Acanthus POV

I liked Leo. No, not like, I loved him.

As I sat in my chair, drinking bloodied wine and watching todays prosecution go by, I couldn't help think of the man that had stood up to me.

It was hilarious. He was brave and wasn't afraid to tell me what he was thinking.

I took a sip of my wine, starring boredly as the grizzly bear on the field ripped up the screaming male that was currently out.

I was tired of sitting and watching. I wanted to fight. I wanted to feel the excitement, pain, and pleasure that went on when your fighting something.

To show off my strength.

Hmmmm, maybe I could make a day where I execute slaves

But I knew such thing was impossible, for if I go so low as that, then I would be disgraced and shunned by all.

When you walk onto the arena, all the respect that you have is stripped away.

But was that such a high price to pay?

I sighed, shaking my head and picking up a grape that was put into a bowl beside me.

I inspected it for a while.

Bright vibrant green, as Leos eyes.

The grape had a shell to protect it, but that shell could be easily broken into.

Was Leos shell of the same structure?

I plopped the grape into my mouth and stood.

"I wish to leave," I told the guards.

They turned to escort me.

I held out my hand, annoyed. "I will escort myself."

"Si-"

I cut the guard off, using a strong powerful demanding voice. "I do not wish for you to escort me. Stay here, and report to me if there is another incident like the one earlier. Adio."

I turned around and walked away—gracefully. They did not follow.

I sighed. Hopefully no one was going to try to murder me.

I walked down the steps of the coliseum and slowly I came to rock.

My palace was not far. Neither were the prisoners hold.

I took a secret passage underground that was lined with torches.

The air was not of highest purity, so I could not help but cough.

I knew this was the way to the prisoners hold by the blood that had been smeared on the brick floor.

I finally came forth to the wooden door, guarded. The two guards looked at me with suprise, then bowed.

"Your Majesty," they greeted.

I nodded. "I wish to see the prisoner brought to you today."

One of the guards took out his keys and unlocked the door. The way he was standing told me he wanted to accompany me.

I snatched the keys out the guards hand. "Thank you."

I walked through the door–alone–and slammed it shut–I did not know if it was intentionally.

There were not many people in the holds.

A few here and there, but overall, they had already been killed.

I searched through the stalls, and finally came to the last one where I immediatly noticed Leo.

His face was covered by his beautiful brown locks, and his arms were chained to the wall.

I smirked, leaning against the metal bars. "Aww, you look so powerless."

Leos head lifted up. He glared at me with the beautiful grassy eyes he had been born with.

Thats when I noticed the bloody gash above his eye. I tried to hold back a snarl. I had pecifically told them not to touch him.

Leo was suddenly on his feet, turned facing the wall, and pulling against the chains.

"Let me go, bastard," he yelled, not turning around. "I defeated who I was supposed to defeat. So just let me the fuck go."

I grinned. Unlocking the door silently and walking inside. I didnt think he noticed.

Leo suddenly bruoght his foot up and kicked against the chains. The chains broke in half.

"Finally!," he cheered.

I wrapped my hands around the still-not-conciouss-of-me-behind-him Leo and shispered into his ear, "There is only one way for you to get free of this place. And that, is to die."

Leo froze, and then suddenly, he was bringing his foot up to kick me.

I ducked and jumped back. "Your quick," I noted.

"You too," he replied.

We starred at each other for a long moment.

"You can become my servant."

"What?"

I sighed. "If you become my servant, then no one will be able to touch you."

Leo snorted, breaking the chain on his left hand. He rubbed his wrists. "No."

I knew he was going to say that. I folded my arms. "So, how are u planning to get out of here?"

Leo didn't reply.

"I'll see you later on this evening."

Leo's head snapped up. "What is that supposed to mean?"

I smirked as I walked out the stall and locked it.

"It means, I will see you later on this evening to teach you a lesson."

With that, I left the prisoners hold.

The guards were keeping there position on the outside.

They turned when I came out.

I dropped keys in the guards hand and ordered, "Tie him back up immediatly–make sure u use a stronger chain for he has broken through them. I want to see him tonight after supper. There should be a cross in my room. Tie him to that. Adio."