Sneaking out, bathing, eating and sleeping has now become our habit. It became my routine. And everyday, while I suffer through the hardships, I comfort myself with the thoughts of Angus. I looked forward to seeing him every night.
Tonight, I had made sure the others were fast asleep before I jumped out. This was due to a confrontation I had faced from Mally two days ago.
We were sun drying the bush meats when she asked me why I was not in the room when she woke up to ease herself during the night. The question was sudden and unexpected but thank goodness for my wits.
I had instantly came up with an excuse to deny her allegations. Although the young woman said no more, I knew she was not convinced. And I had became extra careful since then.
I sighed with relief when I got to my destination. It was late and only few guards roamed about. However, I was suddenly alerted when I saw emerge from Angus' chambers. My heart raced and it thumped loudly in my chest as a sour feeling engulfed me.
With the suspicious way she was looking around, I knew she has not gone there for a good cause. But what could she be doing with him by this time of the night? I hid myself before she could spot me and immediately she left, I stomped into his quarters.
My steps halted when I met him seated on his bed, naked from his waist up. My eyes widened and I suddenly became bothered with.. jealousy. Pain pierced my heart as I finally put a name to the feeling that has chocked me since I saw Lyla came out of the chamber.
I raised my brow questioningly at him and he rested back on the bed post, his calm demeanor flawless.
"May I know what that lady was doing here by this time of the night?", I questioned. My voice surprisingly calm, contradictory to my angrily self.
He folded his arms but remained silent. His only reaction his tightened brow and his tightened jaw. I didn't care. The anger pushed me.
"I request to know why she was here, my lord. Are you sleeping with her?", I asked and that got him furious. He stood up from the bed swiftly and then he was right before me.
"And what if I am?"
I opened my mouth to speak but then, his hand was suddenly tightened around my throat. I gasped, struggling in his hold.
"What right have you to question me on my ways? What if I sleep with the whole Thores, what business of yours is it? Ugh!"
His grip tightened. Lost of sir, I coughed as my eyes watered. But he did not stop. He glared hard at me and yelled.
"Answer me!"
I jumped-- frightened-- and tears fell from my eyes. It was then that he released me.
"You shall never question me or my attitude, you heard me?"
I didn't give a response.
Not because I didn't want to. I was shocked so much that I could only stare at him while he glared down at me with that arrogant stare of his, his chest rising and falling with anger. Dejectedly, I turned to leave but he dragged me back. I gasped at his roughness.
"Where do you think you're going?", he snapped and I stopped on my feet, looking anywhere but at him-- avoiding his gaze.
"You want to walk out on me?", he asked with a disbelieving scoff. He stepped closer to me and made a rough grab of my jaw. "I am your lord. I own you and not the other way around, is that clear?", he asked and I quickly nodded. "Try that with me again and I will make you regret your life", he gritted out before he threw me to the floor.
It hurted so much.. both in my heart and in my body. But I couldn't even make a sound, scared it might annoy him more.
When he turned to leave the room, I immediately went on my knees, holding on to his leg. I would be damned if he walked out on me, if he discarded me. And do I began to beg him. With tears streaming down my face, my pride stripped down to nothing.
"My lord, please forgive me. I must be out of my mind. Please don't leave me", I pleaded desperately. What would I do with my life if he abandon me now?
"I will never try that again. Please forgive me. Just this once, I beg you. I promise--
"Enough!", he suddenly barked and I clamped my lips shut. I was ready to do everything.
"Rise", he commanded, this time softly and I quickly rose to my feet. Thanking my stars for saving me.
He turned around and head to his bedroom and I immediately followed him.
"Why were you not here yesterday?", he asked and I swallowed thickly.
"Y-you.. hmmn.. I came but you were not in your chamber.", I told him.
"Next time, you will wait for me", he said and I nodded. It was a crazy and ridiculous order but I nodded.
Sitting on his bed, he patted the space beside him and I quickly settled beside him like an obedient dog.
"You must not involve yourself in my personal issue again". Knowing he was referring to Lyla, and as painful as it was to admit, I nodded. He then pulled the small table to our side and uncovered the dishes. He motioned for me to eat and I did.
Some moments to eating, I remembered something I wanted to ask him.
"Master", i began and he suddenly growled.
"Angus", he corrected and I smiled. "Do you want something?", he asked and I nodded in affirmation.
"It's been up to a few weeks now and you've not made any advance at me. Is there a problem?", I asked, my voice shaking with fear. Perhaps there was something unattractive in my shape.
He shook his head
"No, I'm only taking my time.", he smiled down at me. "Don't worry, we have got a lot of time", he reassured.
I knew that. I just fear you might become tired of me, I thought.
That same night, I have just tip_toed back into the slave chamber and was ready to lay back when I felt a tap on my arm. Startled, I gasped but it was only Karen. I sighed and turned to her.
Another gasp erupted from my mouth when I met her eyes. They were blood red and were almost closed. She was gasping for air and although she seemed asleep, she was as pale as a ghost.
Oh no! I was not ready to lose another friend.
I fidget when she began to speak and I could not hear her. I decided to put my ear to her mouth. But what she said almost had my eyes out of its socket.
"It's painful, Freye.", she murmmured with difficulty and then she added. "Please end it for me", she cried while I shook my head. I refused to understand.
I knew what she meant but I wouldn't just accept it. Her painful whimpers were haunting and disturbing.
Karen had always has a stomach issue and she goes unconscious from pain anytime it took so long for her to eat. Remembering that I had a loaf of bread I had stolen from Angus in my wrapper. I immediately took it out and handed it to her.
She cried profusely and was immensely grateful. When she began to probe me on how I have gotten the food, I had to lie to her that I was having an affair with one of the kitchen's servants. However, Karen threatened to report me to Yun unless I accept to bring her food every night. And that was how I began to steal from Angus every night. My reward for not ending her life, I guess.
I was shocked when I came into the quarters one night and I met most of the girls on their feets, standing with Karen who has a bread in her hand and all glaring daggers at me. I did not need to be told, I knew I had been bursted.