Sold For My Body

Chapter 1.1: Death of the Count

I snuck through my room and went straight into the kitchen. My lunch is late again today. I am starving and couldn’t help but leave to look for food. Luckily, when I got to the kitchen, there was only the chef and a maid. They immediately gave me some bread after seeing me.

“Lucy...” I weakly called the maid and she turned to me. “Can I have some extra bread?” I asked. I don’t know if this opportunity will ever come to me again. I’m sure they are trying to slowly cut off my food supplies. I know that they are intentionally starving me to death. But I can’t die yet. To borrow Amy’s words, my life hasn’t even started yet. This is hard and I’m feeling scared, but I definitely want to live!

“Sure, but..” She looked away, hesitating to continue her words, but I knew exactly what she was trying to say.

“I won’t say a word. I promise.” I assured her, with my eager tone close to begging. She sighed in defeat before grabbing more pieces of bread from the Chef’s basket. I quickly put them in my pocket after making sure no one was looking. I thanked them before making my way back. The chef patted my back with a sad expression and I could only reply to him with a weak nod. I hate the way they look at me. They were staring at me as if I was someone pitiful.

But well… aren’t I one?

I quickly went back to my room. I looked around carefully. I don’t want to get seen sneaking out like this because I am sure my aunt will not like it. After gaining more power in our household, she became the monster I fear so much. If my father was alive he wouldn’t have permitted this and would have kicked her out immediately for her behavior. But right now, all I have is myself. 

I slowly shut the door to avoid making too much noise. I went straight to bed and hid the extra bread under my bed, then started eating what’s left on my hand. The bread was a bit dry, but it was sweet and fragrant. I savored every bite as my stomach rejoiced at the entrance of nutrition. All in all, it was a peaceful and satisfying meal. I was happy that I got to eat today.

 While eating, I remembered the time when  I used to dislike them because they taste bland. I really don’t usually eat them before because the flavor doesn’t suit my taste. “Look at me now, a lady clinging to eating servant’s bread to live.” I muttered to myself with a bitter smile. I knew that I can’t let myself get stuck in this situation forever.

I heard faint footsteps as a group of people were approaching my room, so I quickly covered myself and I pretended to be asleep. Why are they here? Are they here to bring my lunch?

I heard the voices of two familiar maids. It’s Sheila and Megan, they were the maids originally assigned to take care of me, but they are being ordered by my aunt to keep an eye on me, of course. They never treated me nicely. They would easily get mad at whatever I do and haul disrespectful words to shame me. The way they’re treating me was very unjust, considering that I was still the daughter of a count. They really are the servants of that nasty Aunt Petunia.

“Is she sleeping?” I heard Sheila speak without any caution, like she was trying to wake me up.

“Probably, since I forgot to feed her last night.” Megan replied nonchalantly. Did she really forget or did she intentionally do that?

“Let’s just leave her food here. I’m sure she won’t last that long.” Sheila said jokingly and I heard the clanging sound of the silver tray as it was put at the table beside me.

“I heard she will be sold soon.” Megan snickered, causing me to let out a small gasp beneath the sheets.

I’m going to be sold off? Is that true?!

“That is, if someone even wants to buy her. She will probably end up as a maid.” Sheila replied mockingly and I can feel my tears falling to my cheeks. I’ve been trying so hard just to keep myself alive despite the hellish treatment I get from this house. There were days when I only had my determination to feed my weary soul. I could only hold on to a small sliver of hope that I will be able to escape this place one day. Will I really end up becoming someone’s servant? What will happen to me now? Is this supposed to be my destiny?

“Oh well, that’s for her to find out soon.” Megan ended the conversation with a shameless laugh and the two of them walked out of my room. If what they said was true, then is there any reason for me to live? The daughter of a count becoming a mere servant will surely be the talk of the town.

What should I do?