Chapter 12 Just the two of us
CHAPTER 12.
\-LILITH-
Since I couldn't sleep after finishing the laundry with Beta Lucien's help, I decided to take a quiet walk around the palace.
Maybe I just feel a little bit restless and some fresh air will do the tricks of calming me down.
While taking a walk around the palace, I came across a small river.. something I never knew existed.
I loved the view and under the bright moon and stars, the water looked refreshing and I couldn't stop myself from wanting to swim a little.
Looking around, I was sure no one was present.. All I could see were trees and dry leaves.
I took off my clothes and went in naked. The water settled up to my waistline. I relaxed, letting the cool water flow over my skin.
I loved every bit of it and it took me back to old times with my father. He taught me how to love the water and how to swim.
I remained there for a while but suddenly, the air around me changed.. A familiar scent hit my nostrils.
“Alpha Damian?” Lena called out loud in my head.
That made me turn around.. my eyes searched everywhere around but there's no one.
But, I feel like I'm being watched…Or maybe it's just my hallucinations getting the best of me.
“There's no one here, Lena…” I told her.
“I kinda miss him…”
“Don't miss him, Lena. He's an Alpha and has nothing to do with us”
“But he's…”
“That's enough, Lena. Let's just face reality. This is who we are.. who do you think would want us? Sylas rejected us simply because he's the Beta's son… Do you think an Alpha would want anything to do with us? Let's snap out of wonderland and face reality..” I cut her off.
Perhaps, my words cut her deep.
She whined, going silent. I feel bad that I had to snap at her that way but that's the damn truth about our life.
“I'm sorry you have to share this body with me Lena… You deserve better than what you're getting from me” I told her but got no response… I'm certain she heard me.
I got off the water, put my clothes on and headed back to the palace.
But, there was something strange.. I saw a shadow looming around the palace. It was just brief and it made me question if I really saw something or if it was just an imagination.
I took a closer look to where I saw the shadow and there was nothing there.
With a sigh, I left to the slave quarters and to my room.
As soon as I laid down, my body relaxed and I'm soon overwhelmed by how exhausted I was from the day's activities.
I knew I needed to get some rest even though I have just a few hours until morning. And by the time I wake up, I'd have more chores from Nerida to do.
Closing my eyes, I let mother nature take over while reminding myself that Aloha Damian is of a different social class than mine and nothing would ever happen between us
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Morning came faster than I imagined… The first chores Nerida asked me to do was to fill the jars.
I've always done that back at my stepmother's but this is quite different… The trip to the well and back is bone breaking. And the wooden buckets.. heavier than my muscles can handle.
But, I have no choice but to do it to avoid getting into more trouble with Nerida.
After about ten trips to the well, I couldn't take it anymore but had to sit on the stairs and take a deep breath.
I began to massage my feet because they ache from walking to and fro.
But luck really isn't on my side today because I barely got enough rest when Nerida showed up.
She's always watching me like a hawk.
“Get up, you fool”
I stood up, holding the bucket as tightly as I could.
“What do you think you're doing?”
“I was just trying to get some rest,” I responded.
“And, who told you that you could rest? You are under my surveillance… On no account should you rest when I don't ask you to. You still have some jars to fill…. Get to it”
I took a step but stopped and turned to her. There's something I really need to say.
“Why are you taking out your frustrations on me? Among every other maid.. you over work me the most”
“That's because I hate your guts.. No one dares speak to me the way you do and I hate every bit of it” She gritted out but I remained standing.
I'm not scared of her but I just want to get things out of my chest.
“You're not God, Nerida… You're just the head maid. And before, you were also a slave just like me and you still are. The only favour you have is because you obtained favor from the royal family. Still, there's no difference”
“The nerve!!” She growled angrily.
“Excuse me…”
I walked past her. I thought she'd grab my hair, pull me back and land slaps on my face but none of that happened.
I exhaled a deep sigh of relief when I'd gotten away from her.. grateful I had the courage to tell her that.
I know this might not change anything but at least, she has to know that I'm being unfailingly punished.
“Lilith..” I turned when I heard Becky's voice.
She was holding a tray of food but she looks like someone who is in a lot of pain
“Becky.. Are you okay? What's wrong?” I asked.
“Please, Lilith.. Kindly do me a favor”
“Okay.. what's that?” I asked, placing the bucket I down and holding her, but she passed me the tray instead.
“I'm meant to serve Alpha Damian his breakfast but I can't… I'm in a lot of pain. my tummy hurts and I think it's my monthly cramps.. I can't serve him looking like this, what if I mess things up..”
Becky.. she could barely stand and her face contoured with displeasure from the pan she's feeling.
“What?..”
“Please, Lilith. Do this for me and I promise, I owe you one. Alpha Damian is in his study room. Thanks alot..”
She scurried off before I could react.. but there's no way I was going to refuse helping her either way.
However, my only problem is serving Alpha Damian. I have been so glad not seeing him these past few days…
And now, a situation offers itself on a platter of gold without me asking for it.
I'm about to serve him breakfast in his study room…. And it's going to be just the both of us.
I bite my lower lips as nervousness hits me.