Double update!!!

Sighing, I tried to focus back on the beautiful flowers surrounding the garden, my hand absentmindedly touching my pocket where the pills were. I would need to take one and figure out a place where I could hide it.

A gust of wind swept through the garden, stirring the petals of the white lilies beside me. The scent was calm.

Deciding to rest under the mango tree, I sat down, letting my back press against the rough bark. As I traced the lines of the tree absentmindedly, my fingers brushed against a small hole—deep and jagged, almost like a bullet hole.

I frowned, leaning in closer. Who would shoot at a tree? Or had it always been there? Either way, it was perfect.

Without hesitation, I slipped my hand into my pocket and pulled out the small tablet. Carefully, I peeled back the foil, plucking out two pills before tucking the rest into the hole. The bark was sturdy enough to keep them hidden, the shadows within the crevice swallowing them completely.

I exhaled, leaning back against the tree. At least they were safe—for now. I immediately swallowed the two pills, too scared to ask a maid for water. Adrik had banned me from going to the kitchen—he probably thought I'd hurt myself if I was left alone in there.

The dry bitterness clung to my tongue, burning slightly as I forced them down. I grimaced, tilting my head back as if that would help. It didn't. The taste lingered, sharp and unfamiliar.

A breeze passed through the garden, rustling the leaves above me. My throat still felt dry, my stomach unsettled. I pulled my knees to my chest, hugging them as I stared at the distant manor.

In the distance, a little bunny caught my attention. Its fur was a soft blend of brown and white, its tiny nose twitching as it nibbled on something hidden in the grass.

For a moment, I forgot about the bitterness on my tongue, the pills hidden in the tree, and the ever-present weight of Adrik's rules. The bunny moved cautiously, its ears flicking at every little sound. It looked so free, so unaware of the kind of world I was trapped in.

I shifted slightly, careful not to startle it. But as if sensing my gaze, the bunny lifted its head, its dark eyes locking onto mine.

And then—it bolted.

As soon as the bunny bolted, I jumped to my feet and ran after it. The dry grass crunched beneath my hurried steps as I weaved through the garden, my heart pounding—not from fear, but excitement.

The bunny zigzagged, trying to escape, but I was faster. With one final lunge, I scooped it up, cradling it gently in my hands. It squirmed at first, its little paws pressing against my fingers, but I held it close, whispering, "Shh, it's okay. I won't hurt you."

Slowly, it relaxed, its twitching nose brushing against my wrist. A laugh bubbled up in my throat—small, real. I hadn't felt this light in so long.

Sitting back down under the mango tree, I let the bunny settle in my lap, running my fingers over its soft fur. It nuzzled into my palm, and I smiled.

I smiled down at the tiny creature in my lap, stroking its soft fur. "Do you want to stay with me, hmm?" I whispered. The bunny twitched its nose, tilting its head slightly as if it understood.

I giggled, brushing my fingers over its little ears. "What should I name you?" I mused. "I've always wanted a bunny, you know."

Lifting it gently, I turned it over slightly, checking. "Ohh, you're a she," I murmured, a grin spreading across my face. "I'll call you Elsa."

The bunny blinked up at me, wiggling in my hands.

"Do you like that, hmm?" I asked, gently pressing my forehead against hers.

She responded by nuzzling into my palm, and my heart warmed. "Elsa it is, then."

I held Elsa close, her tiny body warm against my hands. "Now, where do I hide you?" I murmured, glancing around the garden.

I couldn't just let her roam freely—someone would find her, and I wasn't sure what they'd do. Adrik didn't like things he couldn't control, and the maids would surely tell him if they saw me keeping a pet. No, I had to be careful.

Elsa twitched in my hands, her little paws pressing against my fingers as if trying to escape. I chuckled softly, holding her closer. "Oh no, you're not running off," I said. "I'm your new mum now. I have to keep you safe."

She nuzzled into my palm, making a tiny sound that melted my heart.

I looked around again, searching for the perfect place. The tree hollow was already hiding my pills, so I couldn't risk putting her there. The bushes? Too exposed. The shed? Someone might lock it.

Then my eyes landed on an old flower crate near the garden's edge, half-hidden behind the rose bushes. It looked abandoned, the wooden slats slightly broken, but it was big enough for Elsa.

"That could work," I whispered, standing up with her cradled in my arms. "Come on, little one. Let's get you a safe place to stay."

