A White as Red as Blood (PG 13) (Completed)

Chapter 7: Tears and Balconies

I could not sleep either last night. I sat on the balcony with a blanket wrapped around me, crying and wishing I had June by my side for comfort. So much had changed since this time even last week. No longer was I a single, virgin girl. Now I was a married woman. Someone once told me that the biggest moments, and most impacting things can happen in a week. I didn’t believe her until now. But there is one thing that I know hasn’t changed, my urge for freedom. I was a few steps closer now, but with every foot forward, I seem to be taking two back.

The cold midnight air swept through the countryside, lighted by the crescent moon above. My new house was nothing like my old. There was no water for miles, and the gardens consisted of fields and fields used simply for riding. I yearned to have my old life back, but I knew that what was ahead would be better. They say it gets worse before it gets better, and I hope that to be true. I had faith in my brother, faith in God.

There was a light knocking from my door just as the sun started to rise.

“Anon”

 “My Lady, it is Meadhbh”

I got up from my cold stone balcony, wrapping my blanket around me further before continuing to open the door for her. She had left; presuming my Anon still counted, and was half way down the corridor when she turned around. Her lip was bleeding and her check had dried blood on it. She had the starting of another bruise on her opposite eye. My heart ached for her, wondering how long my husband had been inflicting this on her. I decided not to ask, as silent tears began to slide down her face, dragging the dried blood down her check.

“Come in”

She walked in, standing awkwardly by my bed.

“You can sit down.”

“I’d prefer to stand, My Lady”

I smiled at her, sitting on my bed and patting the space next to me, urging her to sit.

“Do you want to talk abou-”

“I'm sorry for intruding on you my Lady, I shouldn’t have”

I sighed, just glad I had a human by my side, sorry about the circumstances.

“Call me Mary-Ann. And never feel sorry for anything, it is my fault I could not pleasure my husband tonight, and you had to bear the results so if anyone should be apologising it is I”

She smiled at me, more tears sliding down her face.

“I’ve never had anyone, my mother died in child birth, and my step mother shipped me away to live with Lord Bolos when I was fourteen. She told my father I had died, and he began to lavish his two stepdaughter- horrible ugly girls they were- as a way of replacing me I presumed.”

My heart melted for her, thinking of the life she has had, and comparing it to the life I had. We were both in a way, and still are, locked into this world. Perhaps it was Harry’s intention that I meet Meadhbh and show her the path to freedom, the one I shall be taking.

“My brother died four years ago, soon after his wife passed in child birth also, but he is still with me. In more ways than you could imagine. The reason I am telling you this is because he has a plan, and from now on, you are involved in this plan. I do not believe in coincidence Meadhbh. You and I crossed paths for a reason, and I will do everything in my power to help you. Take my word for it.”

Meadhbh had started crying again, so I told her to stay here until she was ready and I took my place on the cold balcony once more. It was an hour before she left, tip toeing out. She was as quite as a feather, so I had not even realised she had left.

I decided for once I was going to write Harry. I stood up and got out a piece of parchment from the drawer.

Harry...

I know why you sent me here. I know what to do now. I just need help.