HOSTAGE

JOVITA

I have never felt more disgusted in my life. His question irritated me, and I hated that Lord Ralph was so close to my neck. If he tastes my blood, he will find out who I am. I needed to distract him.

"Please, do not harm me," I implored, hating that I had to beg from someone I hated so much.

"What were you doing on my roof?"

I had no answer to that, so I opened and closed my mouth like I was afraid to speak.

"I will tell you exactly what she came to do," someone replied from behind. "She is a thief. I encounter many of them in my castle occasionally," the man in a high-collar robe said. Lord Ralph let go of my hair, and I looked down. In whatever I was doing, I was careful enough to avoid eye contact so that they wouldn't compel me.

"A thief," echoed Lord Ralph. I was not looking at him, but I knew his eyes ran over me. "A beautiful thief."

I did not deny the accusation. It was better than thinking I was a spy, and it would have been worse i