Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 67437 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67437 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Next, I spotted gold bars all around me.
What is this place? Am I in . . .a jail?
I sat up and glanced around.
My heart skipped a beat.
This wasn’t a dungeon or a cell.
It was some sort of cage.
I studied the luxurious gold plated bars ornate in design, yet surrounding me.
I looked up.
The bars arched into a curving ceiling.
I blinked.
Am I in a really big bird cage? No. That can’t be.
Confusion mingled with a rising sense of alarm.
I could not make sense of this space.
But, it looks like one. . .
I reached my hands out and brushed my fingertips along the bars closest to me. They were cold to the touch, sending shivers down my spine.
Panic gripped my heart.
He put me in a blasted cage.
I left the bed.
My feet smoothed against a plush rug of sable fur.
And he. . .decorated it.
Swallowing, I truly took in this confined space.
Dear Ambi!
I stood in a literal gilded cage.
He is more insane than I thought.
I gazed beyond the bars and realized that I was inside the Quiet King’s grand tent.
Far across from the bars, he slept in his bed, naked. His muscles rippled as he snored.
Thank Ambi he lay on his stomach so I didn’t get a sight of his cock.
I shook my head.
He wanted to make sure I didn’t escape again, so he locked me up.
I returned my view back to the cage.
But, I will get out of this too.
I studied the cage some more and had to admit that it was a masterpiece.
It stood tall, and was clearly spacious enough to house an adult comfortably. Its structure was a delicate weaving of metallic tendrils. Each was bathed in gold so pure it gleamed even in the dim light of the tent.
At the top of the cage, the bars curved and twisted into elegant, almost floral patterns.
I covered my mouth with one hand and placed my view on the small bed I’d woken up in.
Soft, sumptuous fabrics draped the small bed. They were deep burgundy, midnight blue, and royal purple.
Pillows of various sizes were strewn on the floor.
In one corner of the cage, tons of elegantly wrapped presents rested in piles on the floor.
Does he think he can win me over with gifts? He cannot.
Still curious, I went over to the boxes and began opening one after another.
Jewels of every kind sparkled among the treasures. There were ruby necklaces as red as a setting sun. Emerald earrings gleaming with the intensity of the deepest forest leaves. I pulled out a massive sapphire ring that easily captured the vastness of the midnight sky.
And of course there were tons and tons of diamond bracelets that held the brilliance of a thousand stars.
I cannot do anything with jewelry. I need a key to get out of here or a wooden dagger.
I went to another box and pulled out a huge tiara.
Umm. . .
My breath caught at the sight.
It was made of gold, all braided and twisted throughout and set with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and pearls.
No. No. No.
I dropped it back into the box.
I am not your queen.
That was the only piece of jewelry I kept in the box with the top on it.
Scooting away from that, I opened a circular velvet box. A variety of the finest chocolates greeted my eyes.
My stomach growled.
Their sweet, rich scent drifted through the air.
I shouldn’t eat anything he gives me.
My stomach growled again.
But. . .food will make me stronger. If I am exhausted, I cannot escape.
I tasted one chocolate and then another and another, devouring them fast into my mouth.
Oh, blessings Ressi. Blessings.
They were a blend of cocoa and exotic fillings, ranging from creamy hazelnut to fiery chili.
When I finished all the chocolates, I licked my fingers and set the velvet box down.
Is there anything else?
I scanned the space.
All the gifts and jewelry had been strewn on the floor near my bed.
And then I spotted a thick book near the cage’s door.
How did I not see that before?
I went over to it, but didn’t pick the book up just yet. So much power radiated from it.
I lowered down and sat in front of the massive book.
Is this a. . .grimoire?
On the thick leather cover, ornate carvings and intricate patterns etched deeply into the aged leather.
I tilted forward.
Some of the carvings were twisted serpents intertwined into symbols. Their sinuous forms writhed and pulsed under the faintest light.
Something whispered in my head.
Touch it.
Fast, I snapped my view up, thinking it was the Quiet King who spoke inside of my mind.
He remained fast asleep on his stomach.
I looked around.
Where did that voice come from?
I returned my view to the book.
Was it. . .this grimoire?
I swallowed and assessed the carvings. I swore that they evoked some sense of primal energy, as if the very essence of magic had been captured and immortalized upon its surface.
Why would he give me this?