Her New Life

Prologue

 Maximillian awoke feeling sore and confused. Her memory was hazy, and all she could recall was being ravaged by a stranger the night before, who thankfully wasn't there in the morning. She slowly made her way out of bed and slinked to the mirror in the room. She was a mess; her hair was completely disheveled, her body was littered with bruises, and her face was puffy and red from the tears. Maximillian felt her legs give out as she sank onto the cold floor. Reality washed over her in waves. Would this be her fate if he returned victorious from battle? Is this how her mother looked after her wedding night with her father? Her father... what more damage could he inflict upon her?

Maximillian sat in silence, too afraid to cry, too lost to move, until she heard a knock on her door and watched it swing open. Two maidservants had made their way inside with new sheets and a basin of water. As if not noticing her broken demeanor, they went about their tasks cleaning and moving around her as if she didn't exist. But that wasn't new for her. A sudden gasp caught her ear as she watched through the mirror as the maidservants hurriedly changed the bedding and set the water down. They glanced at her briefly before scurrying out of the room. That look, what was it? She had seen it before and hated it. That's right; it was pity.

As soon as they left, Joana, her nursemaid, strolled into the room and clicked her tongue pitifully. She quickly pulled Maxi up towards a chair and began washing her face. Maxi slowly opened her mouth.

"W-W-Why... wh-why?" She could barely get the words out before she clamped her mouth shut. Joana sighed.

"That's just what happens during your consummation night. It's to confirm the pureness of your virtue for your husband. It will get easier in the future, don't fret." She paused. "Unless he doesn't come back, then you won't have to worry about that anymore. At least until your next marriage." Joana finished with a huff. She placed the rag back in the basin and walked over to her dresser to get new clothes.

Maxi watched her back. She felt betrayed. Why wouldn't the woman warn her about such sensitive and important information? Why wasn't she furious with this man? Look at the state he had left her! Would she really help her if she asked, or would she ignore her and say things will improve if she behaves? Could she trust Joana? IF not her...then who? Maxi stared imploringly at Joana's back, then she glowered at her before despondently lowering her gaze just as she turned around.

"Here we are, dear. Let's get you cleaned up and dressed for the day. Your father will be calling for you soon."

Maxi let herself be cleaned thoroughly and then dressed. She whimpered out, "J-Joana," before looking up at her. "W-will...C-c-can y-you...I-I n-need..."

"Hush now, dear," Joana interrupted before she could finish. "We mustn't keep your father waiting. I know he's... difficult to please, but you did your family a great service yesterday. If he had died in that war, who would be willing to care for you, especially after your sister is married off? Surely this will make your father pleased with you. Just sit still and be silent. Everything will get better." Joana roughly began combing her hair before tying it into a tight bun. She collected the water and headed towards the door.

"As soon as you are ready, come down for breakfast." She quickly walked out the door without a second glance. Moments of silence passed before Maxi felt the air leave her body.

No. Joana would be of no assistance. That was made painfully clear to her. Her own sister, her father, the servants, and the knights, none of them cared for her well-being. She was on her own. Nothing would stop her father or new husband from killing or beating her. Suddenly a subtle, almost new feeling emerged. Self-preservation. She couldn't wait to die anymore; good days would never come. As she slowly trudged to her bedroom door, she gripped the handle shakily before turning the knob. She couldn't stay here.

I need to leave. I need to leave and go somewhere, anywhere but here. I don't know how, but I must leave this house of horrors before I become another ghost within its walls.