By late morning, we have a dozen fish, five rabbits and, best of all, a gallon of strawberries. After shooting the buck, Bela and I headed towards the stream where I showed her how to fish with the bow, and she discovered the patch of berries a stone's throw away. Put it all together with the buck, the trek back to the castle would've been miserable without her help.

Not that I said as much. Especially when I'm the one lugging the deer back towards the castle, Bela holding the strawberries and fish while the rabbits dangle from my belt.

The only benefit is that I'm just dragging him across the ground as compared to carrying him on my shoulders. Here, I don't have to worry about the quality of the fur – I'm not selling it, and if any of the Dimitrescu Family wants its hide, I'm sure the other servants will do a splendid job tanning it.

"That was an impressive shot, I meant to tell you." Bela suddenly chimes as she hops over a rock.

"What? When?" The only shot I can think of are the ones I did at the stream. It took me many days of repetition to perfect that skill; especially that damned refraction when aiming.

"The buck. it was impressive."

I know I'm really used to many compliments, but I snort. "I thought you meant the fish. The buck was a pretty basic shot."

"I know, but something about you shooting him was impressive. The way you shot him compared to how you shot the fish was different."

My brows narrow. "How do you mean?"

Bela shrugs. "There was this, viciousness, in your eyes. You looked like you were seeing a ghost."

I drown the still-floating memory. I don't say anything, not wanting to have this conversation, not with her. "So, what am I to do once we get back? Do I follow you around like some lost puppy?"

Bela doesn't say anything about my change of subject, thankfully. "If we're being honest, I don't really care. I consider myself very low maintenance, and I like my privacy. I don't really need a person catering to my every whim."

"Could've fooled me." I murmur, but at least she chuckles. "Then why bother asking me at all?"

"Because my sisters break so many of our new toys, and as I've mentioned before: you're the first thing in this castle that doesn't bore me. and I don't want that ruined so soon."

I bite my lip. "I'm . . . honored?"

"You should be." She says with a coy smile and a little bounce in her shoulder.

We clear the incline of the hill to the top and I can see the horses down below. I tighten my rope on the buck. I don't want him sliding down the hill, and dragging me with him.

"Then, what am I supposed to do? Won't your mother have my head if she sees me doing nothing?"

"Not if you keep to your room."

"So I'm just supposed to sit on my ass doing nothing?"

Another shrug of her shoulder. "I thought you would be joyous. You get some time to yourself, and to relax."

"You don't seem like the kind of person to let the servants relax." Though, she is the one who is known to be more level-headed. Come to think of it, her visit is a rarity compared to her sisters. "Besides, I feel like I almost need something to do at this point."

"You can't sit still?"

I give a jerk of my chin, shoulders too strained to signal. "I made a promise," I say, my tone chipped. "To my father, when he died. That I'd look after my family. After Lacy. That I'd take care of her. All I have done, every single day, every hour, has been for that vow. It's the whole reason why I took this job to begin with. For the money. For the better life I might be able to give my little sister."

"You are not breaking your vow – you are fulfilling it, and then some, and by doing nothing for once. Your sister is better cared for now than she was when you were there. Besides, I have plans for you in the evening."

"Which is?"

Bela's quiet for a few paces, then she says, "Once it's time for bed, I'd like you to sing for me."

I stop dead in my tracks, dropping the buck with a heavy thud. "You made me your personal servant, just so I can sing to you?"

The eldest daughter hides no shame as she bats her eyes. "Sing me to sleep with a lullaby."

"You're joking."

"Would you rather I have you do something else?"

I bite my lip, tucking a strand of my cornsilk hair behind my ear. Really, what was I arguing about? Here she is, offering a chance to have time for me. A chance at an easy life. To do my, chores for the day and then the rest of the time is mine. I could do anything, within reason, and within the bounds that Lady Dimitrescu doesn't behead me.

Bela folds her arms and purse her lips. "Well? What do you want, Erika?"

"I want to go home." I murmur.

"Home to what, exactly? You'd prefer that miserable human existence to this?"

I rub at my chest. "At least at home, I know I'll live to see another sunrise. I just wish I could see her. Make sure she's okay. I've never been away from her for more than a few hours."

"You left her incapable hands, didn't you?"

"Of course I did."

"Then what are you worried for? She's cared for – she's fed and comfortable."

"I'm worried about the money running out. I'm worried about being a burden to her guardian. They never asked for us, despite the gracious acceptance. I never planned on staying here forever." I stop myself short. I don't want her sabotaging my chances of getting money to Lacy –

"Well, you'll be here a while if you keep sending most of your earnings to her."

My eyes widen, stomach sinking to the point I might vomit. I abruptly fall to my knees.

Beg – I would beg her to forgive me for lying, for conspiring behind her and her mother's back with Duke.

Duke . . . he wouldn't have betrayed me, would he? Was he really as cold and conniving as everyone else in this village –

Bela eyes me sidelong. "I stole one of your letters when Duke wasn't looking. You nearly gave away your whole check to Luiza."

