IVIYANA

It had been a whole day since Papa left and I felt his absence strongly.I should be used to it now.But every time felt like the first time. 

The first few hours were the worst.I couldn't get out of my room.Even the lure of going outside to explore couldn't rouse me of my desolate state.Then, it started getting easier.Genie came to get me and I let her.We went back to doing my most favorite thing.Cooking.

I dreaded going back but all in vain. Mr.Berovin  had stiffly accepted my entry into the kitchen.Apparently,Mr.Berovin was no match for his  wife.Genie told me all about how Mary had threatened to leave the kitchen if I couldn't join them .Genie did her bit by  explaining the circumstances that led me going off the deep end.  

With reluctance the grumpy old man had welcomed me back but not before his harsh verbal reprimand and punishment.Seeing how politely I took in his earful,he had left me alone with a warning to not repeat it in the future.I didn't see Feyna in the kitchen and was then informed that her duties have been changed to the laundromat.I agreed with the decision.The farther she is from me,the better she'll be.

Everything continued on normally but with one huge change.The other maids and servants maintained their distance from me.Genie told me they were afraid after witnessing the morning incident of how "savage" I was,as quoted by Genie. Also,the fact that the bastard had himself come in to stop the fight had instilled nervousness in them.The realization that the stature of my being was different from them made them wary. Being the daughter of the one closest to the Lord had some privileges that they were denied.The difference in our status was visible to all.I never paid it much attention earlier.But now it was abundantly clear.No matter how hard I try to explain,it will be of no use.They won't believe it anyways.So I let it go.Let them think what they want.Let them treat me differently.I had Genie,I had Mary and somewhat I also had Mr.Berovin who still behaved the same way.I was content with them.No need for more.

I looked up at the sky.It had gotten dark.I flexed and stretched my body.I washed my hands in the river and picked up the pot I was punished to clean. Mr.Berovin had picked the largest one with most black burned marks for me.What a sweetheart!

Done with my work for the day,I headed back to the kitchen and let Mr.Berovin inspect the pot.He made  a face,scowled,grunted something under his breath and finally gave his nod.I exhaled the breath I was holding.It had taken me the whole afternoon to get rid of the black spots and I had no intention or even the will to repeat it.

I almost shouted out in happiness when Mary brought me a pie to eat and shooed me out the kitchen , all with Mr.Berovin's glare pointed her way.I rushed out the kitchen, tired from day's work, straight to my room where I relaxed and peacefully enjoyed the pie.Every bite made me appreciate the goodness of sugar and butter and how wonderful a cook Mary actually was.I licked the plate clean and fell back on the bed.It seemed like my body was waiting to be fed before it collapsed.Maybe it was because I hadn't slept very well yesterday or maybe it was today's tiring work,my eyes closed and I was dead to the world in a few moments

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I finally woke up  hours later when my body realized it no longer wanted to rest.I stretched and yawned and lazied around before getting up.Now that I had enough sleep,I felt refreshed and energetic.I walked over to the window and saw the moon still spying from the clouds.It was still too early for the household to be awake.I stood there and let the silence calm my thoughts and the fresh air purify my being.I breathed in deep and held it in,enjoying the serenity to the utmost.

I opened my eyes and took in the beautiful sight of nature before me.The trees with all their green leaves,the sound of the river tinkling in my ear,the footsteps of a person covered head-to-toe running wildly ...Ah! How beauti!

Wait a minute,covered person ? footsteps?My eyes widened as I saw the person running very fast.From this far,it seemed like a lean person with smaller build.An intruder?A robber?Who could it be? Very suspicious.

I should get Papa.He'll know what to do.I stopped mid-turn.Papa is not here.Then what should I do?Who should I go to?The silver bastard? And where will I find him in this maze of castle?Is he even here?

Argh,I grabbed my hair in frustration.

No,I cannot panic.Papa has left me in-charge of this place,I have to take care of it.And if there is no one else to help,I 'll do it myself.

I didn't wait to think anything else.I rushed to the door and stopped suddenly.I went back to my bed and grabbed my wooden rod.Just in case.Then I ran outside to the backyard where I last saw the person.

My eyes roamed here and there and everywhere.I couldn't find anyone. Hm. He couldn't have escaped this fast.I am sure it's a man.No decent girl would ever be about this time of the day.If it is,she must be someone as the same breed as Maisie,the evil witch.

Rustling behind the trees alerted me again to the task at hand.I focused my gaze in the dark forest.Gripping the rod tighter in my hands,I nervously entered the forest.The light of the moon partially pierced the dense forest .I gulped and carried on.I have to be careful.I cannot let the intruder roam free in this place.I heard the rustle again and turned  with the wooden rod ready to strike.Taking a deep breath,I calmed my jittery nerves and rushed forward to catch him unguarded.

A small rodent scurried away.I sighed and brought the rod down.Where did the intruder go?Did I imagine it ?No,it was no apparition.

I ventured deeper into the forest to make sure.Maybe I made a mistake.Just then I heard a splash.The river.Yes,I knew I wasn't wrong.How could I ever be wrong?

Wait for me,I 'll teach you a  good lesson,you thief.I gripped the rod tighter and very stealthily walked to the river.I hid behind the tree as I heard a strange sound.Finally resolute,I sneaked from my place and walked over to hide behind the  big rock.I got up on my knees and focused in the river.And what I saw made my jaw drop.

I continued staring with my mouth hung open.He faced away from me.His body shined as the droplets of water found their way from his wide chest to his tampered waist.I gulped unconsciously as he flexed his muscle bound arms up to his head.Those big muscular arms.So thick.He could easily crush me,no anyone with them easily.His hands then slid down his hair straightening them down his back. I gulped as my eyes followed his waist that disappeared in the water.Such a fine male specimen.I wanted to touch him.Slide my hands down his glossy hair.Something ticked in the corner of my mind.It has been only once that I was this fascinated by someone's body and that was when that..

"The little rat who has been hiding for a while now,should come out by himself before I make him."

I jolted awake from my thoughts at the very familiar voice.Oh Lord,Forgive me.What am I turning into?And that too ..for this bastard....and if I am caught by him,,oh the humiliation..he'll never let me live it down.The embarrassment....

I cannot get caught.No matter what.Very slowly and without making any noise I crawled on all fours from the place I was hiding .I have to make it back before he finds out who the "little rat" really is.

"Looks like the rat wants to play."  A splash in the water.Oh to hell with it.

Throwing caution to the winds,I ran with all my might into the dark forest.