RECAP
…..And with that determination, I looked at the mirror, right into my eyes 'you got this' I encouraged myself.
I took a deep breath and straightened up my posture. Narrowing my eyes with a glint of determination and a confident smirk, I turned around. The maid handed me a two-edged sword, I've rarely ever held a pair of scissors to begin with, and here this woman is handing me a sword. I could tell it's not just any sword, it has fought its fair share of wars. I took it not sure on how to hold it. But somehow it fit my hands very well. This boosted my confidence
I took long strides and marched out of the tent brimming with a newly found dignity.
Ch 09- tough woman act
Vivienne's PoV
The day went on like an ancient action movie minus the demons and adventures. I had training sessions to attend. I found it really hard to be Vivienne.
I messed up so many things, or should I say 'every' thing. That took the whole population by disbelief. With the look their eyes had, I could say they'd be a lot less surprised if I grew two horns. Each of them had their own theories about my mental and physical health, some said stress, some said I ate or drank something bad, some even said I was possessed by a lazy ghost. 'Little did they know' I thought to myself.
But none of them had the nerve to mouth them out in front of me, why? You know, it's because I'm ME. Vivienne. Not any lame girl walking down the street that could easily get commented on.
They were scared because apparently I would slice them up in a blink of an eye. But can I ? Ng…not really. Violence was never something I glorified. Well, it seems I should now. At least for my survival. I don't know how long I'll be trapped in here, and just to make it more complicated than it already is, I don't know how to get out of here.
"May I come in, miss? " I was pulled out of my trance when the maid came in with a big bowl of water and cloth.
"Yeah…" I mumbled casually but then it hit me again. I cleared my throat "Yes. You may let yourself in" I said sternly, 'did I overdo it?'
My doubt got confirmed when she gave a confused look for a split second and then lowered her head as usual, she however took nervous steps and came in.
'If that's not what my usual response is, what is?' I found it confusing 'or should I go on an all Shakespeare mode?'. 'It's not that tough, tho. Because I have actually read his plays- The merchant of Venice, Othello, Hamlet, Julius Caesar…. And the list continues
I realised I again zoned out when I felt a sting on my left elbow. I winced by reflex and looked at it, oh the wound from the sword fighting!
"I'm sorry miss! I didn't mean to, I swear to god I had no ill intentions towards your highness. Please accept my apology and punish me for my negligence " she let it all out in a single breath and and went on her knees for a spine breaking bow. She banged her head to the floor and slapped her hands to it during the vigorous movements.
As much as I want to attend my horrendous wound, I can't because it didn't matter anymore. Instead I got up and went to her, crouched to her level, and as gently and slowly as I can, I touched her shoulders with both my hands. She flinched and sat up.
I looked at her face and found she was a sobbing mess. I made this. It was so heartbreaking. I wiped her tears with my bare hands and reassured her "it's okay" looking her in the eyes, just to show I was truthfully okay.
I took the cloth she had dropped, from the bowl and handed it to her "continue with what you were doing. It was really soothing"
She nodded nervously. "As you wish, miss" she managed to keep her behaviour in check between the sobs.
'Just how cruel was Vivienne that this woman was scared to death for such a simple thing.' I can or will never be that Vivienne! I sure loved this character but not this, instilling fear unnecessarily.
"D-does I-it hurt, miss?" She stuttered in a voice that's barely above a whisper.
"No it doesn't" I emphasised the words, looking into her eyes and plastering a warm smile for which she gave a nervous one and bowed
She looked back at the wound and so did I. I cringed at the sight of how dirty it looked with blood oozing out. Memories of the fight earlier this day took hold of my brain.
FLASHBACK
I sat in my tent and in front of me is my lunch, steak. I was so excited to have normal food like this, with no diet restrictions. And this is kind of an exclusive one.
If I was in any different circumstance, I would have right away started digging into it, but now I had a stupid etiquette to keep in check.
So, I waited till the maids completed their job and step aside. I took a knife and that was so damn heavy! I however hid my discomfort and went on to cut the steak. It required more than usual pressure, as I guessed. I shoved it into my mouth only to find it's nothing less than a rubber! That's it fellas. I'm pissed!
1. It's not at all cooked and 2. Who calls this thing in my hands a cutlery knife? Give this to one of those fitness freaks to do their weightlifting exercises because that's where it's of best use.
I huffed in annoyance mentally. I looked up at the maids who are now staring at me as if I ate the knife instead of steak. That's when I guessed 'maybe this is what Vivienne eats normally' but how am I supposed to eat this certified rubber?
I, with much difficulty, took another piece of it. I closed my eyes and without wasting another minute, shoved it directly into my throat. I chewed instead of gulping it like I originally planned. I regret it! I panicked as it got stuck in my throat and instantly gulped some water. Or….so I thought. I, unknowingly drank what seemed like wine. I know it because I've seen Mason and Dad drinking it. I have never had wine in my whole life. I scowled at the burning sensation but however managed to not spit it out.
And now I'm just tracing the steak's texture using the tip of the knife. I dismissed all the maids.
I heard a loud bell, I jumped a little and knife fell as I unconsciously loosened my grip on it. I looked up and saw one of the maid at the door waiting for my approval to let herself in.
I gestured a 'come in' using my first two fingers, slightly curling them. She came in and bowed.
I asked "what is it about ?"
She looked up at me and frowned in…. Maybe confusion? I guess.
However lowered her head and continued "it's the call for sword fighting to commence miss"
"Oh…" My heart jumped in excitement to witness a sword fight like a 'real sword fight' but however, I didn't show any of those emotions.
"Will you be choosing your opponent in the arena or do you already have someone in mind, miss?"
"Well…" wait what did she say "Uhh… did you say MY opponent? A-am I g-gonna fight? N-not just w-watch?" Stuttering is a part time job now.
"Yes you are right"
"….." that's it. No words.
"Miss?" She frowned a little "Are you ready? Shall we head out?"