And She Became Queen

Chapter 25: Should I Be Thankful?

"What?! Why are you living with him if he's using you out of your will."

"I hate my life, Noah... I'm like a puppet to my uncle and I have no choice. After my parent's death, he sold out everything. Truth is, there's nothing left for me. There's...no one left. He's the.. only family left for me."

"Sylvie... Why do you have to satisfy him? When you know that he's like a hungry dog, wanting more bone, why do you have to keep quiet?"

"Because I'm scared. I don't know what would happen but this might actually take him to prison again." I felt more tears welling up in my eyes.

"Tell me about it." he shifted closer and scooped.

"Two years ago, there was this rumour that he raped a lady living 4 blocks away from where we stayed. He got arrested and eventually got to jail. I didn't know about it until some of his friends kidnapped me." An unexpected sigh escaped me, I paused to wipe my nose with heel of my palms. "They were Ben's associates...he said I would have to work for him until he's able to save enough money to bail my uncle. I had to do it... I had no choice."

"So Ben used you as well?! That's awful?! Your uncle treats you differently, like a minor....Did he know? Did you tell him that you're the maid, and cook, and the saviour and the prisoner?" Agony scattered all over his face tried to comprehend.

"All I get is insults and more beatings. I'd have to suffer the consequences for everything I do wrong." My silent sniffles poured out like sharp coughs as I held back. I let the tears flow freely, dripping off the end of my nose and splattering into Jade's back shirt, making it darker with its stains. Dark spots covered my vision as I tried to explain. "Please, just hold me tonight Noah, I'm scared."

Disappointed, a single tear rolled down his cheek as he felt his throat closing up. Noah held me tight, with more tears streaming down my face. I usually feel this when I'm alone but this moment, I just couldn't hold back.

I sobbed for hours on Noah's chest, leaned against the bed. I couldn't help but to think how dead I am already. What would happen tomorrow?

***

The sun got higher in the sky, the day’s activity begun. Plants and trees feasted on the golden beams of the sun. Late risers missed the beauty of sunrise. It is a rare joy to be awaken at sunrise.

'Oh my, this bed is so soft. I knew my life had been a nightmare. Now I'm waking from it.' Clinging to the feel of the sift pillow, I turned right and stretched my hand. It wasn't so soft. It was as hard as rock.

'Oh, where am I?' I was still dreaming with a smile until I felt his breath on my face.

I jerked up immediately with a sudden pull out. It was Noah on the bed with me. His eyes, half open.

"I'm sure you slept well. You were smiling throughout." he muttered in a slow baritone voice. I rolled my eyes at him and he pulled closer.

"Why are you on the bed with me? I thought you volunteered to sleep on the floor!"

"You were shivering so I had to hug you. Perhaps, I felt you needed company on bed."

'Should I be thankful?' I wore a stern look at him. And then remembered that I cried to sleep.

"What happened last night?"

"Nothing much, you told me about you uncle and cried so hard. Omg! You're such a crybaby." he joked but still wore a serious face.

I felt ashamed.

"Umm... About last nigh-"

"About last night! " he cut off my words with both brows raised concentrating on me.