***Sequel to The Choice, Can't be Read as a Standalone***
The competition is over and Amancio has shown his true colours. The Dark Lords have taken over Aridia and half of the nobles- including Princess Barbara have been kidnapped. Along with the fa...
"She certainly has an appetite," Allegra nodded towards me and I paused, my mouth filled with food.
Now, Ashley, Carlos, Allegra and Brennon's eyes were on me.
"You're making her nervous, Allegra," Brennon elbowed her and she rolled her eyes.
"I remember how astonished the other Nobles' Daughters were when we had our first meal together," Allegra said, her previously bright eyes were now dim. It hurt to think about the fact that most of those Ladies were either dead or missing. Despite how much I thought I hated it then, I would give anything to be back in that moment- my only worry being how to escape the competition.
"I had to admit, I was surprised myself," Carlos chuckled, in an attempt to lighten the mood. "I'd never seen a Lady with the appetite of a 40 year old farmer."
I swatted Carlos' arm, rolling my eyes. "I do not have the appetite of a 40 year old farmer."
"Oh no, Carlos is going to go soft on us now," Allegra huffed.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Carlos raised an eyebrow.
"Now that the love of your life, Madeline, is back in your arms," Allegra mocked, putting her callused hands against her forehead in a wistful motion.
I tried hard not to blush. And failed.
"You're making her uncomfortable, Allegra," Ashley fought the smile that tugged at her lips.
The conversation was interrupted by someone clearing their throat.
A man stood at the edge of the table, his hands in his pockets. He looked about 50 years old, his hair was already turning white. Everything about him, except his warm eyes, seemed stern and no-nonsense.
"Kamwe," Ashley greeted. "Madeline, this is Kamwe- he's the Camp Leader. Kamwe, this is Madeline."
I reached across the table and shook Kamwe's hand, which was surprisingly soft.
"I'm glad you're with us now, Madeline. I cannot imagine what you must have been through. But I hope that with you here, we will succeed in reclaiming Aridia," Kamwe nodded.
"Any updates, Kamwe?" Carlos asked.
"Amancio's forces are still out looking for Madeline, I believe her disappearance has frazzled him a bit- his guard has lowered- but only by a little. By now, he must have put the pieces together- he knows we have her," Kamwe explained.
A chill ran down my spine at the mention of Amancio.
"So he knows where I am?" I asked, trying not to sound as alarmed as I actually was.
"No, Madeline. He does not know where The Dark Bloods' camp is, but he is definitely looking for it."
"We'll make him pay, we'll make that bastard Amancio pay," Allegra clenched her jaw.
***
"You must be exhausted," Ashley said, in an attempt to fill the silence that grew with every step, as we walked towards the main building.
"Surprisingly, I'm not all that tired," I lied. It felt like my limbs would collapse at any moment.
"She's Madeline Prowess," A woman whispered into the ears of another woman I assumed was her friend.
I let out a breath. Great.
"Ignore them. You're the only entertainment they've gotten in months," Ashley and I started up the long line of stairs.
"Except I'm not entertainment," I muttered.
"This is your room," Ashley stood outside a door on the 3rd floor. "I've had someone give you some clothes- if you want to get cleaned up. Meal times are posted on the billboard on your way out of the building."
Ashley turned to leave before I touched her hand, awkwardly.
"Wait, Ashley," I said. "Thank you, really."
She offered me a small smile, then nodded before leaving.
I pushed the door handle down and walked into the room. It was small, extremely small with a decent sized bed in the middle. The colours were generic, greys, blacks, whites. Nothing special.
I fell back against the bed. This would be home for a while.
Attached to the room was an even smaller bathroom. I couldn't imagine what I smelled like. I peeled off my grimy dress and reveled in the feeling of the lukewarm water on my skin.
The tears came soon after.
They were more tears of frustration than anything else and no matter how hard I tried to stop them, they kept coming.
I wrapped a towel around myself, my limp hair dripping wet.
I open the door to the room and I'm met with no other than Carlos, unbuttoning his shirt.
"Carlos!" I shrieked, gripping my towel tighter.
"Madeline!" Carlos shielded his eyes.
"What are you doing here?" I demanded, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.
"What do you mean, 'what are you doing here?', this is my room."
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guys.... I know, I know, I went ghost for a long time and I'm soooo sorry.
I was just a bit stuck with this chapter :(
But I'm good now and I'm on summer so that means more updates!
I hope all of you are doing well, don't forget to vote, share and comment!
