40. CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
VERONICA
Every day is the same.
I wake up to two poached eggs with a slice of toast and fresh berries. There is usually orange juice or decaffeinated tea to wash it down. I hate eggs but I eat them, I’m too afraid not to. Mary has been hovering too close for comfort since Sebastian was sent away. That was two weeks ago.
After my breakfast, a doctor arrives to check my vitals.
I’m usually pricked with a needle in my arm and on my index finger.
He’s a kind man, the doctor. I believe his name is Killian, but I’m not too sure, I don’t pay attention.
My eyes haven’t left the window since Sebastian left.
The doctor pats my head and tells me to rest before leaving.
I’m alone until lunch, where another tray is brought in.
Today, there is half of a grilled chicken breast resting over a small bed of rice.
In the village, I would have killed for a meal like this.
Gareth and I would be lucky to have one solid thing to eat, nevermind two.
When we had a piece of meat and a side, it was like we won a prize.
I’d do anything to see Gareth right now.
The tray is left on my unmade bed as I move to the windowsill.
It’s locked now, all of the windows are after my little stunt, as Mary likes to call it.
There are nails along each window seam, boarding them shut completely.
Some days it gets stuffy and uncomfortable, but I did this to myself, I guess.
Georgina had some old looking chairs brought in, so I can sit by the window comfortably.
Apparently, it was a fight, but she managed to get it cleared by the Queen.
I haven’t seen much of anyone, but I know Mary has been planning things without the Queen’s knowledge.
How true any of it is, I’m not sure. It’s all just murmurs between the other maids who come in when they think I’m asleep.
God, I want to sleep.
Every time I close my eyes, I see him staring up at me from the window. I see Sebastian’s wide eyes and pinched brows. It’s been a long two weeks.
What if that is the last time I see him?
The chair is a comfortable velvet I could easily stay seated in for hours if I really wanted to. There’s another one opposite mine with a dark oak finished side table smack dab in the middle. It’s raining today.
It’s rained the past few days, actually.
The irony of the sky crying is almost comical.
I pull out some of the parchment sitting in the small drawer from the side table, as well as a pen, and begin to write. Two weeks and I haven’t found it in myself to even write. I need to.
My chest tightens as I grip the pen. Sliding further down until I’m practically curled into the chair I plant my feet on the seat cushion while the parchment rests in my lap. Georgina promises to send any letters I write. She said Mary wouldn’t ever find out and I need to believe her on this.
Right now, it’s hard for me to trust anyone.
Dear Sebastian,
I wish I knew what the hell was going on but I don’t.
No one will tell me anything, I don’t even know why you were sent away or when you are coming back. I am close to losing my mind and if they hadn’t nailed my windows shut, I’d already be out looking for you.
Are you okay? If you send me anything at all please just tell me you are okay.
For someone with a lot of words, I can’t figure out what to even say in this letter. It’s why I haven’t written one yet. I think I’m in shock. I just got you back and you’re gone again.
I’m scared. I’m so scared.
Mary has me on bedrest and I haven’t left my room. Did you know that? Well, you probably don’t but now you will. It’s not terrible, but it also is at the same time. Everything would be better if I could at least open a damn window.
I’m okay, the baby is okay.
Come back to me.
Forever,
Veronica.
I fold the parchment, stuffing it as neatly as I can into an envelope before I set it back inside the drawer to give to Georgina later.
The rain continues to pelt down on the glass of the window and I watch as the droplets roll.
My cheek rests on the top curve of the chair, while I pull my knees to my chest, allowing myself to settle in.
Eventually, I fall asleep.