Aria
I stared at Lyall's retreating figure with a solemn look on my face. I couldn’t believe he just choked his beloved wife because of me.
A part of me was glad that he cared enough to get angry on my behalf and jump to my defense but another part couldn't help but feel sorry for Sheila.
She was a coughing and sputtering mess on the ground and her flushed face was beginning to go back to its normal color.
Kendrick stared at her with an unreadable expression on his face and I wondered what that was all about. Without sparing me a glance, he walked out of the room.
“Need some help?” I asked, extending my hands toward Sheila.
She shot me a scalding look that made me eat my words immediately. “I don't want your filthy hands anywhere near me. Get the hell out of my room.”
I scoffed and slowly began to make my way out of the room but her words made me halt.
“This isn't over, bitch. I promise you, I'll make your life a living hell.” She said with a strained voice.
I rolled my eyes and replied without looking back at her. “I've been to hell and back, Sheila. At this point, you cannot do much.”
She let out an icy chuckle which did little to terrify me. “Just wait and see.” She spat and without uttering another word, I left the room— shutting the door with more force than necessary on my way out. I wondered how she managed to speak so much when there was a strain on her throat.
My fingers grazed my neck unconsciously as I walked through the hallway. I was met with dirty looks from the maidservants who had no doubt heard about the incident by now and of course, I was to blame for everything.
I let out a sigh, ignoring the whispers, and fled into my room. I was tired of this palace. I didn’t belong here. It hurt so much to be hated by these people who didn't even get to know me. Sheila's hatred was justified but the rest? Not so much. I didn't do a thing to them.
I collapsed on the bed as tears streamed down my face. I just wanted everything to be okay. I just needed to be happy. Was that too much to ask? Were things ever going to get better? And at that moment, as much as I didn't want to admit it, I needed my friend, Daneesha.
But as usual, she was nowhere to be found. That has been the story lately and I didn't know what to make of it. She had gotten so cold and distant and I couldn't tell if she was avoiding me or if there was something else going on with her.
I made up my mind to sit down and have a talk with her about it later. But right now, I wasn't going to wallow in self-pity anymore. I would do everything I could to make myself feel better. I owed myself that much.
I wiped my tears and hurried to the bathroom, preparing a warm bath. I shed my dress and got into the bath, inhaling the bewitching scent of the soap and bathing oils. I let out a satisfied sigh as my tense muscles relaxed and I felt my troubles melt away.
After soaking in the bath for a while, the water had begun to get cold and that was my cue to leave. I stepped out of the tub and toweled myself dry before slipping into some comfortable clothes.
I contemplated going out to search for Daneesha or Lyall but honestly, I needed some alone time and without wasting any time, I slipped under the soft and comfortable covers and drifted off to sleep.
My sleep was later interrupted by a soft knock on the door. My eyes fluttered open and I sat up, stifling a yawn.
“Come in,” I answered groggily, hoping it was Lyall. Selene stuck her head into the room and I raised a surprised brow.
“I hope I’m not intruding.” She said with a small smile on her lips.
“Of course not.” I gestured for her to come in and she did, holding up her long purple dress which covered every inch of her body. I really couldn't get over how beautiful Selene was. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders and back in waves and her flawless pale skin glistened in the light.
Her piercing brown eyes zeroed on me with worry as she sat on the bed. “I didn't see you for hours. I was worried.”
I raised an eyebrow, looking at the window as I let out a surprised gasp. The sun was starting to set and its reddish glow blended into orange and red hues. I had no idea I had slept for that long.
“I was asleep.”
“I can see that,” She chuckled but her face quickly turned serious. “I heard about what happened. Are you okay?”
“You should ask Sheila. She was the one who got throttled.” I answered dully. As much as I wanted to find the situation hilarious. I couldn't. Sheila was a bitch but I still couldn't help but feel bad for her.
“Well, she had it coming. She struck you first.”
I said nothing and Selene continued. “I'm still surprised at Lyall's reaction. Usually, he has his bouts of anger but he has never raised his hand against his wife. I didn't think he would go so far,” She looked into my eyes intensely. “Things must be getting pretty serious between you two.”
I gulped. Things were more than serious between Lyall and I and if things kept going sideways, it would only take a matter of time before everyone figured out that we were mates.