CRISES OVERSHADOW

Sneaking out, bathing, eating and sleeping has now become our habit. It became my routine. And everyday, while I suffer through the hardships, I comfort myself with imagining Angus and I looked forward to seeing him every night.

Tonight, I have made sure the others were fast asleep before I jumped out. This was due to a confrontation I had faced with Mally two days ago. We were sun drying the bush meats when she asked me why I was not in the room when she woke up to ease herself during the night.

I had instantly come up with an excuse to deny her allegations. Although the young woman said no more, I knew she was not convinced. And I had become extra careful since then.

I sighed with relief when I got to my destination. But I immediately became worried when I saw Lyla coming out of Angus' chambers. And with the suspicious way she was looking around, I knew she has not gone there for a good cause. But what could she be doing with him by this time of the night? I hid myself before she could spot me and immediately she left, I stomped into his quarters.

I became alarmed when I met him seated on a sofa, naked from his waist up. My eyes widened and I suddenly became bothered with jealousy. I raised my brow questioningly at him and he sat back on the bed post, his calm demeanor flawless.

"What is that girl doing here so late in the night?", I proved angrily and he folded his arms.

"I want to know why she's here. Are you sleeping with her?", I asked and that got him furious. He stood up from the bed swiftly and then he was right before me.

"And what if I am?",

His response made me look up at him while he glared down at me with that arrogant stare of his, his chest rising and falling with anger. Dejectedly, I turned to leave but he dragged me back. I gasped at his roughness.

"Where do you think you're going?", he snapped and I stopped on my feet, avoiding his gaze.

"You want to walk out on me?", he asked with a disbelieving scoff. He stepped closer to me and made a rough grab of my jaw. "I am your lord. I own you and not the other way around, you get it?", he asked and I quickly nodded. "Try that with me again and I will make you regret your life", he gritted out before he threw me to the floor. When he turned to leave the room and I immediately went on my knees. Holding on to his leg, I begged vigorously.

"Master Angus, please forgive me. I must be out of my mind. Please don't leave me", I pleaded desperately. What would I do with my life if he abandon me now?

"I would never try that again. Please forgive me. Just this once, I beg you. I promise--

"Enough!", he suddenly barked and I clamped my lips shut.

"Rise", he commanded and I quickly rose to my feet. Thanking my stars for saving me.

He turned around and head to his bedroom and I immediately followed him.

"Why were you not here yesterday?", he asked and I swallowed thickly.

"Y_y_you, m_m. I came but you were not in the room.", I told him.

"Next time, you will wait for me", he said and I nodded again.

Sitting on his bed, he patted the space beside him and I settled down.

"You must not get into my personal issue again". Knowing he was referring to Lyla, and as painful as it was to admit, I nodded. He then pulled the small table to our side and uncovered the dishes. He motioned for me to eat and I did.

Some moments to eating, I remembered something I wanted to ask him.

"Master", i began and he suddenly growled.

"Angus", he corrected and I smiled. "Do you want something?", he asked and I nodded in affirmation.

"It's been up to a few weeks now and you've not made any advance at me. Is there a problem?", I asked, my voice shaking with fear.

He shook his head

"No, I'm only taking my time.", he smiled down at me. "Don't worry, we have got a lot of time", he reassured.

I know. I'm just scared you might become tired of me.

That same night, I have just tip_toed back into the slave chamber and was ready to lay back when I felt a tap on my arm. Startled, I gasped but it was only Karen. I sighed and turned to her. I gasped again when I met her eyes. They were blood red and were almost closed. She was gasping for air and was asleep pale as a ghost. Oh no! I was not ready to lose another friend. I begun to fidget when she said something but I couldn't hear her. I decided to put my ear to her mouth. But what she said almost had my eyes out of its socket.

"It's painful, Freye.", she murmmured with difficulty and then she added. "Please end it for me", she cried while I shook my head.

Karen had always have a stomach issue and she goes unconscious from pain anytime it took so long for her to eat. Remembering that I had a loaf of bread I had stolen from Angus in my wrapper. I immediately took it out and handed it to her.She cried profusely and was immensely grateful. When she began to probe me on how I have gotten the food, I had to lie to her that I'm having an affair with one of the kitchen's servants. However, Karen threatened to report me to Yun unless I accept to bring her food every night. And that was how I began to steal from Angus every night.

I was shocked when I came into the quarters one night and I met most of the girls on their feets, standing with Karen who has a bread in her hand and all glaring daggers at me. I do not need to be told, I knew I had been bursted.