Nyx | Carpe Noctem ✓

Chapter 5: Help?

∙ Madis POV ∙

"Yes, we do, Kjardan!"

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest while I steadied myself on the counter. Now don't back down. This is our chance. A chance for support and help. We needed to take this chance. For all of us—for the poorhouse.

"Shut up, stupid girl!" Kjardan shouted at both of us, so loud his voice hollowed through the room and bounced of the walls.

"But we need help!" I now supported Aesa, slowly approaching the table. "I said shut up!" Kjardan growled but the black-blue-haired man quickly lifted a hand and spoke up.

"Go on, please," he calmly said and I nodded. Aesa walked up to me, grabbing my hand tightly.

"Four children died in the past month due to malnourishment. Three more of diseases. We need help and support from the fae, we do not manage it alone anymore. I am not going to watch more people die and I am definitely not going to nurse more children to death," I said, my voice quavering while I braced my other hand on the table and glowered at Kjardan. I heard small gasps and sighs around me but I kept my focus on him. "People and children are dying every day," Aesa said with a trembling voice, squeezing my hand tighter.

"Oh, shut up, you stupid girls. If you don't want this job anymore than I'd suggest you to go work in the brothel. You maybe can make better use of your big mouths there." Kjardan laughed loudly and was joined by a few of his men. I took a few steadying in breaths and gritted my teeth.

"How dare you talk to them like that!" the lady next to the blue-black-haired guy exclaimed and Kjardan shot her a glare. "How dare you talk to me at all, you female fae filth!"

"Don't talk to my mother like that!" the handsome fae boy cautioned, his eyes glowing with the promise of violence. Kjardan smirked at him. "Be careful how you speak to me in my house and in my village. After all you want me to agree to your terms."

Both Aesa and I stood there, rooted to the ground and unable to move. Shaking and shivering my heartbeat sped up. I did not know what to do, what to say, but Kjardan quickly jumped to his feet and stormed towards me.

"This will have consequences. The matron will be informed about your misbehaving and your big mouth. No payment for tonight," he spit into my face and I swallowed a sob. No payment meant no medicine. No, no, no.

"Please, we —I— need the money, I am sorry, Lord Kjardan. I need it," I huffed, trying to grab his arm. I did not care that everyone was watching and that my begging was pathetic. Aesa let a sob escape her mouth, her body trembling next to me.

"No payment!"

"I need it, you know what I need it for, please. You know I depend on the money," I whined, my pleading eyes searching his gaze. My throat started to burn when tears dwelled in my eyes.

"You should have thought about it before. But if you want to earn some extra money you know where to find me after the meeting. Just you and I." He smirked. And then—

Then he slapped my butt, harsh and in front of all the people. All the fae. I felt so ashamed and humiliated that I could only lower my gaze to the ground, again swallowing a sob. "You disgust me," I breathed, stepping back and walking towards the door.

"Get out! And help out in the kitchen. Both of you. Get out of my eyes. Don't you dare come up here again tonight," he grunted after us. The sob dashed out of my throat and the kind fae lady that had spoken up before jumped to her feet.

"Don't you dare touch her again!" she shouted. Kjardan sneered. "Fae filth."

I did not turn back, I just ran outside after Aesa, slamming the door shut behind me and breaking down on the floor. I clutched my chest tightly, pounding my other hand that was balled into a fist onto the floor, trying to steady my heartbeat. This was too much. This had been too much. Aesa let herself fall onto the floor next to me, hugging me tightly. "He humiliated me in front of everyone," I sobbed. "I am so sorry, this is all my fault."
"No! No, it is not. It was right that you said something."