Bab 23: 23- "What if his sanity snaps?"

Mildred heard the sound of water trickling, and the noise of grapples, after what Eve said to her, she found herself quite unable to fall asleep. The struggle was getting quite intense and she saw a few drops of water infiltrating her room. She folded herself as she joined her limbs to her chest.

Weird things were happening, she wondered how Eve was fairing, this must seem horrifying to her.

An enormous force on the door jolted her up, she swallowed and moved backward, closer to her wall. She heard whispers, and echoes, she quickly palmed her ears but it didn't stop the noise.

Suddenly everything stopped.

Curious, she felt the urge to look outside her room. She slid down from her bed and stepped silently toward her door, she recalled what Eve told her but she couldn't push the lure she felt to open her door.

"Don't." She jolted backward when she heard the voice. It seemed oddly familiar to her but again, she was all alone in her room. She knew it was a warning but she couldn't stop her hand from reaching for the door's handle. She felt her hand quivering and it reached the handle, she wanted to yank get hand away but couldn't.

When her hand clasps the handle she lets out a deep breath.

Her mind was made up.

She turned the handle gradually and soundlessly, she peeked from between the opening she had created. Her eyes widened when she saw something from the other side, and as if noticing being watched the creature moved with high speed towards her door.

She gasped and quickly pushed as she tried to close the door, but the creature was strong as it also struggled to enter the room.

"Easy there," The extra pair of hands scared her along with the voice from behind her. She could feel the body close to her as the hand helped push to shut the door, which was successful.

She turned around slowly in panic, her eyes came face to face with a strong muscled chest, she could feel them and see them underneath the shirt even with the dim light.

"W-who are you?" Her voice fluttered slightly.

"And you're welcome." A familiar voice replied sarcastically. Hearing the voice at close range she then knew whose voice it was.

"Madman? What are you doing here??" She shoved him and whisper-yelled at him.

Forsyth wasn't expecting the push so he staggered back a little. If he had expected to be pushed for helping he would have gladly allowed her to be devoured by the beast outside.

"I have a name, thank you. And why won't I be here," Mildred couldn't believe he would still be cocky about this. He entered a room for god knows how long and he's being serene about it.

"How did you get in? And when," She asked, she wasn't asleep. Nor did she open her door.

"Through the window, and not quite long." He walked toward the couch in the room and sat down.

"I'll scream." She threatened.

"No, you wouldn't," He said as he glanced around the room. "Not unless you want whatever is out there to come in." He smiled tight-lipped at her.

"Leave." She didn't know how long her strong façade could hold, she needed to make him leave. She couldn't help but feel safe in his presence, but his presence was terrifying her.

What if his sanity snaps?

"What? So quick? Couldn't you at least show appreciation for saving your life," He stood up from the couch and walked deliberately toward Mildred, he could see she was scared. But not entirely of him, thankfully.

He wouldn't have been in her room if he hadn't noticed the dark presence around the inn. He was sure he heard the inn owner telling her not to open her door, but the stubborn little lass wouldn't listen.

He wasn't even sure why he was still keeping her alive, he does not hesitate to end a person.

"Mhmm…thanks," She cleared her throat as she spoke. She moved backward when he walked closer to her, deliberately. Her bed was behind her and she ended up falling on it.

"Get some sleep, and don't even try to open the door." He warned as he pulled the bed sheet over her body.

"A-are you leaving?" She asked, hopefully.

Hearing the hope in her voice he smirks. "You wish."

______

(Past 1742)

"Ava… Ava, the king wants to see you." Ava looked over at Marleen who called out for her. She wiped her hand and stood up.

"Is there something wrong?" She asked. Knowing Marleen, she knew something was.

With slight hesitation, Marleen replied, "He found the drink you served him mixed with dreadful substance. He's quite furious."

Ava stared at Marleen shocked. This was a setup.

Seeing her expression Marleen suddenly felt sad for her. Even if she didn't do it, she will still be punished.

"I'm sure that witchy-slut was the mastermind." Marleen cursed.

"I should get going," Ava said to Marleen and walked toward the king's chamber.

She knocked on the door and it opened. But she waited to hear his voice first, she didn't want to relive the experience she had on her first day here.

"I'm not naked if that's what's keeping you." She finally heard his voice, although it wasn't decent, and walked into the room.

"You sent for me," She bowed her head and waited for his discipline.

"My drink, the one you brought was drugged. How come?" He asked as he poured himself a drink.

"I don't know, Your Highness, I… I have no idea how it came about."

"I know." He paused as he took a sip. "That's a low move, knowing how easy it would be spotted." He turned around and looked at Ava, "But that doesn't mean you're free from punishment, little girl." He walked nearer to her with slow terrifying steps. "So, what will your punishment be?" He whispered as he sandwiched her between his body and the door.

Ava swallowed, he was too close to her.