.... The Captive Bride....
#### ** [scene: Malik Mansion - Alina's Room - Early Morning] **
(*The sun rises through Malik Mansion, but Alina doesn't feel any warmth. She sits on the edge of the bed and stares at the door that trapped her in these walls.
*"If you've ever pulled something like this ... I will catch you next time."*
(*The vibration runs away her spine, but she'll growl her. No. She won't let her be of fear consuming. She's not a weak woman. She won't give up this forced marriage. She'll fight even if she kills her.*)
)
---
#### ** Maid (nervously, placing a tray on the table) **
"Lady, breakfast is ready."
(*Alina doesn't even look at food. The guard cleans his throat and step out.*)
---
#### ** Guard (firm) **
"Sir commanded you eat before you descend down."
(*Alina tilts her head, her lips form a bitter smile.*)
---
#### ** Alina (ridiculous tone) **
"Oh? And what if I refuse?"
(*The guard hesitates. He is obviously unpleasant to be a messenger in this situation. But his orders are clear.*)
---
#### ** Guard (reducing its view) **
"Then he comes here alone."
(*Alina's smile disappears. The challenge. Now knows Zayana well enough - it's not a man who gives empty threats. But refuses to let him control his life. If he wants the battle he gets her.*)
(*Crosses hands and leans on pillows.*)
---
#### ** Alina (calm but defying) **
"Then let him come."
(*The guard sighs and wipes the back of his neck. He knows that there is no victory against this woman.
(*Minutes will pass. Then the tracks. Heavy. Neglane. And then - the door swings with force. Zayan stands there, his presence fills the room like a dark storm. His sharp eyes locked on her, his expression unreadable.*)
(*Alina meets his gaze, undoubtedly. The silence between them is strong, charged with unspoken words. Zayan finally speaks and his voice dangerously calms down.*)
---
####
"So that's the game you want to play?"
(*Alina tilts her head and pretends to be innocence.*)
---
#### ** Alina (simulated) **
"Game? Oh no, Zayane, this is not a game. That's my life. And I refuse to be a puppet in yours."
(*Zayan laughed, dark, humor without humor. He takes slow, measured steps to her until he is only centimeters far away. His towering presence should intimidate it - but not. If something, supports its fire.*)
---
#### ** zayan (low voice, eye narrowing) **
"Do you think that starvation will change?"
---
#### ** Alina (challenge, chin lifting) **
"I think this is the only choice I left."
(*Zayan's jaw tightens. He's used to the people who listen to him. Used to control. But Alina? Is a woman in the shape of a woman, refuses to bend, refuses to break. And angry.*)
(*Without warning grabs the tray and sits next to it. She raises a piece of bread and holds it.*)
---
#### ** Zayan (demanding, voice firm) **
"Eat."
(*Alina stares at the food, then back on him. And then - he makes unthinkable. She stretches out ... and slapping the bread from his hand. He's falling on the floor, the silence in the room.*)
(*Zayan's eyes darkened and his grip was tightened around the tray. His patience will surprise like a thread.*)
---
#### ** zayan (low, dangerous voice) **
"You're testing me, Alino."
(*Alina leans closer, her voice whispers but filled with fire.*)
---
#### ** Alina (fearless, eyes in it) **
"And I will continue to test you, Zayane. Until you finally realize - I'm not your property."
(*Muscle in Zayan's jaws.
---
#### ** Zayan (shook his head, slightly grinned) **
"You're something else."
(*Stands up and cleans imaginary dust from his suit. Then he turns to the door.*)
---
#### ** zayan (cold, without looking back) **
"Okay. If you want to starve, starved. But remember it, Alina - I never lose. And you? You are in a game you can't win."
(*Leaves the room, the door locks again. Alina exhales sharply, her heart pounds. She can be trapped but never stops fighting. No matter what she does, no matter how much he's trying to break her - finds the way out.*)
---
####
(*Zayan stands by the window and stares at the dark sky.
(*Knocking on the door. Snakes enter in, knew on the face.*)
---
#### ** Snakes (teasing, sitting on the couch) **
"So? What is life with your wilderness * wives?"
(*Zayan envelops him but the snakes just laugh.*)
---
#### ** Snakes (grinning, pouring a drink) **
"Let me guess. She refused to eat. She threw food. And now you're here, Boodli like a love fool."
(*Zayan mocked that he took the tensioning of the drink.*)
---
Zayan (calmly but with a dangerous edge)
"Lovesick? Don't be ridiculous. She's a stubborn woman who needs to learn her place."
(Snakes pick up eyebrows, amused.)
Snakes (grinned, shook his head)
"Oh, my dear friend.
(Zayan does not match. Because deep knows, snakes are right. And that's what scares him most.)
(He's Zayan Malik. He's not playing. She doesn't bother. But for the first time in her life she wonders ... What if this time, the game is different?)
Continue.....