Beneath the Surface [ON HOLD]

Chapter Eleven - Blood and Distractions

Chapter Eleven – Blood and Distractions 

I stare out my bedroom window absorbedly, watching as a flurry of snowflakes rain down upon the world, blocking out the sky.

Sighing sadly I rub a hand over my eyes, pulling my knees to my chest and hugging them tightly. I haven’t been able to sleep in days – images of my mother’s tranquil face haunting my dreams. I feel sick whenever I think about what they did to her – what they did to my family.

She shouldn’t have died.

My father’s weathered face flashes before me and I squeeze my eyes closed. He must be on the verge of insanity, I berate myself guiltily, and all because of your blind stubbornness.

I chew my lip in aggravation, why did I have to be so stupid?

Resting my chin atop my knees I stare intently at the swirling mass of falling snow, as if they somehow hold the answers to my questions.

“You have to stop brooding eventually, Red.”

I throw a quick glare over my shoulder, but say nothing and instead resume my staring match with the world outside. 

“It’s been five years, Red – I assume your mother would have wanted you to move on by now.”

I shift uncomfortably in my armchair, still refusing to speak. The snow outside begins to fall more heavily, twirling gracefully down to the courtyard and disappearing into the blanket of snow that already covers the castle.

“Red.” Nicholas says softly, taking a step towards me.

“Don’t.” I say quickly, my voice rough, “Please don’t.”

I hug my knees tighter until my arms ache, “I hate this.” I whisper, “I always thought not knowing was painful but this…” I swallow hard, “This is so much worse.”

I look over my shoulder, watching silently as Nicholas appraises my room critically, “I don’t recall this room ever looking like this.” He says confusedly.

Shaking my head in exasperation, I turn back to the window, losing myself once again in my melancholy thoughts.

“I could have sworn there was a tapestry in here somewhere…” Nicholas says disconcertedly, no doubt staring around my room with bewildered eyes.

For some reason his confusion has me biting back a smile, “Well for one thing – that tapestry was gruesome. Who on earth wants to wake up to an army of soldiers skewering their enemies with their swords?”

Nicholas splutters indignantly, “Gruesome? If anything that tapestry illustrated the bravery of young men and their will to fight for honour and their country and… well other things of the like…”

I laugh softly at Nicholas’ absurd reasoning, “Have you even handled a sword before? Or even been in a fight, for that matter?”

Nicholas looks affronted at my words, crossing his arms over his chest and throwing a look of haughty derision my way, “Of course I have! In fact I was even considered a master at swordsmanship.”

Pushing myself off my chair I face him, mirroring his stance, “Somehow I find that hard to believe.” I say scornfully, raising an eyebrow mockingly.

“Well I never!” exclaims Nicholas, “I expect you wouldn’t know anything about swordsmanship, anyway. You’re just a simple peasant – and a woman at that.”

I glower at him angrily, my eyes narrowing in contempt, “I beg your pardon?”

Nicholas smiles at me smugly, sensing his comment had struck a nerve, “Well, women have always been known to be inept when it comes down to the art of fighting.”