First at Last (Updated Version)

Chapter Fifteen

I awoke the next morning to the sun streaming through my windows. I must have dozed off some time during the night, because I did not remember falling asleep. I looked out through the window, where the sun was shining brightly. It looked like a beautiful spring day out. One that I would certainly not be able to experience, sadly.

There was a loud knock on my door, followed by the bolt sliding out of place and Agnes appeared, followed by three younger maids carrying the washtub. I bathed and dressed in a soft pink gown, Agnes brushed my hair, but kept it loose instead of tying it up like normal.

Afterward, she brought me a tray with fruits, bread, and porridge.

"Thank you, Agnes," I said, taking the tray from her.

She gave me a sympathetic smile. "Of course, Miss," she said with a curtsy. Once she'd left, shutting and locking the door behind her, I sat at the little table near the window and ate my breakfast.

Some time later, another knock sounded from the door and Miss Grimoult entered. She looked at me severely for a long moment, before shutting the door and sitting beside me at the table.

Lessons commenced and I thought I might die of boredom. As Miss Grimoult droned on, I could not help but marvel at Mother's cruelty, locking me in my room with no place to go or escape to and allowing Miss Grimoult hours of my day to talk at me about things that I could not have cared less about. It truly was the perfect punishment. I never thought it would end. I wondered if it ever would.

Finally, she left in the early evening and Agnes brought my dinner to my room for me.

I ate my dinner by myself, in complete silence. Although, I did not particularly care to be around my family, it felt very lonely being completely by myself. There was no one to talk to, no servers running around, no sound but the clinking of my dishes to be heard.

By the time I finished my supper, I thought I might go insane. I hated how alone I felt. Perhaps this is what drove me to decide that I would go visit William that evening. I could not stand being by myself a moment longer.

After my dishes had been taken away, I bolted my door—which could only be done from the inside—and went to the balcony. I pushed open the door and stepped outside. Peeking over the railing, my stomach dropped. It was a lot farther down than I remembered . . .

I climbed over the railing, still staring at the ground, rather terrified. Then, steeling myself, I began to climb down, until I was dangling by my fingertips from the edge of the balcony. I reached one hand down, in search of something to hold onto, and found the lattice. I grasped it tightly and swung down, slowly, carefully, attempting to lower myself to the ground.

At one point, I tore my dress on the unforgiving stones of the house. And, then, as I neared the ground, my hand missed the next hold (it was very dark and difficult to see), and I fell, hitting the damp earth with a muffled thud.

I groaned and stood up, rubbing my aching back. Now, I was covered in dirt, my dress was torn, and my back ached from the fall. Sighing heavily, I began walking down the road to the palace.

When I reached the front gate, I found William leaning against our tree, waiting for me. I smiled, my heart already lifting, just by the sight of him.

He straightened as I reached him and smiled. Then, he noticed my appearance and his eyes went wide. "Did you dig a tunnel to get here?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

I laughed wryly and shook my head. "I attempted to climb down from the balcony and . . . I fell."

"Are you hurt?" He asked, concerned.