Fourteen

I woke with a start and found myself back in bed, something wet against my head. I lifted my hand and grabbed at the thing, finding it to be a melted ice pack. My brows furrowed but I didn't think much of it and threw it aside, then got up and went to dress, only to remember where I was.

Since I was living in a castle, I didn't think wearing slave clothes would be allowed, but then, it's not like I had time or money to buy something gorgeous. Otreg nearly kidnapped me from Citron's home without a break in the ride.

I sighed and ended up leaving on the clothes I had on. When I finished brushing my hair, I went to the sitting area and found a note on the couch.

Dear Marythelia,

There are fruit in the refrigerator along with a plate with breakfast on it for you. I wasn't sure if you liked coffee, so I had orange juice and milk brought to you. When you are ready for the day, there is someone who wants to meet you, so just ring the bell and I will bring her.

Your Loyal Servant, Lord Thiebaut

I furrowed my brows at the mention of meeting someone, but shrugged. Going to the fridge, I ate not even a quarter of the plate that was made of eggs, bacon, and toast, but I did drink most of the juice.

Finishing with the dishes, I rang the bell. It took only a moment before there was a knock at my door. I went and answered it, seeing Thiebaut and a girl about my age but with probably better health. "How did you sleep, Marythelia?" Thiebaut asked with a genuine smile.

"Good thank you," I replied and stared at the girl. She had blonde hair and hazel eyes. She was smiling at me as if I was her best friend or something.

"This is Cam. She has offered to be your escort and book of knowledge for a while until you get used to staying."

"Hello!" Cam greeted.

I rose my brows and looked at Thiebaut. "I was just going to stay in my rooms today. I'm not in the mood to talk or explore."

Thiebaut frowned at this, but Cam immediately perked up. "That's alright! We can stay in and hang out!"

I gave her a dark look and said, "Alone."

Her smile didn't disappear, but she didn't seem so perky now. Thiebaut put a hand on her shoulder and asked her to wait, then stepped into my room and shut the door. I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall, annoyed. He didn't seem bothered by my attitude but said, "Be nice to the girl, Marythelia. She's sensitive and is only trying to be friendly."

"No offense to her or anyone else, but I don't trust anyone or anything. And I don't want a friend."

"It's going to get lonely being in here all by yourself," he argued.

I shrugged. "At least there will be no one around to tell me false things and make promises they can't keep."

Thiebaut sighed. "If you wish. But Cam will be available all week if ever you want a companion."

I watched him leave, shutting the door softly behind him, then I went back to the bed and sat down, grumbling to myself.

A few minutes later, another knock came. I expected it to be Thiebaut or Zargis, but it was Otreg. I glared at him and began to shut the door, but he stopped it in time with his foot. "Leave me alone," I say with a sigh and walk away.

I hear the door shut, but knew he was still here. "You can be mad at me and you can put Zargis down with your rejections, but don't hurt others because you want revenge. Cam doesn't deserve the death glare you gave her."

I turned on him. "I didn't give her a death glare. I gave her a warning glare to shut up."

He rose a brow. "What happened, Thelia? Why so bitter? What happened to the nice girl who smiled and laughed?"

"She's gone."

He was silent for a moment then took a deep breath. "Since you want to be alone, I guess I'll leave you be, but I will visit you again later."

"Don't bother."

He walked up to me and fingered my shirt with disapproval. "You know there are clothes in the armoire, right?"

I narrowed my eyes on him. "I'm not a fool, Otreg! I have only been here a night! How could there be clothes?"

He grinned and led the way to my bedroom. "You see, you're not the only one who remembers what was promised to you over a year ago. You're not the only one who was hurt by the outcome. And while Zargis was busy with…other things, I and Thiebaut fixed your room." He paused and turned towards me, the armoire right beside him. His expression was grim and apologetic. "If things had turned out a little differently, I would have retrieved you sooner and maybe you wouldn't be so judgmental, but life isn't fair."

I cross my arms again. "I don't see why you couldn't have come for me sooner."

Otreg fingered the wood door of the armoire and thought for a moment. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. But, I have to run, so enjoy your new clothes." He opens the armoire then strides past me. I hear the door to my chambers shut firmly before walking over to the storage unit.

What met my eyes made me scream.

Five minutes later, Zargis, Otreg, and Thiebaut were in my bedroom staring at the ruined clothes with shock. I was fuming, ready to burst on all of them. How dare Otreg come and tell me to enjoy the clothes! How dare he tell me his little story! I wanted to do unimaginable things to him for doing this to me.

Zargis turned towards me with a look I almost believed was apologetic. "Thelia, Otreg didn't do this."

"If he didn't do it, then who did?" I demand lowly.

He gulped audibly. "I don't know, but I swear I will get new clothes and…"

"No," I hiss and step towards him, putting a finger against his chest. "No. Don't bother dressing me up. Might as well be who I've always been, but don't ever try to make me who I'm not ever again!"

With that, I stormed out of my chambers and down hallways. I needed space away from them. I needed to breathe without a weight pressing down on me constantly. I needed to clear my head.

From a doorway not far down the hall, a head poked out and I saw Cam. She looked nervous but said, "I heard you scream. Are you okay? Is there anything I can help with?"

I was about to spit at her too but stopped myself and breathed deeply. "How well do you know the castle?"

She smiled. "Is there anywhere in particular you are wanting to go?"

"Somewhere quiet and far away from the main areas."

Cam held out her hand and I hesitantly took it. Before I knew it, we were flying up stairs and down hallways, past bedrooms and pictures and other rooms, past people and animals and windows.

When I thought we had gone much higher than I thought was possible, Cam stopped at a door that seemed old and hardly used. She opened it and stepped aside, letting me in. I walked in and saw it was some kind of dumping ground for unwanted items. Boxes and chests were covered in layers of dust and I heard a small creature scuttle somewhere in a far corner. To my delight, there was a window and I went over and saw the whole of the kingdom.

"No one ever comes up here," Cam said. "I think it's a forgotten room since there are plenty of others elsewhere."

"It's perfect," I say and sit on a wooden chair, finally able to think.

Cam lingered for a moment, then asked, "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

I look at her and realized Thiebaut was right. Cam was sensitive, for she was fidgeting with her dress and glancing around. "I'm sorry for my behavior earlier, Cam. I know this isn't the most comfortable place in the castle, but I'd be happy if you join me."