Something Lost - Book 1

Chapter 12: Nineteen

Day 1: Centre Yew Lower Dungeon

Underground Dungeon
Centre Yew
Night

"For gods sake, get off," Alanis groaned while twisting her shoulders in hopes to loosen the golden clip from her cloak. "Get off. Get off—Get off!"

   With a quick combination of jumping and wriggling, she was able to free herself from the teal cloak that had draped her body. She sighed and sat on top of the crumpled fabric, relieved to be rid of it. Despite being a good thirty to forty feet underground, the cell they were in was beginning to feel dreadfully hot.

   Luckily their gracious hosts left them with a supply of water to get them through the night. Though, it would prove to be a long one as it was damn near impossible to sleep in such heat.

   While settling on the ground, Alanis managed to maneuver her cuffed hands around her legs, freeing them from behind her back. As small feat as it was, she was grateful to gain some use out of her hands again.

   With her newfound freedom she straightened her discarded cloak against the stone flooring in silence. When she was done, she lied on it with her back facing James in protest. She was still too angry to muster a conversation with him after everything that happened.

I can't believe this, she seethed. This wouldn't have happened if I didn't rely on him as much as I do. I should have left when I wanted to.

"We can't keep giving each other the silent treatment," James spoke over her thoughts.

I can very well try, she thought, annoyed by his voice alone.

"What would you like to talk about then?" she questioned, hearing him clear his throat. "Maybe we could start by guessing how they'll execute us."

"A good old-fashioned hanging would be my guess." James chuckled and she stiffened at his statement.

"I'm glad you find all of this amusing, Sir Allard," she said under her breath.

"You asked," he replied coolly, then added, "If my answer isn't to your liking then perhaps we should talk about something else."

"I'd much rather lie here in silence, thank you."

"Here's a lighthearted topic you may approve of," he said, ignoring her request. "I don't know why I've never asked, but how old are you?"

   As ridiculous as his question was, it was a topic they had never discussed. Most of her time was spent adjusting to her new life and learning how to navigate it, her personal life rarely came up. Now that she thought about it, it was weird it didn't come up sooner, and under better circumstances.

   She rolled over on her back and looked up at the ceiling, watching the shadows of the room dance with the torch light.

"Come on, talk to me, Alanis."

   It was the last thing she wanted to do, but figured he was feeling guilty and saw this as an opportunity to make amends with her. Although it was hard to look past the direness of their current situation, her conscience urged her to reprieve her anger for the time being.