Chapter 4

Bracken was barely conscious. He had no idea where he was or how he'd gotten there. The room he was in was small and dark, with the only light source being a torch that burned on the wall.

His arms had been shackled by a pair of chains attached to the ceiling, keeping Bracken upright as a new wave of pain washed over him. His back, chest and arms were covered in painful cuts, not quite deep enough to be life threatening but deep enough to make Bracken wish to scream. He stayed silent though, not wanting his captor to have the satisfaction of earning a reaction from him.

Last night's events were vague in his mind at best. Or was it even last nights events. It was hard to tell in his current state. He remembered Navarogs smug grin as he drove his blade into his chest. He remembered falling and Kendras scream. The worst sound in the world. He must have blacked out after that, because the next thing he could remember was pain.

He shouldn't even be alive. What about the sword that he'd been stabbed with? Had someone healed him just so he could be tortured some more?

Bracken let his head drop as the whip slashed his skin once more. "You know, Said the boy who still held the whip in his hands. It's no fun when you don't scream." Bracken looked at the boy. He couldn't have been much older than him. He had short dark hair and dark eyes. A long scar traveled across his features from the corner of his forehead all the way to his cheekbone. Something about him seemed familiar but Bracken couldn't remember where he'd seen him before.

"We're not done, you and me," He said to the Boy who had beaten him, who in turn rewarded him with a punch to the face. Bracken spat blood. He winced in pain as the boy caught his chin lifting his head up with unnecessary force.

"Give it a rest, will you, The boy smirked. It's important to know when you've been beaten. I do admire your fighting spirit though." The door to the room opened and someone entered. A guard Bracken guessed. "Your highness, The man said with a low voice. Your brother requests your presence." He sighed. "Such a shame and here I was having so much fun too. Sorry but it looks like I can't play with you anymore, but don't worry I'm sure we'll meet again soon."

He let go of Bracken and his head fell again. The boy exited the room the door slamming shut behind them leaving Bracken all alone in the darkness.

The creaking of her cell door woke Kendra from her frail sleep. Before she could even sit up, she was yanked to her feet by who Kendra could only assume was a guard based on his dark uniform and grim expression. "Move," He said with a gruff voice nudging her forward a bit too roughly."Leave me alone you oaf," she snapped back rewarded by the guards cruel laugh.

She was escorted down a long corridor of cells, down a winding staircase and through new corridors until finally the guard stopped in front of a new cell, that was an exact copy of the endless row of cells they had just passed.

Navarog was waiting for them, leaning on the wall. " Aah there she is. My beautiful bride to be." "I'd really prefer it if you let me rot in peace," Kendra responded coldly. "Oh trust me my dear. This is something you wont want to miss. Consider it a wedding gift of sorts."

He nodded for the guard and he unlocked the cell door. "After you." Kendra stepped into the cell figuring she had no other choice. A horrific scream escaped her lips as her gaze fell on the bloody figure on the floor. She recognized him instantly and she was kneeling at Brackens side before his name had fully escaped her lips.

"Hi princess, He whispered weakly. You're definitely the prettiest thing I've seen all day." He gave her an exhausted smile. Tears had started to flow down Kendras cheeks.

"Oh Bracken, this is all my fault." "Hey don't say that. " "He reached with his hand to wipe her tears away. Kendra took his hand holding it against her cheek. " What does he want from you?" He asked. " He said he wants me to marry him." Understanding spread to his features." No Kendra, you can't." " I don't have a choice," She whispered back.

Suddenly she was pulled back and onto her feet. Screaming she fought against the arms holding her, but Navarogs grip on her was too strong. "Let her go Navarog," Bracken ordered. You can do what ever you want to me just leave her out of this." " How very noble of you unicorn, but even though I enjoy seeing you in such a miserable state, I'm afraid I can't do that."

Kendra stopped struggling excepting her inevitable fate. "If I were to marry you," She whispered weakly. "Kendra don't," Bracken warned. "If I were to marry you would you promise me one thing? She lifted her chin meeting Navarogs expectant gaze. Would you promise never to hurt anyone I love ever again?" "I give you my word. And as long as you hold up your end of the bargain I can not brake this contract. All Kendra could do was nod and let her gaze drop to the floor.

Her world was crashing around her. She felt beaten and utterly hopeless. Amidst her whirling emotions she didn't recognized Navarogs next words. Kendra snapped back to the present as the guard grabbed Bracken and started hauling him out of the room. Bracken winced in pain, but wasn't strong enough to fight against the guard. "No, wait! Kendra lunged forward but was once again held back by Navarogs iron grip. She struggled but knew it was pointless, and so she fell to her knees and wept.

Thank you for reading my story. I'm so glad you've liked it so far and I'm hoping to post new chapters as often as I can. Also I love feedback so don't be afraid to leave a comment. :)