Chapter 19 ADMONITION
NARRATIVE POINT OF VIEW
Pining towards the bountiful feast, a subtle sound of her grumbling stomach toiled. Viscount Claude chuckled “you haven’t eaten in days, you must be starving”
Living as a servant for most of her life, seeing the platter filled with opulent meals made her feel intimidated. A feast typically served for kings and queens awaits her. He pulled a seat open, gesturing her to hunker. She stepped closer and did that exactly, ogling at the gigantic piece of meat sizzling before her. “Dig in, I’ll be at my office for a while,” he uttered and gave her a peck. She was stunned, but was able to quickly recover with twinkling eyes.
He stepped away and left her alone. She waited for a while before guzzling away. Downing the entirety of the mutton, Agatha gobbled everything down the drain. Munching left and right without desisting, even for a drink.
With closed eyes and pealing sough, Agatha barely enjoyed the symphonic harmony of savory sweetness as he arrived out of nowhere all dressed up as if he’s about to leave. Holding a serving of meat pie by her hand, she paused with gliding embarrassment. He chuckled at the sight. Seeing her viciously downing everything was an evidence of his treacherous treatment, he stepped closer and wiped the streak of dressing staining the side of her lips.
Her eyes widened, seeing him get closer whilst wiping the mess she had made her heart beat soar for a moment. He straightened his back, secretly amused upon seeing her get flushed. He pulled the seat beside her, sat down and crossed his legs without breaking his stare away. Resting his elbow on the table and placing his palm on his chin, he announced something “I’ll be gone for a while”
His words ringed her ears. A dab of optimism brayed upon her cognizance. A quick glimmer of her eyes caught his mindful scrutiny. He smirked secretly as she began to change her expression. Agatha faced him melancholy, “you’re leaving me alone?” she asked with a dejected frown.
He played along, giggling with atonement “have no worries, I’ll be back this evening”
She tried to be reticent, but even a slight dab of deceit can’t pass his eyes. She sighed and looked away with a sullen face “then I cannot do anything, so it seems”
“why is it? Do you perhaps get lonesome when I’m not around?”
She nodded but quickly jested expressing no worries “I prefer staying by your side Viscount, but I can’t help it. I know you’re a busy man, everyone likes you after all,” she leaned closer, “at the end of the day…” she gave him a quick peck “you’ll be coming home to me”
He couldn’t help but to smile, 'terrible acting' he thought.
“Well, if that’s the case, I’ll be taking my leave”
Every passing second, she grew tenser, fumbling with her hands, not knowing what to expect next. They’re by the living room, he’s putting on his vest and she stood there patiently waiting. Trying to lift the awkward reticence, she decided to speak of compliment “You’re stunning as ever, Viscount Claude” she smiled with her eyes. He turned around to face her “I know” he bragged.
They both chuckled. The fleeting warmth of their condescending words brought forth frivolity. It only came to a halt when he stepped towards the caddy situated upfront. He opened it, just enough for him to see what’s inside. A clanging sound resonated. She swallowed at the familiar sound of chains interlocking together.
Her breathing soared heavier as she realizes what he’s taking out. Holding her hands together, she brought them behind her out of uneasiness. He closed the door, making her see what it is. He faced her, stepped closer while holding the shackles with the chains hanging and getting dragged across the floor.
He came to a stop upon reaching her front, “Agatha…” he called out.
She swallowed the dry lump forming on her throat. She just realized that escaping today wouldn’t be close to possible. She prepared herself, taking out her clenched hands and bringing it closer to him in a way to make it easier to tie together.
The Viscount laughed, a loud one. “why must you bring your hands like that?” he asked, trying to suppress his laughter.
She furrowed her brows whilst having an internal havoc. “I-I… aren’t you going t-" her words were cut off as the weight of the chains tackled her palms.
“May you hide this in the basement before I go?” he asked. Baffled but relieved, she nodded eagerly, half-running downstairs towards the dungeon. Her breathing soared heavier as the diverse thought of uncertainty took over. She doesn’t know what it is, but something feels off. Questions formed in her head as she hid the chains in a cabinet.
'Does he trust me?'
'Is he being serious?'
'Where is he going?'
'Shall I make a run once he’s gone, or do I need to plot here for a while and get him to trust me before vanishing?'
Her jaws clenched, feeling the heavy set of strain this situation is putting her in. She’s quivering, feeling the chilly wind pass by beside her. She closed the cabinet, turned around and silently screamed upon seeing him standing behind her with a confused look.
She bit her lips, fluctuating to a weak leer. “V-viscount…” she called. He nodded his head “I forgot about this”
A chill run down her spine upon seeing the carving knife he’s clutching. He walked towards the cabinet and opened it, placing the knife right beside the chains and slamming it shut. Agatha felt helpless, panicking silently was all she could do.
She spaced out for a while but was quickly haled upon when his icy hands clutched her sweaty palms. He leaned in and kissed her cheeks, then pulled her gently, not using that much strength as opposed to his power.
The loud click of his shoes and the brushing sound of her pumps against the unfurnished stairs blared her ears, making her pensive as ever. His gestures are kind, almost angelic, but some of his actions seemed like silent warnings. She’s as troubled as a pig caught in a quicksand.
They reached the porch. He was bidding his goodbye, but she was zoning out. She’s not bounded, she can move freely, but seeing the man standing before her made her ponder with fear, vex and agitation.
“Agatha?” he called, “may I request for you to clean my office,I have visitors tomorrow” he asked. She nodded with unease. All she could think about was her freedom waiting just minutes away from his departure.
“Y-yes” she lamented. He patted her head and leaned for a passionate kiss. She gaped a little giving him access, but he quickly pulled away.
“Well then, I’ll be heading out dear” he turned around.
The stimulating vibrance enveloped the entrance as he opens the door, allowing the strong gush of wind and bleary fog to come within. He put on a hat, looked back and smirked before shutting it close.
Agatha was left alone, looking at the door that covers the dazzle of the outside world as she tears away silently.
