REDEMPTION

46. DIGGING MY GRAVE.

Morning came. Bright light shone in her room. The morning was a busy one. The servants ran from one corner to the next. Something had all of them on edge but none spoke of it. They arranged the dinning area. Cleaned every inch of the castle thoroughly that one could actually eat from the floor. Different delicacies were prepared. Yet, the occasion was still unknown.

Achlysa was seated on the windowsill. She was three floors above the ground but that did not bother her. The experience she had last night was still fresh in her mind. She did not understand what had happened, but when she woke up, a chest lay on her legs. If she had been a second too late, it would had crushed her legs.

The contents of it were not know. Plus she could not open it. Achlysa whisked it to her dimensional storage for safe keeping. She was convinced that since she could not open it now, it must have not been the right time. She was not bothered by it but that did not mean it was not in her mind.

The sky was covered in orange as the sky rose from its chamber. The moon was still on the sky, however, it admired the sun so much it forgot to leave. Birds ascended in the sky in a parade to usher a brand new day. The trees stood still, bathing in the magnificent first ray of the sun. The dew on the grass reflected the light to alert everyone that morning was here.

She sat there in her night gown as she also enjoyed the warmth of the sun. Her legs were sore from carrying a chest the whole night. She made a mental note not to push herself too hard. They were a bit numb bit she could still walk without stumbling. However, they still hurt if she walked or stood for long. She had missed looking at the sunrise but her mind was calm about the fact that she could no longer see.

Achlysa's belly rumbled pulling her out of her thoughts. The two brothers had not come to get her. That was weird. They were always there when she woke up, she must have gotten used to it. Forgetting about the condition her legs were in, she jumped from the windowsill. And yes, she landed on the floor.

She slowly staggered to her feet and headed to change out of her clothes. She wore a white dress and its pattern was exactly the same as her staff. She had no way of knowing this but all who saw it when she left her room stood and gazed. The only difference between her dress and the staff was the centaur. Apart from that, everything else was the same.

Achlysa headed to the kitchen after asking a few maids. One of them had offered to take her there but Achlysa refused telling her that her duties held more importance. On arriving, she asked the chef if she could borrow a stove to cook herself something. At first, the chef rejected her going anywhere near fire. He had good reason to be worried and he had almost managed to get away with it.

A servant had come inquiring if the meal to be on the menu was done. The chef's shoulder's slumped in defeat. He assigned one of the staff to help her out and made it clear that if any problem came about, he should be alerted immediately. After that, he disappeared in the crowd of cooks but one could occasionally hear him giving orders.

Achlysa thanked him before being led to the stove she'd use. She quickly made herself a simple meal. After she was done, she left some as a thank you to the chef and the lady she was assigned. The lady that had helped her, escorted her to the dining area while she carried her tray.

King Mafilso, Drastacia, Shawn and Ralph were already seated eating. Ralph and Shawn seemed surprised that Achlysa was walking in right now. They both looked at Drastacia who avoided their gazes. This had gone too far. When they arrived, they had inquired of Achlysa had had her breakfast yet and Drastacia had mentioned that she had just left. The king did not make any objection so they believed her.

It seemed that a conspiracy was in order. Ralph was so angered by this that the table began to vibrate. Shawn continued eating as if nothing was wrong but the color of his eyes changed to a furious color. A color an Angel was not to have, black.

“It's been far too long dear, how nice of your to join us. Why not have sit and dine with.” Drastacia said but her voice was far too kind to be true. Achlysa saw right through it and came up with an idea to evade sitting with them. She did not want anyone ruining her morning for her.

“It's been far too long, Your majesties, young master Shawn and Young master Ralph. Thank you for the offer, however, I was on my way to the garden. I'll eat from there. Excuse us.”

Zestria, the lady that had accompanied her continued advancing to the garden. The door was at the end of the dining area. The room was dead silent but the constant exchange of cutlery greetings could tell the mood.

Outside, Zestria let go of the breathe she had been holding. Achlysa let out a giggle and apologizing. They then talked a bit till they got to their destination. The tray was set down for her and Zestria helped her sit. She placed her staff next to her before she began eating.

Achlysa stopped midway when she realized, Zestria hadn't left. She set her cup down and asked why she stayed. Zestria then explained that it was her duty to wait till she had finished eating before leaving. If anything were to happen to her after she had left, she would be held accountable whether it was her fault or not.

“Then why not join me.”

“Am not…”

Her belly protested. Zestria sat on the empty chair next to Achlysa while Achlysa poured her tea. She pushed the bread and eggs she had prepared to her and continued sipping her tea. Zestria was uncomfortable as she kept glancing left and right to see if anyone was watching. Achlysa decided to pick up where they had left off and soon, she relaxed.

While they talked, a voice called out to one of them.

“It’s been a while since I saw you smile.”

Zestria scrambled to get to her feet but was signaled to stop. She sat down shaking from the fear. She was really going to get it now.

“Welcome, Zestria was keeping me company as I ate. Would you mind joining us.”

“Thank you Zestria for looking after her.” he said before sitting down.

After they had completed their morning meal, Zestria vanished in panic with the tray. Her destination was most likely the kitchen but she had headed in the opposite direction. Perhaps she wanted to avoid the conflict in the dining area.

Bendra had escorted Achlysa back to the dining area but left before they had entered. The four were still there and the mood had only gotten worse. Mafilso ate without a care in the world while his daughter admired herself in the mirror. The Angel brothers had not touched their food after Achlysa had left, yet that had not left either.

“Here comes the whore.” Muttered Achlysa.

“Drastacia!” Shawn warned.

“What! Isn't she the one who tricked him with her charms just to get into his bed and claim a status? Look at her! Who in their right mind would choose such a thing to spend the rest of their lives with. They need attention and it always clings to other people's men for attention. She’s a b***h without class. Who knows who else she tricked.”

“Is that so? I would like to hear more.” Bendra who had been standing at the doors through which Achlysa had come through.

“Please, keep me entertained.”