Chapter 4 – Vengeance and a Broken Heart
"Have you seen my sketches?" asked Ann.
Liam nodded, "I have them. But do you mind if I kept it overnight? I want to see them in closer detail."
Ann laughed, "Sure, why not. As long as you promise to give them back."
"I will"
Early the next morning, Liam was in distress. He couldn't find Ann's drawings. He was sure he put them on his desk, but now they were gone. Ann is going to kill me! Liam searched his room frantically. When he couldn't find them, he decided to face her and tell her.
Ann was up early working, getting the castle ready. One of the cooks sent her to the dining hall to set the table for the nobles' breakfast. She casually entered the hall and her breath caught in her throat. Hot angry tears pricked the back of her eyes and threatened to spill.
Before she had time to react, Liam entered. She whirled to face him, about to question him.
"I – " she didn't get to finish because Briana and her group entered.
"Good morning," the princess said casually.
Ann looked at her, annoyed at being interrupted. Then she did a double take, there, clinging onto Briana's silk sleeve was a piece of parchment, there were black designs on it.
"You!" Ann stepped in front of the blonde girl.
"What about me?" asked Briana nonchalantly.
"Did you – " Ann gestured toward the dining hall floor, too full of anger and grief to finish.
"You have no proof."
Ann grabbed the piece of parchment off her sleeve, "How did you get this then?" Ann narrowed her eyes.
Briana flung her hands dramatically, "So what if I did, what are you going to do about it?"
Ann raised her arm as if to strike Briana, then she thought better of it and lowered it slowly.
"Why?" asked Ann in a carefully controlled cold voice, it took her some strength to control her urge to scream at the girl. "What have I ever done to you?"
"Don't take it seriously, it's just a joke," Briana fanned herself and waved to her friends, "Come on, let's leave, you too Liam."
Liam stood there. He remembered Ann's words. He took a look at the floor and wanted desperately to stand up for her. This time Briana had gone to far. But as hard as he tried, the words just wouldn't come out of his throat. Briana shook her head and left, her friends followed her.
Ann didn't want Liam to see her cry, so she hurried out of the dining hall, hiding her face.
Liam watched her leave. His heart went out to her. He cursed himself for being a coward and bent to pick up the ripped pieces of parchment that were Ann's drawings.
~*~
17th day, 8th month, year 20 of Queen Aireia.
I'm such a coward. I can't even stand up to Briana. I guess it's my crush on her, though I'm not sure if it still exists anymore. I still can't believe what she did to Ann though; those pieces of art are her life. I can tell how hard she worked on them, and they are gone in an instant under Briana's jealousy. I can't believe Briana would be so hard to someone, just because she wasn't the centre of attention last night.
It's all my fault! Ann trusted me with her art, the things she treasure the most. And I failed her. Not only did I fail her trust, I failed to act as a friend would.
Now Ann probably won't even talk to me. I saw her under our maple tree this morning. Her face was buried, but she shoulders were shaking. I wanted so much to go over and comfort her, but I was called to my lessons. I don't even know why I want to please her so bad. She is just a servant girl. But a servant girl like no other. She is not afraid to stand up and most of all, she understands that I could be a good person.
I hope she would talk to me someday. Maybe she will. I will try to fix her art with some sticky tree sap, it won't be good as new, but at least I would try.
Liam
~*~
isn't Briana such a jerk? anyway, you keep reviewing, and i'll keep writing.
