Kidnapped by a Prince

Chapter 20

Melody's POV

One month later...

I don't know what happened between Xander and Thea last month, but they have reached a completely different level. I've barely seen either of them around the palace, and on the rare occasions that I do run into them, they are always together. Xander hasn't visited me once since the night that he came to check on me which I'm happy about. Not that I would mind if he stopped by to read Sherlock with me. But, I'm glad that he's out with Thea. They've become so close! I mean sure, it's nauseating and in your face, but maybe the king will have an easier time noticing it? Should I start packing? No, I don't want to get my hopes up.

Marie has been stopping by more often. Almost three times a day now just to chat. I've gotta say, I'm really liking having a new female friend. Before, I only ever had Cynthia. I still miss Cynthia of course, but it is nice to have a fresh face with new jokes and stories to tell. Lately, Marie has been giving me the scoop on everyone in the castle. Apparently, Amelie, one of the laundry girls, got caught with Lorraine, the head baker, which was super awkward because Amelie had just ended things with Rocco the stable boy.

To be honest, I was still trying to learn all of the names and faces, so Marie's gossip could be a little overwhelming, but it was fun to have someone to "girl talk" to. It helped me forget that I was a prisoner, even if it was only for an hour. In general, we kept things light with harmless gossip and storytelling, but on days when I felt overwhelmed by the gravity of my situation, Marie was always there with a shoulder to cry on. I offered her refuge from her endless list of tasks, and she gave me the emotional support I needed to keep from falling apart during my imprisonment.

The more that we talked and got to know each other, the more Marie amazed me. She was in a worse situation than I was, and yet she remained so... kind. One particular incident occurred when Marie asked me about Sam.

"Why were you so cold to him? Has he done something to you?"

"Yes. He took me from my life. He injured my boyfriend. He's the reason I'm here," I replied bitterly.

Marie hummed knowingly before putting a gentle hand on my shoulder. "I know that this is the last thing that you're going to want to hear, but he was just following orders, Mel."

"You're damn right that that's the last thing I want to hear. And from you of all people? How could you say that to me?" I responded indignantly.

"I'm sorry that this is happening to you, Mel. I really am. But, I think that you should at least try to forgive Sam. He's a good guy, and you can never have too many friends."

"Marie, you know that I love and trust you, but I cannot believe what you are saying to me right now."

"Melody, if you can't forgive Sam for his sake, then do it for yours," she pleaded.

"What's that supposed to mean? I'm keeping him away for my sake," I spat out bitterly. Could she really not understand this?

"I know that that is how it feels, but I've been where you are. I've had my life taken from me. I've felt that resentment, and I can assure you that those feelings poison you. The moment I let go of my hatred, I became as light as a cloud. Without the weight of bitterness, I could float away from everything that held me back."

"Marie, I really don't need all of this pacifist sage talk. I'm not poisoned, just angry. And, I'm not being imprisoned by my anger. I'm being imprisoned by this castle that Sam brought me to. I appreciate the help, but we're not the same."

And that was when Marie told me her story. Her parents sold her to traders when she was just six years old to settle their debts. She had originally been bought by a rich couple who wanted a daughter. Though they initially treated her well, the novelty effect of parenthood eventually wore off and the couple became negligent. Despite their considerable wealth, Marie always found herself feeling hungry. She had survived on whatever table scrapes the gluttonous couple left behind. Then, the beatings started. The lady of the house had a foul temper and expressed annoyance at every little thing that Marie did. If Marie ever coughed too loudly, her mistress would hit her in the back with her walking cane. If Marie cried out too loudly upon being struck, she was hit again. Finally, the couple grew tired even of their cruel abuse and left Marie for dead in the streets. Luckily, Jamla found the nine-year-old girl and brought her back to the palace to work under her as a maid. Marie had worked at the palace ever since.