A Devious Exchange

We Meet Again

The morning came faster than I had hoped for. My nerves were ever present and fluctuating as time went by, my hands shaking as I laced my petticoat a bit too tight. I didn't know what to wear other than my usual garments; besides, it's not like I need to dress fancy for an already judgmental crowd. I expect to see a bunch of soldiers in uniform, remembering vaguely of Captain Schwartz' neatly pressed fit a few days ago. 

I wonder if he'll be there. 

Thinking of him got me even more nervous, his charming nature too much to handle on top of everything else that was going on. Now that I think about it, what if he was the one to report me to the king? He did just show up out of the blue, acting like my grand 'hero' Making me look like a weakling. It was a bit odd for him to be strutting about and randomly spot my scuffle, perhaps he was keeping a close eye on me. I roll my eyes at the humiliating memory I rather not dwell on, but I am definitely taking this new enlightenment into consideration.

Nobody commits to a good deed without something in return. Even someone like him.

Speaking of the captain, I wonder when my company would arrive to escort me to the castle. I do hope it's not that dreadful, older guard from the bar. His snake-like behavior gave me the chills.

I pulled the faded curtain aside from the bedroom doorway to walk into the living room, spotting the two working at Delilah's hair. Mom's fingers were sluggishly weaving through Delilah's brown, ratty locks in an attempt to detangle it. I smiled lightly, trying to take in the homely image for memory. Slumping into the kitchen, I dished out a bowl and sat in front of them on the kitchen chair, catching mom's eyes. Her expression was downcast, a tightlipped smile wrinkling her features as I did the same.

Everyone felt the looming dread in the air that morning. Even Delilah's bubbly self was ever so quiet. It was unnerving, and I barely had the appetite to take up a few spoonfuls.

I swallowed the bland taste away before whispering out in the cold air, "I love you. I'm sorry things have turned out this way."

Mom's eyes teared slightly, opting to keep her eyes on the hair to avoid the drop's fall, "I know. I love you too. I just wish there was something I could do." I felt a tinge of sadness brim my waterline at her guilty thoughts, wanting to erase them as quick as they came.

"Me too" I mumbled back, brushing the few pieces of dirt off the table, "I think there's enough pieces to get you both by for a few weeks, if it comes down to that."

She sighed loudly, a hint of annoyance in her tone, "We won't have to. You'll be back by then."

Her words were final, plaguing an awkward silence over the room in a thick blanket. I wish I could usher the words to agree, but I can't make promises I wasn't sure I could keep. But like I said before, I would be back. I know I would be, not even the king could stop me from marching back here. Even in the dead of night.

We jumped at the sound of a daunting knock on the door. Mom's movements stilled as she stared at the door, watching with a blazing scrutiny. I hoped she didn't say anything that could place herself and Delilah in trouble, but before I could think, she removed herself from behind Delilah's chair and stormed towards the door. I quickly jumped out of my own chair, the bowl knocking precariously against the table. Nudging Delilah to the bedroom, I hastily grabbed mom's shoulder before she could open it.

"Mom, sit down please, I-" I tried to console her, but was quickly cut off.

She replied sharply, "Fine. I was only going to open the door." She frowned bitterly and sauntered to the rocking chair; her arms laid on the rest with her nails tapping the wood hurriedly. I released a breath before relaxing my shoulders and standing tall, trying to mask my fearful expression, and opened the door to reveal a face I'd never thought I'd see again.