...........................................
Title: WHITE ROSES
Book One
The Story of a Beast
By: Marie J.W.
Rated: PG+
Email: mariejwchan@yahoo.com
URL: www.clik.to/mariejwchan
Chapter Three
I didn't know what to think of the visitor from the night before. He seemed harsh, begrudging and rude. Somehow he knew who I was. I think. After he left, I laid there wondering who he was and what he was all about. Did he come to scare me? Or was he there to make me confess something? From the way he talked, he truly seemed as if he were trying to get me to confess to some wrong doing.
Was he one of the guards or was he some drunken servant? I thought over the possibilities until I finally fell asleep.
By morning, I was still tired and felt like I had not slept at all. My eyes felt as if tiny fires were burning behind them while the rest of my body felt stiff from lying on the cold ground so long. The sun rose with a calmness that didn't quite seem to fit in this world. As the sun hit the window, I once again heard the sounds of people yelling and the guards whipping the weak people of Castle Valley. It made me sick. I refused to look out the window again. I had seen enough bad treatment of the human race.
I thought little of the king of Castle Valley and I did not wish to meet him. From his attentions to myself, his people and from conversations with Mr. Blakemore, I determined the king was selfish, domineering, cruel and heartless. That's what I thought of him. He was no man. He was a beast at heart and I hated him for it. No real man would treat people like this. Someday I would escape and I would tell my Uncle about this place and he would free these people, he had to! People shouldn't live like this, locked in towers, prisons, and working under harsh circumstances with no pay or life. If I ever got a chance, I would do something horrible to the king. He deserved to be put to death for the way he treated his people. He has no right to be King for he has misused his royal powers.
Sitting in the rising sunlight, I thought of all the ways I would bring justice upon the king of this people. I had always believed in the law and in the rights of the people. On our estate we had tenants that could not leave our property, for they were bound by their ancestors' debt. But at least they were given a home of their own and land to work. They weren't treated like cattle.
The dawn turned to midday and midday turned to dusk and still I was alone and no one came. The midday had brought some heat but it was gone now and I was freezing again. My arms were wrapped around my shoulders, trying to rub some warmth into them. Hours passed and soon there was once again no light. My eyelids began to droop and soon I felt slumber begin to fall over me. The outside world was silent.
A loud creaking sound caught my eyes up and I stared into the dark without blinking. I longed to talk to someone and only wished some servant or even James Blakemore to come and visit with me for just a little while. I had never been alone this long before.
Footsteps echoed against the walls before they suddenly stopped.
"Are you still alive in there?" Something banged against the bars and the bars vibrated. It was the same voice from the night before. I made myself stand up, with some hope that by being taller I would gain some power over him or at least, lessen his power to frighten me.
"What do you want? Who are you?" I was pleased that my voice did not sound weak this time but instead sure and demanding.
He laughed; the sound of it dark and harsh. "Ah, poor. 'princess', all locked up and no place to go.except for Heaven, if there is such a place. Tell me princess, do you believe in Heaven?"
Glaring into the darkness, I frowned, "Of course."
He chuckled, "Really? And if you die, do you think you shall go there?"
"I should hope so..." I paused, "Do you think you should go there if 'you' die?"
"I think not. I do not believe it exists."
"What about Hell then, do you believe in Hell, sir?"
There was a long pause before he finally answered, "Ah, now that is a question to be asking. I suppose there is a Hell."
"There is a Hell but no Heaven? Quite odd sir, that you should think that."
"Ah, you are a quick one, aren't you? All the witches like you are. Quick and deceitful."
I refused to respond to that comment, "Who are you?"
"Don't you know, 'princess'? Who do you think I am? Would any servant come here and talk to you in such a manner? I say no, they would not. They don't know how to defend themselves nor how to become strong. They are weaklings; all of them are, just like you."
I swallowed hard, feeling hate enter my soul, "You are the king then," I stated.
"Well done, 'princess."
"You are the one behind all this cruelty! How dare you even call yourself a King! No true King would have to use his power to dominate his people! You are a weak - selfish - failure of a King and I take no pride in - "
"Enough! You know nothing, you spoiled brat! How dare you? Do you not know what I could do to you? I would feed you to the wild boors, you wretch!"
"I'd rather be eaten by THEM then ruled by YOU!"
"Enough!" He slammed something hard against the bars, making them rattle and throwing off a deafening sound. I covered my ears and closed my eyes, trying to block the sound out. Eventually, the ringing became a dull and flat. I carefully and slowly lifted my hands from my ears, afraid he would do it again.
There was a long pause before he whispered quite loudly, "I am King, Power and Ruler over this kingdom and you are my prisoner! You shall reap your reward."
With that said, he turned and walked away, slamming the heavy wood doors behind him.
........
Days passed and no one came to bring food, water or to give me company. I was utterly alone with only the sounds of slaves below and their cries of torment. I found myself pacing, sitting in the corners of the prison, watching the slaves through the narrow window and thinking.always thinking of ways to get out, things I would do if I were free, and how I would free these slaves if I could.
However, after several more days passed, my thoughts took a different turn. I couldn't help but think I would die there. I, of course, would slowly waste away to nothing first and then the blissful angel of death would come to steal the breath from my very lungs.
