Leon shifted under his bedsheets. The sheets couldn’t oppress the coldness that he felt and it only grew worse, but he persisted. His eyes fluttered closed once again drifting into a restful sleep. When the doors of his room opened, his eyes peaked open, once again drifting out of the rest he needed. He didn’t know what exactly the noise was at first until he groggily turned his head towards the entrance. Leon looked for the figure of Lana but it wasn’t her. He couldn’t tell who it was until she came closer. Avianna. What was she doing here?

His face was flushed and he overall looked ill. He appeared to be drained like he hadn’t slept in months. He looked perplexed like he was too naive to the world around him. His eyes flicked open and closed as he was about to fall back asleep, his body too exhausted. He managed to stay awake, not feeling too comfortable in the presence of Avianna without knowing what she wanted first. Well, he didn’t know nor cared what she wanted. He just wanted her to leave. “Get out,” He murmured, soon hearing a sharp reply. He was surprised at first but soon acknowledged that that was how Avianna was. This girl was going to be the death of him. She stressed him out more than he needed. Was it bad that he wanted a peaceful quiet life to wither away? Was it wrong to say in the beginning that he needed someone to keep on his toes? He tried to close his eyes once again but his bedsheets were tugged off of the bed. Such a bold move of her. She was now testing his boundaries and he was getting irritated. One thing about him is you don’t want him to get pissed. He was truly a force to be reckoned with when he was. He finally forced himself to sit up. His face only grew more flushed. Leon definitely was sick, no doubt about it. His eyes looked dazed as he locked eyes with her. Even though they were dazed, his eyes still had that raw coldness to them that made chills run down someone's spine. “I’d eat if I wasn’t this damn sick,” He huffed, not getting up to reach his sheets. He truly didn’t feel like it.

His hair fell in his face taking a deep sigh. His eyes shot up when she placed a cold rag on his neck. Why would she criticize him yet continue to take care of him? Even though it seemed to be the way she cared for people he was getting tired of it very quickly. She was lucky he didn’t snap at her the first moment she spoke. For some reason, he automatically leaned into her touch when she placed the rag but was disappointed when her hands slipped away to grab the bowl of soup. He didn’t understand why he liked the affection of that but he was intrigued, at least a little. But even so, his bitterness overtook him.“You know for how much I paid for you I expected you to be a better pet,” He suddenly said. Leon took his eyes away from her for a split second before he abruptly seized her wrist. Leon wasn’t like one to get physical nor one to move that suddenly but now he was pissed. His grip was harsh and his hand trembled with weakness from the pressure. It truly showed how pissed yet weak he was. He tugged her close in an aggressive manner, his face close to hers. His eyes narrowed as he looked directly into her eyes. “Call me a child again.” He threatened. His voice was hoarse with pure evil. His eyes narrowed, even more, squeezing her wrist even harder. But even though he was pissed, his eyes were full of pain and hurt. “Don’t go reprimanding someone you just met a day ago unless you know their story,” He hissed in her face, his eyes flashing that gold color again. It wasn’t just a sunshine gold color. It was more so of an unnatural gold color. One that showed he was cursed, tainted by something he didn’t deserve. It would seem that he was about to kick her out of his room but he didn’t. He shoved her wrist away, finally letting go. His movement was vigorous as his hand fell onto the bed. His eyes grew hazy again as he stared at the soup in front of him. Leon acted so normally like this was a usual thing he did.

He lifted the spoon to his lips, taking in the cold but refreshing soup. It was nice to actually eat something and not be hit with nausea. He glanced at Avianna, just to see what emotions she was feeling. He didn’t care whether she was just as pissed as him or hurt from his words. He actually hoped she was somewhat hurt. If only she knew what he felt physically and emotionally every day.

When she was told to leave she ignored him, she didn’t even dignify him with an answer or a nod or shake of her head, she just went into the bathroom and had continued doing what she’d set out to do. Of course this wasn’t of her volition… this was because Lana had asked her to. She didn’t care for the glares he shot her however she simply continued on. When he sat up a small smile played at her lips, that was exactly what she’d wanted him to do. She locked eyes with him an gave an approving nod before she drew her eyes away again rather quickly and put the sheets far in the corner of the room, if he wanted them bad enough he’d either eat and allow her to lower his temperature or get his ass up and get them himself she thought. She left them where he could clearly see them simply to motivate him to either move or let her take care of him. “Well you won’t get any better if you keep wallowing in your sickness will you?” she asked “You don’t enjoy wallowing in your sickness like a pig wallows in mud… you are human yes?” she asked raising a brow and glancing over his form as if questioning whether he was a pig or not before disappearing and reappearing with the rag putting it over his neck.

