Eighteen

Chapter IV ~ Sneaking Around ~ Part I

Princess Crimson
December 5, 1806
12:47 am

After He told me to stand still and not move a muscle, I knew I had to do exactly not that. Maybe it was my only chance of exploring the castle and maybe even try to leave this place for good. I knew that there was a risk of getting caught by this guy, but I couldn't care less at this point. Truth is, I knew that I wasn't going to go far by exploring. But I had to as much as possible. Maybe King Caspian would occupy a lot of his time in order for me to have more time. Although it did bother me that King Caspian was paying this evil magician a visit. But there was nothing I could change about it.

While I was walking through the hallway, I suddenly came back to a familiar room.

Why am I back in this room? And who is that? Before me stood a girl with blonde hair and a tattoo on her arm. I walk up the stranger.

"Who are you? What happened to you?" I blurt out. She didn't answer me nor did she look at me. Her eyes were glued to the red walls. Then I noticed that she was wearing the same choker I wore. Why didn't she answer me? Maybe she was the only one that could give me an answer. So I had no other choice but to-

"Hello? Hello?" I shouted loudly. Her cold eyes darted to me and she put a finger over her lips, hushing me. "So you are indeed able to hear me? Why didn't you answer me?"

"Please be quiet, I am not allowed to speak to anyone." She whispers.

"Why? Who are you?" I keep asking her questions.

"If I tell you, will you be quiet and leave?" She asks me.

"You can count on it."

"My name is Rita." Rita? The girl Mindi and that guy talked about . . . "I started working in The Lord's castle because my family needed money. I have been here now for a few months, offering myself in exchange for money. Mother Mindi trained me how to please The Lord just like the others but it seems she is not very happy with me." She takes a breath. "I can only assume but I think she talked to The Lord about her dissatisfaction as I had to please him yesterday evening. As I walked into The Lord's chamber, he wasn't there. So naturally, I waited and prepared myself. I waited for many hours when he finally arrived. As I wanted to start pleasing The Lord, he became very angry and yelled at me."

"Please don't tell me he touched you, Rita!" I interrupt.

"He didn't. He doesn't do that. But his anger and rejection not only intimated but confused me. I don't know what I did wrong. I just wish I knew as I really need the money for my family. I think he mentioned something about him being bored and unsatisfied by the same old methods."

"Really?" I ask.

"For my punishment, he paralyzed my legs and forced me to stand in this corner ever since." I gasp at Rita's words.

"I'm so sorry." I whisper. "Isn't there anything I can do to help you?"

"Watch out for yourself, dear. If The Lord isn't in charge or control, he tends to lose his temper very quickly. Please leave."

"Thank you, Rita. You are a strong person. You will survive." And I leave.

Well that was terrible. That poor girl offered herself just to save her family. She has to suffer because of his anger issues. And why was he so angry with her? She only did what she was taught. What is wrong with him? Who is this guy? I continue walking and suddenly I'm in the same room as The Great Master and King Caspian.

"Dearest king, what brings you here to waste my time?" I hear The Great Master ask. Maybe if I keep quiet, I can eavesdrop. And why was The Great Master dressed so differently? "Tell me why you are wasting my time Caspian."