Between all that, I also thought of ways I could scare "his royal highness" as revenge. I thought of cutting my wrists and smearing the blood on the wall forming some kind of threat.
Such days of darkness I'll never forget.
I found myself thinking of my past and then that would lead to actually living it out in my mind. I would wake up to find myself doing some daily chore or talking to one of my sisters that here didn't exist. I would cry myself to sleep at those times of awareness, wishing I were dead and with my Maker.
One day I woke up to find fog drenching Castle Valley. I could barely see the bars, only a thin silhouette was visible. It looked eerie and reminded me of those nighttime stories that my sister would tell us younger two about ghosts and the dead living among us. I pondered the existence of ghosts, evil spirits and wondered if they would come to take me in the night to their master.
I don't know how many days passed nor how long the mist clouded my eyes and my thoughts. All I know was that I was someplace I don't ever wish to see again. Just thinking about it makes my nerves run cold and a chill grasp my heart. I almost went completely insane in that stone cage, high up above the world.
.almost.
........
I awoke to the feeling of something warm pressed against my side. I sat up and looked down the length of my body to see a beam of sunlight streaming through the window and heating my side. My heart broke at the lack of companionship but I was comforted somewhat by the warmth of the sun against me. I felt hope yet despair and it brought me to tears.
My eyes blurred and I remembered a morning when I was playing with a piece of string that I had gotten off of fathers cloak. I had twirled it around my little fingers and thought of the many ways I could use it. I could use the string to tie up Peggy's dolls hair, or maybe I could tie up my own hair with it.But the string is too short. I could use it to sew Mrs. Clay's button back onto her shoe. Mrs. Clay, our nearest neighbor and a very odd woman. She often brings us sweets and then scolds us for spoiling our appetite. I could tie it around my wrist and-
I blinked.
Looking around and then down, I found my blonde dirty hair tied around my wrist. I bit my lip and felt tears prick my eyes. I had done it again. But.this time, something woke me up. I frowned and looked around again, this time more carefully. No one was in sight. I untied my hair from around my wrist and just when I was about to brush my knotted hair over my shoulder I heard it.
It was the soft deep neigh of a horse. Creasing my brow in confusion, I carefully stood up and walked towards the window. The sunlight blinded me at first but as I shielded it with my hands, I was able to look down and take in the sight before me. My heart lifted as I spotted the very animal that I loved most. It was the most beautiful horse I'd seen. It stood near a hay loft with its head held high and his pitch black coat shinning under the sunlight. His muscles were well developed, his posture spoke of pride, confidence and I could even catch a hint of a rebellious streak in him as he stomped his hooves against his riders command to hold still.
I stared in awe at the lovely creature below me. It reminded me of my own mare at home. My eyes misted and I turned away from the window and slid down the stone wall until I sat right below the window on the cold stone floor.
I missed her. I missed sleeping in the barn with her, our daily rides through the forest, the way she would nudge my elbow when she wanted attention or how she would nip at my butt when she was mad at me. She was the only one who truly understood me and my moods.
I laughed softly as I remembered a time when I was mad at Maggie for wearing my dress to a social dance before I even had a chance to wear it myself. I stomped into the barn, sat next to Saralee and complained to her, telling her how awful my sister was. She stood there chewing her hay, gazing at me every few minutes as she listened to me complain. When I was done I broke down crying. She turned her head and nudged me. I pushed her away and she nudged back, this time harder. I pushed a little bit harder as well, and before I knew it she had shoved me onto my backside. I was shocked. I just stared at her as she stared back at me. Soon after, I broke out into a fit of giggles. She always knew how to cheer me up.
Silence.
That did it.
I suddenly stood up. This wasn't my life! I had a different life, I was smarter than this! Wasn't I? I was brought up in a well to do area as a lady, and that's what I was, a lady! I was not some slave, commoner, or a prisoner! I am a distinguished lady and I have respect!
Despite being thin, cold and hungry, I felt energy flow through me for the first time in what seemed like a century. It felt as if I had been reborn or at least restored to my previous self. It felt good. I would come to find that I would rely much on this sense of pride and determination as the months went by.
For the rest of the day I was restless and desperately in need of fresh air and a long horse ride but I squashed that down and tried to once again come up with a plan for escape. I laid my predicament before me. I was in a prison and I had seen no one for a very long time. I had ragged clothes on my back, no shoes, no utensils, places, cups, or a blanket. The bars were thick, hard and spaced thinly and the window was too small to fit through even if I wasn't fifty feet in the air.
My future looked very dim but I knew someday someone was bound to come up to check if I was even alive. So, I determined to wait it out and wait I did.
.......
"Is she awake?"
"That's not the question to be asking, it's whether she is alive or not."
Silence.
"Come, Jamie, we can't be gone long," there was a rustling sound and then heavy footsteps thumped along the stone floor. I lay against the bars with my back towards them. At first I thought I was dreaming of voices and had gone insane again but the coldness in my bones and the musty scent in the air said otherwise. Slowly and carefully I pulled myself up into a sitting position. I quickly thought through several ideas before settling on the only possible one. Swallowing the dryness in my throat I tried to stand up without making much sound. My body protested; it was weak and stiff. I nearly collapsed onto the floor. However, at the last moment I managed to get a grip on one of the bars and was able to hold myself up.