When he leaned into her touch as she pressed the rag to his neck her eyes lit with a small spark of curiosity, so he liked that…? She thought making a mental note for herself. “If you wanted a pet you should have paid for a cat or a dog.” She retorted “I may be a women but I am human.” She said simply “Not canine, equine or feline… human.” She corrected. When he seized her wrist she locked eyes with him once more her face contorting into a scowl, she didn’t let on that she could feel how weak he was, nor did she show any signs of pain, her face remained hard as she stared at him her eyes seeming to flare as bright as her hair with utter contempt for the man. “Petulant… stubborn… pigheaded… pissy, tantrum throwing… child.” She retorted her words matching his in tone "Act like a child... Get treated like a child." She said firmly. This was all this was, it was simply a tantrum to her anyways. He was no more than a mere child in her eyes by the way he was acting. When he spoke to her she rolled her eyes “I won’t reprimand you if you quit acting like a child throwing a tantrum.” She hissed back her face dropping slightly and only briefly when she noticed the gold flash in his eyes, it perplexed her but she didn’t let it show. When he shoved her away she stepped away waiting to see if he’d take a bite.

When he took a bite of the soup she gave an approving nod before she came and took the now mostly dry rag from his neck, despite the small bit of red on her wrist from where he’d grabbed her she still dared to get that close to him. She disappeared into the bathroom once more and got the rag wet once more ringing it out before she brought it back once again this time instead of it being in a slender rectangle it was only folded in half, once again she laid it on his neck and gently pressed it into his neck again, she wanted to see if she’d get the same response again. When she did she stood with him her hand pressed against the rag and the back of his neck as he ate a few more bites of his soup, this was his reward for settling down some and eating his soup. After a few moments she stepped away back into the bathroom running the tub for him, she didn’t let it fill much past where it would cover his feet and ankles before she returned to him “If you’re willing to put aside some of your pride and let me help you…” she said approaching the bed “I’ll help you to the bath and you can stick your feet in so you can warm up a little without the blankets while I work on bringing your fever down.” She said her tone still hard but a little softer all the same as she took a napkin and gently dabbed some of the soup from his lips before folding it and putting it aside and using the still cool rag to wipe the sweat from his forehead showing him a little of what was behind the harshness he’d seen so far before she set the rag aside and offered out her hands for him to hand her the bowl and spoon.

Leon couldn’t help but hesitate. Someone actually made him hesitate. No one makes a prince hesitate. That...That just wasn’t a relative thing. No peasant was capable of doing that. Yet...she...she just made him shut his mouth. She was such a brat. His eyes were pierced with amazement let alone disturbance. It was obvious he had never been reprimanded before since his reaction was pure submission. He gulped like a child who was just yelled at by a parent. He had that innocence about him that stood out. It was almost like he didn’t know what to do with himself. He was forced to keep quiet, too sick to continue arguing. He knew he was going to lose regardless because of his weakness. It was annoying to bequeath to a lady he bought but he felt as though he had no choice but to. It ultimately pissed him off the more he kept silent.

His anger laced his veins yet it somehow couldn’t maintain itself. He wanted to make her shut up just like he did then kick her out of his chamber like he did Lana but something told him not to. Was he afraid to? He sure didn’t want her to hiss at him again? Was he really petulant…stubborn…pigheaded…pissy, tantrum-throwing…child? She had to just be saying that to get under his skin. She sure had some tricks up her sleeve. That was something he would say if he was pushed over the edge. She sure was bold. He was indulged with anger, unable to dismiss it. Unless he releases his displeasure on her nothing ever would make this rage go away….

Well, that was until she placed a cool rag against his steamy skin. He leaned into her touch once again, her eyes fluttering closed like he was finally satisfied. His anger slipped away from him. It was pathetic that he cherished such a lowly thing. His head hung despicable in weakness. Stands of hair hung in his face. Leon was too lazy to move the obnoxious strands away. He slowly turned his head towards her like a puppy who never felt physical affection before. There was a way he moved which made him look desperate and lonely. It was sure to make her question his integrity. He grumbled under his breath running a weak hand through his hair finally getting tired enough of the loose strands. His eyes flicked up towards her when she showed more of that physical attention he lacked. He seemed confused yet so innocent at the same time. Leon found himself wanting this all day, every day. Yet he inevitably had to deal with her taking away the attention he loves. He belatedly handed her the bowl and spoon when she offered her hands out. For some reason, he felt anger rushing through his veins, once again, but this time it was because she decided to stop giving him his beloved attention. He had to bite his lip to stop him from asking her to continue giving him attention. What was with him? Was he that desperate?

When she came back to his side he seized her hand, his fingers trembling as he stepped off of the bed. He decided not to dispute about how he didn’t want to go to the tub while she had an opposite opinion. He staggered as he stepped forward. It usually took him a while until he was able to fully gain stability. His breathing hitched as he squeezed her hand harder hoping that would maintain his balance. It seemed pathetic but he was truly struggling. This was the vast effect of the torturous curse. He wished he would be able to wake up without nausea and dizziness. He wished he could, for once, get up without losing his balance. He wished he could eat everything and anything without getting terribly sick. Leon guessed he wished a lot of things….a lot of things which he lost hope of coming true. He knew his fate was to deteriorate and vanish. It was only a matter of time until this curse takes his life.

