Unmasked

Chapter 12

~unreviewed & unedited~

Chapter 12:

"Did we pass them?" Anya asked no one in particular as the carriage raced, she snuck a glance out the back view.

Fear was beginning to well up inside me. We had spotted my mother's carriage shortly after we left the castle, at first they were far ahead but now the lights are all gone; it's a wonder how the man in front can't see, but I didn't think too much into it.

No, there was another man in my mind.

"Mary," Anya face paled, "begin to strip off your dress."

"What? That'll leave me almost bare," my voice was to shaken to raise.

"We'll arrive before them but not to long ahead," her eye brows furrowed, "you won't have enough time."

I hesitated but then do what she told me.

"it's only Harriet," Anya added quietly, as if she she saying it to herself more to me. Which got me more worried.

"Stop the carriage!" She shouted suddenly and the carriage jerked to a stop.

I was barley about to remove the wedges before she was shoving me out the door, I shivered when the cold air hit my skin.

"I'll repay you!" she shouted to the man before she grabbed my arm and began to walk down the pavement towards the gates to out mansion. I hadn't realized we made it home. Almost.

The pebbles were like tiny needles against my feet as we ran up the pathway; I had taken off my shoes a faster run. Anya still had hers on, which amazed me considering she was ahead of me, hold my right arm in order for me to catch up. My left arm was clutching the dress to my body trying to block the coldness but my back wasn't spared.

We make up to the gates where Harriet waited. The gates were already just a crack open and Harriet looked worried, "give me the dress."

I handed it to her and Harriet handed me the coat she had on in exchange. She then looked at Anya, "take her to her room,"

Anya didn't reply, instead she only pulled me past Harriet and rushed towards the door.

"No!" Harriet calls, "go through the back! And hurry the carriage is almost here!"

Without looking back Anya changed directions and I begin to hear the front gates creak open.

We managed to go through the side and to the back and entered through the laundry room.

"Here," Anya finally released my arm in order to toss me the nearest clothing to her, "dress quickly."

I noticed they were Elisabeth's clothes, ones that she decided to throw out weeks ahead, we ordered to take them out, I wonder why-

"Hurry!" Anya hissed.

Oh right. I pulled the night dress over me head and it ended down to my knees. I prayed they wouldn't notice.

"Common," Anya led to me to the servants rooms -to my room and said to me, "we took care of everything just pretend to be asleep."

"But-"

"Just trust me," and Anya left me to my single room.

It was silent except for the sound of my heart pounding and my heavy breathing.

It's my fault. It's my fault. It's my fault.

I sat on the hard mattress on the floor which I called my bed, I stares at the windowless rotten walls I called my room and began to realize why this was the worst thing I ever done. Not only for the events that happened but for the events to come.

Mother will find out, she always finds out.

It's not my bedtime yet, I still have work to do. If mother knows I'm sleeping I'll be whipped for sure and twice as much for wearing Elizabeth's old clothes.

I stand and head over the poorly framed door, I'll have to listen in, I need to know.

I reach for the knob.

Wait, but I can't, I need to pretend I'm sleeping but-

"I can't afford to lose any sla-housekeepers,"

"But madam she's terrible ill and needs rest into order for you to not lose anything,"

I rush to my mattress and quickly unfold the rag over my body and shut my eyes. Soon enough, I heard the door open.

"You see, terrible ill." Anya explained.

It was silent for a moment, then Anya spoke again, "you can feel her for a fever if you like."

More silence. It doesn't surprise my that my mother wouldn't touch me, especially if I were sick.

"She'll need to be bedridden." I felt someone hover over me and stroke my forehead, "poor thing, I gave her a fresh night gown and sent her immediately to bed, I hope you don't mind."

I could hear my mothers eyes roll, "alright then, how much?"

"How much for what?"

"How much for your services, considering my undereducated maid contacted you."

"Oh no madam, the service is free considering it cost me nothing."

"You nothing." I heard mother mumble.

"I will be off then," Anya's warmth faded and I knew she had left.

"Yes you shall," my mother called. It was silent for a few moments and I swore I was alone, until:

"Yes, you shall leave then."