Daria was hurrying across the stone corridor. It was cloudy and the cold wind came in the high windows, penetrating her clothes. In order to avoid Afia, she had left late for her lesson. She thought she would find only empty corridors. But soon she heard voices behind her and hurried up, without the courage to look back.
She was innocent to believe that Afia would forget about her after what happened on the beach. On the contrary. She had gone too far, and nothing happened. She was increasingly certain that she could torment her without suffering any retaliation. When Daria woke up in her room, after two days in the infirmary, she noticed a note thrown under the door. She unfolded it with her trembling hands, and read: "That was close, bitch".
Her heart raced when she heard Sybilla's voice behind her. She wasn't always with Adaeze, but they were close friends and might as well be together. She heard giggling at the end of the hall.
Damn.
She decided to let go of all her pride, and ran, pressing the books against her body. When she saw Mr. Theirn's classroom, she did not slow down. The lesson had already begun, and all the other girls were surprised at her abrupt entry.
- Miss Ainsley - greeted the teacher, visibly shocked by her behavior.
- Sorry I'm late, sir - she improvised while trying to catch her breath.
- Please take a seat, miss - answered Theirn.
Daria heard mocking whispers as she passed the tables and sought a free place. She realized, perplexed, that Hannah was watching her from the back of the room. Unlike the other girls, she did not laugh, nor was she surprised. She just followed her with her eyes, the serious face, the perfect posture.
This was the first time Daria saw Hannah since she saved her life. She hadn't been able to thank her yet, but something was telling her that Hannah wouldn't want her to do it publicly.
- Daria - called Mabel, indicating a seat reserved for her. - Is everything okay? What happened?
- Nothing, nothing... I was just late - she replied, looking down at the books, while sitting next to Miss Narayama. She still had some pride left.
***
The cold woke Christine. She looked around and realized that the servant had pulled and wrapped herself in her blanket. The maid in her bed was tall, thin, her ebony skin glowed reflecting the light of the moon. Her curly hair fell on her face and covered her eyes. She was a great distraction the night before, but now Chris wished to be alone.
She threw the long purple nightdress on top of her naked body and opened the bedroom door, preventing the little servants' bell from ringing, and walked barefoot down the stone corridor. Without knocking, she entered Hannah's room, and found her lying on the chair, her feet on the coffee table and a stack of maps beside her. Chris let out a smile.
She knew her friend would be awake. It was comforting to know someone to the point of predicting their actions. Hannah watched her with eyebrows raised and a fun gaze.
- Were you kicked out of your own room?
- How did you guess?
- That's usually your only reason to visit me at this hour - said Hannah, as Chris leaned over to give a kiss on her forehead.
- You know I sleep very badly when I have company.
- Is it anyone interesting?
- Belize, a servant - sighed Chris, lying in her friend's bed.
- The one from Bia?
- No. Joshua's maid.
- Ah, yes, a beautiful woman - replied Hannah, distracted.
YOU ARE READING
The Portal
FantasíaTen years ago, she lost everything. Her throne, her family, her home. Now she is back, stronger than ever. They murdered her family, stole her crown, and frightened her people. For ten years Hannah went into hiding, but now she's back, living in the...
