Escaping Fate - Ja'far X Reader

Chapter 3

"Impressive, isn't it? That glass mural," A voice rang through my head, pulling me from my dazed state. I frantically looked around, finding the older man standing next to me, "It took three years just to make each of the pieces."

I nodded my head, "I-it is very beautiful, sir." I had spoken out of turn — my brain froze and my body went numb as I expected the worst. Instead, he chuckled, "It depicts the great pride of this empire; the arena. Shall Sheherazade forever protect this country." Blinking, I realized I had no clue what he was talking about. Sheherazade?

"I am Senator Dolus Zenon." His hand made its way to my head, gently resting it there, "I would apologize for not introducing myself earlier, but seeing as you're simply a slave, it matters not." His nails slowly dug into my scalp, ripping at my hair. I did nothing, this was nothing compared to what I had been through. His lips bore a sly smile.

A small cough echoed across the room, Dolus's grip on my scalp lightened, and his lips curled into a happy smile, "Why Cordelia, thank you for joining us! I have a present for you." The young lady walked out from behind a pillar, she looked to be around my age.

"O-oh?" She awkwardly stated, striding towards us. The senator placed his hands on my shoulders and held me in front of him, "I got it at the 'Latin Dragon' last night! You said you needed a new one since the last one had that accident in the arena." He paused, watching his daughter sigh, "Well, what do you think?" He quizzed. My hands clenched tightly.

"I think... " Her eyes ran me up and down. "I think she's perfect. (C/p), correct?" Her hand rose and grabbed my chin, her teal eyes stared straight into mine. I tried to look away, but she shook her head. So I looked right back into hers — silently wishing for her to release me. "Beautiful eyes," She muttered, "Thanks, father. I will take her with me as soon as I leave." She leaned away from me, placing her forefinger on her lips, "Hm, actually, I need a few things from the marketplace, I think I will send her there now." Turning to me, she gently held out her hand, holding a list, "What is your name?"

I stuttered my name and took the list from her. She smiled, "(Y/n), I need you to go to the marketplace and get me a few goods for my dinner tonight." I nodded my head slowly, not sure about what to make of this new situation. Dolus handed her the key, and she released my wrists from capture.

After leaving the giant manor towards the market, my feet shuffled as the basket I held on my head began to wobble. Quickly catching it, I made my way to each of the stalls on the list and bought the things Cordelia needed. I mumbled small thank yous and sorrys to the people around me, attempting to weave through the crowd.

As I left the courtyard, I slowly walked down the street and around a corner, concentrating on not dropping my purchases. I felt myself hit something, and everything I held rolled onto the ground. I fell onto the person below me, crashing onto the cobblestone. "Ah! My gods! P-please forgive me! I didn't see you!" I scrambled to my feet as fast as I could, attempting to gather my things. "I'm so sorry! A-are you alright, sir?" My (E/c) eyes made contact with the warm honey tones of the young man's, and I paused. I had seen this man before!

His purple hair draped over his shoulder as he stood, brushing himself off. Instead of anger, he laughed lightly, "It's alright, honestly. I should be asking you that question, miss." I stood in silence watching as he gathered a few things before looking back up at me, his expression widened, "W-wait, I know you! I've seen you somewhere before—"

I dropped my head, remembering the tension of our first interaction, "At the auction, sir." I whispered, "You tried to buy me." I watched his face drop, and he went to help pick up the rest of my groceries.

"Yes, I did." He turned to me, "I'm sorry I could not save you." Again, those small white butterflies sparked into the air, fluttering past my face.

"Save... me?"

A loud shout cut through the awkward silence, "Sinbad! What did you do?!" The voice got closer as the person ran at the man, "What is going on here? Why did you run off?" He yelled, his disheveled white hair falling into his face, "Is she alright?" He asked, looking between us. He perked when he recognized me, opening his mouth, "I—"

"I-I'm fine, thank you." I interjected, picking up my basket, "I have to return to Lady Cordelia." I walked away from the pair as quickly as possible, my chains weighing me down far more than I would have liked.

"Wait! What's your name?" Sinbad shouted but was ignored.

The night rolled away after I found my way to Cordelia's home. After explaining, I got lost to the servants, at the back kitchen entrance, they led me to my new quarters and locked the door.

I curled up on the mat in the corner and sobbed. I was alone in a new place, and all I had was myself.

What was I going to do?