3. Chapter 3
3
I awoke early the following morning with tear-stained cheeks and a gnawing headache that deepened my resentment. I grunted, shuffling out from under the thin covers, and rubbed my eyes to adjust to the grogginess of waking. After returning from dinner, I dismissed Aoife and fell into a puddle of tears on my moth-eaten bed. Jesri has belittled and demeaned so much of me for his selfish and arrogant pleasures all my life that I've become accustomed to my numb reality of failure, pain, hopelessness, and anger. And now that I might be leaving this place, it feels…wrong. As if my excitement and hopes of freedom are only glimpses of dreams I fear will never come true. Like the wishes I had for my parents to return and save me from this life—That they still love me.
I clenched my jaw— they were just as arrogant as Jesri.
Taking a deep breath, I forced all my thoughts to quiet.
I stood up, the cold floor biting into my toes and jolting me fully awake. As I walked to the window, I pulled open the curtains to reveal the inky dawn, with dark shades of purple streaking the sky. The sight stirred a mix of emotions and uncertainties in my heart. I took a deep breath and looked up at the twinkling stars, hoping they saw me and understood the words I couldn't bring myself to say. Hoping they wouldn't leave me for long.
I quickly scooped up my dress from the ground, knowing Aoife would be upset about having to press out wrinkles, and hung it back into my armoire. I found my tan trousers and a tight, long-sleeved knit top, slipping them on before quickly pinning my hair up. I laced up my boots and snuck out into the quiet hallway, tiptoeing into the training arena under the estate.
I began to stretch my arms, neck, legs, back, and hips before I moved on to my warmup. I lunged and side-punched the air, practicing my breathing with each swing of my arm. I continued to jog around the room before settling in front of the large flour bag Darius set out for me.
I started with a simple 1-2-1-2 combo, allowing my heart to race harder with each punch, feeling the sting of each hit enliven my murky mind and quicken my pulse. Quickly, I moved onto a jab-cross-hook-cross, tightening my core with each forceful swing. I continued 1-2-3-2, back to a quick 1-1-2. Sweat formed on my brow as my heart pumped faster and deeper with every combo. Each forceful swing sent my arms throbbing, but I relished in the contact, the burn, and the sting from yesterday's slice. I willed myself to forget and forgo those feelings that overcame me last night, replenishing them with a newfound fury for vengeance to take back my life. And take back everything that was taken from me.
Jab-jab-cross-hook-right uppercut-left hook.
I closed my eyes, pushing back memories of Calum, Jesri, and my sorrowful past, letting the anger roam free with a rageful scream that echoed off the stone walls, propelling me to punch fiercely. My knuckles stung with each forceful thrust, hitting harder and faster, letting my anger ignite deeper until I swung freely, barely catching myself before I fell to the ground, knocking the air out of me.
I opened my eyes to see flour splattered across the floor, coating my clothes and the wall behind it. I looked up to see the top of the bag barely hanging by a thread.
Slow clapping emerged from within the room. I quickly got up and whipped around to see Levon leaning against the door with a smirk. I curled my lip, hoping he would take the hint to leave.
"They told me you would be down here by morning. But I wasn't expecting to see a show, too," Levon said with a low chuckle, fueling my anger even more.
"Get out," I snapped back, noticing that the tip of my nose and cheeks were covered in flour. I wiped my face and patted the rest of my body, which left a white residue.
He walked towards me, assessing me before pushing his sleeves up. "Show me what you can do, Eliah," he taunted, squatting into a fighting stance. He flicked his fingers for me to join him.
"No," I sneered with venom in my voice.
He only gave me a smirk before lashing out, throwing a punch into my sliced arm that created a stinging pain reaching up into my neck. I grasped my arm, quickly stepping back.
"Always go for the weak point," he smirked, not caring that he split the wound, now dampening my cream top. I snarled at him, only making him laugh. "What happened? I noticed you had it patched last night at dinner. Someone playing a little too rough?"
