10
Two days of no chain. One day of no bed. Raoul is allowed to sit at a table, though he is bound to it by the thighs. Erik has taken some of his rope, a thing of abundance in the lair, and lashed the Vicomte's legs onto the chair so he may not escape. He is allowed to sit. It means everything, now, but Raoul can only stare at the plate before him. Erik has made breakfast, as if they are only two companions sharing a meal, not a guard and his prisoner. Because of this, Raoul cannot bring himself to eat. His stomach repulses, and he turns away from it. Erik has already finished his, and as he refolds his napkin, as any gentleman, he narrows his eyes at the boy and comes to his feet.
"You complain of weakness," he says. "But you will not eat. Are you not going to eat?"
Raoul looks at him, pointedly. "Are you not going to kill me?" For his insolence, Erik hits Raoul across the cheek, and a handprint is left. Raoul still yelps like the pup he is when he is beaten.
