New Home (3)

Talia struggled hard to force the painful memories away. She was finally out of the castle that was keeping her away and closer to the people who wouldn't even feel sorry for what they did to her.

Spending some time in the Ashbourne manor was simply the best. Talia would never ask for such a type of serene peacefulness. There were only a few numbers of maids in the manor who focused on the assigned tasks they were paid to do. The food were also great, utterly different from the stale and rotten food that she used to force down her throat. And most importantly, the judging eyes were replaced with warm and affectionate glances that she receives from Peter and his mother.

Talia learned from Peter that his mother's and father's names were Krestel and Albert Ashbourne. At this moment, his father was out of town and so, the three of them were the only ones inside the manor aside from the hired help. Talia was actually grateful that there weren't that many people to begin with in the manor for her to meet.

Peter was the brightest child she'd ever seen in her life. He was so full of life. He would even try to drag her out of the room to play with the chicks and dogs that the manor was keeping in the backyard hadn't his mother stopped him in time and telling him that Talia was still a patient that needed to get her energy returned to her.

Well, she wasn't wrong about that. After using the power she had been trying to hide from everyone, her body was left drained. The reason why she must have not woken up for several days was precisely because of the strange powers that killed that undead. It took a lot of energy and more guts on her part to finally use it despite knowing the dangers and backlash of her Gift.

"Are you not bored of reading a book?" Peter came to sit beside her on the bed. He smells like the earth from outside. He must have gone to play with puppies and dogs in the backyard even though his mother already warned him not to.

"It's not boring if you like what you're reading," said Talia to Peter.

Peter scowled in disgust, remembering all the books he was forced to read. "What are you even reading? Wait, is that a history book?"

He couldn't believe that she was still reading the history book. It wasn't because one must read it the moment they can finally read, but because it was a boring book to read to begin with. Peter wasn't truly wrong when he said why she wasn't bored with reading her books.

Looking around, it seems that all the books that Talia had already finished reading were thrusted into the shelves while the rest were piled up next to the bed, ready to be read by her next.

Hearing his question, Talia looked at the old book that was resting on her lap and she laughed, "Yes, it is a history book, Peter."

Truth to be told, she had already read this book before. Her father had to throw the books into her room and forced her to read them. But at that time, she failed to do that and was punished by her father. How could she not fail at that time when she wasn't even given a chance to learn how to read?

However, her father taught that it was incompetence on her part. Thankfully, one Handmaiden pitied her and taught her how to read. But even that tiny display of kindness she never knew was taken away from her. The Handmaiden disappeared and never returned to her side, replaced by another Handmaiden.

However, that was not the point. The reason why Talia was reading a history book to begin with was to learn how things were going in the Kingdom of Istia. If she wanted to stay there for a long time and hide from her father, she needed to learn how to live like the local townspeople there.

Peter couldn't understand why she was so obsessed with reading books. Even children his age never read books with much enthusiasm like hers. However, he couldn't leave her alone and play outside.

For the first time in weeks, Peter started to read with her. By the time Peter's mother went up to look for them, she saw the girl and her son lying in bed with an open book between them.

…

Time passed by until a month was already gone. Talia adjusted quickly in the new home that found her. Although, she was reluctant to put her trust and deepen her feelings for them since there could be a time where they might hate her for what she could do and lose her because her father found her.

Nevertheless, it never stopped her from moving however she wanted. The first time she left the room where she first woke up, Talia headed to where Peter was playing with the dogs. It was so much fun than she ever thought. And she still marveled how such a tiny creature was so friendly and indiscriminate in touching her? Were they not disgusted and afraid of her?

Talia didn't let her thoughts run into that direction. Time quickly passed and soon, Peter's father arrived.

"Papa! You're home!" Peter rushed towards his father's side and hugged him tightly.

"Oh, my little boy, how have you been while I am gone? I do hope you've taken care of your mother and the manor on behalf of me," said his father as he hugged Peter back. He then glanced at his wife and smiled at her before his gaze paused at the figure standing next to her. "And are you the lost girl we found?" He sounded almost unsure.

How could he not? When the girl he and the coachman found in the forest was covered in the undead's blood, her face was almost indistinguishable. And when they arrived at the manor, he had to quickly go to the castle and get permission to meet the King of Istia to report what findings he had found in the Forest.

"She is, my dear. Doesn't she look lovely?" Peter's mother stepped away to give her husband a good view of the cowering girl beside her. She was not always like this, so shaky and afraid. It must have been because she had just met her husband and thus, found it hard to communicate with a stranger, Peter's mother thought.

"Let's all head inside before the food turns cold. I had Mr. Bakers prepare your favorite dishes so we must hurry." Peter's mother didn't want to startle Talia with her husband's presence. When Albert and Peter went ahead to go to the dining hall, she turned to Talia and said, "I'm sorry. I forgot to remind you that my husband will arrive today. You must have been surprised."

Talia immediately shook her head and said, "No, it's alright…"

No it was not. Talia thought to herself. Her husband's scent was not right. Hence, why she trembled.