A Dragon for Aurelija

Chapter 20 The Room

Relly slept soundly, all her dancing had taken it toll and she had been very tired. She did not hear the door lock click or the door open. She did not hear the steps approaching Nick's bed or feel the covers being pulled back, but she did feel the pain as the thick leather strap struck her back. Relly woke suddenly as the painful strikes of the strap rapidly landed on her back, her bottom and her thighs. She did not even have a chance to cry out when her hair was seized and she was pulled out of the bed falling onto the floor. She was kicked in the stomach and face as she rolled into a protective ball as more blows from the strap landed on her face, her breast and her ribs. Relly tried desperately to protect her eyes from the strap. Then she was unceremoniously hauled to her feet and she saw Drusilla standing there, her face contorted with hate and rage. "I CAUGHT YOU PHOEBE, YOU LOW BORN LITTLE SLUT!" Drusilla began dragging Relly out of the room by her hair. Relly gained her feet and was shoved toward the attic steps as more blows from the strap hit her. Relly stumbled on the steps as she was forced to climb and she received numerous vicious blows and kicks until she was again climbing. The blows kept coming in a furious assault. Once in the attic she crossed the dusty floor in a run still receiving blows until she reached a punishment room. Drusilla with the strength of a mad woman forced her through the door and locked it. Relly sat on the floor of the tiny dark room with her back to the wall. She flexed her legs huddling with her legs drawn to her chest and her ankles crossed and her arms around her legs. She rested her chin on her knees and wept.

Relly had no idea how long she sat in the dark but a flickering light was visible from under the door as foot steps sounded. "Little Bird it's me Marta and Edith."

"Have you come to let me out?"

"The countess has kept the keys but we got you food and some tea." They slipped the food under the door, "She forbade us to bring you anything but she is asleep now."

"Thank you I'm starving," Relly ate the sandwich and sipped the tea. Edith removed the chamber pot and brought her a clean one.

"Is there anything else I can bring you?" Edith asked.

"Could I have a slip and my kaftan...oh! And one of my fans. And could I have a blanket."

"We are so sorry this happened," Edith said, "just sit tight and I'm sure she will let you out."

"She's quite mad," Relly said softly, "she thinks I'm Phoebe. I'm probably stuck here until Nick or Charles comes home." Edith brought Relly her slip, kaftan and a blanket. She also brought her her bright dragon tessen. Relly passed her now empty tray beneath the door. "Thank you," she whispered. "Don't get caught on my account."

"If your still here tonight we'll bring you another tray," Mari said. "Did she beat you?"

"Yes, but I'll mend. I was in bed sleeping when she started beating me," Relly said. She decided to leave out who's bed she was in and why she was naked in the punishment room. She was grateful they did not ask.

"I have some Arnica," Marta whispered, "I brought you a dose and some cream."

"Yes, I would appreciate that and I appreciate you bringing me food and tea." Relly had silent tears of gratitude running down her cheeks, "thank you again." She heard James whisper, "Edna said it's all clear." Apparently he was stationed at the door and the other servants were risking everything to give her aid. More tears spilled on the floor as Relly realized she was not alone.

The next morning she heard the approach of Drusilla. She would recognize the sound of her steps forever. "I caught you at last Phoebe! Caught you in the act."

"I'm Aurelija, and I was alone when you caught me."

"I've been watching you Aurelija, watching you trying to seduce Charles. Leaving your hair down and dressing immodestly. Showing your feet. Smiling all the time like a harlot."