Candlelight drifted closer and soon I could see James Blakemore's face. He walked in my direction, still blind to the sight of me as a little woman walking beside him. They came closer until they finally reached the prison bars. I was standing on his left, out of the light and I remained there. What would they have with me after leaving me alone for so long?
"Malady?" He called softly.
After a few more seconds passed without a sound, he turned and beckoned the little woman next to him to hold the candle. I heard the rustling of metal clicking together and knew it had to be the keys to my prison. As he fought to find the right one, I slowly and carefully edged my way closer to the door. I swallowed hard and made sure I didn't hit the bars as I passed them. It seemed to take hours for him to find the right key. Finally he grunted and shoved the key into the hole and then.
Click.
It wasn't until then did I realize I had been holding my breath. I quickly let the air out of my lungs slowly and softly even though it made my heart thump harder against my chest.
The door creaked open slowly.
"Lady? Lady? Are you well?"
"Do ya see her?" The little woman asked.
"No, Jamie. Bring me the candle. She is in this prison somewhere."
I saw my chance. With wide eyes and with my head pounding, I dashed through the wide open door, shoved passed the little woman who screamed in fear, and ran down the dark hall, not caring where it took me as long as I was far away from that prison!
"Lady! Lady! No, please, come back!"
I ran faster. Following the cold walls with my fingers, I ran down a whirl of stairs that seemed to go on forever. There was no light to be seen but I knew there had to be an end to this hell-hole. I could literally feel every intake and outtake of breath come harshly and I felt as if I would faint from the pressure it created in my head. Eventually I came across the end of the stairs, nearly falling on my face. I quickly steadied myself and looked to where I was at. There was dim moonlight coming through a window that faintly showed a long hallway to my left and to my right, only darkness.
"LADY!"
"We have to catch her!"
I panicked. They couldn't catch me! Not when I just got out! Not when I finally have some freedom. I ran to my left, down the long hallway. I could hear their footsteps behind me, getting closer. I had to find a place to hide! I checked the doors but they were locked. I even noted the windows in case I could fit through them but they were all narrow and too high up. As the hallway opened up I suddenly stopped.
There was a long, spacious, well lit staircase below me. Staring, I couldn't help but take in every detail that I could. The stairs were carpeted in deep red with gold lining down its sides. Beautiful cedar railings held the stairs until it reached the bottom. Beautiful engraved gold hooks, cradling red wax candles sat with their white wickers lit against the stone walls. It was the most glorious thing I had seen in a long time. I couldn't remember King Chaundlers castle being this elegant.
The sound of a door slamming behind me startled me out of my revere. Quickly, my bare feet hit against the soft carpet floor as I ran down the stairs. I rounded the corner as I flew off the last step and hid against the side of the staircase, just in time too for I could see the shadow of Mr. Blakemore against the wall at the top of the stairs followed by the little woman.
"She couldn't have gone far. If the king finds out about this, he'll have our heads."
"You don't think he would actually. would he.?" The little woman actually sounded scared. What was there to be scared of? I thought. The king may be a king but he is also human. Besides, I was sure I was quite insignificant to the king of this castle despite his strange visits.
There was no reply as Mr. Blakemore continued, "Jamie, take the left side, I'll take the right. We'll find her before he finds us." They descended the stairs. The little woman went passed me and into another room while Mr. Blakemore walked the other way and disappeared from my sight. I let out a sigh of relief and looked around. Now where do I go? There were three doors in my view. One was a large simple door that the little woman had gone through and then there were two more; one strait across the stairs and another, which was furthest away from me, on the opposite side of the stairs. Which one was the way out?
A loud noise startled me into action. I set off and made it to the middle door. I tried the knob carefully only to find my hand was shaking. I tried to stop it but it was useless. Swallowing, I ignored my hand and pushed the handle down. The door opened with a creak. Peaking in, I saw a large empty room. Curious, I stepped inside and shut the door carefully behind me. Biting my lip, I took soft steps. To my right was one of the largest windows I'd ever seen. The moonlight shone in, creating a shimmering kind of light that only the moon could produce. It made the room look haunted. I walked to the window and looked out. There was a beautiful balcony with silvery moonlit flowers growing around it. If there was a balcony, then surely there was a way out of this place.
I looked around and was beyond grateful to find the glass window had a glass door to it as well. I approached it, took the handle in my hands and pushed down.
Looking back, I can now put everything together. I was stupid to not look at the room more closely or to at least make sure I was alone. I was careless and I paid for it.
Too quickly my world was spinning and it took me a half a second to realize I was being held by something. or rather someone. The arm was strong about my waist. The being behind me whirled me around and then flung me across the floor away from the precious door. I cried in pain as my back and elbow hit the marble floor hard. I whimpered and tried not to move too much. I glanced up and gasped as I saw the shadow of a large figure standing about ten feet away from me. He seemed to be looming over me like the devil would its prey.
