She glared at Xavier, gritting her teeth and clenching her fists so tightly that they turned white.
She swore to herself that she would repay him tenfold for the pain and humiliation she had just faced. Her face was her pride, her identity, and he had just ruined it.
"What's wrong?" Xavier asked, smiling innocently.
She didn't dare voice her true thoughts, instead trying to smile through the pain. But her attempt at a smile was crooked, distorted by the burning sensation on her cheeks.
"Nothing, Your Highness," she said, her voice strained. "I was just wondering what you could possibly need a slave for. You have so many servants, what use could I possibly be?"
Xavier chuckled, seeming to enjoy her discomfort. "Of course, I need a slave. Who else will bathe me, put me to sleep, or follow me around, attending to my every need?" He paused, placing emphasis on the word 'need'. "And didn't you want to be a guard? You can be my personal trainee. Isn't that a great deal?"
"Great my ass," she thought to herself.
The tasks Xavier had mentioned sounded more like a nanny's job than a slave's.
And if that was all he needed, why had he put her through so much pain and humiliation?
The branding iron's mark still throbbed on her cheek, a constant reminder of her newfound status, a slave.
And emphasis on the word 'need' also raised questions. What did he really mean by that?
As if on cue, Xavier handed the iron to Liam. "And bring me my bow and arrow on the way," he added.
Liam nodded, collecting the iron from him before turning and walking away.
Alexia took a deep breath, calming her anger before finally standing up. She turned to face Xavier, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Your Highness, are you going hunting? Is that why you need a bow and arrow?"
Xavier turned back to her, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I'm not going hunting. I want to practice my archery here."
Alexia raised a brow, confusion etched on her face. "Huh? But there's no target board here." She scanned her eyes around the area, but all she saw was the platform, a fountain and the surrounding walls.
Xavier eyes narrowed. "Who said there's no target board here?"
Her brows knitted further, her mind racing with possibilities.
She scanned the area again, but she still didn't see a target board. And then, a horrifying thought struck her. "Wait, he couldn't possibly mean...?"
Liam finally returned with a shiny bow and arrows in his hand and handed them to Xavier. "Here you go, Your Highness."
He nodded and collected them from him before walking down the platform. But he suddenly frowned and turned around, his eyes fixed on Alexia, who stood in place, seemingly lost in thoughts.
"What are you waiting for?" He asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.
Her body shook, as if she was returning to reality. "Huh?" she stammered, looking around in confusion. She realized she was the only one left standing on the platform.
"What did you say, Your Highness?" she asked, staring at him in confusion.
Xavier's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "Get down here this minute!"
She hurriedly ran down the platform and came to stand before him, cupping her fists in respect. "Anything I can help you with, Your Highness?"
Xavier scoffed, seemingly amused by her sudden change in behavior. "Yes, step back," he gestured with his hand.
She was a bit confused, but she obeyed nonetheless, stepping back as he commanded.
"Further, don't stop until I tell you," he instructed.
She continued taking steps backward, her heart racing.
"Stop!" He finally called out, his voice ringing through the air, after she had retreated a good ten meters away from him.
He retrieved his bow and pulled back the string with a swift motion. He took aim, his eyes narrowing as he focused on his target, Alexia to be precise.
Then, with a sudden release, the arrow flew straight at her.
She closed her eyes shut, frozen in place, readying herself for the pain.
But instead of striking her, the arrow merely grazed her arm, scraping across her skin with a faint scratch. The cloth of her sleeve tore slightly, a small rip appearing in the fabric.
"Ouch!" She winced in pain, grabbing her arm and looked down at it, but it was only a minor wound, barely drawing blood.
The arrow continued on its trajectory, embedding itself in the wall behind her with a soft thud.
Xavier lowered his bow, a look of disappointment crossing his face. It seemed his aim had been off, or perhaps he had intentionally missed.
"Hmm...let's continue, shall we?" He grinned.
Alexia's jaw dropped in shock. "Wait, we're not finished?"
'Was he really suggesting they continue with this twisted game?'