Dearest Evelyn

-chapter 30-

I noticed how Terrin and Hector still weren’t on speaking terms. I’d have to fix that, yet still. I noticed also how they only passed mere, petty words to each other, simply to make a point rather than conversation. It irritated me beyond anything.

But, Joanna was the bigger problem at the moment. The same, horrendous detail happened to her again the very next morning. This time, two rabbits were spiked to the walls across her bed near the door, another large pentagram painted in-between them. A small replica was painted on her forehead- and it took hours of scrubbing and powder to make it fade to a good point of hiding it.

We sat down and formed a plan. Joanna would sleep in my bed that night- with Terrin beside her to protect her. Gwin was to take Terrin’s room, and I’d sleep in Joanna’s bed, to see if I could catch the prankster in the act. It was too risky for Joanna to sleep with her mother that night- I didn’t want the prankster to go after the queen too. Heaven forbid.

It was risky and no one really liked it, but as I had predicted, the castle was aloof with ‘witch gossip’. Hector and I hadn’t mentioned another word about our promise yesterday, and luckily Gwin didn’t pester me about it.

So, that night as I settled into Joanna’s bed, I tried not to think about the bloodstains all over the walls, or the remnant anyways. The maids had tried their best to get the paint and blood to fade.

I couldn’t sleep. Anticipation and fear kept me awake. I had to act asleep, or I’d blow the whole thing.

But when the body came, I was less surprised. I tried not to tense, remembering to pretend to shallow my breathing. It was hard trying not to be obvious, but the figure at the foot of the bed didn’t notice. It looked feminine, rather very feminine. It might’ve just have been the shadows . . . but this girl’s bust was huge, and I felt odd for saying so.

I accidentally flinched as I felt sudden cold fingers upon my throat. I pretended to shuffle a bit and turn over. The fingers were momentarily back, but much lighter this time. I kept my body calm, even though my every nerve was screaming at me. The fingers were cold, and I could only guess what was happening. I prayed with all my might that they weren’t out to physically harm me (or who they thought to be Joanna).

But then I heard more shuffling. She had an accomplice. Her fingers stopped rubbing at my neck and I heard nearly-silent movement about the room. I could only guess what sort of vandalism or strangled animal I’d find on the wall.

I gently peeked out from half-closed eyelids to try and get a look at the girl. But I couldn’t see a damn thing. I restrained myself from groaning in irritation. What a dumb way to get caught. I only prayed Hector was doing his end of the job. But I didn’t think he’d think to come down here to check.

Damn. I should’ve set it up for him to do that. Why didn’t I think this through? How was this going to work with me in Joanna’s place?

Before I could think of an answer, the two left, and only seconds later did I hear Hector’s muffled voice from the closing door. No. No, it couldn’t be. I was mistaken. I quickly got up, sprinting over to the heavy wooden door as quietly as possible. I pressed my ear against the crack, hoping to hear the man’s gruff voice.

“I saw you come down, I had to follow you, but I couldn’t find you.” It was definitely Hector.

Had he betrayed me? My heart throbbed like an icy needle just stabbed it. What was his purpose with this girl?! Did he tell her what I swore him to never tell?

“Oh, hello, Hector.” I flirty voice chimed softly and I knew I recognized it. But who? Damnit why didn’t I pay closer attention to the ladies’ conversations? I should know who this is . . . why isn’t her name or face registering with me?