The sun had barely risen above the crest of the ocean when Domeykite roused from his slumber. He was not a lion who woke early, and it did not bode well for his thrall that he had. At least, Orhni knew what she was in for that day. The forest green lion had promised to marry her, and this was the day he would make good on that promise. Forced marriages were not supposed to happen within the pride, but Domeykite enjoyed bending the rules a bit. None would suspect that Orhni would disagree with the arrangement.
She would be freeborn, even if she were deeply indebted to him, and for all intents and purposes no better off than she had been as a thrall. No natural born free lion would doubt that she'd take this opportunity to climb up the ladder. Most would think Domeykite a fool for marrying her, but he was determined to see this game played until the end. His obsession with Orhni was dark and deep-rooted. His love was not for her, but held over her like dead weight upon her shoulders. If Domeykite wanted to, he could suffocate her with it.
"I know you are awake." His voice greeted her, firm but not unkind. If should could expect any mercy from him, perhaps it would be on this day alone... to keep up appearances. None could witness his abuse of her, but that did not mean there weren't places where eyes did not reach and ears did not listen. If she acted up today, there would be no calming the storm that was Domeykite's rage.
"You will rise and come with me. Today you are my wife." The words should have been loving, but they were instead a demand. He prowled over to her and bent his head to whisper with hot breath into her ear, "Up." Most days he played a careful game of balance, pressuring her nearly to the point where she broke before backing away to let her recover her sanity and dignity. But now, he did not. His presence was not one she could shove away any longer.
