Olives, Saltwater, and Honey

10

I woke up to sunshine, feeling deflated and empty. I said a hasty prayer to my Gods, as I was not in the mood to speak to them or to anyone else. I pushed my hair out of my face and made my way to the dining room. Permenides was waiting for me. I took my seat and winced. He had left bruises all over my body.

“I’m waiting.” His cold glare was focused on me.

“Good morning my love.” I muttered as my voice cracked.

“Did you sleep well?” He asked.

I could not stop my eyebrows from pulling together, as he had never asked me that before. I nodded slowly, tentatively.

“I slept great!” He smiled proudly.

A lump formed in my throat and I willed myself to think of something other than his greedy eyes roaming my body. I pulled images of Theas’ sweet smile, his strong arms. Fresh bread and olive oil and water were placed in front of me, but my stomach lurched at the thought of eating anything. Permenides watched me from his side of the table.

“I hope you plan on eating, considering I work so very hard to put this food on the table for you.” He said while ripping his bread in half.

I smiled sheepishly and followed his lead. The bread tasted rotten, the olive oil stale. I ate quickly.

“Excuse me, my King.” I said while rising from my chair.

He nodded his head once, signaling my release, and I scurried away from him. My throat began to close in on itself, constricting my airways. My vision began blackening around the corners, and I felt suddenly very woozy. I reached out for the wall in the hallway and steadied myself with it.

‘Breathe, Eos. Breathe.’ I thought to myself, taking deep, slow breaths. I let myself slide down the wall, and I winced as my butt hit the stone ground. I spread my legs and put my head against the wall and closed my eyes. Tears welled in my eyes but I forced myself to keep them in.

“Eos?”

I opened my eyes to see a worried looking Akira.

“I’m fine.” I waved my hand.

“Oh dear, your face…” She bit her bottom lip.

Instinctively, I brought my hand to face and pushed gingerly with my fingertips. It hurt.

“It’s very badly bruised.” She noted.

“I am aware.” I chuckled.

“I’m sorry, Eos. But I didn’t come here to tell you how badly injured you are… I came because Permenides called for you.” She said slowly, tentative to my reaction.

I stiffened a bit, hoping I had done nothing wrong. Akira helped me up and walking me to his office. He was sitting on a chair, reading some document.

“Leave us.” He waved, not looking up from the paper.

Akira looked at me, and back at him. I could see the worry all over her face.

“I said leave us.” He said more sternly.

She put her head down and walked away quickly.

“I want you to know,” He said as soon as she vanished around the corner, “that if we were not planning a party I would not be letting you out of this house. But, because we have already sent out invitations, I’m going to have to let you continue your work. But so help me, Eos, if you are not prompt for dinner, last night will seem like Heaven compared to what I will do to you, do you understand me? You are my wife. You are my property, and I will not having you running around at all hours of the day and night making a mockery out of me. Do you understand?” His gaze was firm.