He stepped closer, quickly throwing another punch, which I promptly dodged, smacking his hand down like a cat playing with its food. He gave me a wicked grin before he threw several more, all of which I blocked, throwing several at him. We danced like that until I landed a solid punch to his jaw, splitting his lip. He stepped back, touching his mouth, his fingers stained with blood.
"Well done," he cooed, walking over towards the weapons. "Now, let's see how well you do in swordplay."
He tossed me a wooden sword, and I got ready. I ran through Darius's drills in my head—shielding, charging, blocking, striking. But before I could move, Levon struck hard, jolting my arm with the force. I held steady, gripping the wood tight and blocking his attacks as best I could. His speed was impressive; I had to give him that.
He landed another blow, but I deflected it with speed. Its crash reverberated off the walls with an echo as I grunted, shoving his weight off. We persisted, moving in a dance of combat, our steps a rhythmic exchange of defense and striking.
Seeing an opening, I struck, only for him to defend easily and intensify my frustration. Before realizing it, he stuck his foot out, intruding on our dance, and tripped me. I hit the floor hard, my head connecting with the unforgiving tile, momentarily blinding me with stars. Gritting my teeth, I let out a low growl of annoyance.
"Here's the thing, Eliah," he panted with a smirk. "I never lose." He playfully jabbed the tip of his wooden sword at my shoulder. I swatted it away, curling my lip at him. He stepped back, offering me his hand.
"You're a cheat," I spat, shoving his hand away and getting to my feet. I dusted off more flour that clung to my clothes, looking down to see my sleeve wet with blood.
"Hm, we'll need to address that temper of yours as well," he remarked with a hint of amusement. I shot him a glare, resisting the urge to slap his handsome face. My fists clenched as I headed for the door. "Giving up already?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.
"I've had enough of playing games," I retorted.
His eyebrows lifted, a wicked grin playing on his lips. "We'll see about that."
"What happened to you?" Aoife inquired, noting the flour covering my body and the blood-stained sleeve. I remained silent as I entered the bathing area, untying my boots. "It was that awful?" she prodded, identifying the anger within me and prying to get information from last night's dinner. I pouted at her, silently pleading for her to cease.
She huffed, walked to my armoire, and grabbed more ointment and a bandage. She patted my bed, and I begrudgingly sat next to her. I slipped off my dirtied tunic, noticing that the blood stained my brassiere. She cleaned and patched me silently, which was more of a gift than anything else. She turned me towards her and embraced me with gentleness.
"Happy Founding Day, my dear. And please, be careful with yourself tonight," she said, pointing to my arm. "I don't want you to bloody your new dress…nor would Jesri," she said under her breath.
I eyed the dress hanging on the partition before stretching out on my bed. "Don't worry, Aoife. I won't ruin that beautiful gown. However, perhaps some other lady would be more suited for it," I lamented, tracing the splotched ceiling within my mind.
"No one deserves that gown more than you, my dear," Aoife reassured, rising from her seat and making the bed shift. "Let's get you cleaned up. Jesri wants you to accompany Sir Alder today."
I rolled my eyes and groaned, feeling a wave of disgust wash over me at the mention of him. Just the thought of becoming his pupil made me scream for escape.
I sat up and headed to the wash basin, shedding the rest of my clothes before easing into the warm bath Aoife had already prepared. As I lathered up with soap, the scent of oranges filled the room, calming my troubled thoughts.
Was this really who I was meant to be? An orphaned nobody, burdened with unrelenting anger and manipulated as a tool by the hands of wealthy men? I gritted my teeth, feeling the anger swell within me.
I splashed water on my face and leaned forward, resting my chin on my knees, lost in thought until Aoife's soft knock broke the silence.
"Come in, I'm almost finished," I shouted, rubbing my eyes. The door opened and clicked shut, followed by the sound of heavier footsteps on the hardwood floor.
I whipped my head around to find Calum holding wildflowers, struck dumb at the naked sight of me.
" Get out !" I yelled. He promptly retreated from sight as I hastily covered myself with my arms. "Tyran, Cal! So help me if you're in here to tell me more about fun ; I don't want it."
