Mad Dog

Chapter 3 - The Garden

However, as the days passed, no one showed up at my door. Meals were set outside, but I didn't touch them. I had no appetite. It felt as if my stomach was in constant knots. That any threat of food would come right back up. Instead, I spent my days in the chair. Gazing endlessly at the garden before me. Two days. Three. I was starting to get restless inside. By the end of the fourth day I had begun pacing the floor like an animal rattling it's cages. He would have heard what happened by now. I raged inside. Why hadn't he come? I began to realize that I had not done enough.

On the 5th day, since I confined myself to my room, I could no longer take it. Why was I waiting. So that he could see me die in this cage? Giving him an easy way out.

No.

The best thing about a wild dog is that they get to be free. Rather than looking at this garden every day I should see it. It was mine after all. I stand not bothering to get dressed or even look in a mirror to see what I looked like. What does it matter. I was going to die anyways. I only sling a dagger around my waist, the one given to me on our wedding day, the day this nightmare started, and head out. With a purpose, I begin my walk to the garden, not even noticing the stares of those around me. I could only imagine how I looked. The unkempt hair, the dried blood. I was a mangy dog ready to bite. I had almost made it to the garden before finally being stopped.

"Miss." The guard said uneasily taking in my raw appearance. "I can't permit you to go outside alone. You must go back to your room till someone can escort you."

He thinks himself brave. "Escort me, you say?" I murmur barely audible. Without a second thought, I shakingly draw my dagger and position myself to fight. I might be weak from hunger but I willed my blade steady. "You'll have to drag my corpse back." I spit out

"Miss, please. Don't make me hurt you."

I laugh. "As if a weakling like you could do me in. I'll be going in that garden unescorted or die trying."

Balking at me, he pleaded, "Miss, please lower your weapon. It's not safe for you to go out without a guard. We have our orders."

I laughed at that. "As if anyone truly cares about my safety. Stand aside, or I will gut you where you stand."

"Miss, please -"

Without waiting for his reply, I rushed him, aiming for the spaces in his armor leaving him no choice. He caught my hands before I could reach it, yanking them into the air. Trying desperately to free the dagger from my hands. I wasn't going to be beaten so easily. I kick him hard in the balls, bringing him to his knees in agony dropping me hard in return. Knocking the wind right out of me as I hit the ground. I sit there stunned for a moment before I stagger up blade back at the ready. "Any last words?" I ask.

Fear flashed in his eyes as he went for his weapon. "I thought not." I rush forward, not wanting to wait any longer for him to get his bearing. I go to sink my knife in his neck when I'm abruptly yanked back and pressed tight against a chest I know well. The familiar smell of him wafted over me bringing a tightness to my chest. Over my shoulder, I shoot him a look full of venom. I struggle to get free of his grip. But he just stares at me. As nonchalantly as if he was reading the paper instead holding a wild animal in his arms. I bite and claw at him desperately trying to keep my grip on my blade as he rips it from my hands. I scream a piercing shriek of rage. Beating my hands into his chest while flinging every kind of insult I can think of at him. But he just held me tighter. Taking my hands between his and pinning them to my sides. I kicked at him struggling against his weight but it was usless. Till finally I could struggle no more. Tired, I felt myself slipping unwillingly into unconsciously cursing his existence as I go.

Rohan

Strange. She had been acting very strange lately. I wonder how a mere cold could have changed someone so much. Staring down at her, it was almost laughable the things she was saying. How amusing. I wonder how far her vendetta will take her. Picking her up, it's impossible not to notice how light she was. The dried blood in her hair giving her a more striking appearance against her pale skin. I lift her cradling her in my arms and push a strand of hair from her eyes. Her forehead creases in annoyance. Someone was keeping things from me.

"You." I say icily to the guard not bothering to even look up from her face. "The next time my wife is barred from this garden will be your last." I begin to walk past to her room before turning once again bring my sword out and slice it down on his arm permanently marking him. He cries with agony as I coldly warn him. "Also you better think twice the next time you unsheath your weapon towards her. It won't be just a flesh wound. I'll have you roll over and die."

I stalk back to her room leaving his whimpers behind. Flinging open the door, I gently lay her on the bed as trembling servants flock in behind me.

"Explain" I spit out.

They all trembled none of them wanting to speak, but I would not have that. I slam my fist on the bedside table. "Answer me this instant or you all will pay the price." They jump knowing someone had to take the fall one stepped out. She trembled head to toe and you could see the remnants of blue prints below her collar. It was clear who put them there. "She told us not to come in my lord. She said if we came in, she'd kill us."

"I see." I said slowly my words becoming more pointed, "and did you realize my wife wasn't eating her meals?" She flinched looking around at the others all with their heads down in guilt.

"Yes, my lord, but-" she started.

"How long?" I demand almost yelling it. Fury coursing through every inch of me

At this, her trembling intensified looking almost faint she replied "Today is the 4th day, my lord."

"Four days?" I nearly spit the words at her. "You mean to tell me she has been neglected for 4 days, and none of you thought to report this to me." I say fuming.

She takes a step back, wanting the protection of the crowd from my anger but knowing there would be none.

"I-im sorry, my lord. Madame said if we told you we would be sacked. We just assumed that since you never took an interest in her , it would be fine."

"Ah, I see now. You are confused as to who your master is." I sneer.

She blanches "No! No, my lord! I swear we just thought her words were your words!"

"Wrong answer," I say, taking my sword out of its sheath moving almost to fast to be seen I bring it down on her neck nearly splitting her in two. Shaking the blood off, I approach the rest of them.

"Your services are no longer required." I tell them coldly bringing my sword up again. "All who wish to live run now." They all bolt from the room but I don't give them any time. I run my sword through each and every one of them. Sparing no one. Wiping the blood from my blade off on one of their clothes I hear footsteps behind me.

"My lord." I turn to see Browan bowing before me. "Would you like me to see about disposing of the bodies? And a doctor for the Lady." I glance around indifferently. "Yes. Make sure her room is spotless and call my mother. We have much to discuss." I say bitingly. It seems I will need to remind her who the real owner of this house is.