Guess who's bored and wants to RP??

Fiero let her brush his hand away, watching with cool disinterest as she collapsed. Inwardly, he could admit he was impressed with her strength. She had held out longer than he thought she would, though it seemed like it hadn't been long enough. Now the only question was what to do with her.

The answer was fairly simple. He had her taken to the dungeons, fitted with two thick metal bracers to match her collar, and left her chained to the wall so she wouldn't be able to run away again this time. She had so much disregard for the power that he held and, though it was cute, it just wouldn't work in the long run. He needed subservience, and that meant he needed her broken, or at the very least afraid of what he could do to her.

He gathered his supplies methodically, taking time to plan out what he wanted to say while he waited for someone to alert him that she'd woken up.

It had been hours before she woke up, and when she did, her body ached. It smelled of mold, and dampness, if that even had a smell. Nora's eyes adjusted to the little light that shone through a window. Wonderful, She thought. A cell, just what she wanted to wake to, chained to a wall like a prisoner, in this situation she kind of was. The pain in her head was almost unbearable, and She still felt a little weak. There was no time to show it though. The King would use that against her. The Dark Witch, yeah right, how could she get caught so easily? Nora was frustrated with herself. If she had used her power earlier instead of bickering, than she could have broke this damn thing. "Hello? I'm a bit thirsty, mind getting me something to drink?" And it was true, but she had her doubts that the guard, or whoever was watching over her word believe her. Nora prepared for the worst, the King wasn't going to back down, and now she knew that. But neither was she. With a sigh she leaned back against the wall and waited.

Three hours after she awoke, Fiero swept into the dungeon with his normal apathetic look, a cozier cloak than normal to block out the persistent chill, and a small basket of necessities. He hated it down here, felt revulsion creep down to his bones and cling fast, but he pushed it away just like everything else. He could scrub himself clean of this place after his goals were accomplished.

And if he took a slightly longer bath than normal tonight, failing to scrub the feeling of this place from his skin, that was nobody's business but his own.

"How are you enjoying your lodgings, pet?" He sat primly on a stool in front of her cell, immaculate in the dingy hall. His posture was perfect, belaying none of the tension he felt. "I trust you find your bedroom satisfactory? You were so eager to get some rest, I'm afraid this was the best I could do on such short notice. I do hope I can make it up to you."

"I quite like it. I especially love the smell." With every word she could see her breath, her skin shivered due to the cold. It was a mystery that she could even sleep down here. Nora's hat fell off sometime during the night, so her face was a bit more visible. Her mother used to call her snow white, due to her pale skin and jet black hair. Nora had never heard the story, but planned to read it at some point. Though Nora always thought of herself as more of a ghost. The only thing she liked were her crystal like eyes. She loved how blue they were. Nora was thin, but didn't look sickly, she had a small face, many people have called her a living doll. "I only have one complaint, it is quite chilly in here. Is there a way to block the window?" A grin spread across her face. She knew this was going to be the same as last night, and honestly she was already tired of it.

Fiero laughed quietly, shaking his head. It was clear Nora didn't respond well to violence, he'd found out that much last night, so he would have to use something else. Something sweeter. "I'm afraid not, birdy. I've got nothing to close it with." He grabbed the basket, pulling out a small woven blanket which he showed her with a soft smile. "But I do have a few gifts for you, because I had to be so very cruel with my accommodations." He slid off his seat, slipping inside Nora's cell so he could tuck it around her as she shivered. His hands lingered on her shoulders, gently rubbing the warmth back into them as the blanket slipped. "Tell me, have they fed you yet?"

Nora was shocked. The warmth from his skin made her heat up a bit. Why was he being kind, from last night she knew that this wasn't him. He must be planning something. "No, they haven't." Everything in her told her to shrug him off, but for some reason she couldn't. This kind side was dangerous, she much rather the other side, the side she knew she couldn't trust. "And thank you." Her gaze lingered on the floor. Looking. Stop, he hates you. He only wants to use you. Taking a deep breath she reminded herself of what he really want, what anyone wanted of her. This power has been hunted down from many kingdoms, but his is the first to actually capture her. "So, getting on with the real business. If I help you, what do I get in return?" If she was to help, she wanted something.

