Ùna: Like All & Like None

Chapter VII

Theodore looked back at me; his lips tightened. He let go of my hand to place it on the small of my back, leading me to where his father was shouting from. Are steps at a steady pace as we made our way through the main sitting room. The contrast was thick. The warmth of Theodore's hand on me, and the chill that ran up my skin. I couldn't even bare to blink as I used all my might to rinse my face into a pure pleasantry.

At the end of the room an archway emptied orange light. A shadow cast onto the floor out of it; the rough figure of Ernest. We turned into the room with light smiles masking us. I captured him in my sight immediately. He sat at a round glossy table, his murky reflection shining off its surface as a hideous orange lamp fluttered brightly behind him. Even though his face was cast in shadow, his milky grin sat wide and easily visible. His posture comfortable. On the table was a decanter filled with ember liquid. four glasses around it. One half full with greasy fingerprints on it. And then its sight burned into me. A thick wooden ruler, blood coating its edge. I wouldn't show the impression it made on me.

I glanced up to find his eyes piercing into Theodores. "Sit", he said holding his smile stiff. I made no hesitation and sat in the chair to his left, Theodore across from him. "I am certain you have never drank before, Ùna. Your first glass is on me." His arm moving swiftly to fill two more glasses. "I'm not sure if that is appropriate father, she is still just a young lady", Theordore's tone light and playful. But Ernest let silence hang for an uncomfortable amount of time as he proceeded to top off each glass, sliding them in front of us respectfully. He just stared down at his glass, his finger running across the brim. He smacked his lips, let out a breathy sigh as his lips curled up, "It is your wedding day, Theo. Surely a day for celebration, no?" He brought his glass to his lips, finishing it in one swig as his eyes stayed on Theodore's. He merely nodded in answer and also reached for a drink.

"Well, go ahead", he gestured his glass at me. "It will be bitter, it might burn. but it will help you forget what you two overheard. Theodore choked a bit during his sip but held stoic. Not letting his comment shake me, I brought the drink close to my chin, just the smell made my nose cringe a bit. Letting my breathe out I sipped. It felt hot as it went down my throat and I could feel where it pooled in my stomach. My mouth clenched as Ernest laughed at the sight of me.

Refilling his glass he said, "You haven't any bastard children back at the mainland do you, my boy?" Theodores brow twitched a bit, "No, I haven't father." A slow breathy chuckle- "Well you know it's a clear exercise of power" - his face gleaming in delight. He ran his hand over the bloodied ruler, coaxing the blood onto his fingertips. "Its the only way to keep these lacky damsels in their place. Nothing more than a tart to me. You should feel the same, Theo." I couldnt believe it. The monster revealing itself to me so casually. And with such a thick ego he muttered, "No lady wants to be the bride of a man who doesn't exercise his power, correct Ùna?" His face sparkled at me waiting for my answer. But I was struck with disgust, my tongue stiff. I couldn't get the answer he wanted to leave my mouth. Nor could I get my own answer out either. "Father, I-". "Relax. I am only teasing her, ease up and drink."

Theodore couldn't mutter a reply, only kept his eyes down as he sipped again from his glass. His hand reached under the table to brush my knee; a wordless apology. "You too, finish the glass", Ernest gesturing his cup at me. I still felt the heat from my first sip, but I couldn't disobey his command. I finished off the glass and my stomach heaved. My mouth began to water as of I was going to puke. Covering my mouth, I scooted my chair back preparing to rush to a bathroom. "Sit. You haven't been dismissed." Theodore glanced from his father, to me, and back to his father. Bracing his hands on the table to stand, Theodore tensed his voice - "she is going to be sick!" Then a clash as that ruler snapped on the table, firm in Ernest's hands.