Chương 66: Matilda

Water droplets fell onto Felicity's forehead without pause, at steady intervals, like a cruel metronome. The cave was damp, the air freezing. Wind seeped through the cracks in the rock, scraping against her face and body, already numbed by the cold. Every gust seemed to pass straight through her bones, leaving behind a shiver she could no longer control. She remained motionless, her arms bound by tight chains that bit into her skin.

Every slight movement made the metal grind against her wrists, reopening wounds that had never been given time to heal. Her fingers were almost completely numb. Her stomach growled relentlessly. Her cracked lips stuck together from thirst. She tried to control her breathing, inhaling and exhaling slowly, forcing herself into a steady rhythm. It was the only thing she had left. Endure. One moment at a time. She had no idea how much time had passed. Hours? Days? In that place, time had lost all meaning.

There was only pain, cold and the endless sound of dripping water. Oscar sat upon the throne. Beside him, Teresa watched the hall with her usual impenetrable calm. The great doors swung open. A woman in her thirties entered, with wavy chestnut hair that reached her neck and green eyes. She wore a dark green noble gown, elegant without being ostentatious. She strode forward confidently before bowing.

"Your Majesty. At last, we meet". Oscar looked up, a sharp smile spreading across his lips.

"Aunt…it's been years since you last showed your face. Another failed marriage?" She shot him a glare.

"That tongue of yours…if you weren't the King, I'd have it cut out". This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Teresa spoke before the tension could build further, her voice cold.

"Matilda. To what do we owe this visit?"

"What? Can't I visit my dear older sister and my beloved little nephew?" she replied with feigned innocence.

"You never do anything without an ulterior motive", Teresa answered.

"Never". Silence settled over the hall for a moment. Matilda kept smiling, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of irritation. Teresa, on the other hand, remained perfectly still, denying her even the smallest satisfaction. Matilda sighed.

"Always so cynical and paranoid. Why don't we eat? I've had a long journey". Oscar snapped his fingers. A servant approached at once.

"Your Majesty".

"Prepare the dining table. Tell the chef to use the finest ingredients we have in storage. Today we have an important guest".

"At once, Your Majesty", the servant replied before hurrying away. Matilda smiled, clearly pleased.

"I must admit, my dear nephew knows how to treat his relatives. Unlike his mother". Father Leandro returned to the cave. He stopped to look at Felicity, motionless, her body strained by the chains. He remained silent for several seconds, as though searching her face for something beyond mere suffering.

"Sweet Feli…are you thirsty?"

"Go to hell", she whispered, barely above a breath. Leandro filled a glass with water and brought it to her lips. Felicity turned her head ever so slightly, refusing it.

"You need to drink", he said calmly.

"Otherwise, you'll die".

"I'm going to die anyway", she replied.

"Delaying it changes nothing". For several moments, neither of them spoke. The only sounds were the slow dripping of water and the wind sweeping through the cave. Leandro slowly withdrew the glass and set it down. His expression hardened.

"I haven't made myself clear enough. You will not die of thirst. If you refuse my help, you will die in the flames, before God and His children. And I do not want Arthur's daughter to meet such a brutal end". A bitter smile crossed Felicity's lips.

"And yet…you seem to think about it quite often". Leandro shook his head, his gaze drifting into the distance for a moment. His fingers absentmindedly brushed the hilt of his sword, as though the gesture were entirely unconscious.

"No…it's not the right time. Not now. Not today".

"Are you talking to your sword?" she asked, her voice hoarse. He looked at her. For a brief moment, he seemed on the verge of answering. His lips parted slightly, but no words came out.

"I'll return tomorrow. Keep thinking, Feli. Perhaps you'll realize that dying just to remain on the Devil's side isn't worth it". Then he turned and walked away, leaving her alone once more, with the relentless sound of dripping water as her only companion. Felicity remained still. She inhaled slowly, ignoring the pain in her wrists. As long as she could breathe, she would continue to endure.