As he got to the tub, he sat on the ledge, dipping his feet in. He let out a deep sigh of relief. Finally, he could feel the comfortable warmth of something. He wanted his blankets which she placed across the room but at least this was something. Leon felt cold even though he was running a fever. He knew he was hot yet he was so cold at the same time. It was unfair. His fingers tugged at his shirt which uncomfortably teased his sensitive skin. A minor grunt left his lips as he lifted the shirt off of his abdomen. He tossed it aside, not caring where it landed. He looked more sickly than his face and movements proposed. Scars littered his collar bone and his shoulders. His ribs were somewhat visible and he looked skinnier than he should be. Luckily, he still managed to maintain some weight. Of course, it didn’t help that he could barely eat a single thing each day. It was hard. It was hard to even look at himself in the mirror. He chose not to. He hasn’t looked in a mirror in forever and he never would. Leon truly didn’t care how he appeared to Avianna. Well, he did a little bit since he glanced towards Avianna a few times in hopes she wasn’t staring at him. “How old do you think I am?” He suddenly asked, remembering the comment she made to him the day before, his ego inducing that question. For some reason, his voice sounded more drained than before, and somehow pleasantly delightful.

His hair was glossed with matted white, his eyes amber but tainted with a dull haze. His skin was pale with deep blemishes. His breathing staggered like he was desperate to remain alive, almost like at any moment he could give up on breathing at any moment. Leon’s jaw held slim like he was always clenching it out of pain. He wouldn’t be surprised if she said a drastic age. What was he supposed to say? Tell the truth, saying that he was in his 20s? Just so she could laugh in his face.

Seeing his quick submission Avi had a curious light in her eyes, he seemed both amazed… and puzzled. Had nobody ever silenced him before? She wondered. Or was he simply too sick to continue putting up a fight? She couldn’t discern what it was but… he submitted to her he almost looked a little scared, she herself was surprised but proud of herself… he needed someone to keep him in line that was for certain. Maybe Lana was right, she was the one who seemed to be able to handle him the best and keep him in line. She shook the thoughts away before she tended to him once more now that he’d calmed down and settled actually letting her look after him she had calmed as well, less like a burning castle more like a campfire now, everything about her was softer now she was simply showing him how she functioned, if he were combative and stubborn, she’d be as well. If he were softer and gentler she’d do the same and she wondered if he’d picked up on that yet or not. If he did it didn’t show but she guessed he’d figure it out eventually.

When she laid the cloth on him again a smile crossed her face. When he leaned into her touch again she seemed quite pleased with that, so she stayed a little longer, her hands were gentle and she felt him calming down as well. She didn’t do anything else she simply stayed right there for a few moments watching him as she kept her hand on the back of his neck on top of the cool rag. When he looked at her she frowned, that look… he craved to be touched like this. She thought was that why he was the way he was? Had he never had this physical attention before? She thought. Perhaps it would be prudent to know more about him eventually, especially after a look like that. When he pushed his hair back she finally broke her attention away from herself and headed off again before returning. After taking the bowl and spoon and setting it aside. When he seized her hand again there was a brief flash of fear in her eyes before she realized he’d grabbed onto her this time not out of malice but out of needing a steady hand to help him so she took his hand in hers and helped him up off the bed catching him when he staggered forward “Easy…” she said gently before she took his other hand much like a mother would with a baby who was learning to walk taking small patient steps as she guided him forward into the bathroom, watching him carefully as he took his steps.

When they got to the tub she helped him put his feet over the edge gently lifting one of his legs after the other. When his feet hit the lukewarm water and he was seated on the edge she moved away from him and got the rag wet once more with cool water. When she finally turned and saw his scars and the bones just underneath the surface of his skin she stopped cold examining the scars before she saw him turn to look at her, she quickly forced herself to move toward him. She paused briefly when he asked the question “Honestly…?” she said gently “I believe you’re around my father’s age…” she told him “He’s in his late 40’s… early 50’s… but his worn features from working in the bakery make him appear much older.” She said honestly quieting before she sat on the side of the tub beside him her legs dangling the other way as she reached for his chin with one hand and used the cool rag to wipe his face down, her eyes were soft as were her hands when she touched him, it was the first time that there wasn’t a towel between his flesh and hers when she touched him… despite how old he appeared she thought his skin was rather soft.

When she got to his forehead she gently ran her fingers through his bangs pushing his hair upward over the top of his head before she ran the cool rag over his forehead “But you act like a child… that’s for certain…” she teased playfully a small smile crossing her lips before she ran the rag over his neck before she got up once more and went to the sink cooling the rag once more before she returned squeezing it lightly so water dribbled over his head and neck, she pushed his hair back once more forcing it to stay in place (even if it wouldn’t last long) with the water. She was silent for a few moments before she spoke again “Thank you… for letting me work in the kitchen.” She said gently “I appreciate it…” she said gently as she ran the rag over his face once more to cool it, the rag was still dripping with some water and it ran down his face but he hoped it was helping. "Let me know when the water is cold..." she told him "If you like I can run more warm water for you and you can keep your feet in." she told him gently.

