CHAPTER 111 HAZEL'S POV; For several days, I remained in the dungeon. Theresa came regularly to deliver food to me and assured me that things were working out well. As for Earl, he visited once every few days with food and books and clothing and soon, the corner away from anyone's eyes was filled with books and fruits and nuts and left over food. It was a safe space for me now and whenever I was on the verge of going crazy, I always went there to sit and think or read a book. The guards wouldn't be coming today and I knew that because I had been counting. Two days off and a day on I had informed Earl and Theresa of the pattern as Onyx had commanded that no one came to see me. What hurt me the most was the fact that no other person apart from Theresa and Earl came with food. If they weren't here, I would have starved to death. That showed so much that he hated me. He didn't want me alive and one night, before I went to sleep, I thought about it and burst into tears.
CHAPTER 112 ONYX'S POV: News got to me that Earl was seen sneaking through the dungeon doors and it had me feeling so much anger. It wasn't one stemming from disobedience of my orders. It was one from great jealousy and no matter how I tried to make myself believe I was living in delusion, I knew it was a lie. The door clicked open and Earl walked into the room. He looked to be in a bad mood and I knew it was because of me. He hadn't spoken to me in days. "You sent for me?" I nodded and gestured for him to take a seat. "Yes, I sent for you. If you will take a seat," He pulled out a chair unceremoniously and took a seat before folding his hand and looking at me with a raised brow like he couldn't wait to get this over with. "Someone saw you going into the dungeon. Is that true?" "Yes." "I asked that no one get close to that place and I get it. You're my friend but that—" "Are you being serious right now?" Earl frowned deeply. "What's all these f
CHAPTER 113 HAZEL'S POV; For almost a week, Zion visited with food and drink. So did Earl. Though Theresa's visit dampened, she still dropped by once in a while. I wasn't used to this place but I knew I could survive these conditions. I knew I could live here. I found every purpose to live because I had a lot ahead of me. I had a child to take care of. Somehow, my baby gave me the fortitude to go through this. With the child, I knew I could do anything. I felt this sense of protection whenever I thought of the baby in my belly. It made me fee a new dawn of hope. Maybe one day, we were both going to be out of here and away from the palace where he would know nothing but happiness. Misery wasn't going to be near him. I leaned back against the wall and for the first time since I was thrown in here, I smiled. I sat up immediately and I heard the shuffling of footsteps. Whoever it was better come bringing good news. I sat still, hearing my heart beat erratically
CHAPTER 114 ONYX'S POV; I was aware of her release. As I walked through the corridors, I heard the maids talk about it and no matter how he'd j tried, I knew I couldn't ignore the fact that she was back. Whenever I walked through the corridor, all I could feel was her presence. It was thick in the air and hard for me to avoid. I bumped into Theresa on my way to the dining room. She stopped for a moment, staring at me like she had something to say. But she thought against it and shook her head. She made to walk past me but I grabbed her by the hand and stopped her. "I know you want to say something. What's it?" She shook her head. "I have nothing to say. Or do you want me to say something?" She asked and raised a brow at me in askance. I shook my head and sighed. "Not at all." She pulled her hands off mine gently before walking away. I sighed and walked into the dining room. I knew she was going to join in soon and as I took a seat, all I could do was
CHAPTER 115 HAZEL'S POV; I wonder what Onyx expected after locking me up for weeks in that dungeon. Run to him and give him a hug, appreciating him for finally releasing me after believing a lie that had been cast on my head? Or did he expect me to smile at him and tell him my experience in that miserable place? Did he expect me to run into his arms and cry, telling him how much I missed him and his touches? He would be delusional to think I was going to spare him a glance after everything he had done to me. This was the last straw that broke the horse's back and I was ready to ignore him till I was able to get out of here. I was quite strong for a pregnant woman, seeing that I was able to help Earl to the drawing room and help him take a seat on the couch. Once he was seated, I heaved a deep breath in relief. "Can you heal or do I get someone to get you treated?" "Uhm, no. It's fine. I'm fine here. I just need to rest and go on my way,"
CHAPTER 116 THERESA'S POV; I noticed how happy she was to be here. I shared her joy. She didn't care about the stares she was getting. All she did was chatter and I listened to her. "Do you know it's been months since I came outside? I feel like a bird that has been let out of its cage," "If I am going to be honest with you, Onyx really locked you up in there. He really did. You've seen enough. Maybe now is your time to bloom." "Bloom? That's a fancy word for someone who has experienced what I have experienced, you know?" I nodded at her and slipped my arms into her. We walked through the market street. "Everyone is staring," "I realized," Hazel whispered. "I am trying not to let it get to me. I don't want to care if they're staring at me, you know?" I nodded at her. "Of course, I do." We stopped in front of a stall and I bought apples. "Sometimes, I forget that you have your own home and aren't living in the servant's quarters," I smiled
CHAPTER 117 HAZEL'S POV; Once I was down taking my bath, I changed into the dress Theresa brought for me and stepped out of the bathroom. As I walked back into her living room, my nose caught the aroma of coffee and something else. Smiling and anticipating, I quickened my footsteps. "Over here," Theresa called out when I got to the living room. I turned and found her turning a cup of coffee on the counter. She lifted her hands and handed the cup over to me before pushing a plate of toast to me. I smiled and looked at her. "Really?" "You need to eat something. I am sure you didn't eat enough with Onyx at the dining table with you," I nodded. "I couldn't. He was just so annoying and I couldn't stand him," "He can be like that at times," Theresa said but she looked distracted. "Do you know why they're fighting? Earl and Onyx. He shouldn't be so mad that he visited while still in the dungeon. I was hungry and without food. If you two hadn't come to
CHAPTER 118 HAZEL'S POV; I have never been so happy to be back home without the fear of being looked for by anyone. Zion is here and I can feel the warmth of family. As for Theresa, I see how she's looking at Zion's new friend. With admiration. He's a fine fellow. Tall, fair hair, green eyes when he draws near. I don't think any woman can resist him. I need to do something. "You're all smiles. You look happier for someone who just got released from that godforsaken dungeon," Zion says as we walk to the porch. I am smiling because of Theresa. She needs to talk to Trenton and I think she'd need my help. "Hey," I whispered into Zion's ear as soon as we got into the house. Theresa is behind us with Trenton trailing far behind. "I need to talk to you about something in private," "What could that be?" I pull him by the hand, leading him towards the kitchen. "Your new friend, he looks older than you," "Obviously it is," Zion shrugs. "He's one of