Shattered Hopes

*Maddy*

I can’t understand a word these people are saying. I sit in on a bench in a large kitchen, a cup of hot tea with milk and honey in my trembling hands.

King Isaac is arguing with the copper haired man, a shade a few lighter than my own. I recognize him from the day Reginald dragged me here. They must be roughly the same age. The man looks over at me quizzically before turning back to Isaac and continuing the animated conversation.

I wish they’d slow down so I could have a moment to pick through their words for anything that sounds remotely familiar. Anything I learned from Reginald’s sadistic tutor has been replaced by nothing but the feeling of my knuckles being swatted over, and over again.

I’m dead. The second they lead me out of this castle, I’m dead.

Two women walk into the room, and I immediately hang my head so my hair falls forward to shield my face.

One of them looks a lot like Isaac. Her hair is much darker, a deep brown that’s nearly black. I can’t see the other