While she waited for his answer Avi put the cool rag back on the back of his neck satisfied with how cooled down he was at the moment and grabbed another dipping it into the bath water and ringing it out before she folded it and ran it over his back humming softly as she ran the warm rag over his back... He was bare anyway... Why shouldn't she? Perhaps it would help him feel a little better... After all when she felt sick and would take a bath it made her feel better... It was worth a try wasnt it? She thought. As she ran the rag over him she watched him carefully to gage his reaction to this as well... Did he like this like he liked it when she put the towel on his neck? She thought curiously.

(I added on ^-^ it was only a paragraph so I was fine to do it even just on my phone lol)

Leon jolted his head when she spoke the predicted ages. His face just went blank. Leon knew he had no choice but to accept that vast assumption no matter how much it bothered him. He really did look that old….He didn’t have that young charm anymore that he used to be well known for. He used to be fit, not skinny nor overly muscular. His skin wasn’t pale but tan. His lovely brown hair would accompany his eyes that made him look handsome. His face was structured and chiseled beautifully. Yet that all slipped away the moment he woke up to his hair white. The moment the curse was bestowed upon him. His face was already drained and it got worse over the years. He never felt a sense of relief. He could comprehend that she hesitated when saying his ‘so-called’ age. She wouldn’t blame her for pausing. She was talking to a prince, so who wouldn’t hesitate over that. He concluded that it was best to not tell her his actual age. Something just felt wrong about it. He also didn’t want to see that confused look on her face. It would simply make him feel worse if she questioned him as well. Every month this curse aged him more and more. Soon he would be in his late twenties and he would appear to be in his sixties or seventies. He knew he wouldn’t last for long. Every day he woke up surprised that he was even alive.

For some reason, his eyes brightened when he felt her touch. All of his worries and startling thoughts drifted away from him. It was like he never thought of them in the first place, his mind going completely blank. His eyebrows raised. She was very delicate for being such a spitfire. It truly intrigued him as a prince. He almost found himself smiling but he clenched his jaw to force it away. There was no way he was going to smile. He hasn’t smiled in years so why now? He tried not to lean into her touch as much just to avoid her. He held his eyes closed in order to hide the satisfaction in his eyes.

He remained calm until she spoke again. His eyes shot up at her when she thanked him. He had to even question his hearing when she said that. She must be very passionate about that kitchen. But seriously, did she actually just thank him? Such a vulnerable moment made him indulged to say something rude. “I didn’t do it for you,” He shamed her yet his voice was still shy. Leon felt reveled to get his way just this once. He huffed, his eyes glancing away from her like the child she just called him. The only reason why he allowed her into that kitchen in the first place was that he wanted her to be put to use for the gratification of himself. He grimaced when she called him a child. He seized her wrist again ready to say something but he soon let go, not finding anything to say. Why did that hit a nerve in him? Even if she was being funny he found himself getting pissed. Of course, that didn’t last long as she continued to pamper him.

“No, I don’t want you to. Just don’t stop...The water is fine.” He finally murmured in an oddly quick tone, his eyes still dull. His face flushed with nervousness. Did he actually just beg her to continue giving him attention? But somehow he felt obligated to cancel out his desperate comment with something more serious. “My name is Leon Villa. For once be respectful, Avianna. I never heard you once call me a prince without spitting.” He judged. She spoke to him like he was a stubborn teenager learning the basics of life. He wanted to hear respect from her lips for once, just to call him a prince. He sighed, washing the need to be dominant out of his veins. He allowed the water to drip down his chin, allowing the coldness to wash over him. For once he actually felt somewhat okay, distracted by her touch.

All of his life he lacked attention from his parents. He never had someone give him the attention that he needed, the touch of someone who appreciates him. Leon has never fallen in love either so he never had that outside appreciation either. By no means was he in love with Avianna but he did find her attention satisfying. If he could make one wish to make him feel better it was that she would do this for him forever.

He flinched when she began humming and continued tending to him. He allowed her to gently cool him down but his fingers began to twitch. He grabbed her wrist but unlike the moments before his grip was gentle, almost too delicate. He pulled her hand away from his back. It almost appeared that he had enough of the attention but he suddenly turned towards her. He lowered his head submissively, placing her hand that held the rag on his forehead. He didn’t say a word. Leon kept his eyes gently shut but he finally peaked them open, his eyes scanning over her slim figure. He truly didn’t care anymore. If he was going to get this kind of attention then he might as well cherish it whether she recognizes his appreciation or not.

Avi looked him over once more thinking about what Lana and Amon had said before, but she simply shrugged it off, he was older… it was a simple fact. Simply by the way he looked though her father’s hair was kind of salt and pepper colored and his was white based on how he looked she gaged that he and her father were right around the same age. Not knowing about the curse of course it was reasonable to her to think that he was around her father’s age, what else was she supposed to think? She wondered.

She noticed him relax a bit when she touched him, and slowly but surely she seemed to realize he hadn’t got much attention… not like this from anyone. Then again who else would want to give him this kind of affection when he was the way he was? She asked herself, she was still new and Lana went to her to settle him because she was kicked out of his room… at least he seemed to figure out that wasn’t going to work with her. After she thanked him she noted his confusion and couldn’t help but internally chuckle, she too felt vulnerable in this moment but she said nothing despite not really liking the fact that she’d felt momentarily vulnerable but she was snapped out of it when he spoke. “Are you certain about that…?” she asked “Because if you didn’t do it for me, why would you let me have something I’m clearly passionate about if you don’t care for me.” She pointed out raising a brow at him. “Hm?” she asked. “Why did you do it if you didn’t do it for me?” she asked curiously.

