The Light Inside the Darkness

Chapter Seventeen

I opened my eyes to realize I'm lying on my back on my queen size bed staring up at my sky-blue canopy trying to find the motivation to get up. I know I should get up as I spent the whole day in bed sleeping after my father and sister left me behind the other day. And yesterday I didn't even get out of bed until later in the evening and only for a few hours before my sister and father returned from the palace and only long enough to join them for dinner which I only ate a few bites before returning to my bedroom to retire for the night. Once I got to my room I sat by the window a stared out at the moon for another hour or so before I found myself dozing off so I decided it was time to go back to my bed and immediately fell asleep.

I sighed as I pushed myself up into a sitting position on my bed I then force myself to try and push past my lack of motivation and force myself to get up even though it was not what I want to do in the slightest. I noticed that the constant headache that has plagued me for weeks now had disappeared when I had woken up yesterday before I decided to head downstairs to try and make and appearance to show my family that I'm okay so they wouldn't worry too much about me. I pushed my body to move until I was now sitting on the edge of my bed and then I took a deep breath bracing myself before I rang the bell on my nightstand calling Everline to my side. I took only less than a minute before her knuckles rasped on the door lightly before she entered my room "You called for my lady. How can I assist you?" I could see the pity and concern in her eyes as she looked at me. I nearly groaned aloud as I nearly regretted calling her because I dislike the fact that I'm making everyone worry about me. I need to get myself together if not for myself but to make sure that I'm not making those close to me worry about my well-being especiallywhen there is nothingthey can do.

"Everline can you help me get ready?" She nodded her head "Of course my lady. I will begin preparing your bath immediately." She started walking towards the bathroom but stopped just a foot away from the doorway she turned back towards me "How are feeling today, my lady?" I forced myself to smile "I feel much better today. Thank you for asking, Everline." She didn't look convinced but nodded her head and turn back around and headed into the bathroom without saying another word. I sighed before I stood up and walked to my wardrobe to choose my outfit as I am in no mood for something elaborate and instead I just want something simple and comfortable. As soon as I chose my outfit and laid it out on the bed Everline came back into the room to inform me that the bath was ready and I then followed her into the bathroom.

Once I was in the bathroom I could already feel the warmth of the water on my skin without even getting in the tub as the air was thick with steam and I could feel my lungs expand as if I could suddenly breathe better. I quickly removed my nightgown and climb into the tub feeling the warm water envelope my body allowing me to for the first time relax with ease. I leaned my back on the tub and sighed as I closed my eyes almost on reflex alone. I heard a sound behind and then I felt someone gently grab my hair and took everything in me not open my eyes and jump out of the tub in fright but I pushed it down knowing that it was just Everline helping take care of me. She began massaging my scalp as she has always done making sure to take great care of my hair as best she can making sure to be gentle as possible always afraid she would hurt me or pull my hair out. Although I have assured her multiple times that won't happen she has always been afraid nonetheless.

But what I appreciated the most was that she could tell I wasn't in the mood for talking and didn't try to force me to say anything or even talk in general. This is why it startled me when I heard movement behind me and then I felt someone's hot breath by ear sending a shiver to run up my spine before I heard a deep husky voice say "Oh sweet vulnerable Amaryllis you truly should be more careful with who you trust. You've truly made this too easy that I can't help but take your gracious invitation." I recognized his voice immediately and my heart sank as fear raced through my mind and body when he spoke. I immediately jumped in fear as well as try to move away from him but his hands were apparently resting just a few inches above where my shoulders were and when I jumped slightly his hands then gripped my shoulders and forced me to stay put especially when I tried to scoot myself forward in the tub to get away from him.