Author's Note:  I can't believe the response I'm getting to this story – A HUGE thank you to everyone that's reading this!  I know this chapter's short, but I promise that I will post more today!

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Cordelia's eyes were swollen from the amount of tears she shed while being taken from The Black Pearl, her hands ached from beating on Dolon's back, but the physical pain she was experiencing was nothing compared to the mental anguish that Ahriman had caused her.

Dolon had carried Cordelia to Milady's and made his way towards Ahriman's room.  Cordelia couldn't believe what she was seeing as they passed the women that filled the building.  "No!" she cried.  "I don't belong here!"

One of the women, seeing that Cordelia was only clad in a sheet, snickered and said, "O' course ye don', dear.  Ye belong in a bloody castle."  Several women around the one that spoke began to laugh.

"Shut up, the lot o' ye," Dolon yelled.  The women grew quiet, fearing replacement.  After reaching Ahriman's room, Dolon placed Cordelia on the bed, then looked at the clothing strewn about.  He picked up a dress that looked close enough to Cordelia's size and handed it to her.  "Get dressed," he said plainly, and he left the room…Cordelia heard him lock the door.

The dress beside was her like nothing she ever had – or ever would – wear.  The color was a bright nauseating red and the neckline plunged to a degree that made her wonder how its owner could consider it to be clothing at all.  The skirt wasn't thick or full, but rather thin and clinging.  As much as she didn't want to put it on, she couldn't very well stay dressed in a sheet.  She pulled the garment over her head and once again sat down, her head pounding.

She had no idea how long she'd been in the room.  It could have been minutes or hours.  When she could no longer stand the throbbing in her brain, she put her head on the pillow and fell into a tormented sleep.

Ahriman entered the room about a half an hour later.  "Damn Sparrow probably ruined ye," he whispered.  "Poisoned yer mind against yer own father, no doubt.  Time for truths, lass."  He gently nudged Cordelia's shoulder.  "Wake up, Cordelia."  Cordelia's eyes shot open and she immediately screamed.  Ahriman put his hand over her mouth.  "None o' tha'," he said softly.  "I ain' gonna hurt ye."  He pulled his hand away.

"Not going to hurt me?" Cordelia asked, her voice hoarse.  "Then why did you bring me here?  I'm not a whore!"

Ahriman's voice was hate filled.  "Oh?  Hard t' tell, what with ye in bed with yer enemy an' all."

"Jack's not my enemy!" Cordelia yelled, hoping someone would hear her.  "I love him!"

Ahriman slapped her face, causing her to cower away from him.  "Look wha' ye made me do!"  Seeing the fear in the young woman's eyes, he changed his tone.  "I don' wanna hurt ye, Cordelia, yer me blood."

Cordelia's voice was practically pleading when she said, "But I don't know you!"

"Why did you leave Adelaide and Collin?" he asked, ignoring what she had just said.

Cordelia froze.  "H-how do you know about them?"

Ahriman looked at his hands.  "I'll explain things t' ye after ye tell me why ye were with Sparrow."

"No," Cordelia said, her voice suddenly stronger.  "You'll talk first."