Ch. 26 - In the Dungeon

Ch. 26 - In the Dungeon
It was not easy to leave the palace for a new servant. But luckily Hera got through the inspection quickly after a gatekeeper recognized her and that it was Lucian who allowed her to stay in the palace.

Everyone was confused about the girl's status. Because Lucian allowed her to enter as a slave, but the king asked her to serve Elena, the king's personal slave. What a hassle. But anything related to Lucian, no one dared touch. Including Hera.

The sun began to rise, warming the air. Hera was used to the palace atmosphere. Her former master was an old couple who lived near the palace. She often went to the market to buy things for the house and kitchen.

The market was quite crowded, especially this early in the morning. Hera started browsing through small shops and looking for furniture. Lucian didn't specify what items she should buy for Elena, but she knew what the girl would like. She had grown up with Elena since childhood.

She pocketed quite a bit of money. The first thing she thought of was basic equipment like makeup, jewelry, and hair ornaments. She also bought flower vases and aromatherapy candles. Some herbal tea bags.

After a while at the market, she walked quickly down the village path, out of the market area. However, there were still some small shops there. She was looking for something. Her maid's dress lifted slightly with each footstep on the gravel. She was looking for a blanket shop. And it took her a long time to bargain for a blanket and sheets.

Finally, her hunt was over, and she was ready to return to the palace. Along the way she smiled widely at the thought of Elena's reaction when she saw the items she had bought. She was sure the girl would like them very much.

Hera walked into a deserted area, her goosebumps tingling slightly. She saw a shadow following her. Her chest beat fast. Since the area was notoriously dangerous, she regretted passing it by.

As she hurriedly walked, someone bumped into her, halting her steps. She screamed in terror, her body crashing to the ground.

Hera timidly looked at who had hit her, sure it was a robber. But when she saw the figure, she widened her eyes.

Riven, the king's guard.

"I'm sorry. Are you all right?" The man pulled Hera's hand to help her up.

"Oh, I thought I was being robbed," Hera said, relieved as she checked the items in her shopping bag were undamaged. But the vase and everything else were still intact.

"This area is dangerous. You'd better leave quickly," said Riven.

Hera nodded. That was the plan. She looked at Riven. Why was he there? And their gazes clashed. He glanced away quickly.

Hera felt her face turn red. Ah, what's wrong with her?

"We'd better get back to the palace," Riven said, politely asking Hera to walk in front of him.

Hera blushed and nodded. The man did not speak at all. Every now and then she glanced at Riven's handsome features. He was tall, with fair skin, sharp eyes, and burly hands always ready for his sword. What a charming bodyguard.

The journey passed quickly. Upon arriving at the palace, Riven immediately said goodbye and went elsewhere.

"Thank you," Hera whispered, her voice almost lost in the wind.

The man nodded stiffly and left quickly.

Hera smiled the rest of the way. She then reached Elena's room. But it was empty. Had the girl walked to the village for a walk?

A servant stood in the doorway, worried. "Hey, what happened to the king's slave?" she asked.

Hera frowned. "What do you mean?"

The servant looked curious. "Lady Misaya took her to the dungeon. Did she do something wrong?" she asked.

Hera widened her eyes. What happened? Why did Misaya bring Elena?

Her chest pounded wildly. Several negative thoughts entered her head. Without thinking, she ran away from the servant. There was only one destination, the dungeon.

Her steps echoed as she descended the dungeon stone steps. Cold air hit her. Her hair stood to an end when she heard whipping and heartbreaking screams.

Elena's voice!

"Elena!" She screamed when she reached the doorway. Her eyes widen.

In the center of the stone room, Elena was suspended in mid-air, her wrists bound by chains hanging from the ceiling. Her body was covered in wounds. Her clothes were torn in several places. Her skin was bruised and bloody.

In front of her stood Misaya, fierce and angry. The whip was clutched in her hand.

Two guards stood nearby, preventing Hera from approaching. But the girl ran off before the two men could do anything.

Hera grabbed Misaya's hand to stop the whipping. Elena already looked so weak and full of wounds. She could die!

"Lady, please let her go!" cried Hera, falling to her knees. "Please!"

Misaya yanked Hera's hand away, glaring at the girl. "Who are you?!"

Hera grabbed Misaya's hand again. "I am Hera, the slave who serves Elena. Please don't hurt her."

Misaya laughed. "Oh, so you're a slave belonging to a slave? I can't believe it!"

Misaya swung the whip again. The whip tip cut into Elena's skin. The girl groaned in pain again.

Hera couldn't take it anymore. She cried as she saw Elena getting weaker. She looked at Misaya, pleading again. "Please let me take her place. Please!"

Misaya raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. "Oh, look how loyal this adorable slave is!"

She looked down at Hera, gripping the girl's chin with her jeweled hand. "I'm only interested in torturing her, not you. Maybe next time."

Misaya stood up again, her gaze becoming more hateful. She pulled a small device out of her dress pocket. A remote controls the collar around Elena's neck. She pressed one of the buttons, and Elena's body jerked. The collar reacted, causing her body to snitch.

Elena screamed. She could see her body stiffen under the bonds.

Hera cried out in panic, seeing Elena in torment. "Stop it! Please stop!"

The guards pulled Hera away.

Misaya turned her head, curling her lips. "You know... I could have made her scream louder. She should know her place."

Misaya approached Elena, and with both hands, she tore off the remaining clothes on the girl's body.

Elena looked at her sharply, even though her body trembled in nakedness. "You... are an honorable lady, but the way you treat me is so low."

PLAK!
Another slap. Harder this time.

Misaya stepped closer, her face just an inch away from Elena's. "You think only you can behave honorably? Oh, look at you now. Standing naked with no shame like a whore. Do you think His Majesty will be enamored of you?"

Hera closed her eyes as Elena wept out in pain as the collar around her neck reacted. She had to do something. But what?

What was she supposed to do? No one could help if Misaya had already moved.

Hera widened her eyes. There was one hope.

Lucian.

Hera brushed off the guard's hands and ran outside. She had to hurry!