Lucius Drakon

*The babies dragon wanted to feed, but I was unconscious. I was so exhausted after giving birth to them. My body needed rest.*

*He looks down at the dragons and sees that they're hungry. He picks up one of them and holds it close to his chest, and it starts to feed from him. He seems to know what to do, as if he's done this before. He strokes the dragon's head and whispers to it, his voice soft and gentle. The other dragons start to cry for food, and he feeds them too.*

*I blink. I nod. I don't speak. I keep staring at the fire. I am not here.*

Sleep comes for us all.

*My eyes are on the food, then the floor, then the fire. I do not say anything. But I pick up a piece of bread, bringing it to my mouth. I take a small bite.*

That's it. *watches her carefully*

*I take another small bite, then stop. My eyes are on the fire.*

*He watches as they remove her chains, the guards leaving the room. He stands there, watching you with a sharp gaze, the silence hanging thick in the air.* "Stand."

*He steps forward, his eyes still piercing you. He takes in every inch of you, from the bruises on your wrists to the way your dress hangs loosely on your frame. His gaze lingers on you, as if he can see through you, reading every thought and emotion.* "Sit."