"Who are you?"
The voice was familiar! My hopes quickly faded though as I placed the voice. It was the evil visitor from before. Wait, that means.the king! My blood ran cold and my body stiffened.
"Stay away from me," I demanded.
Silence.
The King stood still, watching me. He could now see my features for I was bathed in the moonlight that flowed through the window. I was sure I looked weak, lowly and unfit to act his equal but I couldn't let him conquer me and I couldn't let him keep me bound. I had to be free from this place!
A low rumble started somewhere. At first I thought it was an earth quake although I felt no shifting below me. However, I soon found it to be the very man standing before me. He was laughing! It was not a pleasant laugh either. It was full of darkness and ill humor. He was laughing because he was superior and I was weak! I slowly made myself sit up, my chin held high and a glare in my eyes.
The laughing stopped.
"Little witch!" In a matter of seconds he was inches in front of me and his hand only seconds. I gasped. My face burned and my side hurt from the fall. He hit me! I felt tears prick my eyes as I stared at the floor. I touched the side of my face, feeling the imprint of his hand on my cheek.
"Obviously being locked up and alone hasn't cooled your temper, princess! So, we'll have to try something else."
I screamed into the night. Not a high pitched scream but a low one, letting out my frustration, stress and fears. Tears escaped my eyes and fell unbidden down my cheek and onto the floor as my screamed died from my throat. I wouldn't be treated like this! Where had this nightmare come from? Where had it started? What did I do to deserve this? Who was this man that beat woman, enslaved people and accused innocent outsiders?
"JAMES!"
I started as the man yelled.
"JAMES! Come here now!"
I turned and looked up at him. He was still looking down at me with that dark look in his eyes. I could barely make out what he looked like but his eyes glittered in the dark and they only spoke dark thoughts and intentions.
Suddenly the door flew open and Mr. Blakemore ran in and kneeled before his king, "Yes, you're Majesty?"
"You let her get away, did you? Did you help her escape?"
Mr. Blakemore looked confused for a second before his gaze landed on me. His eyes grew wide and fearful. He looked back up at his master before bowing his head as humbly as he could, "She escaped! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It will never happen again! I will take her back to the prison and swallow the key! I promise; it will be done!"
Silence.
"That won't be necessary, James," The king seemed calmer, "Now, take her to the torture chamber, she needs to be 'cut' down a few knots."
My eyes widened and I backed away from the two, "You cannot! You cannot! I won't let you!" I scrambled to my feet, "Mr. Blakemore, please!" I implored, "You can't obey this evil man, even if he is your king; you know I have done nothing wrong!"
Mr. Blakemore hesitated and I felt some relief.
The king growled, "Shut up, girl. You have no voice here!"
"I have just as much or more than you do, you Beast! I have something you don't have; I have respect from everyone that I know which puts me higher than you, SIR." I spat at him.
Suddenly he closed the space between us and had my neck in his grasp. I was shocked to find his nails, long and thick, digging into my neck. I gasped as I felt warm blood begin to trickle from the wounds he just created. I steadied my eyes and I tried to breathe and listen to him at the same time. He was so close I could see every dark flicker in his eyes, could feel his heavy breath on my cheeks. I examined his face and found that his hair was dark and long, his skin tan, and if it weren't for the darkness in his eyes and the scar on his jaw, I thought he would almost look daringly handsome.
"What makes you stare so?" His eyes shifted to mine, I imagine, trying to understand why 'I', the victim, was looking so intently and so focused on him.
For the first time, I saw curiosity in his eyes. It almost made him look human and good even. But I destroyed that thought and glared hatefully at him.
"No matter what you do, no matter what you say, no matter how long you keep me here, torture me. you can never take my soul. I hope you live with that forever in your memory. You thrive on controlling people, taking their lives and bending it to your will but I tell you this soul is out of your reach. I have something you can't take. ever."
His jaw clenched and his eyes turned murderous. But I wouldn't back down. I would not be treated as some common murderer or a thief. I could tell his pride was at stake and that gave me hope. I gasped once again as he tightened his hold on my throat. He wanted to kill me! I could see it in his eyes. They burned.
I grabbed onto his arm, trying to hold myself up, hold him at bay or something! My breath was becoming ragged and short. I felt my lungs burn and my eyes water.
Then, just like that, he swore loudly and dropped me. I lay on the floor greedily taking in air and coughing when I took too much at once. My eyes that were watery from his grip now cried in relief, pouring down my cheeks. I was alive-
.for now.
"Take her to the bathing chamber. She stinks."
"What?" I coughed and looked from Mr. Blakemore to the king who was now leaving the room.
Mr. Blakemore looked completely confused as well. Finally he turned and called out, "What should I do with her afterwards?"
The king paused in his steps, "Take her to my chambers."
My eyes widened. I wished I were dead.
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AN: Thanks for those following this story and for your emails and help! It would be great if you see any grammer problems, misspelled words, or confusing paragraphs to tell where and what the problem is. I try my best to edit all that out but I don't always catch everything and sometimes what I think is clear is not too clear to the reader. Also, if you see anything that sounds just "not right" or it could be better, please make some suggestions!
Thanks so much!