Fiero gave her a soft smile, eyes gentle and full of concern. His eyes bounced back the meager light forcing its way in through the window, glowing the same way a cat's might. When she didn't push him away he grew bolder, gently bringing his hands up to her face so she could bury her cold cheeks in them. He was winning this little battle, he saw it in the way she just barely leaned into his touch. "Of course. I told you birdy, I take care of my things. I want you to be as comfortable as I can make you." His words rang with truth, largely because he wasn't lying. He didn't want to hurt her, the same way he'd never wanted to become king in the first place. His duty to his responsibilities outweighed any personal feelings on the matter. "We don't need to talk about business right now, I'd like to talk about you. Are you hungry?"

"Hm," For a moment she lost herself in his touch. He's using you. Snapping out of it she slowly moved away, just a tad. "I am quite hungry, I haven't had anything since yesterday. His eyes were mysterious, like a cats, almost like he always had a plan for anything that might happen. What was she here for? What did he really need from her? Pulling the blanket tighter around her, she was more alert now. Though she seemed tough, Nora was weak to anything like feelings, so no matter what she could not grow fond of him. She couldn't. But God was he handsome. "I would be easier to talk to on a full stomach." A smile, a genuine smile was on her face, and a slight laugh escaped her lips. (Sorry it's a bit shorter.)

When Fiero beamed at her it lit up his whole face, smoothing the sharpness of his features and warming the steel behind his eyes. If he was handsome before he was beautiful like this, with joy twisting through his every feature. It was an act, of course, but an act based in real feelings. He was making progress like this. if he could just get her to crack– to let him in past her defences– she would never be able to disobey him. Her own soft heart wouldn't allow it.

"Then I've got just the thing for you, darling." He ruffled through the basket again, pulling out a small platter of meats and cheeses. "I can't exactly let you use your hands–" he tilted his head towards the manacles with an apologetic half-smile "–and I really am sorry for that, but I can't exactly trust you not to hurt me. Would it be alright if I fed you?"

(All good!)

"You want to feed me?" Nora chuckled, "No way in hell." She crossed her arms. She knew who he really was, he made it clear last night. Nora rather starve than have her enemy feed her. "No." She repeated with an unsatisfying look, back to her stubborn self. The voice, she had to keep that voice in the back of her mind, the one who wouldn't let her do something stupid…. again. Never again was she going to open up to anyone. "Listen, I'll help you, in return I don't want you to be around me unless I'm doing a job and I want free roam of the grounds. Then we both win." No matter where she went people were going to be after her. As long as she could do what she wanted, she'll help him. "And don't be mistaken, I won't fall for this," Eyeing him up in down she continued, "act of yours."

Fiero watched her and for a split second, there was something ice cold and knife-sharp in his eyes. It disappeared behind an easy whatever you say sort of shrug and a smile dim with disappointment. Why don't you trust me? his face seemed to ask, while he shrugged and picked up the small basket of food. "I'm not sure I know what you mean darling." His voice was as soft as a spring breeze, utterly passive. He was so different from the king who had beat her in the throneroom, curled up here with his furs piled around him like a safety blanket and cracks of light illuminating his features. He could be any noble child, carefree and kind. "I'm only trying to be nice. You should at least let me give you some water if you're going to go without food– the last thing I want if for you to suffer." He didn't acknowledge her proposal, needing time away from this hellscape of mold and metal to really think over what she was offering him.

"Darling, birdy." Nora whispered annoyed, the pet names… God, she hated them. And why was he being so difficult, just take the proposal. Nora was willing to help, all she wanted was a bit of freedom. "I'll take the water." When the sun shone in, Nora's eyes shined like jewels, you could see many different shades of blue and they sparkled. It was a add on from the black magic. Most the time you couldn't see this, and her hat is why. She didn't want anyone to see them. For someone who is called the dark Witch, she was known for her beauty.. and magic of course. Just than she remembered a spell… well more like a curse for her, maybe than he would believe that she would keep her word to help. Though it was a extremely powerful curse. Her eyes then moved to the ground, searching for something, something sharp. There wasn't much, but she did find a bit of broken glass. "I apologize in advance for this." Before he could stop her, she took his arm and cut just above his wrist, then did hers. It hurt, she sucked in a breath and held back a groan of pain. Nora watched as the Kings blood dripped on the ground. For some reason she expected him not to bleed, but of course he would, he was human. Unlike her black blood, his was a vibrant red, Nora was jealous. Ignoring her jealousy she put their cuts together, Nora made sure their blood mixed and chanted a few words. Her eyes turned black. The collar felt as if it was getting tighter, but she had to finish this. Slowly her eyes turned back to the blue and her breathing was short. Taking her arm away, there it was the black mark. Two dots with a line going through both. "It's a bonding spell. I can't run and I can't hide. Please, just let me out of here." Sweat dripped from her forehead and she looked as if she would pass out. Though now she knew, if she tried hard enough, she was able to use magic with this thing on.