When he seized her wrist again she prepared for a vicious squeeze like before… he was surprised when he relinquished his claim on her wrist and allowed her to continue. She paused momentarily when he asked her to keep going but she didn’t think much of it… of course she wanted her to continue it probably felt nice to have this kind of attention… not to mention it seemed to be bringing his fever down and make him feel better. So she thought nothing of it as she continued to pamper him. When he spoke again she gave a small nod “Thank you for telling me your name.” she replied “One might think you would have done that on the first day… but I suppose it’s better late than never.” She shrugged. When he told her to be respectful she looked at him as if she didn’t know what the word meant “Respect has to be earned… not asked for or gotten from fear.” She told him “If you want me and your other staff to respect you, you could stand to be kinder and more respectful toward us…” she told him “You’re a grown prince not a commoner like me.” She told him “Until you do that, I will not address you by your name.” she told him “If you can’t give me some semblance of your respect why should I give you mine?” she asked him “Because you’re a prince?” she asked him “A title doesn’t automatically give you respect unless you’ve earned it.” She told him “Not to mention you don’t even know me sir… you know my name and that I like to work in the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean you know me.” She told him.

She let that hang in the air for a moment before she went on tending to him and began to hum though it stopped abruptly when he grabbed her wrist again though seeing that his grip was gentle she allowed him to move her hand away, she figured he’d finally had enough of it but when he turned his head toward her and put the cloth against his forehead she understood what he wanted so, she wiped down his face again watching him drop his head in submission. She obliged with his unspoken request and rubbed his face down again starting with his forehead. She didn’t catch him eyeing her, she just continued tending to him. An hour went by before the water had cooled off to a point where she thought it might be a little too cold. Avi looked at him “The water is cold now…” she told him gently “I’ll run some more hot water so you can clean the rest of yourself up if you want… but if you don’t want me to that’s fine… the water is too cold for you to stay here… you’re going to wind up freezing again if you stay or don’t let me get you some warmer water in the bath.” She told him. “It’s up to you what you want to do…” she told him before she went and got a towel for him in case he wanted to get out of the bath.

In regard to respect her rules were simple… you respect her and she’ll respect you it was that simple… the same went for fighting, if you were calm she was calm, if you were combative she’d be combative times ten... when you got right down to who and how she truly was as a person it wasn't complicated to figure out what it took to please her. She'd never be a delicate little flower like some of the girls in the village... but that didn't mean she couldn't be calmer and respectful toward you... it just took a while to get to that side of her. Then again who would expect any less with the kind of father she grew up with? and with no mother around? of course she was going to be a little different. Not to mention her father saw things differently... in fact he believed the exact opposite of what other men thought, he didn't believe a women should bow down to him, he believed she should be treated like an equal not like a slave to a man... but he always warned Avi to be careful with her words and wise cracks because not all men felt the same. So she was careful... to a degree. Here though she didn't feel the need, Lana and even Amon seemed soft on her... and it appeared Prince Villa was as well... at least a little.

“Respect isn’t earned,” He quickly mocked after she finished her first rant about respect. What did she know about respect? She was a mere peasant, one who didn’t know what it was like to want respect. All peasants treated each other normally. Yes, there was some difference between men and women, men tending to be more dominating, but royalty was way different. It was more than sitting on a throne than looking pretty. When his father used to rule, Leon had tried to be his father’s pride and joy. He forced people to respect him in order to get acknowledged. It was harder to earn people’s respect. It was easier to make them whether they like it or not. It was the only way of withstanding royalty. Though he doesn’t remember those memories, he only remembers the emotions he felt.“Yes and you know I am Leon Villa, a prince, one who you think is a spoiled brat. You know nothing of me just like I know nothing of you. You think I shouldn’t be respected because I am royalty and because I actually don’t tolerate things. Trust me, darling. You don’t know what it is like.” His hoarse voice growing irritated. When she fell quiet he managed to shut his mouth. His lips grew slim with irritation like he was holding back saying some cruel words. He allowed her to speak kind words to him but they just weren’t the same anymore. How could she say such blunt words yet be kind to him the next second? He couldn’t believe she fooled him. He thought she…..actually cared about him. For once in his life, he saw something he hadn’t seen before yet it was diminished by such tainted words.

“Don’t speak to me in such a manner.” He finally said, staggering to get up, slipping his legs out of the tub. He managed to gain his balance quicker. This time he was determined to actually stand without losing balance. He had such a different demeanor now. “You don’t understand what it is like,” His rich words were different from the first time he ever spoke to her. His voice actually showed the sheerness of pain yet the harshness of someone who had no more tolerance level. Did she understand? She would never. She never understood the pain of waking up in the morning surprised that she was alive. She never understood the irritation of not being able to eat a single meal without being nauseous other than raw cold soups. She didn’t understand any aspect of a curse and that just pissed him off more. Before she could say anything, he towered over her, his eyes gleaming that cursed gold color again. “Get out of my room.”