.
Title: WHITE ROSES
Book One
The Story of a Beast
By: Marie J.W.
Rated: PG+
Email: mariejwchan@yahoo.com
URL: www.clik.to/mariejwchan
Chapter Three
I didn't know what to think of the visitor from the night before. He seemed harsh, begrudging and rude. Somehow he knew who I was. I think. After he left, I laid there wondering who he was and what he was all about. Did he come to scare me? Or was he there to make me confess something? From the way he talked, he truly seemed as if he were trying to get me to confess to some wrong doing.
Was he one of the guards or was he some drunken servant? I thought over the possibilities until I finally fell asleep.
By morning, I was still tired and felt like I had not slept at all. My eyes felt as if tiny fires were burning behind them while the rest of my body felt stiff from lying on the cold ground so long. The sun rose with a calmness that didn't quite seem to fit in this world. As the sun hit the window, I once again heard the sounds of people yelling and the guards whipping the weak people of Castle Valley. It made me sick. I refused to look out the window again. I had seen enough bad treatment of the human race.
I thought little of the king of Castle Valley and I did not wish to meet him. From his attentions to myself, his people and from conversations with Mr. Blakemore, I determined the king was selfish, domineering, cruel and heartless. That's what I thought of him. He was no man. He was a beast at heart and I hated him for it. No real man would treat people like this. Someday I would escape and I would tell my Uncle about this place and he would free these people, he had to! People shouldn't live like this, locked in towers, prisons, and working under harsh circumstances with no pay or life. If I ever got a chance, I would do something horrible to the king. He deserved to be put to death for the way he treated his people. He has no right to be King for he has misused his royal powers.
Sitting in the rising sunlight, I thought of all the ways I would bring justice upon the king of this people. I had always believed in the law and in the rights of the people. On our estate we had tenants that could not leave our property, for they were bound by their ancestors' debt. But at least they were given a home of their own and land to work. They weren't treated like cattle.
The dawn turned to midday and midday turned to dusk and still I was alone and no one came. The midday had brought some heat but it was gone now and I was freezing again. My arms were wrapped around my shoulders, trying to rub some warmth into them. Hours passed and soon there was once again no light. My eyelids began to droop and soon I felt slumber begin to fall over me. The outside world was silent.
A loud creaking sound caught my eyes up and I stared into the dark without blinking. I longed to talk to someone and only wished some servant or even James Blakemore to come and visit with me for just a little while. I had never been alone this long before.
Footsteps echoed against the walls before they suddenly stopped.
"Are you still alive in there?" Something banged against the bars and the bars vibrated. It was the same voice from the night before. I made myself stand up, with some hope that by being taller I would gain some power over him or at least, lessen his power to frighten me.
"What do you want? Who are you?" I was pleased that my voice did not sound weak this time but instead sure and demanding.
He laughed; the sound of it dark and harsh. "Ah, poor. 'princess', all locked up and no place to go.except for Heaven, if there is such a place. Tell me princess, do you believe in Heaven?"
Glaring into the darkness, I frowned, "Of course."
He chuckled, "Really? And if you die, do you think you shall go there?"
"I should hope so..." I paused, "Do you think you should go there if 'you' die?"
"I think not. I do not believe it exists."
"What about Hell then, do you believe in Hell, sir?"
There was a long pause before he finally answered, "Ah, now that is a question to be asking. I suppose there is a Hell."
"There is a Hell but no Heaven? Quite odd sir, that you should think that."
"Ah, you are a quick one, aren't you? All the witches like you are. Quick and deceitful."
I refused to respond to that comment, "Who are you?"
"Don't you know, 'princess'? Who do you think I am? Would any servant come here and talk to you in such a manner? I say no, they would not. They don't know how to defend themselves nor how to become strong. They are weaklings; all of them are, just like you."
I swallowed hard, feeling hate enter my soul, "You are the king then," I stated.
"Well done, 'princess."
"You are the one behind all this cruelty! How dare you even call yourself a King! No true King would have to use his power to dominate his people! You are a weak - selfish - failure of a King and I take no pride in - "
"Enough! You know nothing, you spoiled brat! How dare you? Do you not know what I could do to you? I would feed you to the wild boors, you wretch!"
"I'd rather be eaten by THEM then ruled by YOU!"
"Enough!" He slammed something hard against the bars, making them rattle and throwing off a deafening sound. I covered my ears and closed my eyes, trying to block the sound out. Eventually, the ringing became a dull and flat. I carefully and slowly lifted my hands from my ears, afraid he would do it again.
There was a long pause before he whispered quite loudly, "I am King, Power and Ruler over this kingdom and you are my prisoner! You shall reap your reward."
With that said, he turned and walked away, slamming the heavy wood doors behind him.
........
Days passed and no one came to bring food, water or to give me company. I was utterly alone with only the sounds of slaves below and their cries of torment. I found myself pacing, sitting in the corners of the prison, watching the slaves through the narrow window and thinking.always thinking of ways to get out, things I would do if I were free, and how I would free these slaves if I could.
However, after several more days passed, my thoughts took a different turn. I couldn't help but think I would die there. I, of course, would slowly waste away to nothing first and then the blissful angel of death would come to steal the breath from my very lungs.
