A while seemed to pass, Samia had no idea how long. She must have dozed off, as her heart raced when her teary eyes reopened to the sound of raised voices in the hallway outside her cell.
“This is barbaric!” Varga snapped as her cell door was opened. “She’s being treated worse than an animal!”
The door slammed against the wall, and the two men entered.
“On your feet, prisoner!” the guard snapped.
Samia rose quickly, standing at attention.
The guard left her alone again with Captain Roche. He was red faced and angry.
“What’s happening?” she asked.
“The guards are adamant you must be detained and complete your sentence. The judge is not to be disturbed until tomorrow. They will allow me to take you into my custody for the evening, but I must surrender you to the guards in the morning.”
“Thank you.” Samia walked over to Varga, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him.
“Let’s go, you’re frozen stiff.” He took her by the hand and led her out of the cell, up several stairways up to his chambers.
They were lavish chambers; Varga was a well-respected officer, even back in Octoton. He came from a wealthy family after all.
“Use my bed,” he said. “I’ll sleep on the chaise.”
“Join me,” she said as she climbed into bed. “I could use the comfort.”
“Are you sure that’s wise? After everything we’ve been through?”
“After the day I’ve had, a cuddle would be really nice.”
He hesitated for a while, but eventually stripped down to his underclothes and climbed into bed beside her. Selena wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his chest, her body trembling slightly from the cold.
Samia smiled, her eyes closed, and snuggled closer to him. She was grateful for his compassion in these trying times.
He held her close, his arms wrapping around her, providing the warmth and comfort she so desperately needed. Her body trembled as she clung to him, her eyes closed and her breaths becoming deeper and more relaxed.
The night passed slowly, but they shared each other's warmth and strength until the morning came.
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