The Reckoning - Book Two

Chapter Thirty Four - Daella

I linger outside the music room where I know the other chosen spent their free time. This afternoons training session had been one of quiet commands and gruelling exercises and while I was exhausted I still couldn't shake off Roux's invitation.

She had wanted me to join them and the way she had looked at me is the reason I am standing out here hesitating.

I had always felt other around the chosen, unwilling to adapt as well as they all had. I had even insulted them, called them stupid and naïve when my anger reached its boiling point and I snapped.

It is the reason I stand here, unwilling but wanting.

I take a deep breath and turn the handle, opening the door.

The music stops and I am met with eleven sets of eyes staring at me as I stand in the open door way.

"You came," Roux smiles standing from her seat and walking towards me.

I force an uneasy smile as I am stared at with wariness and concern and close the door behind me feeling like I have stepped into something much more serious than a music session.

Roux takes my hand and leads me to one of the sofas and I sit down beside her.

The women all shift and move and the music starts again, I find Lillith behind the piano, her fingers dancing along the keys.

"So, Daella, you decided to join us." Hannah begins with a tight smile.

"I invited her Hannah." Roux replies before I can.

"She is a chosen, she is welcome here like the rest of us." Hannah says with a delicate shrug.

"I didn't mean to interrupt." I say quietly, still uneasy for clearly interrupting whatever was happening.

"I'm sure you didn't." Hannah says with the same tight smile.

"Hannah, I think we should give Daella a chance, she might know more than you think." Roux says with a little more defence in her voice than I had been expecting.

"Roux is right." Fynley says smiling at me as she walks towards us, standing behind Hannah. "If any of us should be here, it's Daella."

"I'm a little confused." I say, looking at each of the girls.

"It's okay Daella, don't look so worried. We just meet here most afternoons to listen to music and share in conversation." Fynley smiles. "Some of that conversation however, well its better said here where it's private, hence the music." She says pointing to Lillith who continues to play though I have the feeling she is listening to every word we say.

"Okay, and you're worried I might, what? Tell someone?" I ask looking to Hannah.

"I don't know, you don't behave like the rest of us, you spend time alone with the King, you go missing for days at a time, before the Princes left they were seen coming and going from your room late at night and early in the morning. There are many reasons why I don't think you should be here with us." She answers, words rushing out of her in a torrent and her tight lipped smile quickly fading into resentment and accusation.

"I told you Hannah, she isn't marrying the King." Roux interjects, hand on my arm as if to protect me, or stop me.

Hannah looks from Roux to me, clearly not satisfied with the response.

"It's true, I'm not marrying Demwyn. And while I shouldn't have to explain anything to you I will agree that I don't behave like the rest of you and I never have. I have never wanted to be here, have never been able to pretend and be happy about this new life. I didn't choose to go missing for those three days, that was a punishment from the Mistress." I explain, afraid of my secret coming out but feeling the need to give them something in return for allowing me into their trust.