BED OF THORNS

"Leaving is not the best option father," Renzo said calmly. He stood quietly and walked towards the window. The rays of the sun rests peacefully on his skin making him radiate like that of gold. "We should not leave," he said, almost whispering. He could hear his father walking towards him from behind. "Renzo, I will never do anything at the expense of your happiness or joy son, " His father's voice was stern and full of conviction, he pats him on the shoulder. "I will leave you to think about it," he said and then took steps back from him, now turning his back completely on Renzo. "You should draw away from Eleni, it's not meant to be," he added with finality. Renzo clutches his fist real hard and twitches his lips. He breathes out afterwards. He was going to say something but then again he held his words back. He sat on the wooden bed clothed in black sheets. He held up his chin with both hands lost in thoughts. 'I should take her with me, we could go very far away to a place no one would ever reach...' There was a loud knock on the door cutting off his unattainable thoughts. He turned fiercely to see who it was. "Open the door," his voice sounded too calm for someone who is upset. The door swung open. Phew! He let out a sigh after he caught sight of Eleni's personal idol, Imade. "I was asked to bring the champine to you," she said, bowing her head holding a round wooden bowl covered with a silver plate. Renzo walked towards her to pick it up. "Has she woken?" he asked with no expression on his face. Imade nodded indicating yes without lifting her head. Renzo placed his hand on her jaw to make her look at him but she quivered and dropped her head back. Renzo smiled and bent towards her. "I won't eat you, look at me," he said, still smiling. None of the servants ever looks at him. He could always feel their tension whenever he was speaking. Imade looked up to see his glorious face, nobody in Dractino land ever has the look on his face. Renzo is the most gorgeous man in Dractino land She tried looking up but ended up blushing and looking away. Renzo grinds softly. "Send Eleni to me, I want to speak to her," he said and walked back to the place he sat to observe what has been brought to him. He smiled to himself. Eleni would always insist he drinks the Chamopine which she makes and has never ceased to bring it to him every morning. He places the Champine on the table. 'I don't want this to end,' he said to himself calmly before gulping down the Chamopine. He felt a burning sensation in his chest, he always felt that way whenever he drank the Champine. He stood and walked gently to the window. He could only imagine his hands around Eleni and making a strong family with her. He couldn't stop thinking of running away with her. *** Eleni stormed into her mother's room, her heart pounding and her blood boiling. Her fists were clenched tightly at her sides, her knuckles white. She slammed her hand down on the desk, startling her mother, who was sitting behind it. "You don't get to tell me who to meet and who not to meet Mother!" Her voice thundered in the room. "What in the world is the matter?" her mother asked, her brow furrowed with concern. Eleni took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She was shaking with rage. "You ordered that the gate should be closed against me?" She questioned, still boiling in anger. But she got no answers as her mother, Nata, sat in the dressing mirror brushing her hair. "Don't talk to me like that young lady!" Eleni stood up and went over to her mother. "Mother, please..." But she didn't listen, she continued to brush her long black hair ignoring her daughter. Eleni tried to grab the brush from her mother. Nata proceeded to comb her long hair into a bun. She took out a pin which looked ancient and placed it on the side of hair. She stood after styling her hair to her satisfaction. Eleni knew her mother well enough to know that if she were to touch or move anything her mother had arranged, she would get the same response. So instead of trying to stop her, she stood beside her and watched her mother prepare herself for her meeting. She held out her hand to comfort Eleni. "Come here child, let me comb your hair, you don't look good," Nata casually said like Eleni hasn't been speaking to her. "I am not going anywhere mother, not until you give me answers," she said coldly. Nata clapped her hands and three different maids walked in. "Get me a sheath dress," She ordered, still ignoring Eleni. Eleni stood, rooted to the spot, as her mother went about her routine, ignoring her. She watched her mother's every movement. The maids bustled around them, bringing out clothes and accessories, but Eleni was focused on her mother's face. Suddenly, one of the maids held up a dress, its silk fabric shimmering in the light. Nata's eyes were drawn to the colour, a deep shade of violet that reminded her of the night sky. "What a beautiful colour," she said, her voice soft. Eleni's heart sank as her mother's silence stretched on. She felt the sting of tears in her eyes, a lump rising in her throat. Without another word, she turned and fled from the room, the sound of the door slamming behind her like a thunderclap. As she walked down the hall, her footsteps echoed in the empty space, the only sound in the silent house. Eleni's footsteps were heavy as she made her way back to her room. The door closed behind her with a soft click, and she sank to the floor. She made her way to the bathroom and began to fill the tub. The sound of the water rushing from the tap was soothing, and she took a deep breath, trying to let the tension drain away with the water. she thought of Renzo and wished he could hold her. She poured a Little amount of water on her hair and it trailed down to the corner of her breasts. Eleni slowly lowered herself into the bath, the warm water caressing her skin. She took a deep breath, letting the tension flow out of her body. She reached for the soap, inhaling the scent of lavender and chamomile. As she rubbed the soap across her skin. Things are not going well in the Kingdom and she could feel it. Her mother has never supported her desires for Renzo but she has never been restricted from seeing him. She picked up the soap to rub her body but then a hand covered her eyes The hands were soft and strong. "What the..." the hands moved swiftly down to her mouth, muffling her curse and yelling for help. Now her heart kept jumping and she couldn't think straight, she was getting scared and there was no way to call for help. The hands were masculine but in a way felt familiar. "Is that the way to treat me, Eleni?" The voice whispered.