Chapter Four : Imprisoned in a Man’s Castle

JARCKON smiled to himself. He knew Adhara was hiding under her bed. Shrugging his shoulders, he took a deep breath. She has a plan to escape again, he thought. I won’t allow it.

Jarckon walked straight to his hall and called for Inker. Inker was one of his most trusted servants, like Felicity. He had served the Jarckon family for over a decade and was the same age as Jarckon. Jarckon trusted Inker as much as he trusted Felicity.

Jarckon ordered Inker and the rest of his men to watch Adhara closely—he had a feeling she would try to escape again. Felicity, too, became more vigilant, her eyes never leaving Adhara.

At that moment, Adhara was eating her dinner. Felicity had filled the table with food, just as Jarckon had instructed. She couldn’t stop smiling and giggling, which made Adhara wonder what was amusing her. Felicity was recalling how Jarckon had discovered Adhara hiding under her bed earlier. Jarckon had personally overseen her meal, changed the bed fabrics, and filled her cabinet with new dresses—hoping these gestures would make her abandon any thoughts of escaping.

Adhara noticed Felicity’s smiles and giggles. “Is there something funny? Why are you giggling?” she asked.

“My lady, I’m sorry. I just remembered something… someone,” Felicity replied, trailing off.

Adhara nodded and continued eating. She had already made her plan: tonight, she would escape. Living in this castle felt like living in a prison, and she was determined to break free.

After Felicity cleared the table, Adhara locked her room and ensured no one could enter while she prepared. She pulled the curtains off her window, grabbed blankets and bedsheets, and tied them together. This was her way to escape unnoticed.

When the clock struck midnight, echoing through the castle, Adhara observed the grounds. Once she was sure everyone was asleep, she threw the stitched fabric out the window. Using it as a rope, she climbed down to the ground without being seen and crept toward the main gate, checking for guards.

But as she reached the front door, a strong hand grabbed her and pulled her back inside. Adhara struggled, screaming and punching her captor’s back, but her efforts had no effect. The man was too powerful—his grip felt like that of ten men.

They entered the castle, and he turned on the lights, temporarily blinding Adhara with the glare of gold decor. He set her down gently, and she realized it was Inker—one of Jarckon’s men. This was the first time she had seen him: light brown eyes, a muscular build, and a smirk that made her uneasy.

Inker stared deeply into her eyes, but Adhara turned away when she heard Jarckon’s voice. Fear coursed through her veins as she stepped back. Jarckon moved closer, his green eyes piercing her like daggers. His gaze made her feel small, as if he could devour her at any moment.

“Leave us, Inker,” Jarckon commanded. Inker obeyed, and soon, only Jarckon and Adhara remained. Adhara’s heart raced, and she could hear her own breathing echoing in the empty hall. Jarckon’s breathing was deep, as if he was struggling to control his anger.

He took a step toward her, and she could feel his presence looming over her. She noticed him inhale, as if savoring her scent—a reminder of the night they’d spent together in the woods. Panic surged through her as his hand touched her hair, then her face, and finally her lips. She tried to look away and move back, but he held her gaze.

Jarckon stared at her, his desire warring with suspicion. He wanted her, but he couldn’t shake the feeling she was plotting against him. His eyes drifted to her chest, and he remembered the night he’d claimed her body. With a growl, he turned away and walked to the window, putting distance between them.

“How many times do I have to tell you? You can’t leave this castle,” he said, his voice cold.

Adhara met his gaze, her fear mixed with defiance. “You don’t own me,” she spat.

Jarckon laughed bitterly. “I’ve owned you since the day I brought you here. Can’t you see that?”

“No one owns me. Let me go,” she demanded.

Jarckon stared at her, his expression unreadable. Adhara felt a wave of terror wash over her. What was he thinking?

Just then, Felicity entered, her face etched with worry. “My lady,” she greeted.

“Take her to her room and watch her closely,” Jarckon ordered. Before he could leave, he turned to Felicity, his voice sharp. “You’re not doing your job.”

He walked toward the stairs, but paused and glanced back at Adhara. Felicity bowed her head, then led Adhara to her room. As Adhara followed, she couldn’t help but wonder why Jarckon was keeping her prisoner. Imprisoned in a man’s castle, she thought. I never expected this from him.