Between all that, I also thought of ways I could scare "his royal highness" as revenge. I thought of cutting my wrists and smearing the blood on the wall forming some kind of threat.
Such days of darkness I'll never forget.
I found myself thinking of my past and then that would lead to actually living it out in my mind. I would wake up to find myself doing some daily chore or talking to one of my sisters that here didn't exist. I would cry myself to sleep at those times of awareness, wishing I were dead and with my Maker.
One day I woke up to find fog drenching Castle Valley. I could barely see the bars, only a thin silhouette was visible. It looked eerie and reminded me of those nighttime stories that my sister would tell us younger two about ghosts and the dead living among us. I pondered the existence of ghosts, evil spirits and wondered if they would come to take me in the night to their master.
I don't know how many days passed nor how long the mist clouded my eyes and my thoughts. All I know was that I was someplace I don't ever wish to see again. Just thinking about it makes my nerves run cold and a chill grasp my heart. I almost went completely insane in that stone cage, high up above the world.
.almost.
........
I awoke to the feeling of something warm pressed against my side. I sat up and looked down the length of my body to see a beam of sunlight streaming through the window and heating my side. My heart broke at the lack of companionship but I was comforted somewhat by the warmth of the sun against me. I felt hope yet despair and it brought me to tears.
My eyes blurred and I remembered a morning when I was playing with a piece of string that I had gotten off of fathers cloak. I had twirled it around my little fingers and thought of the many ways I could use it. I could use the string to tie up Peggy's dolls hair, or maybe I could tie up my own hair with it.But the string is too short. I could use it to sew Mrs. Clay's button back onto her shoe. Mrs. Clay, our nearest neighbor and a very odd woman. She often brings us sweets and then scolds us for spoiling our appetite. I could tie it around my wrist and-
I blinked.
Looking around and then down, I found my blonde dirty hair tied around my wrist. I bit my lip and felt tears prick my eyes. I had done it again. But.this time, something woke me up. I frowned and looked around again, this time more carefully. No one was in sight. I untied my hair from around my wrist and just when I was about to brush my knotted hair over my shoulder I heard it.
It was the soft deep neigh of a horse. Creasing my brow in confusion, I carefully stood up and walked towards the window. The sunlight blinded me at first but as I shielded it with my hands, I was able to look down and take in the sight before me. My heart lifted as I spotted the very animal that I loved most. It was the most beautiful horse I'd seen. It stood near a hay loft with its head held high and his pitch black coat shinning under the sunlight. His muscles were well developed, his posture spoke of pride, confidence and I could even catch a hint of a rebellious streak in him as he stomped his hooves against his riders command to hold still.
I stared in awe at the lovely creature below me. It reminded me of my own mare at home. My eyes misted and I turned away from the window and slid down the stone wall until I sat right below the window on the cold stone floor.
I missed her. I missed sleeping in the barn with her, our daily rides through the forest, the way she would nudge my elbow when she wanted attention or how she would nip at my butt when she was mad at me. She was the only one who truly understood me and my moods.
I laughed softly as I remembered a time when I was mad at Maggie for wearing my dress to a social dance before I even had a chance to wear it myself. I stomped into the barn, sat next to Saralee and complained to her, telling her how awful my sister was. She stood there chewing her hay, gazing at me every few minutes as she listened to me complain. When I was done I broke down crying. She turned her head and nudged me. I pushed her away and she nudged back, this time harder. I pushed a little bit harder as well, and before I knew it she had shoved me onto my backside. I was shocked. I just stared at her as she stared back at me. Soon after, I broke out into a fit of giggles. She always knew how to cheer me up.
Silence.
That did it.
I suddenly stood up. This wasn't my life! I had a different life, I was smarter than this! Wasn't I? I was brought up in a well to do area as a lady, and that's what I was, a lady! I was not some slave, commoner, or a prisoner! I am a distinguished lady and I have respect!
Despite being thin, cold and hungry, I felt energy flow through me for the first time in what seemed like a century. It felt as if I had been reborn or at least restored to my previous self. It felt good. I would come to find that I would rely much on this sense of pride and determination as the months went by.
For the rest of the day I was restless and desperately in need of fresh air and a long horse ride but I squashed that down and tried to once again come up with a plan for escape. I laid my predicament before me. I was in a prison and I had seen no one for a very long time. I had ragged clothes on my back, no shoes, no utensils, places, cups, or a blanket. The bars were thick, hard and spaced thinly and the window was too small to fit through even if I wasn't fifty feet in the air.
My future looked very dim but I knew someday someone was bound to come up to check if I was even alive. So, I determined to wait it out and wait I did.
.......
"Is she awake?"
"That's not the question to be asking, it's whether she is alive or not."
Silence.
"Come, Jamie, we can't be gone long," there was a rustling sound and then heavy footsteps thumped along the stone floor. I lay against the bars with my back towards them. At first I thought I was dreaming of voices and had gone insane again but the coldness in my bones and the musty scent in the air said otherwise. Slowly and carefully I pulled myself up into a sitting position. I quickly thought through several ideas before settling on the only possible one. Swallowing the dryness in my throat I tried to stand up without making much sound. My body protested; it was weak and stiff. I nearly collapsed onto the floor. However, at the last moment I managed to get a grip on one of the bars and was able to hold myself up.
