Switching gears

Today, we get something a wee bit different. It was a spur of the moment idea that was in my head. Almost an alternate take on the slave story that I’ve been writing.

Dude, I’m like really stuck on girls in bondage. (brown chicken brown cow)

“It’s your choice,” he said, examining his trident. “Either tell me what your emperor looks like, or I can forcibly remove it from your mind.” the memory pulling technique was a very easy was to break someone’s mind, leaving them in a vegetative state. “We’ve had a good run, Sophia,” Kakios said, standing up, “but you have information that I need.”

I simply smiled. “Information that I don’t have.”

“Enough games!” Kakios snapped.

“If you don’t believe me, then let me drink the truth potion!” Kakios shot a quick glance towards the remaining truth potion sitting on a nearby counter. “It spoils quickly, you know,” I said, using the same tone his mother had, “might as well use it up. It has a very short life sitting there, and it only grows shorter with each passing minute.” Kakios’s gaze switched between the bottle and myself. “Tick… tick… tick…” I taunted him. With a flick of his wrist, the truth potion appeared directly in front of me. Suspended in mid air, I reached for it, but it dodged my hand.

“Dismiss the little princess,” he said, nodding towards Adella, who was standing fearfully behind me. I hesitated for a moment; since our capture, I had grown extremely fond of Adella. She was like a little sister to me, possibly even a child.

“Why?” I asked, motioning for her to come to my side. “I have nothing to hide from her.” Adella’s hand wrapped around mine as she clung fearfully to my dress.

“There are still somethings that children shouldn’t hear.” Kakios said. I pondered for a moment before turning towards the guards.

“Adella, go with the guards,” I said, giving her a gentle push away from my dress. “They will take you back to your room.”

“But-” Adella tried to protest.

“I need you to do this for me,” I said, kneeling down in front of her. “I have some big girl things to take of. I will be just fine, and I will come and see you when I’m done.” Tears began to form in Adella’s eyes. “Big girls don’t cry when they’re scared,” I reminded her, wiping away the tears. “Big girls only cry when they’re hurt.” Adella nodded and slowly backed away from me. “I will come and see you when I’m finished.” One of the guards grabbed her hand and guided her out of the potion room, leaving Kakios and I alone. The truth potion appeared in front of my face and shook itself.

“Tick tick tick.” Kakios teased with an evil grin. “It spoils quickly, you know.” Snatching the bottle out of the air, I quickly swallowed the contents. I could feel a warm sensation spread through out my body, followed by a brief tingle that made me shudder.

“Go ahead,” I demanded, “ask your questions.” Kakios looked pleased with himself.

“Tell me of this emperor of yours,” he asked casually. “What’s he like?”

“Which one?” I responded automatically. “The old one or the new one?”

Kakios thought for a moment before responding. “The new one.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“No one knows yet,” I said. “He hasn’t been around long enough to make major policy changes.”

“He seems to have quite a keen interest in you,” Kakios pointed out. “Why is that?” I held my tongue.

An ethereal voice answered for me. “Slave!” it hissed angrily. “Slave to the emperor!” Kakios laughed loudly and I could feel my face flush with embarrassment.

“A concubine?” He repeated. “That’s what he sends an envoy for? A concubine?” I tried to maintain my composure as Kakios regained his. “Men have fought wars over over lesser things, I suppose.” he grinned slyly. “Or, perhaps his envoy will come bearing a message that you belong to us now.”

“My life is in the emperor’s hands.” I said simply. “He can do with it as he wishes.” I didn’t feel like explaining my situation to anyone, much less him.

“Freedom!” the ethereal voice hissed loudly. “I want my freedom!” I felt a sharp pain in my hand, as if I had been slapped.

“The more you lie,” Kakios chided me, standing up to his full height, “the more pain the potion will give you.”

“I didn’t lie!” I spat back, rubbing my hand to soothe the pain.

“But you willfully withheld information.” He pointed out, circling me like a fallen animal. “If you knowingly mislead or withhold information, the potion will reveal the truth and punish you.” I inhaled sharply and bit my tongue. I wasn’t stupid enough to say something smart back to him.