Chapter Forty: Captivity:

I gave her her own room. Madonna cried that first night. I figured that it would be best if I just let her get it out of her system first. Nothing I could say could change how she would feel in this situation. She just needed some time alone to get used to her new settings.

Just like with Bayu, I tried to make my kingdom more to Madonna’s liking. First came the flowers in the garden. I kept up Bayu’s garden. I still do. I keep her and Madonna’s gardens looking so beautiful. My gardeners were first annoyed with my request. They didn’t think it was a good idea to have another angel here. I tried to ignore the whispers.

Her room was done up with luxury. Bright purple walls, silk white sheets, windows that let it so much light, plush light brown carpets, and a nice diamond and gold chandelier. I had sure everything was comfortable for her. I didn’t see her for the rest of that first night.

In the morning, I had a nice spread laid out for breakfast. I wasn’t sure if my guest was going to join me or not. It had been so long that I ate with anyone at the table. My table with Bayu, Irani, and Lust was the best. Maybe Madonna would help me to capture that magic again.

She didn’t join me on the first morning. Nor the second morning. Nor the third morning. By the fourth morning, I heard the footsteps coming down the hall. I looked up to see Madonna walking down to the dining hall. She looked like she had been crying.

“Good morning!” I said. She didn’t speak.

“Did you sleep well?” I asked. She didn’t answer again. I held up my arms to the spread on the table.

“Come, eat,” I said. “You must be hungry.” She stood there at first. I glanced up at her with a piece of duck hanging out of my mouth.

“It’s okay,” I said. “I’m not going to hurt you.” She stood there a little bit longer before walking over and sitting down at the other end of the table.

“There you go,” I said. I finished with the duck in my mouth. “How are you this morning?” Madonna didn’t answer. She wouldn’t even make eye contact with me. That was okay for now. I had her out here with me.

“So what do want to eat?” I asked. “I have smoked ham, roasted duck, fresh grapes, cheese, bread, roasted meat, and sliced apples. Feel free to take as much as you want.” She kept her eyes down on the table. I shrugged and shoved a grape into my mouth. The aroma made me shiver. She had to be hungry by now. I decided not to push her.

“Did you sleep well last night?” I asked. Madonna didn’t speak.

“How do you like your room?” I asked. She still wouldn’t talk to me. At this point, I gave up talking to her altogether for the morning. She’ll eat when she’s ready. I still didn’t take that as hint. Madonna was beautiful when she was smiling in the field. Now, she looked miserable. How long had it been? Four days? This wasn’t going to work. I needed to change up my methods to get her smile again. And I had just the thing.