The Sand Bride - Chapter 11
However, Hakan, recalling the man who had died not long ago, twisted his lips in disdain. No matter how beautiful, if one was weak, they could assert nothing in their world.
Especially Hakan, who was most wary of such beings. He narrowed his gaze for a moment, staring at Esther’s back, but soon snorted and shook his head.
To imagine such absurdities over a woman who would likely be used for a month or so before disappearing.
Hakan shrugged off his awkwardness and headed back to where Karzhen and the group were seated.
* * *
After passing Hakan, Esther soon encountered a scarlet bonfire and a group of Kemut tribesmen gathered around it.
Even the Kemut tribe, who seemed fearless, appeared to find passing through the Ring of Hell a joyous occasion, as they were enjoying the grandest feast Esther had ever seen.
The bonfire blazed in the center, with plates piled high with meat and fruit. The sweet, fragrant scent of honey from jars, the tangy aroma of fruit juices dripping with each slice, and the sharp yet unique smell of alcohol mixed together, stimulating Esther’s senses.
But the moment she saw Karzhen seated at the head of the table, her appetite vanished completely.
If the smells from the feast evoked thoughts of delicious food, Karzhen was the stark reminder of the repulsive acts Esther had endured. The disgusting sensation of his pxnis in her throat, the times she had to endure it in her mouth, the fingers that had violated her…….
As the memories of those days resurfaced, Esther felt nauseous. She lowered her head, hiding her grimacing face. Fortunately, Karzhen didn’t seem to notice her expression. Relaxed in his seat, he flicked his finger at Esther, signaling her to come sit beside him.
Esther obediently sat down next to him. Her body knew exactly what was expected of her. Karzhen handed her a bottle of wine, pulled her into his lap, and chuckled before resuming his conversation with his men. His clear eyes suggested he wasn’t drunk yet, which gave Esther some relief.
“You’re so skinny.”
Just as Esther secretly sighed in relief, Karzhen began kneading her side, then moved to her stomach. Her already slender body had grown even thinner from hardship, and her bones felt sharp under his touch. Karzhen clicked his tongue lightly.
“What have you been eating? You’re so bony, it’s uncomfortable to grab you.”
“Bread and rice…….”
Esther tried to explain what she ate, but she had nothing more to add. She usually ate rice so dry it felt hard or bread that had oxidized and turned stale. It was poor food, but the other captives often received even worse or nothing at all.
Karzhen snorted.
“What are you, a field mouse? You should eat better. It’s annoying when you bump into me every time.”
Karzhen grabbed Esther’s waist firmly. Understanding his meaning, Esther trembled, her ears turning red. Karzhen burst into laughter. But seeing Esther’s expression darken, he raised an eyebrow as if he hadn’t been laughing and grabbed her face with his large hand.
“What’s with that look? You got a problem?”
His large hand easily covered her face. Her temples ached. Esther’s face was filled with fear. “N-no……,” she stammered weakly, her voice trembling with tears. Karzhen roughly released her.
“You’re so scrawny. Always whining and trembling.”
“…….”
“Hey!”
Karzhen, displeased, shouted at one of the seated men.
“Give me some meat.”
“Huh? Oh, yes!”
The man, startled, handed Karzhen a plate of roasted meat. The plate was filled with meat glazed with honey, spices, and sauce, along with a small jar of honey and bread. Karzhen took the heavy plate with one hand, wrapped the meat in bread, and tapped Esther’s lips.
“Open up.”
Though she couldn’t fully grasp his intentions, Esther hesitated for a moment before obediently opening her mouth.
As she took the food into her mouth and glanced at Karzhen, he scolded her.
“Idiot! If I put it in, chew it. Why are you just sitting there?”
Esther hurriedly chewed, but as the hot juices spread in her mouth, she involuntarily opened her mouth again. Her mouth burned. If she chewed more, she’d surely get burned, but she couldn’t spit it out, too afraid of Karzhen. Tears welled up. Karzhen clicked his tongue in disbelief.
“I put it in your mouth, and you still can’t eat it. Are you really that dumb?”
“…….”
At his words, Esther closed her eyes tightly and swallowed the food. The unchewed mass resisted going down her throat, but she forced it down. Her stomach churned.
Her mouth, dry from tension, felt bitter. Esther swirled her tongue, trying to soothe the burn, when Karzhen shoved another piece of bread into her mouth.
“If you can’t handle meat…….”
A sweet taste spread. This time, it was bread with only honey. Esther, wary, chewed and swallowed the bread in her mouth. The sound of it going down made Karzhen sneer. But he didn’t seem too upset. The men around them glanced over. Karzhen spoke as if for them to hear.
“Skinny ones are no fun to grab.”
“…….”
