Damsel in Distress

DARRYL

We don't know the exact time they started but they continue every single night after that day. She just started screaming in the middle of the night and when we went to check, she was clawing at her eyes, bleeding all over the bed. The blood wasn't only coming from her eyes but other parts of her body she tore at with her nails.

On the first day they started, Lord Sebastian healed her and Lady Freya trimmed her nails. She stayed in bed that day, silent. She didn't answer any questions and her hands were constantly trembling. I slept next to her, hoping it was a one-night experience. It was not.

Even with her nails cut, she was still bleeding profusely with how much she rubbed her hand over her body. Her skin started to peel and her face looked horribly mangled.

They tied her hands this time, using enchanted chains. They properly restrained her and there was nothing I could do, even though it broke my heart to see her like that. She didn't say anything but our only consolation was that she was eating.

Lord Sebastian seemed frustrated, constantly mumbling to himself inside and outside her room. Lady Freya was doing everything to keep herself occupied but I caught her almost walking into a wall once. No one had notified the prince yet.

"Winifred?"

"Darryl. Aren't you going to call the twins over to play?"

"No, I can't do that."

"Pity. I wanted to curse at them today."

I laughed and caressed her hair. Her face was covered with cloth and left to heal. I was glad she couldn't see herself in the mirror.

However, some part of me was happy. Winifred was scarred, just like me. The gap between us was closer, even if it was just by a little bit. I felt horribly guilty after thinking like that and tried to erase it from my mind. She didn't deserve it.

The gloomy days went on for a long time until one day, the mansion had a visitor. Since everywhere was gloomy, I went to answer the door. It was then I saw the tallest teenager I had ever seen in my life. He was a priest, with his robes and he had a weird smile on his face. He looked scary.

"H-Hello."

"Hello there, young one. I saw you in the Cathedral with the lady. Is she in?"

"I-I'm sorry b-but y-you c-cannot see the lady."

"Oh, you must've misunderstood. I was sent here by the church to be the lady's tutor. My name is Bishop Matthew."

A Bishop! I had never seen one before but I heard they were very powerful. Now, one was standing on our doorstep.

"Please come in. I'll go fetch Lady Freya."

"Where are all the servants?"

"T-The servants...?"

"Yes, the servants. You're not a servant, are you?"

I almost cried. It was the first time someone didn't treat me like a servant on their first day at the mansion. Even the servants treated me like servant.

"No, I'm not a servant. But I'll call Lady Freya here. A servant will be here soon to serve you tea and help with your luggage."

"Okay, I'll be waiting."

He was a tall, intimidating Bishop but he was so nice!

Luckily, I soon ran into Lady Freya and told her about our guest. A little light returned to her eyes and she said something about getting ready to greet our guest. I left her and went to Winifred's room, knowing I would find Lord Silver there.

Lord Silver was by her bed, treating her. When he was done, he exhaled and slumped over his chair. Even with his eyes closed, he still called out to me.

"What is the problem, Darryl?"

"We have a guest, Lord Silver."

"A guest, huh? It must be him. Did you really have to invite a Bishop, Winifred?"

"I cannot go and greet him so do it in my stead, Darryl. And yes, I had to invite him, Lord Silver," Winifred replied. Lord Silver exhaled heavily again and stood up. I thought he was going to meet our guest too but he took a turn to his room.

"No one else is here, Winifred."

"I'll be fine. We can't keep our guest waiting."

"Are you sure?"

"If you keep doubting me, I'll be cross."

I shut my mouth and walk back out to look for our guest. I could already hear Lady Freya's voice from the living room. I took a deep breath and entered.

"Winifred said to extend her greetings as she would not be able to attend to you today."

"That's the same thing Lady Freya said. Is there something wrong with the lady?"

"No, nothing to be alarmed about. She's just very...picky."

That was the best excuse I could offer on short notice. Based on her attitude, he might believe it. If he didn't, only Oriel knew what would happen next.

"Is that why you're both very nervous? Your bow isn't tied right, Lady Freya."

"O-Oh that! I was just rushing to put something presentable on that I forgot about it. I'll fix it now."

Red faced, Lady Freya fixed her bow. I wanted to find a way to sneak out of the room but his eyes were sharp. He caught me right away.

"Are you uncomfortable with my presence?"

"O-Of course not. I didn't think it was courteous for me to remain in a room with adults."

"We are not courting or married or speaking about secret matters. I think it is fine for you to stay. I haven't been able to talk to people my age before so if it's okay with you..."

For some reason, I was terrified to talk to him. I usually didn't understand most of what Winifred and the adults around me said but I was already used to that. Talking to a stranger, a bishop no less, would be more intimidating.

"So, what are the things that interest you?"

"Sword fighting," I answered meekly.

"How simple. Do you know how to fight in a duel yet? I heard you had the best tutor in the land."

"No. My foundations are nonexistent so he is training me from the ground up. I sometimes think he is disappointed in having me as a student. Lady Winifred would be a much better student."

"But she cannot see so she would be hurting herself. If your heart has wavered at this level, how will you be able to protect her?"

That one hit hard.

I was interested in learning how to use a sword but as time went by, I began to question everything. There was nothing my heart could settle on doing and it frustrated me. Lord Grace seemed disappointed in me as time went by and the prince didn't say anything every time he came to watch. And I was just... disappointed in myself.

"It takes a lot of courage and strength to train your mind to not falter. And you're putting too much strain on yourself. It is far too early for you to know what you want to accomplish. Don't beat yourself up because you are not up to a certain standard. I cannot see the future but what I can see...is potential in you. Don't let that die."

"You think so?"

"I know so. My faith is my bond but for you, it could be something entirely different. Don't give up."

"I won't."

It felt like a huge stone was lifted off my chest. It felt just like talking to Winifred.

"Dear Oriel, not another Winifred. Please, anything but that," Lady Freya grumbled.

"Why do you say so?" He asked, amused.

"She always talks like she's much wiser and older than everyone here, even though she's the youngest person in this mansion. But, I think unlike her, you're not condescending. I can get used to that."

"Rather than condescending, I would say she doesn't sugarcoat anything. Such a trait would be honest. She will make a good Saintess."

"Imagine going to receive blessings from the Saintess and she immediately points out that being a whore will not get you a royal husband," Lady Freya says, snorting.

"Oh my, how unladylike of me. I apologize, bishop."

"Please, you can just call me Matthew. I really don't mind. Outside the church, I am just...Matthew."