Claim the past

Augusta's POV (Her past life):

He had always had his eyes on her business. Even though she was free from all the turmoil of slavery, how was she sure it was going to be permanent? How certain was she that she was even completely free? Her eyes lingered upon them and the slavers with whips. She felt a pang in her heart at the sight. The same feeling that had crept up to her chest earlier was back. That feeling of want, like there was something to reach for, something worth fighting for. She could feel her heart was moved to see the torture these slaves had to face.

They were deprived of the lives they were to live because they were captured and underprivileged. They were being oppressed unjustly but never asked to be placed in that position. The pain of being a slave was worse than death. Though she was once one of them, it seemed like things had changed for her. She buried the feeling within her. It was foolish to think of rescuing those slaves. She couldn't do it without the intervention of the slave master who apparently wouldn't heed her statement. He wouldn't possibly retire from his duties because of her.

She was suddenly bored and wanted to do anything but remain here in this quiet room. She walked down to the massive door and twisted the knob before it opened. She popped her head from the end of the door to see if the corridor was vacant. When she was certain it was, she stepped out of the room, striding down the corridor while she gazed at everything, especially the vaulted ceilings and marble flooring.

The feeling of her body being stretched, after years of being kept in a cage, was foreign, yet enjoyable. Soon she noticed weapons embedded in the walls. It was funny how he would have an apartment here in the middle of nowhere. It made anger wash through her, nonetheless, she continued to venture through the hall, staring at each weapon, until she stopped in her tracks. How long did he plan on keeping her here? Because the other day she was deflowered. He took her virginity with no remorse.

How she had cried early that morning at the sight of the bloody sheet had been brought home. He'd killed her parents and everything that mattered to her. Her heart boiled with anger. She walked a little bit further and noticed the largest portrait, which was that of course, his. But he didn't reveal his face. She knew there was his secret place, where he executed most of his crimes. She leaned closer to observe his face.

He looked ready to fight like he was always on guard and would never let it down. The person who had managed to scar his face must have been waiting for the perfect moment to kill him.

"Miss." Augusta turned to see her interrupter. It was the maid who had given her instructions the other day. With her was another maid who had nearly the same features as she did.

"You still haven't told me your name," Augusta spoke, causing the other maid to turn to her sister.

"My apologies miss." The older maid curtseyed. "My little sister fails to recall her manners when she begins to list her instructions. She's Odette, and I am Kathryn." Kathryn curtseyed her head low with submission. It made Augusta so confused because this was the 21st century. Why the fuck were they acting this way? Why were they compelled to be this way? It broke her to see this. These slave masters always went over with themselves.

"The slave master has requested to see you." Odette narrowed her eyes at Augusta who sighed. This wasn't what she fucking expected from life. Becoming a slave...her life was now in the hands of a man who killed without mercy. A mafia. Why he wanted her was still unknown to her, but as she walked down the corridor she noticed dark green eyes staring at her. Her brows furrowed with perplexity, before she knew it, this man was heading down the corridor, away from them. Why was he staring at her that way? Did she do something wrong?

She settled down on the seat in front of her mirror, staring at herself.

"I think it's better we give her a nightgown since it's evening," Odette mentioned and then she nodded. "I dare to say that I am shocked that he has not harmed you yet. Maybe he finds you quite useful to him." Augusta glanced back at her. "Consider it. The majority of the servants that stepped into this place never lived to see the next day. Besides that, he wants to see you again, which in the history of my being in this province has never been heard." Odette's words shook Augusta who turned. Augusta felt used. This was the type of attitude her father had towards her. Calling her only when he thought it useful. He used her and nearly got her married to an asshole.

"What do you mean?" She played dumb.

"The room where you had dressed the other day was where the mistresses had also dressed. When they were ready, the master would walk in and use them to his liking, regardless of whether or not they screamed. I must say I was stunned when he told me to escort you to your chamber." She emphasised.

And to think she was going to be disposed of and sent back to being a slave. She wasn't as shocked by the news as she should have been. This news came rather like an assurance than a surprise.

"Perhaps he has grown fond of you?" Kathryn questioned, somewhat gaining a little boldness.

"Indeed, what else could this mean?" Odette questioned. Augusta couldn't even answer because she felt like that was impossible. He just met her. That wasn't even her mission. What she wanted at the moment was to get fucking rid of him. He was the only enemy she had at the moment and unless she brought her family justice, she wasn't going to rest.