The Beautiful Ones

Chapter 4

"You seem tired. Did you not sleep well?" Sally asked, picking at her dinner of fruits and vegetables while reclining on the edge of her bed.

Although the entire day had gone by and it was almost dusk, we still wore our only nightgowns and some sort of delicate slippers. Sally seemed content to lay about, lounging on her bed, bathing in the large tub and eating whenever they brought meals, but I was close to losing my mind.

When I'd asked for a book to read at the midday meal, the maid had brought me the typical sort of material we'd had back at the compound...the history of agriculture or some such nonsense.

Pacing back and forth all day, I thought I might go insane. It had taken only a few hours for Sally to settle into this life of spoils and wealth. In her eyes we were owed these riches, and this was what we must get used to. But how could I possibly get used to doing nothing?

"No," I said softly, glancing back out the windows. The maid said we needed our rest for tonight's festivities. As I thought about what those festivities might include, the memory of that scream came to mind. "No, I didn't sleep well."

How could I sleep? The screaming, the maids and their odd comments, but most of all Thanatos. I hadn't dared to rest and my body had grown exhausted and numb, my mind spinning with confusion. When Sally had stretched awake this morn, saying she'd had the best sleep ever, I'd envied her. Why couldn't I sleep? Why couldn't I stop hearing the screams? Why couldn't I stop wondering about what was out there and be content with what I had? Always searching, always needing more.

"Well, I slept better than I have in weeks!" She snatched up a grape, popped it into her mouth and flung herself back onto the bed. "Although, I must admit that I'd prefer some bacon or ham."

She picked up another grape, only to look at it in disgust and toss it toward the hearth. "Ugh. I wonder why we've been fed no meat. Perhaps they don't like to kill animals?"

She laughed, as if the idea was ridiculous. For some reason I shivered at the thought. Sally had placed the beautiful ones upon a pedestal. To her they were the gods I'd read about in my books. But if they were so caring, why had I heard the screams? Why did Thanatos have a scar across his face? And why had we been living in squalor?

"Perhaps."

She sighed and sat up, her long brown hair falling in waves around her narrow face. "Jane, I will not let you and your dark thoughts ruin this for me." She stood, flinging her arms wide. "Look around you! Cheer up, we should be happy!"

But it took more than plush beds and warm fireplaces to keep me happy. There was a soft knock upon the door right before it opened.

The maid we'd been assigned yesterday stepped inside, two white gowns in hand. "It's time to dress."

"Dress for what?" I asked warily.

Sally shot me a look, as she rushed forward, eager to please. "What beautiful gowns!"

"What for?" I repeated stubbornly. After overhearing her speaking to the other maid last night, I knew she was hiding something. And when she dropped her gaze to the floor, avoiding my eyes, my suspicions were confirmed.

"The celebrations, of course," she muttered. "Leave on your slippers."

I frowned. They'd been celebrating last night when I'd heard the screams, when Thanatos had warned me to return to my room and lock the door. "Celebrations?"

"Jane," Sally said, pulling her nightgown over her head and tossing it to the bed so that she stood in only her underclothing. "Do as you're told."