Nora's eyes were very distracting, so blue even in the darkest, dreariest depths of his castle. Fiero wanted her, more than he'd wanted anything in a very long time, but wanting was dangerous when you had a kingdom to rule. It was easier to force it away, to keep it in its own little box in his head marked for future consideration while he rifled around the basket for the waterskin, which he pressed gently into her cold hands.

She apparently took that as an opportunity to slash his wrist. For once his instincts failed him and he was still, numbly watching her press his red blood to her black until the prickly bonds of unfamiliar magic snapped him from his daze and he finally reacted. Magic surged into the collar before he could help it, forcing away everything in the witch's head but the black panic he was sure she could feel already leeching through their bond. It was an ugly feeling, like drowning in a pool of ink, and he didn't stop piling it onto her mind until his heart stopped beating like a hammer against his ribcage.

Both hands were hooked in her collar, holding her at an arm's length. He was pale. he only reason he wasn't rembling was the barely remembered orders at the edges of his mind, telling him to hold tall and proud and show no weakness. "What did you do to me?" His voice was so soft it was almost dangerous, as deceptive as the still waters that came before a hurricane.

"What, never seen bond magic before?" Nora's voice came out horse. Taking the canteen, she chugged the water down. "Like I said, neither of us can run or hide from each other," Nora debated telling him the other half. Bond magic was forbidden a long time ago, but thanks to her Mother she learned many of the forbidden spells. But, Nora didn't know if she wanted to tell him that neither of them could hurt each other now, bond magic didn't allow it. "I figured you would know more about forbidden magic." Nora just guaranteed her survival here. The only problem is, she would now have to be with him forever. "We're bonded. It can never be broken. I'm yours and you are mine." Now, that didn't mean they couldn't fall in love or get married, no, they just couldn't be too far from each other. "Now there shouldn't be a problem."

"Not since the king outlawed it," he answered coldly, tracing a hand over the symbol on his arm. He knew the basics of bond magic, though he had never dabbled in it himself. It had seemed foolish to tie himself so closely with another person, and now he had been forced to be some backwater black witch too desperate to find a better solution to her problems. He had to admit, as far as rushed plans went this one was almost elegant in its execution. He couldn't torture her anymore, not directly, and it would be impossible to go anywhere without her by his side. She'd gotten a pledge of security out of him more real than any words could've given. "And bonded though we may be, I will never be yours." Already he could feel his magic pushing against their bond, struggling against it. He would find a way to stifle their connection, it would just take time. "I can still find ways to hurt you Norabella, I promise you that."

"Go ahead and try." Her voice just as cold as his. Nora knew of the one and only way to get rid of the bond, but it will never come to that, not if she had anything to do with it. The King should have seen this coming, she was the black witch, of course she would use anything necessary to secure her life. And, Witches are known for using tricks like this, most people would know this. Untrustworthy, useless beings, her most of all, Nora wasn't human, and people had no problem reminding her of that. "Break me, tear me apart," Her eyes once again sparkled, and her voice low with a hit of seduction in it. Her eyes stare into his as she crawled closer, the chains restricting her a bit, that didn't stop her though. "Do what you wish, but you won't be able to break me more than I already am." Her face only inches from him. He wanted to play games? Well, Nora loved games, and now she wanted to make him hers, make him fall for her. That, that sounded like fun.

Fiero smirked, grabbing her chin and yanking her forward across the last few inches of space she had left. His grip was just shy of bruising, more than tight enough to hurt because hurting like this was easy. He could pretend her pain tolerance was higher than it was, could pretend any number of things that would let him squeeze too tight and get away with it. "Oh sweet thing, I ought to have someone cut out your tongue for challenging me." Pain travelled across the bond but injuries didn't, and he already knew what he could take. Fiero had been ripping himself apart and putting himself together again for centuries, and one little doll made of black magic and a witch's dreams wouldn't be able to beat him. "Just because I can't hurt you doesn't mean I can't hire someone else to. I could pluck out those pretty eyes of yours, keep you trapped in the dark the same way you've trapped me with that clever little spell." His voice was velvety and soft, like he was sweet talking instead of threatening. "What should go first, darling? I'll let you have a choice."

