The price of comfort

Chapter 15

Chapter 15: A New Connection

As the day turned to evening, Della watched the clock anxiously. She knew it was time for the shift change, and she was curious about the new guard who would be watching over her during the night. Lenny had been stoic and unapproachable, making her feel even more isolated in this grand, beautiful prison.

The door opened promptly at 8 PM, and Lenny stepped inside, followed by a tall, broad-shouldered man with a friendly face. Lenny nodded at Della and gestured to the new guard.

"This is Felix. He'll be your night guard from now on," Lenny said, his tone as neutral as ever.

Felix stepped forward, offering Della a warm smile. "Nice to meet you, Miss Della."

Della returned the smile, feeling a flicker of hope. "Nice to meet you too, Felix."

Lenny glanced at Felix and then at Della. "I'll see you tomorrow morning," he said, and with that, he left the apartment, leaving Della alone with Felix.

Della turned to Felix, determined to break through the barrier that had made her feel so alone. "Would you like to come in and sit on the couch?" she asked, gesturing to the comfortable seating area.

Felix hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, that sounds nice."

They walked over to the couch, and Della sat down, motioning for Felix to join her. He took a seat, leaning back slightly and looking around the room with interest.

"Tell me about yourself, Felix," Della said, eager to learn more about the man who would be guarding her each night.

Felix smiled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Well, I grew up in the countryside. It was beautiful there, lots of open fields and forests to explore. My childhood was filled with playing outside, climbing trees, and swimming in the river."

Della listened intently, picturing the idyllic scenes he described. "It sounds wonderful. How did you become a guard?"

Felix's expression grew more serious. "My father was a guard. He was killed in the line of duty when I was young. The King felt bad about it and offered me a job when I was old enough. He's given me a lot of opportunities since then."

Della's brow furrowed with curiosity. "How does someone who kills so easily care about one person's death?"

Felix sighed, his gaze distant. "My father died protecting the King. I think he feels guilty about that, like he owes my family something."

Della reached out, placing a hand on Felix's arm. "I'm so sorry for your loss."

Felix looked at her, his eyes softening. "It's okay. It was a long time ago. I've made my peace with it."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of Felix's story hanging between them. Della felt a pang of empathy for him, realizing that they both carried burdens they hadn't chosen.

"What do you like to do in your free time?" Della asked, hoping to lighten the mood.

Felix's smile returned. "I enjoy reading and playing chess. And when I can, I like to get out of the city and visit the countryside. It reminds me of my childhood."

Della nodded, her own memories of simpler times surfacing. "I love reading too. And I used to enjoy hiking and exploring nature. I miss that."

Felix looked at her with understanding. "I'm sure you do. This place... it's beautiful, but it can feel like a cage."

Della sighed, appreciating his candor. "Yes, it does."

They continued to talk, sharing stories and interests. Felix told her about the books he loved, the places he had visited, and the things he hoped to do someday. Della found herself opening up about her dreams, her fears, and her longing for freedom.

As the night wore on, Della felt a connection forming between them. Felix was different from Lenny—more relaxed, more approachable. For the first time in a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope that she might not be so alone.

"I'm glad you're here, Felix," Della said softly. "It makes things a little easier."

Felix smiled warmly. "I'm glad too, Della. You're a good person. You don't deserve to be in this situation."

Della looked at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you. That means a lot."

They continued talking until late into the night, the conversation flowing easily. Della felt a sense of relief, knowing she had someone she could talk to, someone who understood her plight.

As the clock ticked past midnight, Felix glanced at his watch. "We should probably get some rest," he said, standing up and stretching.

Della nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment that the conversation had to end. "You're right. Thank you for talking with me, Felix."

He smiled down at her. "Anytime, Della. I'm here if you need anything."

Della watched as he walked to the door, his presence a comforting reminder that she wasn't entirely alone. She stood up and made her way to the bed, feeling a mix of exhaustion and hope.

As she lay down, she couldn't help but think about the day's events. The King had brought her to this beautiful estate, but it was still a prison. Yet, in the midst of it all, she had found a small connection with Felix, a glimmer of light in the darkness.

Della closed her eyes, her mind racing with thoughts and plans. She had to stay strong, to keep fighting for her freedom. She would continue to build connections, to find allies, and to seek any opportunity for escape.

The road ahead was long and uncertain, but Della was determined to face it with courage and resilience. She had to believe that there was a way out, that she could reclaim her life and her dreams.

As she drifted off to sleep, she held onto the hope that Felix had given her. She wasn't alone, and that made all the difference.

The next morning, Della woke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. She stretched and got out of bed, feeling a sense of determination. Today was a new day, a new chance to find a way out.

She dressed quickly in a simple blouse and skirt, brushing her hair and tying it back in a ponytail. She wanted to be ready for whatever the day might bring.

At 8 AM, there was a knock on the door, and Lenny entered. "Morning, Miss Della," he said, his tone as neutral as ever.

"Good morning, Lenny," Della replied, giving him a small smile.

They settled into the routine of the day, Lenny following her closely as she explored the estate. Della continued to observe her surroundings, noting the positions of the guards and the layout of the grounds. She had to be patient, to gather as much information as possible.

Throughout the day, she thought about her conversation with Felix. He had given her a glimpse into the King's world, a hint of the complexity behind his ruthless facade. She knew she had to use that information wisely, to find a way to appeal to the King's humanity, if it existed.

As the day turned to evening, Della felt a sense of anticipation. She was eager to talk to Felix again, to continue building the connection that had given her so much hope.

At 8 PM, Felix arrived to take over from Lenny. He greeted Della with a warm smile. "Good evening, Della. How was your day?"

"It was good, thank you," Della replied, feeling a genuine sense of relief at his presence.

After Lenny left, Della invited Felix into the apartment again. They sat on the couch, picking up their conversation from the night before.

Felix told her more about his life, his hopes, and his dreams. Della shared her own stories, finding comfort in their shared experiences. As they talked, she felt the loneliness and fear that had plagued her begin to fade.

"Thank you, Felix," Della said softly. "You've made this a little easier."

Felix smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. "I'm glad, Della. You're not alone. We'll get through this together."

Della felt a surge of hope at his words. She wasn't alone, and she had to believe that together, they could find a way out. The road ahead was still uncertain, but with Felix by her side, she felt a renewed sense of determination.