Chapter 73: Wandering Thoughts

Blood drips high above in this mansion, deep liquid that pours onto your skin and the whole time it's been falling onto me. I just never noticed it until now, bleeding everyday and drowning me in the crimson iron that it came from.

I take a deep breath, my breathing low and my fingers fidgeting. I can't seem to really focus, I've read this book over about 1,000 times so why do I have to read it again? Didn't I do everything right? I tap my finger on the side of the page and a maid eyes me with deep concentration, not looking away until I turn to the next page.

I shiver, when will this library time be over, I don't know how much more micro-reading I can take. Not to mention the watchful eyes, you would think I would be use to them already but even then I'm not. The piercing gaze sending a direct stab in my back, reminding me of what I am. A worthless tool. Barely able to be malleable.

I gulp, turning my head back to the book and trying to focus on atleast a single word. But I still can't, my mind wandering about the day and what my father was messing with in the garden. What was he even digging at and how did he know someone was watching him?

I glance at my sore finger, if it wasn't for Sir.Betram I would probably still have that splinter. The flesh still stings a bit but atleast the wood is out, that part of the garden really needs to be fixed up.

I press my lips together, on a side note I wonder why Sir.Bertram lied to me. Obviously, I wasn't a good host, I Ieft in the middle of Tea Time and never came back. Not to mention I couldn't stand to stay at the table with Lady.Bellum, Sir.Betram seems nice maybe even tolerable but Lady.Bellum? Absolutely provoking.

My mind goes back to Sir.Bertram, the way he offered to hush about how he saw me, the unprofessional manner…Why would he do that and why does he seem different from how he was at the ball?

I swear he seemed more forceful and almost jealous, not to mention proud in the most unattractive way. But the way he greeted me in the garden, was like another side. Almost like he had a twin other than Lady.Bellum.

I turn my head to the side, Bellum triplets? Imagine that, I snicker a bit at the idea and someone hushes me, making me bite my tongue. My goodness, what is wrong with me? I'm suppose to be reading but yet I can't even do that at the moment or switch out my book. I mean I already read this more than three times and I still haven't got to see a new one.

I clench the sides tight, I wish I could read something better. Maybe what Sir.Bertram suggested? Some Mystery and actually trying out some Dark Fantasy…Admittedly I haven't really read any, I just popped that out to get Lady.Bellum off my back and I suppose it worked for the time being.

My eyes go to the person watching me, the empty void inside taking a second to look at their watch and then back to me. They clap, "Lady.Victoria it is time to leave. I hope you reevaluated some etiquette. The maids outside the door will escourt you to a Tea Tasting. Leave your book on the table and hurry off now."

I ease my hands off the book, scooting back in the chair and getting up with a slight curtsy. "Thank you, for your time." I turn to the door but their words stop me, "Yes, and next time make sure to actually retain some information. I will be letting your mother know about this distraction behavior. Staying on one page for 15 minutes is not ideal for a young lady of your stature, Lady.Victoria."

I squeeze my nails into my flesh, pressing on a wide smile with a nod, "Yes, I understand. I apologize. I will make sure to do better next time." "You will do better. I will be watching." I can feel my eye twitch as I walk over to the now opened door. The two woman standings on each corner, with their faces turned to the door. "Are you ready to go Lady.Victoria?" One asked and I just continue to press on that fake smile, "Yes of course, please lead the way."

They do and I follow, thankful to be away from that hellish library. It is so boring in there and in my opinion brings nothing but repetitive, uneventful moments. I think you should enjoy what you read… Even if it's just a little bit but reading the same story over with no enjoyment whatsoever is not my cup of tea. Even though it's not my choice to have an opinion on it anyway I still do, deep in my head where I feel I could have the least a bit of freedom.

Because atleast there, no one can judge my thoughts but me…

We pass the hallway and the elevator, headed to the stairs this time. Which actually surprised me considering how I never really take the stairs but I guess today is a change of pace. One by one we travel up, ascending the seemingly endless trail until we make it to the third floor.

Both the women take a sharp right, and I just was about to as well until I've seen Charles, the real Charles and not an Illusion this time. His bright eyes sparkling as he walks down the hallway a needle and thread drawing close to him. I wonder what brought him to this floor.

I stop as he passes by, a quick glance being thrown my way before he disappears down the corner. Almost making me want to follow him, like a rabbit to its ticking clock, I want to know where the time is going.

Following the hands to a mystery untold and journey oh so bold.