Read Bellona (Part 1.5 of The Saskia Trilogy) for Free Online Page B

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    I watch her leave. Nierra and the others soon leave the training ground for the day; once again I notice that Nierra looks around, for me? I knew that he wouldn’t be able to see me; I stand too deeply in the shadows. My attention turns back to the maid as she makes her way to the barn. My eyes focus on the sway of her hips as she walks. The bucket that hangs loosely from her fingers sways. I follow, keeping close to the shadows. Once she enters the barn I wait to make sure no one else enters. Most workers have left for the day, others now packing up. I don’t wait much longer and enter the barn closing the door over behind me. The screech of the hinges has her turning to me, shock then fear flitters across her pretty face. She drops into a curtsy. “Princess Bellona.” As she stands she places her hands behind her back. I don’t respond but turn away and examine all of the instruments on the barn wall. I have never held any as they are used for gardening and I am the future queen, such a chore is beneath me. I turn back around and she hasn’t moved from the spot, but fear is evident on her face.
    “You are very pretty,” I say, while assessing her face. She is and that annoys me.
    “Thank you, Princess,” she stutters through her words.
    “Never the less, your looks won’t make you a princess or a queen. Your face holds no power. You are a servant. A servant with a pretty face.” I take a step closer. “I have quite the dilemma. You see a servant with a pretty face chases after the future king.”
    “No, Princess.” Her face pales as my hand strikes out, the sound of the slap is satisfying. Her eyes are wide as she holds her red face.
    “Don’t interrupt me again.” I wait and she stays silent. 
    “So the dilemma, I am in. This servant with her pretty face is trying to steal my future husband. Now on one hand I know a servant can never be with a king.” I laugh and watch her face turn a satisfying shade of red. “But, on the other hand, it makes me angry. So very angry. So how should I punish the servant with the pretty face? Should I have her whipped?” Tears flood her eyes and a whimper escapes her plump lips. Lips I want to cut from her face. “Should she die? Or should I make her my personal servant?” I laugh again as tears flow down her face. “The opportunities are endless.” I move towards her and take her face in my hands, making her look at me. “So tell me, servant with the pretty face, what shall it be?” She shakes her head as tears continue to fall from her eyes. I let her face go. “Fine, if you don’t make a decision, I will.”
    “Please, Princess.” She cries.
    “Don’t beg, it’s really pathetic. Pick one.”
    “I have done nothing wrong.” Her body shakes as she speaks.
    “That is true. I have no evidence. My word would outweigh yours … but evidence would be fitting in this case.” Her cries slow as hope shines in her eyes. “Evidence in a form of a mark caused from your violent behaviour towards me over my future marriage with Nierra. You were jealous and lashed out at me. You’re unstable and really who in their right mind would attack the future queen of Saskia?”
    “I never… I would never,” she stutters and I laugh and tut at her.
    “I know that, girl. As if anyone would put a hand on me.” I turn away, my stomach flutters with excitement knowing what I have to do, what I need to do.
    I picture her flirting in my mind but it isn’t enough so I let the thought of her kissing Nierra enter and my blood boils in my veins. I can feel the heat rise in my face, my heartbeat pulses at my neck and I swallow a scream. Nails bite into my palms and my breathing becomes laboured. I can hear her call me, her voice is the final touch and I roar in pain as I rake my nails down my face, I don’t stop until I draw blood. My frenzy ends abruptly and the burning from my scratches has me wincing. I turn back to the girl; her hand