Chapter Twelve (Dragan)

I lay there with blood pouring from the back. Honestly, I want to die. It's been ten years that I have been enduring this physical and emotional abuse. Sadly no one can save me.

"Guards you can take him back to the cell."

I would lay on the ground in the cell yearning for food or water, but I know it would not come until hours later. Those words my mother spoke to me repeat over in my head. My body became numb. I no longer could feel pain. As for my mind and emotions, it became something locked away. I became the man, no the weapon she wanted me to become. Late a night the servants would come and bandage me up, but this night it was my mother.

"Tomorrow my son you would be handed you rightful place in the kingdom as our one true ruler." I sit and stare at her. She watches me as if she wants to devour me. "You look so much like him. Like your father Creed." She places her hand on my torso and runs her fingers down to my waist. "So much like him but yet nothing like him at all."

"Mother?" She placed her hand on my lips to silence me.

"When we are alone do not call me a mother. Call me by my name Dragan. Call me Samara."

I stare into her hazel eyes. For a brief glimpse there was sadness and then returned the emptiness. She gets up and grabs the remaining bandages and leaves. I am not sure what just happened, but something in my gut did not feel right. The next day I was sworn in and was allowed back into my quarters. My room did not feel like my room. I pretty much lived in the Dungen, I felt I did not belong. My servants prepared me for the celebration. I sat at the table in the hall and watch these people that I now rule over get drunk off of ale. The veal sits in the middle of the table, along with the meat pie. I watch the fool as he attempts to entertain me. This is irritating me, all of this. I know my presence is needed here but for what purpose I do not know. My mother sits on my side with her hand on mines. She drinks her wine as she laughs at the fool. The people of the village have grown to fear my mother. They believe she is possessed. They have now feared me more because of the monster she created. I did everything she told me to do with no hesitation. I was the perfect soldier. I stare at her golden hair and again those hazel eyes. I wish I had my mother back but I know she was gone for good.

"My son why the long face. Are you not enjoying yourself? If not we can always have this fool beheaded."

"That will not be necessary."

"Then what is it, my son?"

I looked at her. I can just see the amusement in her face. This is a game to her. She waits for my answer. I know if I say the wrong thing then consequences shall follow for this fool or myself.

"I find this celebration quite eventful. I do apologize if it does not show it upon my face. I just like to always be prepared for any surprises. I wish not to show anything that can be mistaken for weakness."

"Relax Dragan, you act as if I was testing you," she laughed. That's exactly what she was doing.

"I must excuse myself and retire for the night. I have grown quite weary and wish to depart to my quarters."

She nods with approval. I return to my room as the party continues. I find joy in nothing anymore. All I feel is anger and hatred. Let's also not forget the loneliness, along with emptiness. I could not sleep. I just laid there and stared at the ceiling. Hours had gone past, but it only felt like minutes. The castle was now quiet. I stare at the tribal markings that covered the upper torso and my back. I received this from a Shaman when I was in a battle with another kingdom. He told me it was to guide me to peace but the only reason I got it was to hide the scars that were refusing to completely heal that my mother inflicted on me at a younger age. Startled by the creek in the door I grab my sword on the side of the bed and stood up. I lowered my sword when I noticed it was her, my mother. Lately, she has been visiting me at night. Which I do not why. Her presence disgusts me.

"No need for that Dragan. You can sheath your sword."

I do as I am told. "What brings you here Samara?"

"A mother cannot check on her own son? You did not look too well tonight. Are you ok?"

Why the fuck would she care if I am ok? This heartless thing only cares for herself. She sits on the bed and pats it for me to sit next to her. I stare at for a moment.

"Come on I won't bite." She gave me a look letting me know I was starting to press her luck. I sat down before she asked again. Before I knew it she swung me down to the bed and held a dagger to my juggler while on top of me. I did not flinch.

"When I tell you to do something once, you are to listen."

"And if I don't? Do you dare threaten to kill me?" Inside I begged this woman to kill me. She pressed deeper into my skin until the blood formed. It disappointed me when she pulled back the dagger.

"You know what I see when I look in your eyes?"

"Enlighten me."

"I see a man who fears nothing. You invite death in. I see your father. My handsome son. Fearless ruler." Wrapping her arms around my neck and burying her head in my chest. I continue to lay there and stare at the ceiling once more. I find it odd that my mother did not remarry, but decided to run the kingdom herself until I came of age. She is a beautiful woman. She looked as if she never aged at all. The years have been good to her. But then again who wants to marry a psychotic bitch.

"Dragan hold your mother." Again I do as I am told. I quickly push her off of me when I felt her hand groping my dick. She looks bewildered.