I moved carefully through the garden, keeping Elsa close to my chest. The flower crate sat near the rose bushes, its wooden slats old and weathered. It wasn't perfect, but it would have to do.

I knelt beside it, gently setting Elsa down inside. She wiggled her nose and hopped in a small circle, testing her new space. "It's not much," I whispered, stroking her soft fur, "but I'll make it better for you. I promise."

I glanced around, making sure no one was watching. The house was quiet, the distant hum of evening settling in. Still, I had to be quick.

Grabbing some fallen leaves and soft grass, I lined the crate, making it as comfortable as possible. Elsa sniffed at it, then flopped down, seemingly satisfied. I smiled.

"There," I whispered. "Now you have a home."

She looked up at me, tiny and trusting. My heart ached in a way I didn't expect. I had something to care for now—something that needed me.

But I had to be careful. If Adrik or the maids found her, they would take her away. And I couldn't let that happen.

"I'll come back for you, okay?" I said softly, reaching out to scratch behind her ears. "I'll bring you food. Just stay hidden."

As if she understood, Elsa curled up in the crate, her small body barely visible among the leaves.

I stood up, brushing off my dress, and cast one last glance toward the house. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the garden. It was time to go back.

With one final look at Elsa, I turned and made my way toward the manor, already dreading the moment I'd have to step inside.

As I neared the house, I spotted one of the maids carrying a basket of fresh vegetables from the kitchen garden. She stopped when she saw me, her expression neutral but watchful.

I stepped forward. "Please, can I get a carrot and some veggies?" I asked, keeping my voice casual. "I feel like eating it."

The maid blinked, clearly surprised. "A carrot, miss?"

I nodded quickly. "Yes. And a little extra, if you can spare it."

She hesitated for a moment, then adjusted the basket in her hands. "I'll bring some to your room," she said.

Can I get it here now, if you don't mind or don't worry I'll wait in my room.

The maid hesitated at my request, then nodded. "No need, miss. You can take it here if you'd like."

I forced a smile, hoping she wouldn't question why I suddenly wanted raw vegetables. "Thank you," I said, reaching out as she handed me a fresh carrot and a small bundle of leafy greens.

I held them tightly, trying not to seem too eager. Elsa would love these.

The maid watched me for a moment as if expecting me to start eating. To keep up the act, I lifted the carrot and took a small bite. The crunch echoed in the quiet garden, and I nodded approvingly.

"Fresh," I muttered.

The maid said nothing, only giving me a polite nod before turning and heading back toward the house.

Once she was gone, I exhaled, glancing down at the food in my hands. Now, I just had to get back to Elsa before anyone noticed.

Glancing around to make sure no one else was watching, I turned back toward the garden, gripping the carrot and leafy greens tightly. I moved quickly but carefully, keeping my footsteps light as I made my way back to the crate where Elsa was hidden.

When I reached the flower crate, I crouched down and peeked inside. Elsa was curled up in the makeshift bedding, her tiny body rising and falling with each slow breath. At the sound of my approach, her ears twitched, and she lifted her head.

"Hey, little one," I whispered, reaching in to stroke her soft fur. "I brought you something."

I tore a small piece off the carrot and held it out. Elsa sniffed it cautiously before nibbling on it, her tiny teeth working quickly. A small smile tugged at my lips as I watched her eat.

"You like that, huh?" I murmured, placing the rest of the carrot and greens inside the crate. "I'll try to bring more tomorrow."

Elsa continued munching, completely unaware of the world outside her little hiding spot. I envied her. She didn't have to worry about Adrik, about rules, about watching every step she took.

I sighed, glancing toward the manor. The sky had darkened, the last traces of daylight slipping away. I needed to go back before someone started looking for me. I didn't even know that I'd sent so long outside

I gave Elsa one last gentle stroke. "Stay hidden, okay? I'll be back."

Then, reluctantly, I rose to my feet and made my way back to the house, the heavy weight of reality settling over me once again.

As I walked back toward the house, the evening air felt heavier, as if the walls of the manor were already closing in on me. The moment I stepped through the grand doors, the warmth of the garden faded, replaced by the cold, suffocating stillness of the house.

The halls were dimly lit, the glow from the chandeliers casting long shadows against the walls. I kept my head down, moving quickly, hoping to slip away to my room unnoticed.

But luck was never on my side.

"Where have you been?"

I froze............................................................................ 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓸𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓟𝓪𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓸𝓷. Link in my bio

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