Filed to story: The Chosen Saga Novel PDF Free
He pulled Araiya off the ground and licked the side of her face while she struggled to get away. When she freed herself enough to look him in the eyes, his eyes were black. “Hello young mother. I am going to be very happy to meet you.” Donal’s voice became deeper and rougher. A poor imitation of the voice that had breached her mind, as if his voice couldn’t drop that low.
“Meet me? Again?”
“Oh, young mother, we have yet to meet in the flesh, as I am far away right now. I had to prepare, but I will be back for you. Do not worry, Donal here knows not to touch you.”
“I doubt that very much. He has already touched me, and he calls me his brood mare.”
“I do not care what he does to your form. Spilling your blood or marring your flesh pays no mind to me. Donal understands that. He will not touch you like he does your sister, though. You are not to be his mare, but mine. You will be my reluctant queen when I take over this land, and only you will bear my young.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Oh, my poor Araiya, you won’t have an option. I have worked long and hard to create these chains with only you in mind.” The rolling laugh that echoed through the room made Araiya shudder. “I will see you soon, my bride.”
Donal’s eyes cleared and he smiled down at the pale Araiya. He cleared his throat. “I see you met your new husband. Dark, isn’t he? I learned my unusual tastes from him. You will have months before he is back, so you will learn what to expect.” Donal took another swipe at her face. “You know, when you’re scared, it seeps into your sweat. It makes it sweeter. I love it.”
“Get away from me you fucking bastard.” Araiya swatted his face away as he laughed at her again.
“I think it is time for your first lesson. I was told I wasn’t allowed to brand your face. He wants that clear, but I can do other things. Why don’t we get started?” Donal dropped Araiya to the ground and walked out of the tent.
“Araiya…” The fear in Korine’s eyes nearly broke her.
“It is going to be okay. He can beat me all he wants, Korine. This is one thing I am very familiar with.” Korine blinked back a few tears. “Don’t cry, I never blamed you for the beatings.”
Korine slowly shook her head. “I’m afraid for you.”
“Don’t be. I will make it through this. I always do.” Araiya turned a last smile over to her. “Hey, at least you can watch over me tonight.” Korine nodded and sat up. Araiya watched as the woman she once knew tried to gather herself.
“Wife, did you want to watch?” Donal strutted back into the room with a guard following him.
“Yes, I want to watch.” Korine’s face was cold when Araiya looked back at her.
“Oh, that is interesting.” Donal walked over to Korine. “Do you hate your sister still, Korine? Do you not appreciate that you are here because of her?” He stroked her face and Araiya watched her suppress a shudder.
“I want to watch you hurt her; she deserves it.” Korine sneered as he smirked. He turned back to Araiya. “Even your sister hates you, dear. You should feel honored that he even wants you.” Donal gestured to the guard. “Go get another to escort my wife and bring them blindfolded to the Arch.”
“Yes, Sir Donal.” The guard went off in search of a partner and Donal patted Araiya’s hair before he left the tent.
“I don’t resent you. I just want to be there to play him and lend you any strength I can,” Korine whispered as soon as the footsteps faded.
“Why?”
“Because you always held up better when you had me to stare or sneer at. You never broke when someone was there watching Father beat you.”
“You knew?” Araiya looked over at Korine, surprised.
“Why do you think I always made sure I was able to witness it? I sure as hell didn’t want to watch him beat you, but you always bounced back faster, or held on longer when you could stare at me.”
“You never looked away either.” Araiya thought back to the many beatings Korine had wormed her way into. Jon always hit harder when she was alone, but she doubted she would get the same courtesy here. “He hit me less when you were there.”
Korine looked away. “I know. I doubt that we will get the same effect here, but I can only hope.”
“Why are you even trying to help me, Korine? You owe me nothing.” Araiya stared over at the only sister she had ever known and watched her look anywhere but back at her.
“I owe you everything, Araiya. More than you know.”
“What does that mean?”
“You helped me last night; I will return the favour. You can hate me for the rest of your life Rai, but I will watch over you.” Korine looked over at her finally and gave a sad, little smile. “I wish I could have protected you more.”
“What does that even mean…”
“They are coming back, shhh, we hate each other, remember?” Korine smiled again before her face fell into neutral lines just as the guards came and unlocked them.
The week before…
“Where is she?” River yelled as soon as he spotted Talon waiting for them.