"Hm…" Nora followed his gesture and grabbed his chin. "You underestimate me, and underestimating your enemy is never a good idea." She smirked. "King or not, I don't care, I'll do as I wish. Hire someone to kill me, well, I'll do the same then." This relationship was going to go around in circles forever, and Nora knew it, they were both too stubborn to back down. "Anyway, if you hate me so much than just go find a different witch. There's plenty out there." Finally she backed away and sat against the wall, pulling the blanket over her. "Just take my eyes. I hate them anyway." It was an easy decision. Everytime she looked in the mirror she knew she was looking at someone else, after all, this was a living person before. Not her, nothing about her was truly hers. The Body her mother found from a village, and she was only alive due to the dark magic, and soon enough it will fade, along with her. And any memory anyone had of her will be gone. So anything the king would do, couldn't hurt her more than she was already doing. Just for a split second, her blue eyes had a certain sadness in them. Alone, always alone. Then she remembered the King was here and quickly snapped out of it, taking another drink of water.

Fiero let himself laugh as he grabbed her wrist, pulling her hand away from his face. "Oh darling, who said you were my enemy?" His thumb rubbed over her knuckles gently. "You're my stress relief, Birdy. I could never hate you, not when you're so much fun to play with." He pushed himself to his feet as she pulled away, brushing the dirt from the bottom of his cape. "And anyway, you'll be a good tool for me. Now that we're bonded I can't put you to your original use, but… I'll find something for you yet." She might be useful as a bodyguard, or as a prisoner to tote out at banquet so he could prove to the people that the hunts were making progress. Or… perhaps he could take her as his consort. He smirked at the thought, turning it over in his head. Her chambers would be next to his, she'd be expected to follow him around, everybody would be automatically suspicious of her… yes, that would do nicely. He would even have an excuse to drop in on her every night. Now the only thing left to do was puzzle out that strange sadness in her eyes. "Now rest up, birdy. I'll have someone down to collect you tonight, and they won't be gentle."

"Yeah, yeah." She waved, annoyed with him. She saw the smirk and wondered what he was planning, nothing good if it was him. Relaxing she closed her eyes and tried to see if she could get more sleep, her night wasn't the best. Nora had a dream of her past, when her mother didn't come home till late. The cave of cold, and it was raining, a huge storm blew in and she figured her mom couldn't come back because of the storm. She sat there, shivering trying to keep the fire from going out, though she didn't do a good job. It went out, there was no light. A ten year old girl, sat there in the dark, alone. It wasn't until late in the night that she heard the voice, Nora, it called. Though, it was a women's voice, demonic and coming from the darkness she wasn't scared. She pushed herself up and walked deeper into the cave. Jolting awake, Nora woke with a chill and sweat on her forehead. I need a shower.

It wasn't long after she awoke that the guards came. One pinned her arms behind her back while the other approached, pulling a knife from his belt and fixing it up against her eye. Fiero had ordered that they take one from her and so they did, in the most painless way they knew how, before they shoved a rag up against it to staunch the bleeding and bound her hands behind her back. Every few seconds they sent nervous looks down at her collar.

The ordeal was silent.

It was only a few minutes before they brought her to her new chambers, pushing her inside and then locking the double doors behind her. Fiero had been waiting, sprawled out on the bed with a book in hand. He didn't so much as glance up as she entered.

(Sorry. I got engaged today, so I'll answer tomorrow)

(Bruhhh, it's all good. Congrats on your engagement!!)

As soon as the cold touch of the blade near her eye, she knew what was happening. Casting a small spell, Nora eased the pain. There was no way she was going to give him the satisfaction of her scream, though she knew it would hurt more later. At least they were nice enough to give her an eyepatch. Nora had dry blood down her cheek and neck and she hadn't taken a shower in a while, so she wondered why in the heck is she in his bed chambers. "Okay…. So why am I here?" It was a very nice room, she had to admit. Nora hadn't even looked at him yet, she was too much in awe of his room. She then wondered if she might get a room like this? The cave has always been her home. But royalty was different, they grew up with all the stuff they wanted. Spoiled. Finally, after admiring his room, crossing her arms her eyes landed on him.
(Sorry it's short.)

(It's fine, lol! As long as it's over three lines I'm gonna be happy!)