Everything was silent after those words. He wasn’t the sweet submissive boy he found himself being anymore. Leon wasn’t going to bow his head to her, shutting his mouth when he truly wanted to speak, hiding his pride He was tolerant enough of her sharp words because she knew he wouldn’t do anything. He had reached his threshold. She will not say a word declaring how he is and how he should be when she doesn’t know what is going on behind the scenes. He was cursed, tainted, ruined every day. Yet she had the audacity…

“Don’t try my patience,” He cut her off from saying any other sharp words. He didn’t want her to speak….no….she wasn’t allowed to speak. In a sharp movement, he grabbed her jaw, holding her head up so she looked him directly in the eye, his grip was tight showing his seriousness. It was obvious he hadn’t been taught to not get physical when he was mad, but truly he didn’t give a shit. “If you speak a single sharp-tongued spitfire word to me…..I will toss you out on the street after you have been beaten to the brim, stripped of your clothes. I am not afraid to do so. Trust me I have done it before.” He backed her into a wall, holding a tight grip on her jaw. His voice was wicked yet calm which truly had a different feeling than when he was screaming at her. It was more frightening. “But if that isn’t your style then I will gladly take away everything you love. Including your beloved father,” He threatened. There was no such hesitance in his voice, his eyes drilling into her soul. “Now get out,” He painfully let go of her jaw. It is hard to believe but during that whole time his eyes showed such pain, his voice didn’t hesitate but rather it quivered like he was losing control. It hurt him to do such a thing, his eyes the only thing that showed his true emotion. Leon watched her leave, his fist in a bunch.

Amon was making his way down the corridor to get to the prince’s quarters. That was when he saw Avianna leaving the room. Why did she look so disturbed? “How did everything go?” He asked pleasantly, his eyes gleaming with pride that she was actually accepted into his room. Leon was one to get protective of his space so it truly was a surprise that he allowed someone new into his chamber. He just hoped Leon didn’t throw another tantrum.

Avi didn’t correct him when he relayed her words about how she saw him back to her, it was the truth… he was simply a spoiled prince who threw a tantrum when he didn’t get his way. Despite her slight agitation she tried to remain calm “No… I just don’t think you should get respect JUST because you’re a prince.” She clarified “Or just because your people fear you.” She replied. She quieted when he said she didn’t know what it was like, now she was irritated but she listened none the less.

When he told her not to speak to him in such a manner and staggered to his feet she watched him carefully ready to leap in and catch him if he needed her to despite everything. “You don’t get it either… you’ve had everything handed to you on a silver platter… you have servants who wait on you hand and foot who tend to your every whim with just your words.” She snapped lightly at him. “I had to work for what little I had but you, you were born into all of this… given the silver spoon from a young age.” She told him “You have not a care in the world meanwhile the people at your feet struggle simply for survival…” she retorted her eyes narrowed “You wouldn’t last one day without the crown upon your head because you’ll quickly figure out that you can’t order people around and demand things that you want, that you’ll have to submit to commoners to make ends meet…” she told him backing off a little when she knew he was sure footed.

There was something different about him this time… the coldness in his eyes was gone and replaced with… pain? She thought curiously resisting the urge to tip her head to the side. When she was finally drawn out of her thoughts she found him standing over her and she met his eyes again. She could hear it a little in his voice now and she saw the gold color flash in his eyes once more but she couldn’t figure what that was all about… the first time she’d just assumed it was the way the light caught his eyes but seeing it a second time… she was curious. “Sir-“she said only to break off when he spoke before her, her eyes closed and she turned her head away, that was until she was wrenched back to where she was forced to look him in the eye, the pressure on her jaw was incredible… her eyes glossed over with tears but she didn’t let them fall, no he she refused, she wouldn’t let him see her cry or show weakness. Even if she wanted to say anything she didn’t think she could. She looked him in the eye once more and stared at him listening to every word he spoke though she still felt that edge of pain in his words despite the seriousness of them.

When she was backed into the wall she felt like a cornered animal wanting to fight against him the feeling of being cornered made her heart beat faster, that was the one thing she couldn’t hide especially if he managed to hit the right spot on her neck where he could feel her quick pulse, her eyes were wide and a little fearful as she looked at him this was the first time there had been fear in her eyes since she'd arrived. When he mentioned her father she noticed the lack of hesitance in his voice but she still sensed pain. When he finally released her she rubbed her jaw, the red marks from his fingers were deep and embedded in her skin in such a way that they left grooves, she was surprised he hadn’t broken her jaw if she were honest. She looked at him as she rubbed her jaw, without intending to she looked small and child-like before she hardened and righted herself listening to the quiver in his voice and seeing the pain behind his eyes she knew she’d struck a nerve for sure… but perhaps this was progress…? She thought as she left the room.

