Oh, where is my love?

 The ocean seemed endless as the ship was gently rocked by the tidal waves-Though inside-it was anything but gentle-There sat women and girls--Their eyes were sunken-as if they were fed up with life, their dresses were in taters from the abuse, they sat in a row, crouched down. As the air clung a faint moldy and suffocating scent-With only the subtle look out of the guards. Their eyes pried on them, like predators who were circling their prey, then walked around. Though, not one of them dare to touch them-as they were all the property of one man: Emperor Augustus-The now emperor of Byzantium, the fierce ruler whose eyes were like hawks, his mouth-a cannonball-Lethal enough to break or make. He ruled with an iron fist-He had an armada of men who were ready to slit their throats for him-Some had described him as a generous ruler--while for some, he was a blood thirsty war-hound, ready to rip apart those who were against him. He breathed in silk and lived a life of luxury and had thousands of slaves.

Eleanor petronella-sat, her blonde locks reaching to the dry bark floor as she glanced at it--her eyes were bloodshot-her lips were dry, trembling as she remained in her form--her hands clenched-How dare they? these savages! She felt sick to her stomach as she listened to the faint whispers of the other women behind her-Emperor Augustus, a name that felt like acid on her tongue. How shameless they were to praise him?

her mind swirled as she saw the women getting up and lining. It was mealtime, Eleanor glanced at the server-The same man who had slapped her-was serving. She quickly tore her gaze away before he notices her. "It's just one night, I won't die" though the low growl of her stomach betrayed her. Eleanor sighed as she got up--Swallowing her pride, she made her way to the line-And soon, it was her turn. She kept her head low as she slowly reached out her plate with trembling hands.

The man's gaze pressed on her as his lips twitched into a smug smirk-"Chin up" he said. He had known her-He definitely did and that's what made him entitled. with a victorious grin he watched her crumble under his foul gaze. Eleanor felt her heart race as heat crept up her neck-her fingers tightening around the cold surface of the plate as she stood there in silence. The air around here felt beyond suffocating as she heard the subtle murmurs of the women-She can tell that they weren't pleasant. The man noticing her pale knuckles-He reached out for her face. Just then-something in her snapped-As soon as his fingers grazed her jaw-Her fist sprung out-Connecting her palm to his hard skin.

Then--suddenly the sound of a sharp slap pierced the air--The women abruptly stopped their whispering-as they let out gasps in shock.

The man flinched at the sudden force-he slightly stepped back as she gazed at him--her eyes told thousand stories; her chests rose and fell rapidly-as she clenched her fists-then he noticed it-her gaze faltering for a second-as if to question her motive.

What did I do... her lips pressed as she stared at her palm then at him-At his widened-yet furious eyes. He stepped in closer-his eyes darkening as he did--She could see something ugly through his now calm demeanor-The women around her seemed at unease as they all stepped back. Eleanor didn't dare glance at them as she kept her eyes on him-fearing he might do something-He then did it-Quick, like a predator-his muscular arms sprung out-clutching at her hair-His breath, hot against her face, as he quickly pinned her on the floor.

The women around her quickly shielded their children-clasping their eyes, as they hugged them to their chests. Panic clung into the air-Though no one dared make a move to help her.

Eleanor didn't even have the chance to let out a gasp as she gazed at him-Struggling to remain stoic as her frail voice betrayed her. W-What are you...doing? she asked, her breath was ragged as he pushed against her. He leaned in closer-his eyes were now darker as if an enmity has just arose-Then his voice came out, low, dripping with malice, "you shouldn't have done that, women" he murmured. Eleanor glanced at him-Her face drenched in fear-then his palm found her neck-he then tightened his hold-She jerked at his hold as he watched her gasp for air, as her tears trailed the bark.

Panic surged through the crowd of women-as they shrieked in fear--QUIET!! a voice blared across the place-They stopped. The women's eyes fell to the floor as Flaytus-The head of the ship made his way through. His boots thudding hard against the floor. His honey-Gaze seemed to be darting to around every corner-as he held himself upright.

The man's face went pale as he quickly released his hold on Eleanor-Jumping up to his feet as he lowered his head. his hands tied to his back-not uttering a breath as Flaytus made his way to him. His every step felt deliberate as he slowly made his way to him--Then standing to him--he gazed at Eleanor's drained face-At her nimble body, how fragile she looked. -Something in him stirred. He then glanced at the shame of a man Infront of him-His teeth clenched as he stepped in--his intoxicating scent filling in the place. instinctively the man stepped back--his trembling hands-glued to his back.