Those letters have everything about Luiza. About Lacy, and Elena – "Please. Please, Bela, I beg of you –"

"Oh stop. I've already discussed it with Mother. She's agreed to mail the woman a portion of your check by the end of each month."

It stuns me enough that I don't say anything for a moment as she walks over and lifts me to my feet. She tucks a strand of hair behind my other ear. Her hands smell of dried bark.

"All you had to do was ask. You didn't really think this through, did you?"

I can't stop my shaking. "I – I was afraid there would be repercussions."

"Of course there's going to be a charge for mailing it to her, in addition to the sum coming out of your earnings. From what you were giving your sister, you'd barely have enough to buy another arrow. Let alone secure yourself a sustainable future. I told mother to least split it fifty-fifty."

With what I'm earning now as the castle hunter . . . it's more than enough. I turn and lean against a tree as my mind starts to spin. Realities and truths winding and weaving like a web.

All I've cared about is Lacy, and keeping my vow to my father. I thought I could just send her money in secret, but it seems Lady Dimitrescu has promised to send Luiza half of my earnings by the end of each month. And I'd still have enough to spend on myself – for, whatever reason.

I didn't think I'd need the money but – if there is some kind of charge she's putting on my using her resources . . .

Still, if this is true, then . . . then it is beyond anything I've ever dared hope for.

Lacy and Luiza are cared for. The money is being sent. With what I earn, combined with Luiza and her husband's, they might not even have to touch my father's insurance. Meanwhile, I'd be living here, in the heart of luxury – no matter if I'm being charged for using such utilities.

I'm comfortable. Lacy is comfortable. Luiza is financially stable.

Then . . . my vow to my father is fulfilled.

My life is now owned by the Dimitrescu Family, but . . . perhaps I've been freed in another sort of way.

Bela stalks towards the horses, and I give her a wide berth before falling into step behind her. I don't look at her as I say, "I should speak with your mother."

She whirls to me, brows lifted. She takes a deep breath. "I admire your bravery and honor, but it's already been handled, Erika."

"I should speak to her." I repeat. "She needs to hear my apology, my reason."

Bela keeps her back to me as she loads the berries and fish into the sacks strapped to the saddle. "The fact that you're still alive says enough. Just let it go."

I step up to her, careful of the horse's flank. "It's better to do it now before she uses it against me."

Bela whirls to me, the skirt of her dress flaring before snapping at her legs. "You've been told what she does to servants for the slightest inconvenience. The only reason she left you alive is because I asked her to."

"Then let me prove to her I am deserving of you." the wording sounds, odd once they're out, but there's no other way to describe it. "I need to prove to her why you like me so much. If this helps in that, then fine. Besides, turning tail and running sounds worse."

Bela sighs in aggravation as she shakes her head. She turns and grips the reins of the horse, detaching it from the branch. She looks to me. "Wait until lunch, so I can be there. And Cassandra and Daniela."

"Why –?"

"If my sisters are there, there's a chance she'll pass the punishment onto them. And that's the more preferred option. My mother isn't as kind as we are."

I swallow past my tight throat. "I don't doubt that. Okay."

With a nod, she mounts her horse, and I make quick work strapping the buck to the horse before leading the two back on foot. I feel bad for the horse having to both mine and the buck's weight, even if I pale in comparison. Still, I use the walk to think about what I'm going to say to Lady Dimitrescu.

During that entire trek, the best conclusion I can come to is to just be honest. No sense in burying myself deeper in more lies. Besides, Bela already told her everything. I might as well keep to the clean slate.

We make it back to the castle sooner than I expected, and the stablegirls squeal when they behold the buck. I insist that I'll take care of it, and Bela dismounts and departs with barely a word. She might think I'm stupid for wanting to face Dimitrescu, but I need to keep my position of her Lady's Maid secure if I want to keep my earnings as well. And yes, there might be a little bit of pride involved. Maybe it'll give Dimitrescu something about me to like.

I drop off the entirety of our harvest to the kitchen, too distracted to bother hearing anything Kathryn mumbled my way. Gretta spared me a chirped greeting, her skin paling at the blood on me and the far-seeing gaze of the buck.

Someone must've mentioned something about skinning because the next thing I knew, I'm peeling the fur off of the buck and sawing off the antlers. Once that's finished, I head back to my rooms where I wash my hands and re-braid my hair, but I don't bother changing my clothes. Helga doesn't come to see me, and I don't bother trying to summon her.

During the passing hours that I wasn't in the bathroom vomiting my guts up, I'm pacing back and forth trying to keep my body moving as the time rolls around to lunch. All the while, my heart never slowed under ninety miles a minute.

The clock on the fireplace mantle startles me as it rings noon.

And I spare a quick prayer to whatever gods there are left, before heading down to the dining room.

Standing in front of the pale wood doors, I fist my hands at my side to hide their trembling.

Just get it over with. Whatever happens, happens. I did deserve it, even if my lies had been fueled by my own selfish just, and mistrust.

I raise my hand and knock on the door. For a split second, I see the front door to my house, and I almost expect to hear my mother stomping towards them.

