22
Nicole
He hadn’t been lying when he told me a guard would bring me three meals a day. On most days, it is the young and possibly impressionable Leone.
He seems the most easily manipulated, but I haven’t so much as tried to escape when he brings my food on a silver tray into my bedroom.
Where would I run?
Leone isn’t the only guard.
When I’ve been escorted to the kitchen, I’ve counted as many as five men inside, easy to spot. There are more outside, and possibly others who I haven’t seen in the castle.
It has nearly been a week and not the slightest word or glance from Dante. I don’t know if he is home and avoiding me or away on business.
What does he do other than abduct girls?
I perch myself at the edge of the windowsill. The platform is wide and plenty big. It could easily be a reading cubby if only my room had been filled with books. Someplace to take my mind.
I don’t imagine that Dante reads much or anything at all. He doesn’t seem the type to have his nose stuck in a book.
I miss the giant library back at home in Papa’s house. There were always new books added for me to discover when I was bored.
“I’ve brought you dinner,” Moreno says.
I glance up from my seat on the ledge of the window. If only I could actually open the damned pane. My fingernails trace the thick glue that’s molded along with the windowpane.
“Don’t waste your energy,” Moreno says.
I drop my hand to my lap. He doesn’t know what’s running through my head.
“You brought—” my nose crinkles at the smell, and I run to the bathroom.
The morning sickness comes at every hour of the day, especially when food is brought to me.
“Venison,” Moreno answers from the bedroom.
The tray clanks as he places it presumably on the table near the window.
After emptying the contents of my stomach, I flush, wash my hands, and slowly return to the bedroom.
“I’m not hungry,” I say. In case it isn’t already obvious.
“You’ve barely eaten today,” Moreno says.
I give a mere shrug. Bringing a child into this world seems cruel. Am I not better off letting nature take its course?
The thought brings tears to my eyes, but I push it all down. I’m sure it’s the stupid hormones causing my emotions to flare.
Dante hasn’t even seen me in days. “Where is he?” I ask.
Moreno is more likely to tell me the truth. I’ve gotten nothing out of Leone. However, I don’t know if he has no answer or just won’t tell me anything.
“You should eat,” Moreno says, “or I will have to tell him.”
Good.
“That’s what it takes to get his attention?” I scoff under my breath and fold my arms across my chest.