Dark Realm 73

It only took a few days for Isabella to realize her life was about survival. She kept her head down to try to blend into the background. Isabella barely spoke but she never stopped watching. Over the next week, Isabella knew which woman belonged where and who was doing their chores. Isabella dared not write everything down for fear of being found out, but Isabella came up with a system for Ottoline to find certain notes by his favorite apple tree.

“Hope, can I talk with you?” A scrawny woman whispered to Hope. The woman stared at Isabella who pretended not to be listening.

“She’s fine. Still in shock at what her life had been. It happened to all of us.”

“That stupid centaur claims I did not meet my quota today. I made all the biscuits. I counted them twice. I saw him shove a sweet biscuit into his mouth. Please, I’m so hungry. He claims I did not make the correct amount.”

“We can both be punished if we are caught.”

“I know please.”

Isabella watched Hope shuffle into the kitchen.

“Here.” Hope looked around before giving the woman a hunk of stale bread. Finish it quickly so we don’t end up on the fence.” Hope whispered.

“Thank you.” The woman mumbled.

“The hall is empty, get out of here, this is not your section.” Hope nudged the woman back to her section. The woman muttered hurrying down the hall.

Isabella sat in the dark corner with an evil grin on her face. She didn’t belong in this filthy room starving like an animal. She planned to inform the countess of all the wrongdoing of the other women. Two weeks after Isabella slipped Ottoline his final note, she was surprised to see him enter the dank room.

Ottoline stood at the top of the stairs staring down at them.

“What’s happening?” Isabella hid behind Hope.

“Sometimes she calls for certain women most times those women don’t come back. They wind up on the fence.”

“The fence?” Isabella whispered.

Ottoline smiled then pulled in the woman Hope helped with bread.

Isabella felt Hope’s heart pound.

“Do you think your every move is not being watched? You know the rules about not meeting your daily needs. It has come to my attention that some of you think you are better than our Countess. Some of you do not appreciate the life you have been given. Tell me who gave this wench bread without being counted?” Ottoline glanced around at the frightened women. “None of you dare to speak. I will get the answer. I always do.” Ottoline dragged the woman kicking and screaming from the large room.

“What’s happening now?” Isabella tried to sound scared.

“We pray.” Hope squeezed Isabella.

“This place scares me.” Isabella buried her face in Hope’s drab attire, not because she was crying, but instead, Isabella laughed.

Hope rubbed Isabella’s back. “It’s okay. Just do your chores. Stay vigilant.”

“Thank you.” Isabella wiped her face.

“Are you hungry?” Hope whispered.

“No, thank you.” Isabella smiled. “You’re so kind. I must finish my chores before Ottoline comes back.” Isabella dropped her head to finish washing her clothes.

Days after Ottoline plucked the woman from the room when he appeared again, this time he called out her name. “Isabella.” He bellowed.

Isabella felt everyone’s eyes boring into her. Isabella searched her Hope. “Please don’t let him take me?” She sobbed.

“It’s okay.” Hope rubbed her back. “You will survive. I will hold your bed for your return.” Hope caressed Isabella’s cheek.

“Isabella,” Ottoline yelled out.

“What should I do?” Isabella forced tears to run down her face.

“Do whatever she tells you to do? Understand?” Hope wiped her hair from her face.

“Thank you for trying to save me.” Isabella nodded then walked away with Ottoline.

“Where are we going?” Isabella asked. Ottoline kept silent as he walked down the dimly lit hallways. “This is your new room.” Ottoline pushed open the door to reveal a large stylish room with a sturdy four-poster bed.

“What is this?” Isabella stepped inside the room.

“I already told you; this is your room. You are no longer a slave. Dinner begins at dusk. Make sure you are clean. Dress properly. Tonight, you dine with the countess.”

Isabella swung open the doors of the closet. “Are these my dresses?” Isabella pulled out a navy blue dress with a plunging V-line.

“I will fetch you when it’s time. Stay in here until I return.” Ottoline closed the door behind him.

Once the door closed Isabella flopped on the soft bed. She kicked her legs in triumph. Isabella sat up. Taking one glance at her dirty attire she hopped off the bed. “No more of these.” Isabella stripped off the stinky clothes and then tossed them in the corner. In the bathroom, Isabella ran herself into a warm tub. “Amazing.” She sank in the hot water. Isabella remained in the tub until the coolness took over. She stepped from the tub to dry her body. Isabella pulled on the sensual indigo gown. She twirled in circles in front of a full mirror.

“Hello?” Ottoline knocked on the door. “Are you ready?”

Isabella ran her hands over the gown. “Yes.” Isabella opened the door.

“You smell much better.” Ottoline led the way down the hall.

“I wish I could say the same about you.” Isabella rubbed her nose.

“In there.” Ottoline directed Isabella to a table full of food. “I would watch your smart mouth. I’m sure I can find many objects to stuff down your throat.” Ottoline hissed before leaving Isabella standing in the doorway.

“Thanks for the tip,” Isabella smirked then went to sit at the table.

“You can leave us now.” The countess waved Ottoline away. “Good evening.” Elizabeth gestured to the empty chair. I wanted us to be able to speak alone. But please, eat.” Elizabeth pointed at the food on the table.

Isabella hesitated. Elizabeth laughed. “It is not poison; I assure you. I have this.” She held up a crystal goblet filled with a thick crimson substance.

“Thank you.” Isabella grabbed a turkey leg from the platter. The juicy meat dribbled down the corners of her mouth. “Sorry.” Isabella wiped her chin with a napkin.

“I guess this is better than stale bread.” Elizabeth giggled, sipping her drink.

“Yes, Countess. It has been a while. But may I ask why I’m here?”

“It is a reward for being faithful. I respect loyalty.”

“My reward?” Isabella took a sip of red wine.

“Slow down. A true lady chews her food.” Elizabeth instructed. “I will not tolerate thieves in my house. Whether it is my treasure or a piece of bread, but she knew about the missing bread.”

Isabella nodded.

“Explain the situation to me.” Elizabeth licked her pouty lips. “If you tell me the truth, I shall grant you your freedom.”

Isabella wiped her mouth. Her heart pounded as Elizabeth stood up to walk over to her.

“It was Hope.” Isabella turned to stare up at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth giggled. “Hope huh? Are you sure about that?”

“Yes, I was there when it took place.”

“Do you also know who is leaving notes for Ottoline to find?”

“Yes, ma’am. It is me.”

“You are very cunning. I like that.” Elizabeth nodded to Ottoline who disappeared from the archway. “How would you like to stay here with me? I get lonely. I mean Ottoline isn’t the smartest centaur. I do love long conversations.” Elizabeth placed her hands on Isabella’s bare shoulders. “This dress suits you. Will you be my companion?”

“Yes, I will be your companion.”

“Maybe you should hear my plans before pledging your life.”

“I would do anything to eat fresh food, drink clean spring water, and sleep on a real bed. I don’t care what I must do to attain it.”

“I see.” Elizabeth played in Isabella’s long purple locks.

“I pledge my life to you.”

“Good.” Elizabeth tilted Isabella’s neck to the side. Elizabeth plunged her razor-sharp fangs into Isabella’s succulent flesh.