The women watched in awe as Flaytus murmured something-making him shiver. He then glanced to his right-Nothing but a quick nod to one of the men from the other door. Then two men came and held him roughly--His voice echoed through the door as he was dragged out of their-No! NO! Flaytus! No! Please! it was a mistake!

"You don't hit women" he said, his words were final. The man's voice came to an abrupt stop as he was then escorted away.

Though Flaytus didn't even glance back-His gaze was solely fixed to her-Eleanor-How soft her features looked under the glow of the warm light. He then quickly crouched down-His gaze softening as he checked her pulse-Barely there-yet she survived. Flaytus sighed in relief as he then scooped her up in his arms--Her blonde locks grazing his skin, as he then quickly took her away from there-From the prying eyes of the women.

As soon as he left-The women started gossiping again, some muttered with annoyance at how she was being given the special treatment-Some stayed silent, as they processed whatever happened just now.

Meanwhile: Hidden away from the envious gazes-Flaytus sat near her-She laid peacefully on his bed-Her eyes were shut. He watched her slightly pouted lips-at her every little movement--He then draped the duvet over her without another word. His hands hesitantly lingered on her face-Then he pulled back, getting on his feet, he quickly went out. sighing as he did.

He then glanced at the inky dark night-at the glowing sliver moon--He ran a hand through his hair--Elen... He murmured; his voice came out softer than he thought--Eleanor? He said a little louder--Clutching his fist, The name seemed to awake something in him-Perhaps a glimpse of his childhood?

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Meanwhile... S-Slav... Eleanor's lips parted as her eyes then slowly fluttered opened-Baba? She then glanced at her unfamiliar surroundings-at the slight warmness of the duvet-

Where am I? She muttered, sitting up--her eyes wandering around every corner--Then she felt it-The scent-The same intoxicating one that she felt a while ago-It had felt so distant then and still is now.

Though her mind was still clouded as she glanced at the round windows of the ship--Glancing Out-

When can I ever escape this prison...? huh?

a thought flashed across her mind-As she let out soft sobs, her hands unknowingly lingering on the marks on her neck.

Marks on her neck--Before this:

they were caused by Vojislav--Just then, an image of him played out in her head.

It was the middle of January--It had been just a day after their engagement.

A day where even the sun had shyly hidden behind the clouds as if they saw a scandal--Slav and Eleanor had stood.

He leaned in onto the rough bark--Caging a frail Eleanor in. she couldn't even look at him--Though felt his armored body pressing against her as both of their breath became one. His eyes glinted mischievously as he caught her coy gaze--At how her head was low to the soil.

A strand of her hair then fell to her face--his fingers reached for her--Eleanor caught her breath--As his thumb brushed against her lip--Slow, sensual.

Eleanor...

Her gaze then went up to him--Locking in with his striking blue pairs.

Slav...?

He then leaned in even closer as he felt the heat seeping out through her clothes. Eleanor's breath hitched as he then nuzzled his head on the crooked of her neck--His damp brown hair clung to the curve of her clavicle--Sending a jolting sensation to her spine.

Slav... she said in a breathy tone--W-What are you...doing?

His lips curled in a soft smile--Eleanor... his gaze searched her.

"I want an heir... Eleanor's breath quickened. I want to hold my own, Eleanor"

I want my own...--Those words echoed in her mind as she stared at his face--At just how desperate he looked.

Her gaze then fell to the soil before her.

Elenor...he breathed--His voice demanded attention. She didn't look up-at least not until a few seconds--Though he had already been watching her--As he then crashed his lips against hers.

She let out a soft gasp at his sudden boldness--As he then deepened the kiss.

Eleanor's face flushed as she then noticed his gaze--At how fierce they looked--At how feather- light his touches were.

"Gosh I love you so much!" he murmured as he kissed her once again--Leaving soft trailing along her neck as she then arched her head back--Her arms tightened the grasp of his shoulder.

As only her breathy whimpers filled the area. Slav's gaze then shot up to her--At how the white linen clung to her curves in the most perfect way. At how she had arched her back and whispered his name as if it was a prayer.

She then gave him a quick glance and pushed him off--Her face burnt with shame as she then turned and began to walk away--Her hands clenching around her robe.

They had done nothing wrong. Slav gazed at her go; his eyes were filled with longing.

Eleanor had known it--They did nothing wrong.

And now she wishes for the very thing that made her face burn, the very thing that was against her modest upbringing.

her breath still weary, she had felt closer to death two times now. two times and wanted it to capture her and get it over with already. She then glanced out the window again; her words came slurring

--where are you вияслав Slav? where are you...?