~ ZARA ~
I swallowed hard as he approached and waved an impatient hand for the women guarding me to move.
There were a lot of sideways glances between all the guards, but he ignored them and came to stand right over me, his chin still high, but eyes cast down to me.
He took a deep breath and his upper lip curled into a sneer. "The stench sticks to you, but at least you aren't making my eyes water anymore," he growled. Then he turned on his heel and began to walk away.
I almost reached for him, almost caught his arm. I felt suddenly teary. Even though I knew all of this was an act, I was heartsore and scared and…
I just wanted to hold him and be held.
"There is a meal here for you. Eat it now, before we begin."
