Heart Of Darkness

Chapter 47

Angelica opened her eyes, feeling welcomed by the daylight and the warmth of fresh-smelling bedsheets. She thought she had a good dream for a moment, but she was only awake. Awake and still in Lord Rayven's home. Panicking, she sat up. What happened?

She remembered him carrying her up after she fell ill. How embarrassing. At least he didn't throw her out; she realized as she sighed. She felt like she still had a chance and considered pretending to be unwell until she could gather the courage to tell him about her offer. 

Yes. That sounded like a good idea, even though she wasn't good at pretending. Well, she wouldn't be acting. She was still feeling a bit weak.

Wait! Suddenly she noticed what she was wearing and that her arms and hands were clean. She was wearing a new white dress, her hair was dry and smelled good, and her feet... she removed the sheets. Her feet had sterile bandages wrapped around them.

What did this mean? Her arms slowly went up to cover her body as if protecting herself. Did he...?

Her heart stopped. No!

No! No! No!

While in denial and shrinking in shame and horror, she saw the door handle move. No! He was here.

Hide!

Where?

No! Throw her pillow at him. Yell at him to leave.

Angelica didn't know whether to go forward and slap him or hide. She watched the door open with dread, but a woman stepped inside, to her surprise. A maid from the way she was dressed.

"Ah, you are awake." She smiled.

Angelica stared, confused.

The woman came with a tray that she placed on the bedstand beside her. "You looked better today. I made some tea for you." The older woman picked up the cup of tea from the tray and handed it to her.

Angelica took it from her. "Who are you?"

"I am Jada, Lord Rayven's house maid." She introduced herself.

So he did have a maid? Was she not scared of him?

"Did you change my clothes?" Angelica asked.

"Yes, My Lady."

Angelica sighed in relief. Of course, that man wouldn't touch her. She didn't even know if it was a good thing anymore. She felt safe with him because of that, but she also knew she wouldn't be safe for too long. If he wanted to touch her, even a little, she would have a higher chance of convincing him.

"Where is Lord Rayven?"

"He left for work," Jada replied.

Angelica sighed in relief. She had time to think and prepare herself. Getting out of bed, she decided to move a little. She was still weak, and her feet were still hurting. She also had a sore throat and a mild headache.

She took her tea to sit near the window and drank while watching the backyard. Jada began to make the bed in silence, but Angelica could feel the maid's eyes on her from time to time. Did she recognize her as the traitor's daughter?

"The plants are dead. Don't you take care of them?" Angelica asked.

"Lord Rayven likes dead things." She replied.

Of course. His attitude said it all.

"Does he treat you well?"

Jada paused and became thoughtful. "I don't know." She replied with a frown.

Don't know? How could she not know?

Looking disturbed, she went back to making the bed.

"What is he like?"