"I cannot bare to see one go hungry." The man smiled. I could tell that he was quite the number of summers older than me but not yet close to greying due to the matureness of his handsome features.
"I... Um." I was at a loss for words as I gapped at both his beauty and the smell of the divine fresh bread.
"Take it." He pushed it slowly against my chest as he walked past making his way off in a carefree manner.
"Thank you! " I called as I swung my head around to face his retreating form. My ears were tinged pink in embarrassment.
I heard him laugh as he lifted a hand to give a soft wave not even turning back as he rounded the corner.
I smiled to myself, glad to see that there was still kindness left in this miserable world.
I had gobbled the bread up like an like an absolute pig. I had not released exactly to what extent my hunger was until its softness touched my lips. It was gone within seconds.
I was still hungry but was satisfied enough with the small meal to be content for the next few hours.
I spent the rest of the day wandering about the streets and eventually found myself sitting on the edge of a low lying bridge with my feet dipped in the soothingly cold water.
I was watching the fish swim about while my mind was shrouded in thoughts. There were many worries and challenges that I needed to face.
My next meal concerned me. I wondered if the scraps from my wedding dress would be enough to cover it after my recent unfortunate discovery.
I frowned. I just hoped that they were feeding Rourke properly and that he was receiving the treatment that he needed.
My mistreatment was nothing if it meant my brother would be okay. I could do this. If it was for Rourke, I would do anything.
I missed him. It had not even been two days since I had last seen him but it felt like an eternity.
I wanted to write to him but the limitations that Lady Faintree had put in place had me in second thoughts.
I had nothing to write to him about that would not make him worry and I most certainly did not wish to lie to him so I decided that I would save the moment to put ink to paper for a few days from now.
I watched the as the little minnows began to nibble at my toes. It was ticklish and I could not help but smile.
I looked up at the sky beginning to fill with warm hues of yellows and oranges and I knew that it was time for me to leave and get back to the Waisend Manor.
The walk was shorter than I had hoped as within a few moments I had found myself standing before the large iron gates facing the two guards on duty once again. I fortunate that they were the same as I was let in without a fuss nor even given a second glance.
When I stepped foot into the Manor, I was almost knocked right over, there were servants frantically bustling about left and right carrying all sorts of things.
What was going on?
As I continued making my way through the halls, the actions of the servants never ceased. When I tried to ask what was going on, I was completely ignored.
Letting out a sigh, I chose to not let it bother me and try my luck again at the kitchens. I lifted up my nose telling myself to be more persistent this time and not let that head chef turn me away again.
It was most unfortunate that my journey had not amounted to anything for when I arrived, the kitchens were empty. There was not a soul in sight nor a trace of food to be found. It looked like everything had been packed up and cleaned.
My fists clenched in frustration.
Not knowing what to make of this, I returned to my room while cursing silent profanities under my breath.
I was thrown out of my spew of curses when I rounded the corner and noticed two servants carrying my wooden trunk that I had yet to unpack. Panicked I ran up to them stopping them momentarily in their tracks.
"Where are you taking that?" I almost exclaimed.
The one servant looked at me strangely, "To be loaded on the cart."
His voice was so irritatingly monotone.
"Whatever for?" I asked confused.
The other servant rolled his eyes in clear annoyance at my question.
"The departure to the main Waisend estate tonight. Where else?" He said it like it was the most obvious thing.
My eyes widened. The news was quite a shock.
The servants could not be bothered at my dumbfounded expression as they pushed passed me and carried on.
I was not ready to leave the capital. In fact I was hoping that I never would.
I did not want to be far from Rourke in case anything happened. I could handle not being able to eat but not being close to Rourke was a whole other problem.
I need to speak to the Duke. I would not let him turn me away this time. I had to convince him to let me stay.
I rushed down to the courtyard where I noticed numerous carts being loaded and a beautiful four horse carriage with the Waisend family crest engraved on the side.
That was where he had to be.
Taking a deep breath, I held myself confidently and strutted towards the carriage. A servant tried to stop me but I pushed on. When I reached the door, I flung it open with as much force as I could muster expressing my anger.
I was about to give the Duke an earful of words but he was not there. It was empty.
Shooting my head around my eyes locked on the nearest servant.
"You there!" I called, "Tell me where I can find the Duke."
The servant boy was young and looked very nervous and uncomfortable as I approached him. I felt slightly bad at his reaction as I was expecting him to be rude and disrespectful or just fully ignore me.
"I um-" The boy began anxiously looking around, "His Grace has gone ahead." He scurried off like a frightened rabbit the moment those words left his lips.
I angrily fisted my hands as frustration consumed me.
"Move." Someone spoke drawing me out of my short lived thoughts.
I looked up to see two large cart horses and an irritated servant holding their long reins as he sat looking down at me from the cart showing his clear dissatisfaction that I was in the way.
I wanted to roll my eyes but I stepped aside as the rude servant continued on.
It seemed that everyone was ready to depart as many of the carts began to move out through the front gates.
Letting out a defeated sigh I made my way towards the beautiful carriage once again. I guess it was time for me to say goodbye to this place. I hoped that I would return soon.
"No." A long spear blocked my path. I looked up to see a mounted Waisend knight on his beautiful armoured steed, "You are riding that for the journey." He tilted his head in the direction of a scruffy looking mule.
I looked back at him perplexed at what he had just said.
The carriage in front of me began to move and the knight just laughed as he still stood blocking my path.
I wanted to pull him off his horse and watch as a cart trampled over him. I was disgusted at all the mistreatment I was receiving. I was their Duchess for crying out loud!
"How dare-" I began but the knight cut me off.
"Either you take him or you walk. He was after all specially prepared just for you." The knight chuckled and walked off.
I was fuming at this point but would not let anyone see it. I would be the bigger person.
If this is how the Duke and his people wish for me to be treated to get rid of me, they were in for a big surprise. I would tolerate all the mistreatment if it meant Rourke would be taken care of.
That is right. All of this was for Rourke. I gave a sad smile at the thought as I mounted the mule. I looked into the direction of the Faintree manor. I could not see it but I knew Rourke was there. A rouge tear unknowingly escaped my eye as I longed for his happiness and health to improve.
Slowly the mule made its way through the gates and thus the beginning of our four day journey to the Port Town of Canterbre began.