Two
They taught her music, language, reading, writing, all the things a young lady should know. They never guessed she would need to know how to deal with hunger that gnawed away at her stomach or a cold that seeped right down into her bones. They never imagined she would be tormented by nightmares only to wake with no one to comfort her. She was completely unprepared.
She once sought to be alone for pleasure but now it was a gaping emptiness she would give anything to fill. Every time footsteps approached her heart would beat a little faster; she couldn't tell if it was from fear or hope. They brought her food and water, and piles of straw. But no kind words and certainly no chance of leaving this place.
The food burned her fingers as she ate. It didn't feel like enough for a stomach accustomed to richer food.
Rats poked their little noses out of cracks in the stones. She welcomed them like old friends and fed them her scraps. She promised them more if they came by to see her again.
Birds perched on her tiny window and sang to her. She lifted up her head to answer back. Her voice was sad and lonely; the birds listened and lingered to keep her company.
In time she would speak with them. They would give no words back but it felt as if they understood. She always had a way with animals. She held out her hand and they came to her. She wished she could keep them but she couldn't bear to imprison them, too.
If they did return, it would be their own choice. But she would not force them.