Tainted Blood

Chapter 3

The thoughts that swarmed throughout Spencer's mind did not stop as the day ended and the deafening night encased her. Jonathon was distraught, his actions fast as if he was desperate to tell her something but was also afraid of what would happen if he did. There was a lump in her throat about what the morning would bring. She couldn't protect him from the guards if his test came back positive and he was classed as a Mono. Even if she wanted to, she would simply be condemning herself to death if she were to help him. Spencer quickly shook her head free of the thoughts, Jonathon's test would come back negative, and he would be fine. He knew the consequences if he were to conspire against her family, he wouldn't risk it. He wouldn't risk her. The weight of Spencer's fears began to dawn on her as the moonlight faded and her mind slipped into unconsciousness; each fear and each thought plaguing her dreams and sending chills down her spine.
It was too soon before the morning sun began to spill in through the window and throughout the bedroom. The hand maids began to pour into the room in order to prepare Spencer for her day of "royal" duties within the city; including attending the testings in order to maintain order or as Spencer calls it a sense of fear for those whose children have been convicted. Her father insists on the act of fear to control those whose lives have been run on the unknown of whether they will live in peace or suffer in the Pit. Spencer stomach churns at the thought of more people being condemned, the virus has taken so many lives within the last 3 years with every second child being tested having their lives stripped from them. The supremacy of the Mercer family is long lived and hopefully remains that way for the years to come because if not; Spencer is certain she would not live to see the years end.

The air is cold as Spencer pushes herself up from the bed, her body heavy as she walks towards the ceramic bath, the warm water and sweet scent of lavender welcoming. A stale breath leaves her as she relaxes against the tub as the maid's tend to her needs.

"Miss Spencer?" A voice calls from the door, Spencer calls back for them to continue, "Your family requests that you get ready with hast, you have many duties today."

"Thank you, I shall be down soon," she calls as she steps from the tub and into the towel. She walks towards the room as they lay out black pants paired with a silver long sleeved shirt with a plunged neckline that drapes over her body elegantly. Her long hair was brushed to perfection while she slipped her feet into a sleek pair of black stilettos. With a nod of acknowledgement, the maids leave the room in silence followed by Spencer as she descended the stairs towards the dining room. She faintly hears the whispers of her father and her brother however they cease as they hear her approaching.

"Spencer!" Hennessey announced as his child stepped into the room, "how lovely of you to join us."

"I apologise, I had a restless night's sleep, and the maids did not wish to disturb me," she replies, Alistair remained unearthly still and silent as he avoids his father's eye contact, "Is everything alright?"

Alistair prepared to say something however was stopped as his father intervened, "Of course, my child, what would be wrong on this gorgeous day."

Spencer nodded towards her father before sitting at the table next to her mother who also seems pale with worry. Uneasiness washes over Spencer as she looks down towards her food.

"Is Jonathon prepared for his test today?' questions Alistair as he tries to break the silence and tension within the room.

"I believe so," she begins, recalling his frightful and distraught manner in the gardens yesterday, "but how can one prepare for a test that determines your future?"

"Very true, I do believe all will come to light as will destiny's intentions," Hennessy begins, "perhaps we shall seize the day? I do believe we are required within the testing ground before noon. However, your brother and I are needed within the council for a meeting regarding the Pit. We shall meet you, Spencer and Liliana, at the grounds."