Athenian Slave (Book 2)

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Despair filled her. Realisation of the truth was always hard to swallow. In particular when it was the worst news you could come to hear about. Only she had not heard this from someone else. It was in fact her own body that was telling her about the irrefutable truth. Her stomach heaved once more, at the thought of what that truth would mean. And once more, what little of the last meal that had remained in her stomach, was emptied at the base of the tallest tree on Alexios’ land.

It just so happened to also be one that was the furthest away from the villa. Over the last two moon cycles, she had been allowed to make short trips on the land alone. After a month of which she had been escorted everywhere. She still had not spoken a word, and now she was beginning to wonder if she ever would hear the sound of her own voice again. It was not a large loss for those around her, her role being to take orders and not give them. But the stronger she became the more frustrated she felt over the lack she faced.

Her hand grazed the rough bark, leaving lines of red in their wake. It was a distraction from the knowledge she now held. The knowledge that was irrefutable. The only question that kept repeating itself over and over in her mind, was, how am I to live with this? As she spun and placed her back to the rough bark, she slid down slowly, careful to miss the meal she had eaten earlier and graced the ground with once more. Another thought popped into her head unbidden. But equally as terrifying as the other. How would Alexios react to the news that one of his slaves was to have a child?

She had thought she was getting to know him. He was still being attentive, allowing her the room she needed, but not letting her forget the limits her body could take. He still slept on the pallet, in what she now knew was his room, as she took the bed. Every time she tried to point out that he should take it, he turned his back so he could not see her frantic hand actions. Though she had to admit he had become rather adept at reading her expressions, and understanding what she tried to tell him just from using her hands in way she had never thought of before. Trying to show what she meant, instead of being able to verbalise it.

Her hand fluttered over the small bump. A humourless laugh escaped her. Alexios has only mentioned the day before that he was pleased with the weight she had gained, that she had a glow about her that told everyone around that she was the picture of health and vitality.

Only now she knew the real reason behind that.

She had suspected when her monthly curse had not appeared, but at first she was too ill to realise, and then she wondered it what her body had been through had affected it.

But no.