Maven POV

There she sits on the bed I've neatly made, with covers and pillows made of silk. Her hair is gleaming in shine, and her nails are perfectly sculpted. A prisoner I think not. But, still there are metal bars surrounding the room. I will not allow her to leave. It is the only way. How else will she stay with me?

I watch her read the books I knew she would find favorable, in the comfort of a guarded room. The cameras shift from one angle to another, scanning different areas of the palace. She looks tired, stressed. No amount of cleaning will makeup the gloom on her face. A part of me is saddened, but also secured. She won't eat the food I've so sparingly given her, and her heart is slowly breaking—as if it is not already broken. But, yet, I feel relieved—happy, even, that she is within my grasp. Emotions are a curse.

Oh, how close I was to earning her affection when we kissed on the boat, crossing her hometown. If only I hadn't betrayed her.

Stop it, Maven. This is no way to think.

I miss her even though she is a hall away. I shall visit her.

Two Sentential guards stand close to the cell door, eyes searching for anyone who passes by. I don't have to say anything for them to know to let me pass.

The air is chilly. She must be freezing. I scold myself that I didn't make the temperature more comfortable.

Her little body turns to me. Her eyes are red and hollow. The sight of her in person is sickening.

I slowly stride to her, careful to hide my excitement. She spits on the floor when I reach her.

"That is no way to treat your King." I say smoothly.

She scoffs.

I clear my throat to remind myself to soften the tone of my voice. "I do hope you are enjoying the pleasantries of your room."

She rolls her eyes. "Oh—yes, it sure is lovely to be imprisioned in such a luxurious place."

Water stirs in her eyes, but they refuse to fall. I reach my hand to touch her cheek, but she slaps it away.

"Do not touch me." Her voice is demanding, fearful even.

Before I leave, I must know the answer to a question I so desperately need to hear.

"Did you ever love me?" I try not to sound desperate, but it doesn't work.

For a moment, there is nothing but an eerie silence.

"No."

The answer is bitter heartbreak. But, I know better than to believe someone who once thought I was a perfect—unselfish man. But the truth is that I am anything but. I crave power, and won't stop at anything until it is mine. And I am selfish for keeping her locked away in a cage. But I do not regret it. She is mine forever, even if her heart belongs to someone else. Even if she sees me as a monster.

"I shall be leaving, my love." I dare say.

Her eyes peirce through mine, as if she were trying to send lightning strikes through my brain.

"I am not your love, I am not Mareena Titanos, and I am not the lightning girl. I am Mare Barrow."

I smile wickidly at her confidence. I could sentence her to death, enforce more silent stone, torture her on end, but she knows I won't. How brave she has become. Too brave.

I leave the room, silently, leaving Mare behind in the forsaken room, with nothing but silent stone to keep her company. She will learn that I am the one in control. Mare will be held accountable for her mistakes and the trouble she's caused. Bare to her blood.

My feelings do not matter. Not when it comes to my kingdom.

But Mare is an acception. A dangerous one.

She is my love.

Mine.