27I sat in front of the window, my eyes glued on the drawing book in front of me but my mind was deeply lost in thoughts. It had been seven whole days since Gwaine left town and in that time, Dianne had made it her life mission to push me down the hill of frustration. From the meaningless errands she constantly made me run for her to the cuss words she mixed perfectly with the words she used when talking to me. She was never nice to anyone, but she spoke to the other maids with a little bit of respect, something that was completely lacking when she spoke to me.I picked up the book in a feeble attempt to draw something, anything at least. But a whole week of putting up with Dianne had taken a toll on me. My concentration, if anything, was divided. I could hardly focus my mind on anything as thoughts of her seemed to cloud every available space in my mind. I was unsettled, mentally and physically. Dianne’s determination to frustrate me grew stronger and more effective by the day. E
28Gwaine’s POV:The loud beeping sound of the alarm sounded muffled in my head, like someone had stomped on the bedside clock and then stuffed it under the mattress before it went off. Slowly, the sound got louder and registered in my clouded mind.I stretched my hand towards where I hoped the noise was coming from. When I found the device, I grabbed it a little too firmly, pressing buttons blindly until it stopped. Sighing deeply, I attempted to drift right back to sleep.I heard a soft knock on the door and cursed under my breath. The door swung open before I could form the words I needed to send the intruder away.“How are you still asleep? There’s a hall filled with men and everyone of them is waiting for you.” Regan said, walking towards the window and pulling it open. The light that flooded the room afterwards was a little too bright. I pulled my arms protectively over my face to keep the light from assaulting me more than it already was.“Go away Regan!” I said, still wincing
29 I came awake slowly, noticing the ache in my head before anything else. My entire body felt sore, but my head ached the most. I could feel the bright rays of the sun on my skin and I thought it best to keep my eyes closed for now because I wasn’t ready to face that much light. I moved on the familiar bed that now housed my small frame, trying to get to a comfortable sitting position. I realized I couldn’t move and that only made me try harder. Placing my hands beside me, I tried to force myself up but my arms were too weak to hold my weight. “Careful now, no need for any of that.” Regan’s voice came from somewhere in the room and my eyes flung open. The bright light blinded me momentarily and when I finally adjusted to it, I saw Regan. He was sitting right beside me, a magazine sitting on his leg. From the way it sat open, I could tell he had been reading it. We were back in my room, I tried to recall what had happened and at first, it was all foggy but after a few minutes, the
Gwaine’s POV:I stood there, my eyes fixed on the small woman curled on the bed who had managed to cause so much trouble in such little time. A small sigh escaped my lips when I noticed just how much she was fighting back the sleep that threatened to overwhelm her.Why anyone would go to these lengths just to defy an instruction was something I had no logical explanation for. Her eyes closed lazily and she opened them again, her gaze still on me. She said nothing, she just laid there staring.After a few minutes of trying to stay awake in a bid to defy me, Catherine finally closed her eyes and this time, she drifted to sleep. The calmness in her expression warmed my heart. I smiled at the realization that her actions for the past few minutes seemed to have been in vain.I sat down in the chair beside the bed and watched her sleep. She was a stunning beauty especially when she was peacefully asleep like now, I thought, noticing some of her features for the first time. Her pointed nose
My eyes opened suddenly, like someone or something had disrupted my sleep. I looked around, my eyes adjusting slowly to the darkness as I sat there, hoping to confirm my suspicions. I was disappointed when I realized I was all alone in the room. I looked around one more time, just to make certain I didn’t miss anything the first time.Gwaine had been here earlier, he probably left while I was asleep. I remember he asked me to sleep and I stubbornly laid here, fighting to keep my eyes open until I couldn’t. I smiled, wondering if he had noticed.I shut my eyes, willing myself to go back to sleep. I laid there, my blanket dragged all the way up as I tossed and turned uncomfortably, looking for whatever sleeping position would help me sleep faster.The ache I had all over my body was still present, I couldn’t tell if it was better or worse than it was earlier. I rested my elbows on the bed, used it to push myself into a sitting position. A sharp pain in my head stabbed me suddenly, makin
32I came awake slowly to the sound of running water. The ache in my head was barely noticeable now. There was a different but familiar scent around me. I was definitely not in some place I’m used to being. The bed felt different; it was softer and more spacious. I opened my eyes, coming face to face with the unfamiliar surrounding. After a few seconds, it all started to make sense. This was Gwaine’s room and the scent lingering in the air was that intoxicating unique scent of his. I looked round, hoping to find him perched in a corner, watching me like he usually does, but he wasn’t here.The events of the previous night came flooding back into my memory and a smile graced my lips as I remembered. We had had the longest conversation last night and this time, we talked almost as friends. I remember resting my aching head on his shoulder to see his reaction . When he adjusted his body to accommodate me, I leaned in more comfortably and eventually drifted to sleep. He probably broug
33Gwaine’s POV:“You really want to know?” she asked, her smile widening suspiciously. She seemed to be enjoying whatever this was. My expression darkened, projecting the emotion I felt within.“On second thought, I don’t think I want to.” I replied, dismissing my budding curiosity. She laughed, a loud feminine cackle that wasn’t all that pleasing to the ears. I managed a smile in her direction. I sat there, watching her as she ate with so much enthusiasm. She stuffed food into her mouth quickly, taking big bites of everything. She seemed to be enjoying every bite of the meal. She raised her head, locking eyes with me momentarily before her facial expression changed.“What?” she struggled to ask, her mouth stuffed with food. I fought the urge to laugh as I watched her. There was something, a morsel of food sitting at the corner of her lips.I leaned in, “Steady.” I said, urging her to keep still before I proceeded. Using my napkin, I wiped it. My finger brushed lightly against her
Gwaine’s POV:Regan nodded at my instruction and started heading for the door immediately. “And Regan,“ I called out and he paused, turning back, “I want him alive. Bring him in as a prisoner and make sure to keep him locked up in my dungeon.” I added.“Will do.” He said, walking out in two long strides, closing the door behind him. I listened to his footsteps until the sound faded.Taking one necessary gulp of whiskey, I leaned back on the chair. At this point, Vilkus had completely taken over my body and emotions. I did nothing to fight him off, I just poured more whiskey into my now empty cup and settled back into the sit I recently vacated. I sat alone for a while, giving myself all the time I needed to cool off. When I was certain I was okay, I headed to my room. In the hall way, I noticed the door to Catherine’s room was slightly ajar. I stopped at the entrance and peaked inside. She was sitting by the window, book and pen in hand, clearly lost in whatever art she was creating