Thinking she was alone in the hallway she let the walls she’d built come down a little as she strode down the hall a few tears slipping from her eyes before she jumped her head and eyes shooting up to see Amon in front of her, she quickly wiped her tears and dropped her head so he couldn’t see the redness on her chin, and her sleeve so he couldn’t see her red wrist. “As well as you would expect with him.” She replied with a small chuckle trying to hide the other emotions. Now that her walls were down however she didn’t do as good of a job at hiding it, her voice wavered and her eyes were still glossier than usual. As soon as she heard her voice waver she looked to Amon wondering if he’d caught that every instinct telling her to get out of there before he saw her break. “I-I should go, I’m sure Lana has other jobs for me… I’m sure she could use my help…” she told him as she began to walk off trying ton steady her shaking hands her steps were slower almost as if she were being pulled by a magnet in both directions, she wanted to go back to Leon and tell him off but she needed a break… and he was much too angry right now to go after him again.

It wasn’t his words that she couldn't deal with she’d dealt with more in the village then he could throw at her, it was the fact that he’d backed her into a corner and legitimately caused her heart to race in that small space… as if being in a small space wasn’t enough it had to be a corner… why’d it have to be a corner? She asked herself. clenching her sore jaw. She’d promised herself she’d never let herself be cornered and left defenseless by a man ever again, it had happened once when she was very young… 8 years old and backed into a corner by men with no escape... Men who held her by her jaw like he'd just done. Thankfully her father had protected her but from that day on she'd been traumatized... Paying enough attention to her though it would be noticable that she avoided corners whenever she possibly could... She refused to be that weak and vulernable ever again... She couldn't wait around for a man to save her... She figured that out very quickly and her father encouraged it... He'd always been untraditional in that sense but it only grew after that day. Thats why their small moment of vulernablity had effected her the way it did... she hated that feeling... She hated being weak... Especially in front of a man.

That look on her face will forever be imprinted in his mind. The quiver of her lips as she spoke subtly, the glossiness appearing in her eyes. He didn’t mean to spook her that bad. He just wanted to get his message through her head. He stared at his hand which had held her jaw just a moment ago. He clenched it in a fist. If only she would have just listened the first time he tried to set her straight. Leon allowed his head to rest against the wall. He didn’t know whether to feel bad or even more irritated. Yet the guilt didn’t linger, the irritation overtaking him. Sadly, he was too weak to punch anything out of frustration. He had no choice but to stagger out of the bathroom, leaving the memory of what transpired behind him.

--

Amon got this unsettling feeling. It only took a moment of seeing Avianna. It was almost like her spirit had been shattered. She didn’t have that fierce look in her eyes like she did when she first entered this place. There was this gloss in her eyes that made Amon feel shame for her. A poor thing like her shouldn’t have that look in her eye with so many things given to her. So it must mean one thing. The prince had done something.

Amon steadily headed for Leon’s door. He felt more compelled to tell him off more than anything but he knew he had to hold back. He steadily knocked on the door. “Enter,” Leon boomed, his voice laced with anger. “My prince,” Amon said, entering. His voice was quiet, more muted than what it would usually be. Amon hesitated, taking in the sight of Leon. Leon still had his shirt off, his skin glossy from the rag. His eyes were dull as usual but he had this flush on his face. It was hard to tell whether it was from anger or from his fever. His hair dripped onto his lap from the remnants of water which he was too lazy to dry. The look in Leon’s eye made it clear that he didn’t want Amon to ask about his state. “Lady Avianna came out of your room. She looked like she wanted to cry. I know it isn’t my place but I wanted to see if something transpired in here. You see--” He was cut off, his lips slimming in irritation. “It is nothing,” Leon murmured casually. “Sir, it is something if she was going to cry,” Amon stated, attempting to keep his voice level to a minimum. “She would be crying more if I seized a knife and cut off that sharp tongue of hers,” Leon wasn’t able to feel satisfied after that sentence because Amon’s voice caught his attention. “My prince!” His voice raised. Amon couldn’t tell if he did that on purpose or if it was an automatic reaction. Leon brushed his hair back as he continued to perch on his bed. “Now, tell me something. Why have you taken an interest in her so much that you dare speak like that towards me?” Leon’s voice remained oddly calm. “Cause I am not in the mood to be spoken to,” He bitterly spoke, watching as Amon stood there nervous yet angry at the same time. The silence lingered in the room, too silent for comfort. He brushed a finger against his lips as he locked eyes with Amon. “She was right about something though. None of you respect me. So I suggest you and every worker in this place get it together or I will make things a lot harder,”

--

Lana had this quivering smile on her face. “My love, what happened to you?” She asked gently as she approached Avianna. She cooed to her as she embraced her in a hug. Lana was the type of person who doesn’t need to ask to know what is wrong. It wasn’t necessarily her instinct telling her what happened but it was more so that she saw the look in Avianna’s eyes and the marks on her jaw. “Listen to me,” She whispered calmly. “This may be hard to hear….but the prince….” She paused. No...Avianna wasn’t ready to hear about the curse. “My point is that the prince is very sensitive and sickly.” She had cut herself off. Lana wasn’t trying to excuse what had occurred but rather doing it to give Avianna some understanding of what occurred. It was hard to say anything just because she truly didn’t know what occurred, but she did her best to comfort her. “Try not to fret about it. You know what you can do to make yourself feel better. You can go into that kitchen and make the workers here a good tasty pastry as you have done before,” She nudged Avianna. Lana let out a tired sigh when Avianna went to the kitchen. Why did the prince have to get that way?

