Marix's boots thudded loudly in the dungeon as he entered Eilownia's cell.
She was laying on her stomach at the far end of the cell, rubbing her shoulder.
"Are you uncomfortable?" His voice was low and controlled, his face was devoid of emotion but in his eyes, she could've sworn she saw a flicker of…..concern?
"Yes, it's uncomfortable. Of course it's uncomfortable! Isn't that what you made it for? But, it's okay because I can just lay like this and then my bottom isn't so sore and my legs won't hurt as much!"
For some reason, she felt like she could be a little defiant. It was something she hadn't experienced before, but it felt good.
"Yes. That is why I made it. I made it so you will tell me the truth, tell me all of your spy secrets. Who you are, who you're working for, what the purpose is….where those coins are from. All you have to do is tell me. I'm here to listen."
Eilownia's head shot up and she pouted at him.
"No you're not! I already told you. I'm not a spy. I told you that from the beginning, but you won't listen. You won't even listen to what I have to say and refuse to believe me!"
Marix walked up to her and bent down, grabbing onto her arm as he hauled her to her feet.
"H-Hey!" She protested, but it was no use. He was so strong.
He slid his arm around her waist as she stumbled a bit, balancing her.
"Careful."
"Why are you saying careful to me after all of this! You would be happy to see me fall! You haven't even cared that I hurt my knee when I was thrown in here!"
Marix stared down at her, his expression never changing. He leaned down and whispered into her ear.
"Because I would hate for my spy to lose durability during my interrogation."
He lead her out of the cell, his hand tight around her bicep as he practically dragged her up the stairs.
She shut her eyes tight against the blinding sunlight, but even that felt too bright.
Marix led her over to a water trough and shoved her head in. She grabbed onto his hand, trying to shove him off but no sooner did he shove her in, did he pull her out.
She gasped for air, and while it was scary, the cool water felt refreshing after not having bathed in a few days.
"Are you ready to tell me who you are yet?"
"I already told you! I can't tell you that!"
He dipped her in again, keeping her under for a short while. As he did so, he noticed a shoe print on the side of her prison attire. He pulled her back out and dragged her back into the dungeon.
Marix stood back and allowed the guards to shove her in.
Her hair was dripping wet, leaving the bottom portion of her jail clothes damp, while the upper part of them was completely soaked through.
With a snap of his fingers, the guards brought over a neatly folded replacement for her attire.
He tossed it through the jail cell doors.
"You better not fall ill and die on my watch. Not until I find out the truth that is. Change into these clothes and if you don't, I will change you myself."
He shooed the guards away and turned his back towards the cell.
Eilownia grabbed the new clothes and turned her back towards him as she changed.
"Thank you."
"Leave the wet pair here. I will have the guards dispose of them later."
Without an additional glance towards her, he marched off.
"And whoever touched my prisoner will be punished! Whoever has information, report to me later this evening!"
There was a sharp bite to his tone that left the guards exchanging nervous glances.
Shortly afterwards, Marix had summoned Lieutenant General Briggs to the estate to meet in his office.
Marix's office was one of the smaller rooms in his estate. Floor to ceiling dark wood shelves lined the walls, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Some were filled with books, others had weapons, medals, and trinkets he'd picked up during his travels.
The floor was a similar color wood, just a few shades off from matching, and was covered in a deep emerald rug: similar to the ones in his hallways.
A large chandelier hung from the ceiling and illuminated the room.
There was a singular window that looked out into the gardens and was framed by emerald curtains with golden fringe.
In front of the window was his desk: large and dominating the space.
There was a small lamp on the corner, in the same colors as his rug and curtains, which made it easier for him to see his paperwork. There were a total of 6 drawers; 3 on each side with iron handles.
On top there were multiple documents in a neat pile along with Eilownia's coin pouch, along with her folded up dress and flower crown. The flowers on the dress and crown were wilting, leaving crumbled up brown flower petals all over his desk.
Marix sat down in the large leather seat.
Lieutenant General Briggs stood by the door and ran a hand through his short black hair, the messy strands fell across his forehead; tension filled the room.
"You may speak." Marix said, not looking up at him as he began to untie Eilownia's coin pouch.
"You're being so lenient. Do you think that's wise?"
"I'm not."
Briggs grabbed his stomach with one hand and leaned against the chair opposite Marix's desk with the other, "That's funny! Well, if you aren't being lenient, then allow me to take over. You know I am not as ruthless as you are."
Marix glanced up with a look of disdain. "Do not forget your place."
Briggs laughed and held his hands up in a placating gesture, "General, there's no need for that kind of response. It's merely an offer, an offer which still stands."
"Just sit." Marix commanded as he poured the coins from Eilownia's pouch into his hand.
Briggs did as he said and sat in the chair opposite him without hesitation.
"Look at these. Have you seen anything like these before?" Marix placed the coins in front of him, letting them clink onto the desk.
Marix pulled a magnifying glass out of one of his drawers and handed it to Briggs as Briggs picked up one of the coins.
He took the magnifying glass and began to examine the coins, one eye shut as he stared.
"Huh. These are weird. Where'd you get these from?" Briggs rolled them over in his hand and adjusted the distance of the magnifying glass.
They were octagonal in shape with smooth edges. They were green from oxidation. It was clear that someone's face and some words were on one side of the coin, but they were too damaged for the details to come through visibly.
On the opposite side was a jade leaf embedded inside with a few….what looked like numbers. Some of the coins were misshapen from erosion as well.
"I got them for our little spy's belongings. She had them on her."
Brigg's flashed him a look of concern and picked up another coin.
Now this coin he was very familiar with. It was the standard currency on their continent.
It was round and gold with reeded edges. On one side was the motif, "May the Economy Flourish" with a blooming flower, on the other was a red wood tree: the kind that was commonly found on the continent.
"Well. Are we positive she's a spy? I mean it's suspicious, but, if she's a spy from Sola, this isn't the currency we all use."
Marix steepled his fingers and pressed his lips against them, staring at the coins.
"There's something here. Tara is from the outskirts, right? Take one of these and ask her if she's familiar with it. Maybe she'll have seen it."
"I'll see but, you know it's not very affluent over there. These coins would've been extremely pricey to mint. The embedded jade leaf...that's not just some currency. I think this would be closer to the main cities."
Marix hummed, his voice deep.
"You're right. Ask her anyways just to be sure. I want to take advantage of every resource we have. Send someone to Sola discreetly too and see if they can find anyone who accepts the coins. I want to know if any are in circulation there."
"Of course."
Marix thought for a moment.
"And send another person to our local mint. Make sure they go unnoticed. See if anyone at the mint recognizes the craftsmanship. Ensure that coins are brought to buy silence as well. I don't want it getting out that I'm investigating these coins. Now, be off with you."
Briggs took the coins and stood up, his posture perfect as he saluted.
"Yes sir!"
He went to leave but hesitated at the door.
"And just so you know. You're doing a poor job at scaring her."