BLOOD OF KHARIS

CHAPTER 24: PREPARATION

The crow of the rooster wakes Kharis up the next morning. This is the first time in all her months here at Bethillore that she has heard the sound of one. Has the rooster been doing its daily job while she's overlooked it?

It seems her attention on the animal is a way to block the overwhelming emotions that the young woman is currently feeling.

Last night, Leonidas claimed her completely because she wanted him to. She wanted him to believe her when she said she would not leave his side.

Does she regret it?

After the man had removed himself from her, she quickly eased herself in her chamber pot, cleaning her legs. She stayed behind the door, gathering her senses and confidence only to come out and find him gone.

The woman laid on the bed waiting, with every passing minute, her heart sinking. She went to bed last night wondering if she did something wrong, waking up early to see his side of the bed vacant.

Does she regret it?

Maybe, but one thing she knew for sure was that she was sore.

A knock on the door draws her out of her thoughts.

"You may enter"

A happy Myria emerges bowing her head in greetings.

"Myria"

"Good morning, My Lady. Lord Leonidas has instructed you to stay in the room and rest."

A wave of embarrassment washes over Kharis on hearing her words. Everyone in the manor will know of what happened last night if she chooses to keep herself locked up inside his chambers.

"Alright," she says, getting off the bed to do the complete opposite of what was instructed.

"My Lady!" Myria calls, frowning at her disobedience.

"I am fine."

Heading into the other room, Kharis cleans her mouth and takes a bath, wearing the blue dress Myria lays out for her.

The maid follows her out of the chambers and into the study.

"Are you hungry, My Lady?"

"Unfortunately, I am not. Thank you." Leonidas' behavior last night has caused her to lose her appetite.

He probably had his feel of being with a human and realized it would be better for him to lay with his fellow wearhs. Someone that would actually give him more honor and prestige, someone like Thana. If he did, she wouldn't question him, she could leave him, but that would leave her branded as a used and worthless woman by everyone; she would be ostracized from wearhs. The humans would spit on her for giving herself to the enemy, so there's no solace in either. Death would be better than those choices.

So Kharis would live in this manor, watching Leonidas as he names another, the lady of the manor as she is too cowardly to take her life.

The woman shakes her head, trying to suppress those thoughts as she turns her attention back to the ledgers, however, she cannot help zoning in and out every now and then.

The opening of the door grabs her attention.

Kharis stands up immediately, bowing to Leonidas as he comes in, walking straight to her.

"Good morning, My Lord."

"I was told you rejected your morning meal."

She looks up, trying her best to smile as she says, "Yes, My Lord. I, unfortunately, do not have an appetite."

Leonidas lifts her up and sits her on the table, the action taking her by surprise.

"Do you regret it?" he asks, carefully watching her.