The last dawn

The Bath

This cannot happen, I am sure she died a long time ago. She was the cause of my family's destruction and worse of all my mother's misery.

But she got eliminated from the picture, even though I wasn't in support of that, it was for the betterment of all of us. She just wasn't meant to be one of us because she is the result of my father's infidelity.

The old man had no choice either than to see her die in misery. This girl looks a lot like her that I would have thought it's her ghost if I believed in ghosts.

She is still looking at the floor afraid to look me in the eye. I wonder who's infidelity had resulted in this beautiful creature. This is going to be interesting I thought.

"What is your name?" I commanded and taking advantage of her fear.

"I...I..." She stammered but someone interrupted her.

"George" James called out as he approached us in the hallway. After we exchanged pleasantries per our tradition he looked at the girl.

"I see you have met Emma," He said looking at her and I didn't like it at all. I've known James for a long time and that look he gave the girl was a look of lust.

"I have," I said taking back his attention from his dirty thoughts and the girl.

"She is to work in the kitchen for three days as our cook's replacement." He explained with mischief in his eyes. I doubt James will just let her go after three days.

"Emma," I called her but she didn't respond which angered me more. "Did I not just call you?" I asked holding her chin to meet my eyes.

"I am not Emma, my name is Yaa," She challenged which was quite a surprise to me. She is nothing at all like her. She had grey eyes just like mine and father's which annoys me whenever I see those innocent eyes. On the contrary, this girl has big brown eyes that draw you in. I can remain like this forever just looking into them and admiring them.

I reluctantly looked over at James "Is this how you train your slaves, James?" I said still holding onto her chin.

"She isn't part of the stock George, she is just a visitor here for only three days." He explained which made my heart twitched at not being able to have her with me whenever I wish. Would give anything just to take her to my castle away from James.

What am I thinking? Such a thing will never repeat itself in the history of my family.

I released her instantly to avoid any suspicions from James and just move on towards his office.

"What are you waiting for? Get back to work!" Commanded James. The poor girl just rushed back into the kitchen.

We entered the office and I went straight to the chair. I wonder why just a little drama with that girl should work me out.

"What do you know about that girl?" I asked James impatiently. He ignored me and sat by his meal and then looked over at me and sighed. "Won't you have your meal? You had a long trip here," He said, trying to evade my question.

"Answer me, James," I persisted

"She is not the one if that's what you're thinking," He replied, "I'm still gathering information on the girl but it seems quite difficult." He explained sipping his fruit juice.

"I got to know of her English name from her grandmother who I'm sure is hiding the girl very well from everyone that poses a threat to her," He continued. "Even with the interrogation, she didn't give much information but I have sent spies into the village and nearby villages to find out all information they can get on the girl," He finalized.

"Keep me updated with whatever information you receive on the girl," I told him.

"I am spending a week over here before I move to the next fort, I want to gather all the stock I can get before moving to South America," I announced but he seemed quite surprised.

"A week?" He asked almost irritated. "I thought you said you'll leave by tomorrow?"

"Change of plans," I said as I got up from my chair and headed to my chamber. I need to freshen up and relax from the long journey.

As soon as I got to my chamber and sat on the chair, an elderly woman came in with a young girl beside her to help out with setting the bath. I never fancy this stuff and was about to throw them out when an idea occurred to me.

"You," I pointed to the young lady when they were done setting the bath and were leaving.

"Yes my Lord," She replied timidly not looking me in the eyes.

"Call that fair girl in the kitchen for me to help me with my bath," She looked up at me with surprise and fear but looked back down immediately for fear of my wrath I suppose. She should thank her stars for I am quite in a good mood today.

"Ye...yes, my lord," She replied and hurriedly left after the elderly woman.

I waited for almost ten minutes before I heard a knock on my door. I am quite certain its the girl. I'm not sure why she had to keep me waiting and she has got an explanation to do.

I made her stand there for five minutes before opening the door for her. She stood still by the door not making any attempt to come in.

"What are you doing, get in already!" I commanded and she obeyed.

"It is rude to enter a room without permission in our culture my lord," I was taken aback by her response.

"Are you talking back to me? Who gave you the audacity to talk back to your master?" I asked

"I'm sorry, my lord," She apologized still looking to that ground.

"In our culture, we don't fancy lateness, and a slave is never to open her mouth in front of her master without permission," I said in a commanding and warning tone.

"Close the door behind you," She panicked at first but did as she has been instructed.

I moved towards the bath and sat on the nearby chair expecting her to move and help me take off my clothes but she remained at her spot clueless of what to do next.

"Help me remove my clothes, I want to take my bath," I said and her head snapped up in surprise and fear that I have not seen in her since I stepped in here.

Wow! finally found her weakness, This is going to be fun.