The Reckoning - Book Two

Chapter Twenty Four - Daella

I am alone in this world.

The sooner I realise that, the sooner I will accept my fate.

The words repeat themselves over and over, like an echo in this grey cell they surround me, envelope me, until they are so buried within it is all I can think about.

I am alone in this world.

The palace walls are just the same as the bars of this cell.

They keep me here.

A beautiful cage.

Freedom was just an idea, a fantasy, something impossible.

After so long sitting in this cell the necklace around my neck feels like manacles, a constant reminder of what I had given away and what I stand to get in return.

The future I had imagined seems like a faraway dream.

Could I truly be happy with them when I was still made to live here behind the palace walls, still caged, without freedom, without choices, without a voice of my own?

Was being happy just a concept? An idea with no real substance or possibility. What if there was no such thing as true happiness?

No I couldn't believe that, my mother had been happy, my father had been happy, my brothers and sisters had been happy, I had been happy, once.

But this place, these people, the very foundation of this kingdom, could I truly be happy here?

I hear the echo of footsteps and I flinch, squeezing myself into a tight ball in the corner of my cell as long spindly shadows are cast against the flickering lights on the walls.

"Well," Her sharp voice reaches my ears and sends a flicker of anger and fear racing into my centre. "Three days should be more than enough time for you to realise your mistake and make you come to your senses." She says, her tall thin frame standing over me in front of the cell.

"Do you have anything to say?" She asks, looking down at me with disgust and contempt.

I say nothing.

"Good." She smiles in satisfaction.

She pulls out a key and opens the cell door with a sharp groan and I can't help the way my body shudders in response.

"Get up." She orders, not stepping a foot into the cell.

I obey, standing on weak shaky legs.

She looks me up and down, no doubt taking in the pitiful example of a chosen I portray.

"Time to get you cleaned up and looking human again." She smiles sharply before turning and leading the way out.

I follow her in silence, struggling up the many stairs and wincing as light starts to fill the hall as we step out of the dungeon and into the main palace.

I keep my head down as she leads me to the chosen's wing and up to my room.

She steps into my room and closes the door behind me before turning on me suddenly and clasping her hands in front of her.

"You will tell no one of what happened to you. You were punished because of your outburst and your continued rebellious behaviour and unwillingness to listen to instruction. It was a punishment fitting and deserved." She tells me, leaving no room for argument. "Everyone has been informed you were unwell and sent to rest under supervision. You will corroborate with that story if anyone speaks to you regarding the last three days."

I continue to hold my tongue, knowing she only wanted silence.

"If you choose to tell someone the truth your time here will come to an end, your life will be forfeit. Do you understand?" She asks sharply and I look up to meet her gaze.