Amon hesitantly walked over to Lana. He had just left Leon’s room and it was obvious he got told off. “We need to get it together,” He murmured. Lana pierced her lips for a second as she looked at his tall figure. “What do you mean ‘we’ need to get it together. The prince is obviously--”

“We can’t change him, Lana!” He did his best to keep his voice low. Lana nodded slowly. That was all he needed to say. She knew the prince was getting worse by the day but she didn’t expect him to get this bad. “Avianna is the only one who will figure this out. She is the only one who can speak to him,” Lana whispered, turning her attention to the nearest window. The drapes were closed allowing minimal light to sweep through the room. “Avianna should take no part with him. Trust me. Let me take over and it is only a matter of time until this is fixed,” Amon implied. Lana strictly turned her attention back on him. What did he mean by that? Amon had already walked away before she could ask. It only made her more perplexed than before.

Avianna continued down the hall until she ran directly into Lana and met her eyes letting herself nuzzle into Lana’s warmth, the motherly touch she’d never felt before soothed her a little, enough for the glossiness in her eyes to fade away with a few blinks. She was certainly a strong person but being cornered like that… she felt like a child again… even more so now that she was getting the motherly attention she so badly craved but never had when she was young. “No… no this wasn’t his doing entirely Lana…” she said softly “I was just reminded of a very… intense encounter when I was a child.” She explained without going into details. When Lana told her not to fret about it and suggested she work in the kitchen for a while she nodded and headed off offering Lana a thankful smile. Within moments of entering the kitchen… her place of comfort and security she was infinitely better, she relaxed and began to go around taking inventory of what she had as she decided what to make, it was good to focus her mind elsewhere.

Later on she’d finished the pastries and seemed to be back to relatively normal as she went around with her basket full of raspberry filled treats for the other servants to eat along with napkins because these were one of her more messy treats… the deserts stuffed with raspberry paste on the inside and wrapped in a soft glazed breading on the outside, the were warm and tasted delicious and she was glad that the servants liked them. When she found Amon and Lana again the marks on her chin had turned into a light bruising but she seemed much better as she offered them each a raspberry treat “Careful… they’re a little messy.” She warned offering them a smile as she awaited their reactions. After she had their seal of approval she looked to Lana “Thank you for earlier.” She said gently with a smile “I’m feeling much better now.” She told her “This time though it really wasn’t entirely his doing…” she admitted “Well my chin was… but overall it wasn’t him that had upset me.” She assured “See when I was a child my father had sent me out at night to go and fetch some water from the well in town because we needed it for something… I can’t remember what it was but when I was on my way home these men found me when I was close to home…” she shuddered “They smelled heavily of alcohol and they cornered me… I was desperately afraid because they just kept getting closer and closer and I had no escape… not until my father… he heard my screams and he came for me…” she explained “I was just a little girl with three big men towering over me in a corner…” she whimpered out the glossiness in her eyes returning a little “When Leon cornered me today… it reminded me of that… I was in that ally again… my heart was racing and those 3 men were right on top of me like shadows…” she said softly lowering her gaze “I’m only here unharmed today because papa saved me…” she said gently.

After she’d explained she stayed put for a few moments swinging her basket idly. Amon’s expression softened “I’m sorry that happened to you Avianna…” he said gently “And I’m sorry you relived it today…” he said. This incident was only strengthening his desire to take over, he could free her from all this… make it so she never had to go through anything like that again he thought. Avianna shook her head “Its fine… I’m okay now.” She assured with a nod as she looked from Lana to Amon the glossiness in her eyes vanishing once more replaced with that fire once again “I’m not a child anymore… I can care for myself.” She said in a somewhat stern tone before looking to Lana her voice dropping once more “Can you take this back…?” she asked offering her the basket. After Lana accepted the task Avi brushed past the two heading for Leon’s room.

When she arrived she didn’t bother knocking she just opened the door and shut it behind her before he went to the end of the bed putting her hands tight around the end of his bedframe as she narrowed her eyes at him “I didn’t leave because you told me to earlier.” She said firmly “I left because I relived a childhood trauma.” She hissed “Never EVER back me into a corner ever again you hear me?” she hissed “I don’t care what else you want to do to me but do not back me into a corner ever again.” She snapped “Beat me, chain me, choke me, hang me, behead me… I don’t care just don’t ever back me into a corner again.” She hissed, her eyes lit with both fury and even a slight bit of pleading, her words were firm but in reality she was begging him not to back her into a corner like he’d done before. She tried not to let him see her hands shake but she wanted to get her own point across “Do you understand me?” she scolded. Despite all that he’d put her through earlier she still didn’t address him by name… she was keeping true to her word… unless he addressed her and his other staff with respect no way in hell was she going to address him in any sort of respectful manor. She wasn’t going to let him win no matter what he did to her.