But beyond, I can hear the muffled laughter hush.

"Come in." Lady Dimitrescu chimes.

I push open the door and step inside.

The dining table is covered with food, Dimitrescu sipping from her crimson glass, and the daughters seated as they had been the first time I met them. Cassandra's smile stretches into a wide grin, Daniela licking her lips upon my entering. Dimitrescu turns in her chair, and I make my way to the head of the table, my back to the door leading into the kitchen.

"Erika, there you are. I was wondering where you'd been. I was afraid Bela had gotten a little too excited with you." Lady Dimitrescu lilts.

I waste no time bowing low at the waist. "I've come to apologize, My Lady."

A moment's pause. "For what, darling?"

I don't rise. "I want to apologize for going behind your back, and trying to send money to my family without your consent."

"Ah, so that's what this is about."

At least Bela gave me the honor of coming to her first.

"Rise, dear."

I do. I steel my spine as I find four golden gazes upon me like I'm a roasted pig.

"May I ask why you conspired behind my back?"

I didn't do anything to try and usurp her power – I just wanted to send money to my sister. But I bite my tongue. "I didn't trust you to send my sister the money – not without collecting it back for yourself, or without adding a charge that I could not afford."

I take a deep breath, but even that rattles my chest.

"That's a very bold claim to make, my dear."

"It's the truth."

Cassandra's laugh cracks the tension like glass. "Oh, I'm looking forward to what mother has in store for you!"

"Mother's scary." Daniela follows.

The following silence is suffocating.

I try not to flinch as Lady Dimitrescu stands from the table. Bela, seated beside her, sucks in a breath.

I can't speak; if I start talking again, my trembling voice will betray me. I can't endure that kind of humiliation.

"Have I not been kind to you, my dear?" Lady Dimitrescu asks softly.

My palms begin sweating. It was worth it, I keep telling myself. It's no different than anything I've done in the past two years – risking my life for my little sister. No matter what is about to happen, I'll never regret doing it.

"You have, My Lady. You've granted me the blessing of breath each day, and I took advantage of that. I was disobedient and disrespectful, and completely remorseless about what I did."

"It's not worth your time mother," Bela cut in, and I flash her a warning glare. "I had already told you what happened and—"

"Stay out of this, Bela dear," Dimitrescu growls.

Bela opens her mouth to object, but Dimitrescu silences her with a sharp snap of her fingers. Helga steps forward. Lady Dimitrescu keeps her eyes on me as she says, "Get Gretta, Nadine, and Bianca."

This isn't a good sign. I keep my face neutral, though, as Dimitrescu continues watching me. Neither I nor Bela dare speak in the long minutes that pass. I try not to shake.

Lady Dimitrescu asks, with that same killing calm, "What have you got to say for yourself, little kitten?"

I look her in those golden, devouring eyes. "I did what I had to do to protect my sister. I'd like to think you'd do the same for your daughters."

The kitchen door opens. At last, the three scullery maids — all thin, and lively, and beautiful, file in.

"Shut the door," Dimitrescu says to Bianca, the last one to enter. Then she tells the daughters, "Hold her."

Instantly, Gretta is dragged across the room, her arms pinned back by Daniela. Bela takes a step in front of them, her sickle shimmering. I didn't even hear them move.

"No," I breath as I meet Gretta's wide-eyed stare. Dimitrescu would be that cruel — she would make me watch as she hurt Gretta. Another servant punished for my ignorance.

Something tight and aching builds in my throat.

But I keep my head high, even as Lady Dimitrescu says quietly to me, "You are not going to enjoy this. You will not forget this. And I don't want you to."

I whip my head back to Gretta, a plea for Bela not to hurt her on my lips.

Wood groans next to me and I whirl around only a heartbeat before Cassandra strikes me.

I topple to the floor, stunned from the pain, and don't have time to raise myself properly before Cassandra grabs me by the collar and swings again, her fist connecting with my cheek.

Light and darkness reel.

Another blow, hard enough that I feel the warmth of my blood streaming down my chin before I feel the pain.

Bones crunch - my bones.

Crunch, crack.

I become her punching bag, absorbing blow after blow, my bones screaming in agony.

Maybe I'm screaming in agony, too.

Or perhaps it's Gretta echoing around my hollowing mind. But Cassandra hits me again. I taste blood, but I don't fight back, don't dare to. Gretta is torn between cowering and whimpering, Bianca and Nadine huddled in the corner sobbing. Bela holds firm, putting a warning arm in front of Gretta to block her path.

Cassandra hits me — my ribs, my jaw, my gut. And my face.

Again and again and again.

Careful blows—blows meant to inflict as much pain as possible without doing permanent damage. I still needed to work. And Gretta keeps roaring, shouting words I can't quite hear over the agony.

Blood sprays from my mouth, its metallic tang coating my tongue.

The last thing I remember is a pang of guilt at the sight of my blood staining Dimitrescu's exquisite red carpet.

And then darkness, blissful darkness, full of relief that they didn't hurt Gretta.