Bird in his cage

As Ellaya entered the villa, she gasped in shock and peered at the man seated in the living room with his head bowed, his elbow resting on his thighs, and his head in his hands. He appeared feral, akin to a lion with wounds. He got up and approached her slowly; his hair was disheveled, his coat was thrown on the floor, his shirt buttons were broken, and he was sheeting. His eyes were red and his nose was fanned.

Her heart raced at the sound of his slow steps, her palms perspired, and her legs remained planted. 'He said he was only an assistant, but his aura was that of a king. He said, "You are a queen, Ellaya; I am a slave," but I feel as if he is a king and I am a bird in his cage. Why am I feeling this way when he is near me?' She stared at his irate face, lost in contemplation.

Bringing her out of her trance, he grabbed her arm, spun her around, and caged her between the wall and his arms. "Ellaya, stay away from him", he commanded in a deep, fierce voice.

After a brief pause, sh