I stepped out, soaking the floor with water as I wrapped myself in my robe, my wet hair slick against my back.
"I—" he stumbled as I came around the corner, crossing my arms in front of me. "I came to wish you a Happy Founding Day and to apologize for last night."
"You know I don't like celebrating it," I snapped, not believing he was actually sorry for last night.
He only nodded and held out the flowers, "For you."
I brushed wet strands of hair away from my face and took the flowers; our fingers grazed as I forced an uncomfortable smile.
Since they didn't know my actual day of birth, Jesri decided it would be celebrated on Spring Harvest, the day I was found. Only I knew it was an excuse, for he had no intention of acknowledging me with gifts or pleasantries, as was customary on birthdays. Frankly, I could care less and detested the idea, anyway. It only served as a reminder of a day I was left unwanted.
Calum's golden eyes met mine, plunging the world into silence as he stood in a silent yearning. He stepped closer, bridging the gap between us, and my mind grew hazy with confusion. My wet feet became heavy stones, and I couldn't step away as he drew closer, further ensnaring my thoughts.
"Cal," I stated, breaking the silence and the pounding in my ears as I leaned back.
His breath hitched as he leaned in slowly. We shared the same air as a fiery sensation surged through me, catching me off guard and stirring something deep within and melting away every irrational thought.
The world around me faded as he tenderly cupped my chin and drew me closer. Dizziness enveloped my head as our lips grazed, igniting a warmth within me and rendering me liquid when a metallic twang radiated throughout the room, tickling my nose.
My heart thundered in my ears as he swiftly pulled back, letting go of my chin with a confusing look in his eye. He stiffened when a soft knock echoed on the door and quickly flung open. We immediately stepped away from each other like the two mischievous children we were, always getting into trouble. Instant regret and anger flooded through me like a sudden downpour.
"Oh, pardon me. I—" Aoife squeaked, her cheeks turning red. "I didn't know you were in here."
She moved to leave when I stopped her, "No," I paused. "Calum was just dropping off some flowers and was about to leave."
He glanced at me, nodding in agreement; his entire composure was off. "Happy Harvest Day," he said before slipping out. My heart thundered with an unwanted anticipation that left me desolate and guilty.
I managed a smile. "Help me get ready, will you?" I turned away, sensing embarrassment tightening in my chest. Setting the flowers on my bed, I moved behind the partition, slipping on my undergarments. Heat rushed to my cheeks and neck, which quickly faded because of my vexation, puncturing my heart with tiny holes and leaving me filled with self-loathing.
With an audible grunt of disgust, I headed to my vanity, using my robe to dry my hair.
"Forgive me, Eliah," Aoife said, her cheeks mimicking the redness of my own.
"No—" I stopped short; it was a good thing she came in. I couldn't bear the thought of succumbing to his manipulative games again . "Thank you for intervening." I wouldn't be evasive, "I'm grateful you stopped it. I didn't have the strength to suppress those feelings."
Her smile returned, warming her face to its usual hue. "I can always come to your rescue," she remarked, her tone gentle. "But those feelings are a good thing and worth exploring now that you're older." She paused, quickly adding, "And if I may be bold, Calum is a suitable bachelor—"
" That is bold, " I interjected firmly, cutting her off. She nodded with a smirk and began styling my damp hair, weaving it into its customary braided coronet.
"I hear your big evaluation is tomorrow, and Sir Alder seems quite eager about it," she remarked.
I nodded slowly. Of course, he would take pleasure in it, and Jesri would undoubtedly ensure he found the entirety of his stay to be worth telling.
"Wonderful," I sneered sarcastically, causing a pinch to my shoulder.
After she finished with my hair, she wrapped my arm in another cloth and lectured me about keeping my arm movements minimal. I agreed with sarcasm as she left me to dress in my usual training attire: brown pants, a dark green, long-sleeved tunic, and my tattered boots.
I hurried out the door, hoping to find relief from the thoughts and emotions that stirred deep within me as my stomach grumbled—hoping, too, that Jesri might be cheerful enough to offer me a decent meal.