I'd never felt so cold and hot before in all my life. My head felt like it was boiling while the rest of my body was icy. I snuggled deeper into the blanket, wincing at the tinge in my shoulder. I knew I had a fever. I needed to get to a shower and cool down. Kicking off the blankets, I scooted to the edge of the bed and swung my feet over the edge.
My feet dangled. Frowning, I glanced around. My bed wasn't this high off the ground. Where was I? It was too dark to see anything. There was a crack of light near the floor and I hoped it led to the bathroom. I'd figure things out after I cooled down. Easing myself until I felt the floor beneath my feet, I slowly got up. I had my feet under me, supporting my weight, and took a step. I hardly realized what happened as I stumbled down onto the plush carpet. Head pounding, I crawled to the door and eased it open. The bright white tiles blinded me after the sudden darkness.
Whimpering, I lowered my head, letting my hair curtain over my eyes. I sat there, trying to adjust to the brightness. Holding onto the doorjamb, I pulled myself to my feet. I reached over to the pedestal sink and used it to support my weight as I moved into the bathroom. Slowly, I made my way over to the bath tub. Sighing, I sat on the edge and started turning on the water. I was shivering badly and wanted to sink into a nice warm bath.
Scolding myself, I turned on the cold water. Watching it fill, I tried to remember where I was. I'd been driving across state. My ex had called to tell me he'd found some of my stuff in the attic and I had a two days to get it before he threw it in the trash. It was one of his power plays, as usual. Like it was my fault I caught him in our bed with my best friend, the skank? Angrily pulling the nightdress off, I started lowering myself into the water, shivering.
Five minute later, I'd stopped shaking from the cold and glanced around for some soap. There was some body wash and a washcloth. As I started lathering, I glanced at the nightdress and frowned. I didn't own a nightdress. I had some baggy pajama pants and an old t-shirt to sleep in for the past three years. And the nightdress was satin. I'd never even owned anything made of satin. Who had dressed me?
I could hear a muffled argument coming from nearby. I heard something crash and an angry voice shouting. Something banged against the wall and I could hear growling.
I eased out of the tub, and started drying off. Still damp, I pulled on the nightdress and glanced around for something else to wrap around myself. There was a robe hanging on the back of the door. Satisfied that my modesty was as protected as it could be, I peeked into the bedroom. The argument was louder out here, and I followed the sound till I found another door. Pausing, I pressed close, hoping to find out what was going on.
"She's going to die like the rest of them. We should just kill her and let the poor thing stop suffering."
"Judy, shut up. You're not getting into the room."
"Donovan, that will be up to the council. You can not stand in the council's way. Judith has argued well about your honor being void. You had sworn that you would not take another girl."
"Elder, I had not. I'd sworn I'd stop chasing after every girl that looked like Melanie. This one has dark hair and gray eyes, and athletic. Melanie was softer, and blonde with brown eyes." I frowned at how soft his voice had gotten. It was familiar. My eyes widened as I remembered the voice whispering that he was going to like me. I pushed myself away from the door, knocking over a small table. Stumbling, I fell on the floor, but scrambled to my feet and looked for some place to hide.
"Are you awake, child?" I glanced up at an elderly man entering the room. Someone tried to follow, but the man shut the door firmly. "I suppose that is a silly question, otherwise you would not have been listening at the door. What do you remember?"
