Hollow

Chapter 1

 The sun shone through the wine-red drapes and lit up my chambers. I rustled underneath the bedsheets and discarded the open book that was laid ontop of my face. I couldn't even get a fleck of sleep from the excitement brimming through my bones since I wished to figure out what would happen next in the novel I received from my Father. I heard a light-knock tap on the door and the dark oak doors swung open and an entourage of maids entered the room with their heads low.

" How is my mother faring?" I asked as my bare feet touched the carpeted floor. The maids glanced at eachother uneasily. I glanced at them as I gripped the cloth of my chemise tightly.

" Is my mother doing well? Please answer me-" I said gazing at them with a soft tentative voice.

" I'm sorry, your ladyship-. The lord has ordered everyone . . to leave the lady of the house alone in her chambers-. For safety precautions-" One of the maids murmured lightly.

" Please help me get dressed so I can visit my mother because I need to know if I'm losing someone I care for dearly-" I said, glancing at them as I wrapped my fingers around the bedpost.

" As you wish for your ladyship-" The maids murmured. I sat quietly still as a doll as they bathed me in rose water and dressed me. They tightened the corset nearly snatching my breath away and they helped me into a simple emerald grown with dark green embroidery at the hemm. My mousy brown hair was curled around the nape of my neck as they pinned in floral accessories in-between my curls. I felt them brush compounds across my pale skin applying atleast some rouge to my cheeks and my lips. I was ready but I was more nervous than ever. I wasn't used to defying my fathers orders. But if he ever cared about me in his own selfish way he wouldn't have barricaded my mother in her chambers. I slipped into a pair of fine flats before I gripped the sides of my skirts and headed out into the hallway with my chin high. I was used to getting weird looks from the servants of our castle. Ever since the incident that happend many years ago . . darkness had followed me ever since. Soon I arrived near my mother's chambers. Guards were posted outside and I knew it would be difficult to get past them. They crossed their spears infront of me as I gazed at them with an awkward smile.

" Your Ladyship you shouldn't be here-" The tall one gazed at me with a stoic expression.

" My deepest apologies Sir Zachary-" I said gazing at him with a light smile. " I just wish to visit my mother, she is bed-ridden which fills me with unease-"

" You near the lady of the house fills the lord with dread, your ladyship. The lord doesn't wish to see you nor he wishes for you to come a foot near the duchess-" Sir Zachary said in a cold tone. I knew that everyone in the castle despised me but this was getting a bit out of hand. I just wished to simply visit my bed-ridden mother. Who are these mongrels to stop me!

" It's only for a while Sir Zachary-" I said, giving him an imploring smile. " I will be back before Father realizes I have visited-. Won't you let me do just this small thing?". I felt them stiffen up. The smallest one Sir Heward didn't look pleased that I was trying to weasel my way in for them to change their decision.

" Fine only for a while. You better not take long otherwise I will drag you out by your hair-" Sir Heward warned and moved his spear back. Sir Zachary followed and leaving me some space to enter my mothers chambers. I glanced back silently before slipping into her chambers. Nothing seemed changed, everything since I last saw it when I was younger was in the same spot. I saw my mother looking frail and tucked in her blankets. I walked over while stifling a sob.

" Mother-" I said, my voice cracking. I saw her raise her hand and I gripped it quickly.

" Viviene?" My mother said in a raspy voice. I felt myself freeze up. That name sent painful memories to resurface in the back of my mind.