ROMAN
A cold splash of water to the face jerked me awake from a slumber I could not remember falling into. My mouth felt dry, my head throbbing so badly it made me nauseous. I tried to move my hands but found that they were shackled to my chair. Alarmed, I jerked my head up, my heart pounding faster. A cruel-looking member of the Guard sat directly opposite me.
"Welcome back, murderer," he hissed, and then he slapped me across the face with all of his might. I tasted blood in my mouth from where my teeth had cut into my flesh.
Nonetheless, I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me in pain. So, I schooled my expression and looked him dead in the eyes.
"Will that be enough to express your frustration?" I asked calmly. Rage flashed in his eyes, and then for the next few seconds,