Candlelight drifted closer and soon I could see James Blakemore's face. He walked in my direction, still blind to the sight of me as a little woman walking beside him. They came closer until they finally reached the prison bars. I was standing on his left, out of the light and I remained there. What would they have with me after leaving me alone for so long?
"Malady?" He called softly.
After a few more seconds passed without a sound, he turned and beckoned the little woman next to him to hold the candle. I heard the rustling of metal clicking together and knew it had to be the keys to my prison. As he fought to find the right one, I slowly and carefully edged my way closer to the door. I swallowed hard and made sure I didn't hit the bars as I passed them. It seemed to take hours for him to find the right key. Finally he grunted and shoved the key into the hole and then.
Click.
It wasn't until then did I realize I had been holding my breath. I quickly let the air out of my lungs slowly and softly even though it made my heart thump harder against my chest.
The door creaked open slowly.
"Lady? Lady? Are you well?"
"Do ya see her?" The little woman asked.
"No, Jamie. Bring me the candle. She is in this prison somewhere."
I saw my chance. With wide eyes and with my head pounding, I dashed through the wide open door, shoved passed the little woman who screamed in fear, and ran down the dark hall, not caring where it took me as long as I was far away from that prison!
"Lady! Lady! No, please, come back!"
I ran faster. Following the cold walls with my fingers, I ran down a whirl of stairs that seemed to go on forever. There was no light to be seen but I knew there had to be an end to this hell-hole. I could literally feel every intake and outtake of breath come harshly and I felt as if I would faint from the pressure it created in my head. Eventually I came across the end of the stairs, nearly falling on my face. I quickly steadied myself and looked to where I was at. There was dim moonlight coming through a window that faintly showed a long hallway to my left and to my right, only darkness.
"LADY!"
"We have to catch her!"
I panicked. They couldn't catch me! Not when I just got out! Not when I finally have some freedom. I ran to my left, down the long hallway. I could hear their footsteps behind me, getting closer. I had to find a place to hide! I checked the doors but they were locked. I even noted the windows in case I could fit through them but they were all narrow and too high up. As the hallway opened up I suddenly stopped.
There was a long, spacious, well lit staircase below me. Staring, I couldn't help but take in every detail that I could. The stairs were carpeted in deep red with gold lining down its sides. Beautiful cedar railings held the stairs until it reached the bottom. Beautiful engraved gold hooks, cradling red wax candles sat with their white wickers lit against the stone walls. It was the most glorious thing I had seen in a long time. I couldn't remember King Chaundlers castle being this elegant.
The sound of a door slamming behind me startled me out of my revere. Quickly, my bare feet hit against the soft carpet floor as I ran down the stairs. I rounded the corner as I flew off the last step and hid against the side of the staircase, just in time too for I could see the shadow of Mr. Blakemore against the wall at the top of the stairs followed by the little woman.
"She couldn't have gone far. If the king finds out about this, he'll have our heads."
"You don't think he would actually. would he.?" The little woman actually sounded scared. What was there to be scared of? I thought. The king may be a king but he is also human. Besides, I was sure I was quite insignificant to the king of this castle despite his strange visits.
There was no reply as Mr. Blakemore continued, "Jamie, take the left side, I'll take the right. We'll find her before he finds us." They descended the stairs. The little woman went passed me and into another room while Mr. Blakemore walked the other way and disappeared from my sight. I let out a sigh of relief and looked around. Now where do I go? There were three doors in my view. One was a large simple door that the little woman had gone through and then there were two more; one strait across the stairs and another, which was furthest away from me, on the opposite side of the stairs. Which one was the way out?
A loud noise startled me into action. I set off and made it to the middle door. I tried the knob carefully only to find my hand was shaking. I tried to stop it but it was useless. Swallowing, I ignored my hand and pushed the handle down. The door opened with a creak. Peaking in, I saw a large empty room. Curious, I stepped inside and shut the door carefully behind me. Biting my lip, I took soft steps. To my right was one of the largest windows I'd ever seen. The moonlight shone in, creating a shimmering kind of light that only the moon could produce. It made the room look haunted. I walked to the window and looked out. There was a beautiful balcony with silvery moonlit flowers growing around it. If there was a balcony, then surely there was a way out of this place.
I looked around and was beyond grateful to find the glass window had a glass door to it as well. I approached it, took the handle in my hands and pushed down.
Looking back, I can now put everything together. I was stupid to not look at the room more closely or to at least make sure I was alone. I was careless and I paid for it.
Too quickly my world was spinning and it took me a half a second to realize I was being held by something. or rather someone. The arm was strong about my waist. The being behind me whirled me around and then flung me across the floor away from the precious door. I cried in pain as my back and elbow hit the marble floor hard. I whimpered and tried not to move too much. I glanced up and gasped as I saw the shadow of a large figure standing about ten feet away from me. He seemed to be looming over me like the devil would its prey.
"Who are you?"