The room was pretty impressive, full of expensive furniture and tasteful but personalityless art, but the real highlight was the bed. It was a massive fourposter with ruby red sheets, a velvet canopy stretched luxuriously above it. Fiero rested on a mountain of silk-covered pillows, finally glancing up at her as he spoke. His eyes lingered on the patch, a satisfied smirk playing around the corners of his mouth. "You're filthy, darling." He was wearing nothing more than a flimsy sleepshirt, long legs curled gracefully around him. Without all the layers of finery, he looked younger, almost soft. The illusion was only heightened when he brushed a lock of hair behind his ear, eyes flitting down to the book once more. "We can talk after you've cleaned yourself, I don't need blood dirtying up your sheets. Especially if I'm to be spending the night here. The washroom is through that door." He barely tilted his head towards it.

Spending the night!? Nora was in complete shock. What exactly was he thinking of doing? If he touched her at all she…. wait, she wouldn't be able to do anything but push him away, thanks to her bounding spell. She looked away and to the door where his eyes lingered on. Without saying a word she went in to get cleaned. The bath was extraordinary and there were maids waiting in there to help her. It felt awkward getting undressed with so many other people around, but she didn't have a choice. The water was warm and smelled of rose petals. They scrubbed her down and made her look nice. Pulling the two front peices of hair back into a braid, they all just smiled a giggled. "What are you all laughing about?" They stopped immediately, but were still smiling. "We just all think you are very beautiful, one of the most beautiful girls we've seen. You look so different from a few minutes ago." It's true, she did look different. This was the cleanest and nicest the King would see her since he met her. They put her in a new, more comfortable outfit (https://pin.it/15dgula) Nora wasn't exactly used to wearing things like this, but it was better than her dirty clothes. Stepping out of the bathing room, she looked like a completely different girl. Her pale smooth skin was more visible now that the layer of dirt was gone, her eyes seemed to be more bright and her jet black hair had a shine to it. "I'm done."

Fiero forced himself to keep any expression off his face as he took her in, but it was clear by the way his eyes lingered that he hadn't expected the transformation to be quite so drastic. Even with half her face disfigured she was a sight, all creamy skin and curves. He turned back to his book dismissively after a few seconds too long, flipping to the next page with a sigh just a tad too forceful to be real. This was something of a surprise and he hated surprises. "You'll do. I'll have to grow your hair out if we want you fit for polite society and you walk like a peasant, but… it's not hopeless." He seemed to realize how soft his voice had gotten so he covered it in a thick layer of sarcasm as he curled further into the pillows. "Now get in bed, it is so cold without you here to warm it for me."

Nora saw that he was eyeing her, even if he tried to hid it. "Sorry my looks don't suit your high standards." It's not like we are in a relationship, so I don't see why I have to be this perfect girl. Rolling her eyes she moved over to the bed. "Just to let you know, I won't let you do anything to me." Her voice also a little less harsh, maybe it was because she was tired. "Goodnight." The bed was extremely comfortable, she wanted to just go to sleep tight then, but she made sure to keep an ear out for if Fiero decided to do anything. This was much better than the cell she slept in the past few nights. It was annoying. Every single thing here was.

"Now now, birdy, do try to keep things professional." He didn't even look up from his book as she spoke, more focused on dogearing the page an setting it carefully to the side than he was on what she was saying. "You're my prisoner. It wouldn't be appropriate." Once his book was taken care of he slipped under the covers, prim and proper even now. His entire life was strictly regimented, with specific rituals for every action he could possibly take. It helped him keep himself busy.

His back was turned to Nora when he finally seemed to drift off. He looked delicate like this, half exposed by the looseness of his nightshirt and curled inwards like a child fending off bad dreams. If someone walked in, it would be easy to think that Nora was the one intruding, the one plotting behind his back.

It had been hours since the King had fallen asleep. It was a mystery to her how he could easily sleep next to a stranger of the opposite sex. The moon was bright and light up the room nicely. Sitting up she upbraided her hair and leaned against the back board. Her blue eyes reflected the moons light as she looked out the window. Then her eyes wandered to the King. He looked so peaceful, it was a better look than his usual scowl. A piece of his hair had fallen into his face at some point in the night. Gently, she moved her finger across his face and tucked the hair behind his ear. "What am I doing?" She asked herself in a whisper. Carefully moving the blanket aside, she got up and headed for the balcony. The glass doors opened without making a sound and she shut them behind her. It was a tad chilly, but she didn't mind the coolness of the night. "Seriously, what am I doing?" She sat on the ground and just listened to the wilderness around her as a few silent tears slipped down her cheeks.