Eleven: Marythelia

One year later…

Citron was in town doing business with some of his colleagues so I was to clean his house. We were expecting guests to arrive in the morning and he wanted the place fresh and without a spot of dust. I obliged him because as long as I was working, I couldn't think.

I polished every window and mirror, beat the dust and dirt out of all the rugs, swept and mopped the floors, dusted the shelves, and made sure every inch of the place looked like it was ready for sale. Not that Citron would ever sell his place. It's his territory and there's evidence of whatever mayhem he secretly does when he's not over drunk at night. Of course, I was not permitted to certain knowledge, but I could connect the dots as easily as the next slave.

It was sunset when he finally arrived home and looked around. I stood in place, waiting for his judgement. As I have accepted my lot in life, I have done everything I can to make him pleased. So, rarely have I been beaten since Otreg and Zargis left a year ago. When I pleased Citron, he gave me a little more food, new clothes (although not at all nice, but I was grateful nonetheless), and he gave me a day off once in a while.

Now, he nodded his head approvingly. "Not bad, Marythelia. If all goes well tomorrow, and you behave like you have been, there will be a reward."

"Thank you, Sir."

"Is supper ready?"

I nod and turn to prepare a plate for him. Citron sat down in his favorite recliner chair and waited patiently. First, I poured some ale and gave it to him, then I placed some stew in a bowl and handed it to him with a spoon. He grunted and waved me away before digging into his food.

I went outside and sat in the chair where I do my wheat bundles, resting for the first time all day. I was hungry of course, but I dared not ask for food. I was exhausted too, ready for the guests to come and go so that I could relax a little. But I had a sinking feeling in my gut that whatever was going to happen tomorrow, it wasn't good.

An hour later, I reentered the house and cleaned up the food, then went to my room and fell onto my bed. As soon as my eyes closed, I fell asleep.

Citron woke me early the next morning, ordering I make sure the yard was neat and whatever tools picked up. I did so and went back inside to see him trying to do his tie. Sighing, I went over and did it for him, knowing he didn't know how. Once I was finished, I stepped back and waited with my head bowed. "The guests should be here soon, so eat something, then go fix yourself."

I nodded and grabbed an apple, biting into it and running upstairs. I combed my hair and tried to tie it back, but it was unruly and seemed to have a mind of it's own. In the end, I left it.

I was just about to head back to the sitting area when I heard the carriage arrive and glanced out my window. At first, I thought I was imagining it, but then I blinked hard and felt my heart sink. It was the same carriage that Zargis used last time he came. I run over and hide behind the curtain, watching as the door opened. First, I saw Otreg. He stepped onto the ground and stretched, arching like a cat then looked around. Next I saw Unda. My eyes narrowed on her, hoping that looks truly killed. She gracefully got out and seemed to be arguing with Otreg about something who shut the door and led her to the house.

To my relief and disappointment, Zargis wasn't here.

I went to the sitting area and hurried to answer the door. As soon as I did, Otreg pulled me into a hug while Unda glared at me. "You have no idea how good it is to see you!" he says gleefully.

I put my hands on his chest and straighten my clothes when he lets go of me. "Welcome, if you'll follow me, please?"

Without waiting to see if they'd come, I turned and started walking to the sitting room. Citron stood waiting and smiled when he saw Otreg and Unda. I took my spot behind him and to the side a little, waiting for my orders. "Welcome! It's nice to finally meet again!"

Otreg didn't answer, but continued to stare at me, but Unda brightly said, "It is wonderful to be back. I wonder, would you happen to have some tea?"

Citron turned to me. Without him having to say a word, I went to the kitchen prepare tea. I took my time so I didn't have to be in their presence, but eventually, I swallowed the lump in my throat and grabbed the tray, walking out.

"Here you are, Mi'Lady," I say and set the tray on the glass table between Unda Citron. Otreg was nowhere to be seen.

"Thank you, Marythelia," Citron said. "Why don't you go finish your chores outside?"

"Of course, Sir." I left, hearing Unda laughing about something Citron said.

Once I got outside, I breathed in the fresh air and slowed my pace, calming myself. But I didn't have long before Otreg appeared and walked right to me. "Thelia, I need to talk to you."

"I'm afraid I have work to do. I am sorry to be rude, but a slave works or is punished."

I try to walk passed him, but he grabbed my shoulders. "Listen to me! Please!"

I narrow my eyes on him. "Don't ever tell me to listen again!" I hissed. "In fact, don't talk to me ever again!"

He stared at me for a moment, but didn't let me go. "You don't understand!"

I shake my head. "No, you don't understand. I'm finished listening to people who think I'm a naive little girl who doesn't get the picture. Do your business here then leave me alone. I don't want to be a part of the games your kind play."

With that, I shove him out of my way and stride into the forest. He doesn't follow me and I don't look back.

When I return home late afternoon, the carriage was still there but Unda was getting inside. I sighed in relief, they were leaving. I walked into the house and saw Otreg and Citron in a discussion. I ignored them and went to the kitchen to prepare supper.

But then Citron calls me. I sigh and walk back to the sitting area. Otreg was now standing tall with his arms crossed and a determined look on his face and Citron looked as if he was about to throw up. "Yes, Sir?"

Citron looked at me. "Pack your bags."

I blinked. "Sir?"

He glared at me. "Do as I say!"

I bowed my head and went to my room. I packed the few pieces of clothing I had and went back, the bag slung over my shoulder. Otreg stepped towards me and took the bag, then grabbed my arm and led me outside. To my horror, he led me straight to the carriage. "No!" I cry. "Please! I don't want to go!"

Otreg opened the door and gestured for me to get in. Before I could say anything more, Unda screamed. "NO! She's not coming!"

"Yes she is," Otreg announced. "And you are to treat her as your equal in all ways. If you do not, I will throw you into the dungeon."

Unda stepped out of the carriage and blocked the entrance. "I am not going if she's coming."

I glanced at Otreg, who shrugged, shoved Unda out of the way and pushed me in. "Then I guess you're not coming." He climbed in after me and knocked the ceiling. "Home!"

"You can't leave me here!" Unda screamed. "I am your queen!"