Page 7 of Chosen
A heavy sigh of relief tumbles from my lips. “Thank goodness. I’m just surprised the Sector Leader allowed her to do something so recklessly.”
Maggie shakes her head with a heavy sigh. “May I speak freely Miss Jamie?”
“Of course, Maggie and please just call me Jamie.”
Again her head shakes from side to side. “You know I can’t do that Miss Jamie. You are a member of the Sector Leader’s family.”
“When we’re around everyone else you can add the Miss to my name but when we’re alone just call me Jamie. Can you at least do that for me?”
“Of course…Jamie.”
“Now what were you about to say?”
“Well, you’ve known your sister longer than I have so I’m sure you’re aware that she can be…stubborn. I wanted to accompany to her but she insisted on going on her own. I relented because she wanted me to stay behind in case you needed anything.”
“Yes, my sister can be stubborn, that’s for certain but I’m surprised her husband allowed it. From what I can tell he’s very protective of her.”
“This is true, but Lord Magnus has a soft spot for Miss Noah and gives in to almost every request she makes. However, after her fall, he’s been firm about her staying in bed, and under the doctor’s supervision, at least for the next few days to assure himself that she’s okay.”
“Knowing my sister, she’s probably not happy being in bed all day.”
“You parents visit her regularly when she’s not sleeping and she keeps herself occupied with her e-pad. Now, at the risk of sounding pushy, I think you should wash up and get dressed so you can visit the Sector Leader in his office.”
I still don’t understand why he’d call me to his office. Since I’ve arrived at the manor, the two of us have barely exchanged more than a few sentences with each other. I had no desire to have a conversation with him but knew better than to defy this order even if he was my sister’s husband. He’s still the Sector Leader.
“Oh.” I finally respond for lack of anything better to say. Assured that my sister is fine, the anxiety that was gnawing at the pit of my stomach returns as I remember this is the day I meet my doom.
“Well, I think it’s best if you wash up before changing into something more appropriate. If I’m still speaking freely, I would suggest you make use of some of the scented oils for your bath. The air in this room is a bit stale.”
If nothing else, Maggie is one of the most diplomatic people I’ve ever come across. These past several days, I’ve been shrouded in a cloak depression, so bathing has been the furthest thing on my mind. I’ve become so use to my own odor, I can only imagine how I smell to other people.
There was a time when I took pride in my appearance and actually cared about how I presented myself to others. Since I was a child, I’ve been told I was ‘cute’. And as I grew older, ‘pretty’. On the commune I got more than my fair share of male attention. My sister always referred to me as the beauty in the family even though Noah is one of the most stunning women I’ve ever seen.
But now, I couldn’t care less about how I look.
I allow Maggie to usher me to my private bathroom.
“Go ahead and get undressed while, I prepare your bath,” Maggie instructs.
It’s pointless to argue so I shrug out of my clothes. There a large mirror that covers one side of the wall, and though I haven’t seen my reflection in weeks, I take a proper look atmyself of the first time and barely recognize myself. My vibrant dark brown skin which used to glow with health seemed dull and washed out. The spark in my eyes was now absent and they stared back at me lifelessly.
Since the raid on the commune, I’ve lost a significant amount of weight. My once round face is thin, my now hollowed cheeks almost gaunt. My crowning glory which I once took so much pride in was gone and in its place was short course curls. I shudder as I remember how my long hair was brutally chopped off as punishment for some offense I didn’t realize I’d committed.
Despite gaining a few pounds since coming to the manor, I’m still thin enough to see my ribs. My breasts were always large for my petite frame, but even they’ve shrunk, not a whole lot but enough for me to notice. I run my hand over one of my hips, feeling bone.
My last assignment had practically starved me and my body still showed the effects of those nightmarish months. There were still some abrasions around my knees and legs where I’d been ‘punished’. I didn’t dare turn around to examine my back because I would probably start crying.
The family beauty indeed.
“Miss Jamie, your bath is ready,” Maggie calls out of to me.
My shoulder sag in resignation as I walk toward the in-ground tub. It’s the type of luxury someone like me could have only dreamed of when I was younger. But now as I sink into the hot bubbly water, it no longer matters. Maggie discretely averts her gaze until most of my body is submerged.
“I’ll scrub your back and wash your hair. This shampoo has done wonders for Miss Noah’s hair. It’s so healthy, and thick now.”
I don’t bother to reply because nothing I say right now matters.
My mind drifts off to a place where I allow no thought to enter. It’s best when I don’t remember the horror I experience, the screams, the pain…the blood.
