He is happy to find a weakness

Marus held an internal smile. He found Mira's weakness without looking deep. Her flaw was not in the fact that the paladin indulged in innocent fantasies - her beliefs were pure, untouched by the darkness of lust. No, Mira's true weakness lay elsewhere. She was too harsh on herself.

"It seems I have misjudged you," Marus began, feigning disappointment. "You're not the virtuous champion I thought you were. Instead, you're just like any woman - weak, ****, corruptible. You won't be as challenging to break as I hoped " His voice dripped with mockery. "Oh, don't get me wrong. Your faith is admirable, but it doesn't change the fact that you crave physical pleasures like a harlot."

Mira stared back at him defiantly, saying nothing. Her heart pounded in her chest, her fingers clenched into fists. It seemed like that if not for the chains, she would lash out at him.

"You are not a warrior as you like to pretend. While so many were losing husbands under YOUR command, you cried out in ecstasy." Marus continued, relishing the pain painted across Mirra's face. "Your own wounded men were dying around you, and all you could do was moan..."

He paused, letting the words sink in. Then, he struck again.

"How could you ever command?" He asked, enjoying every second. "A mere child of royalty, given power through bloodline rather than merit. A spoiled brat playing soldier."

Mira didn't respond. But her gaze dropped downwards, confirming his suspicions. Yes, she felt guilty about the losses. Guilty about her perceived lack of leadership skills.

"The truth hurts, doesn't it?" Marus whispered softly, moving closer. "Have you ever thought why the king, your uncle, trusted you so easily?"

His hand reached out towards her. Fingers brushed over Mirra's cheek.

"Could it be that he saw something more in you?" Marus wondered aloud. "Something... enticing. Perhaps he wants you as a woman like so many other men? Perhaps he hoped, " he crackled in laughter, "for a reward in the form of carnal enjoyment?"

Mira jerked her head away from his touch. Eyes flashed with anger, yet there was a hint of fear inside them. Fear that he might be right.

"Stop saying this," she said quietly, trying to sound confident. "My uncle loves me not in a way you imply. He respects me."

"Then respect is misplaced! You doomed his kingdom!" Marus exclaimed, "Thanks to your incompetence, the last battle was lost. And now, only the meek garrison of the capital stands between me and total victory."

She knew that the last statement was true, the kingdom of Alrain was doomed. The last battle was devastating, and it shattered whatever confidence Mirra still had in herself. She did blame herself for the defeat, for not foreseeing the demon's plans well enough.

"Now I will show you the end result of your incompetence. Don't dare to close your eyes, I have means to **** you to watch," Marus threatened. "Besides, with how much you desire pleasures of flesh, perhaps you will find some joy in."

As he spoke, one of the chamber walls vanished, revealing a scene somewhere in Alrain...