Page 32 of Sapphire Queen
Chapter 22
The damp smell of mildew and dust filled the dank room. Room… that was stretching it. This was more like a bear’s cave for winter. The cool rocks behind her back reminded her she was still being held, prisoner.
“How long does he plan to keep me?” Dimitra’s voice echoed off the cavern walls.
“I don’t know.” His voice cut through the dimly lit space. Dimitra watched as Jason pushed off the wall and walked towards her.
Dimitra sucked in a breath, confused about her body’s response to her captor. Four months was a long time to be stuck with someone – she told herself she was suffering from Stockholm syndrome.
“When will I see this illustrious boss? I have a few things I’d like to say to him or her.”
“Trust me, you're better off not having anything to do with him.”
“Jason,” Dimitra pushed to her feet, “Why don’t we just leave? You said you don’t want to be here.”
“I’ve told you why Dimitra. They have my sister. I can’t risk her life – not even…”
Dimitra stepped closer, “Not even what?”
Jason’s jaw tightened. Dimitra could see the muscles strain with tension in his neck. Rubbing his hand down his face, she heard him sigh.
“Let it be. Nothing about this is right, Your Majesty.”
“Back to formal titles, I see. Is that your way of distancing yourself from me? Making me less human?”
Dimitra moved away from him, brushing against his arm as she went to pass. Jason reached out and grabbed her arm, “Nothing about this makes sense, Dimitra.”
Closing her eyes, “I know, Jason. I just want to go home. My family must be worried, sick.”
“What if I got word to them you were ok? Would that make you feel better?”
“Feel better? Look around… I’m trapped in a fucking cave like an animal. I haven’t had clean clothes in weeks, much less a decent shower. I smell and look like livestock.”
“I’m sorry,” Jason looked at the floor, “I wish it were different – trust me. How about I get you some fresh clothes… and I can take you somewhere to clean up?”
Huffing, Dimitra crossed her arms over her chest, “You’d do that?”
“Yes… I’m not a monster. I’m just as much a captive as you.”
“Then yes… I’d like that. Were you serious about getting word to my family?”
“Yes. It will take me some time, but I’ll do it.”
“Thank you.”