The voice was familiar! My hopes quickly faded though as I placed the voice. It was the evil visitor from before. Wait, that means.the king! My blood ran cold and my body stiffened.
"Stay away from me," I demanded.
Silence.
The King stood still, watching me. He could now see my features for I was bathed in the moonlight that flowed through the window. I was sure I looked weak, lowly and unfit to act his equal but I couldn't let him conquer me and I couldn't let him keep me bound. I had to be free from this place!
A low rumble started somewhere. At first I thought it was an earth quake although I felt no shifting below me. However, I soon found it to be the very man standing before me. He was laughing! It was not a pleasant laugh either. It was full of darkness and ill humor. He was laughing because he was superior and I was weak! I slowly made myself sit up, my chin held high and a glare in my eyes.
The laughing stopped.
"Little witch!" In a matter of seconds he was inches in front of me and his hand only seconds. I gasped. My face burned and my side hurt from the fall. He hit me! I felt tears prick my eyes as I stared at the floor. I touched the side of my face, feeling the imprint of his hand on my cheek.
"Obviously being locked up and alone hasn't cooled your temper, princess! So, we'll have to try something else."
I screamed into the night. Not a high pitched scream but a low one, letting out my frustration, stress and fears. Tears escaped my eyes and fell unbidden down my cheek and onto the floor as my screamed died from my throat. I wouldn't be treated like this! Where had this nightmare come from? Where had it started? What did I do to deserve this? Who was this man that beat woman, enslaved people and accused innocent outsiders?
"JAMES!"
I started as the man yelled.
"JAMES! Come here now!"
I turned and looked up at him. He was still looking down at me with that dark look in his eyes. I could barely make out what he looked like but his eyes glittered in the dark and they only spoke dark thoughts and intentions.
Suddenly the door flew open and Mr. Blakemore ran in and kneeled before his king, "Yes, you're Majesty?"
"You let her get away, did you? Did you help her escape?"
Mr. Blakemore looked confused for a second before his gaze landed on me. His eyes grew wide and fearful. He looked back up at his master before bowing his head as humbly as he could, "She escaped! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It will never happen again! I will take her back to the prison and swallow the key! I promise; it will be done!"
Silence.
"That won't be necessary, James," The king seemed calmer, "Now, take her to the torture chamber, she needs to be 'cut' down a few knots."
My eyes widened and I backed away from the two, "You cannot! You cannot! I won't let you!" I scrambled to my feet, "Mr. Blakemore, please!" I implored, "You can't obey this evil man, even if he is your king; you know I have done nothing wrong!"
Mr. Blakemore hesitated and I felt some relief.
The king growled, "Shut up, girl. You have no voice here!"
"I have just as much or more than you do, you Beast! I have something you don't have; I have respect from everyone that I know which puts me higher than you, SIR." I spat at him.
Suddenly he closed the space between us and had my neck in his grasp. I was shocked to find his nails, long and thick, digging into my neck. I gasped as I felt warm blood begin to trickle from the wounds he just created. I steadied my eyes and I tried to breathe and listen to him at the same time. He was so close I could see every dark flicker in his eyes, could feel his heavy breath on my cheeks. I examined his face and found that his hair was dark and long, his skin tan, and if it weren't for the darkness in his eyes and the scar on his jaw, I thought he would almost look daringly handsome.
"What makes you stare so?" His eyes shifted to mine, I imagine, trying to understand why 'I', the victim, was looking so intently and so focused on him.
For the first time, I saw curiosity in his eyes. It almost made him look human and good even. But I destroyed that thought and glared hatefully at him.
"No matter what you do, no matter what you say, no matter how long you keep me here, torture me. you can never take my soul. I hope you live with that forever in your memory. You thrive on controlling people, taking their lives and bending it to your will but I tell you this soul is out of your reach. I have something you can't take. ever."
His jaw clenched and his eyes turned murderous. But I wouldn't back down. I would not be treated as some common murderer or a thief. I could tell his pride was at stake and that gave me hope. I gasped once again as he tightened his hold on my throat. He wanted to kill me! I could see it in his eyes. They burned.
I grabbed onto his arm, trying to hold myself up, hold him at bay or something! My breath was becoming ragged and short. I felt my lungs burn and my eyes water.
Then, just like that, he swore loudly and dropped me. I lay on the floor greedily taking in air and coughing when I took too much at once. My eyes that were watery from his grip now cried in relief, pouring down my cheeks. I was alive-
.for now.
"Take her to the bathing chamber. She stinks."
"What?" I coughed and looked from Mr. Blakemore to the king who was now leaving the room.
Mr. Blakemore looked completely confused as well. Finally he turned and called out, "What should I do with her afterwards?"
The king paused in his steps, "Take her to my chambers."
My eyes widened. I wished I were dead.
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AN: Thanks for those following this story and for your emails and help! It would be great if you see any grammer problems, misspelled words, or confusing paragraphs to tell where and what the problem is. I try my best to edit all that out but I don't always catch everything and sometimes what I think is clear is not too clear to the reader. Also, if you see anything that sounds just "not right" or it could be better, please make some suggestions!
Thanks so much!
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