Read Online Bellona (Part 1.5 of The Saskia Trilogy) by Aoife Marie Sheridan - Free Book Online
Authors: Aoife Marie Sheridan
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and lands at my feet. I kneel slowly until his face is level with mine. I tilt my head to examine him. He tilts his head too. I look straight and he copies me, making me laugh. “Clever bird,” I say reaching out my hand. He moves his wing closer to me and skin meshes with feathers, the feel against my skin makes me close my eyes and sigh. I feel content in this secret part of the garden. As I study the bird it studies me back and I find myself intrigued with him. I lie back on the grass and he doesn’t leave but nestles down beside me. My thoughts turn to the maid once again and all of the people I have harmed. Would God forgive me, was the bird a peace offering from God? I smile at that and decide I will take it as a sign, a gift from God. I leave as the sun begins to set for the night and return to the castle.
***
Each day I follow my routine. I get dressed, spend some time with my father studying. He still drinks but hasn’t hurt me in a while. Afterwards I go and watch Nierra train with Morrick. The more I am around him, the more I fall in love with him. We don’t do anymore than give each other smiles or a gentle kiss on the cheek. But I know when we will be alone I will be able to kiss him. I feel my cheeks heat up thinking about it and find Nierra smiling at me as if he knows what I am thinking of.
Dinner with my mother is uneventful. She is preoccupied; I know her mind is occupied with the tension that sits around the castle like a fog. The people of Saskia are rebelling against my father and more guards are visible around the castle. I hate having every step I take watched. But we are a target from the angry mob who stand up against my father, he has killed some of their own, saying they are traitors, I don’t know if it is true, but my father is mad. I just hope his madness doesn’t affect my life too much.
After dinner I spend the rest of my time with my bird, I name him Donum. It seems fitting as Donum means gift. Me and Donum spend time together and for the first time in my life I tell someone everything I have done. Sometimes I cry, other times I just feel numb. But each day I feel lighter, better. Donum is truly a gift from God, he is helping me heal. Once he has listened to me tell my tales, I give him time and rub his feathers gently, he stays nestled among the grass enjoying each stroke. His head cocks back and I smile, he does this when I rub the centre of his back, just in-between his wings.
“Bellona.”
I freeze and Donum stands up, his wings extend as if he might take off, but he doesn’t rise from the ground. My mother calls me again and I take a step forward, but I am too late, she appears staring at me, her eyes hold more coldness today.
“What are you doing?” she questions.
My heart pounds and I pray in my head that Donum will fly away, but he remains frozen behind me.
“Nothing, Mother.” I try not to look at Donum, but my mother glances at him and then at me.
“A Bird?” A sneer has entered her voice and she takes a threating step towards Donum, but I move and block her path, her eyes widen at my disobedience. She doesn’t speak but seems to weigh up something. “I won’t hurt him.” Her words don’t reassure me, but I can’t call her liar even if she is. I stand aside and let her see Donum.
After a few moments she speaks. “He is very beautiful.” I am surprised at how gentle her words sound and turn to see her crouched down in front of Donum.
“His name is Donum,” I say, surprising myself that I would tell her such a thing. She doesn’t look at me as she speaks. “Donum. Is he your friend?” she questions, when I don’t answer immediately she turns to me.
“Yes mother,” I say and my words sound pleading, pleading for her not to hurt him.
She laughs before standing. “Don’t sound so dreary, Bellona. Dear, dear daughter you sound as if someone died.”
I
***
Each day I follow my routine. I get dressed, spend some time with my father studying. He still drinks but hasn’t hurt me in a while. Afterwards I go and watch Nierra train with Morrick. The more I am around him, the more I fall in love with him. We don’t do anymore than give each other smiles or a gentle kiss on the cheek. But I know when we will be alone I will be able to kiss him. I feel my cheeks heat up thinking about it and find Nierra smiling at me as if he knows what I am thinking of.
Dinner with my mother is uneventful. She is preoccupied; I know her mind is occupied with the tension that sits around the castle like a fog. The people of Saskia are rebelling against my father and more guards are visible around the castle. I hate having every step I take watched. But we are a target from the angry mob who stand up against my father, he has killed some of their own, saying they are traitors, I don’t know if it is true, but my father is mad. I just hope his madness doesn’t affect my life too much.
After dinner I spend the rest of my time with my bird, I name him Donum. It seems fitting as Donum means gift. Me and Donum spend time together and for the first time in my life I tell someone everything I have done. Sometimes I cry, other times I just feel numb. But each day I feel lighter, better. Donum is truly a gift from God, he is helping me heal. Once he has listened to me tell my tales, I give him time and rub his feathers gently, he stays nestled among the grass enjoying each stroke. His head cocks back and I smile, he does this when I rub the centre of his back, just in-between his wings.
“Bellona.”
I freeze and Donum stands up, his wings extend as if he might take off, but he doesn’t rise from the ground. My mother calls me again and I take a step forward, but I am too late, she appears staring at me, her eyes hold more coldness today.
“What are you doing?” she questions.
My heart pounds and I pray in my head that Donum will fly away, but he remains frozen behind me.
“Nothing, Mother.” I try not to look at Donum, but my mother glances at him and then at me.
“A Bird?” A sneer has entered her voice and she takes a threating step towards Donum, but I move and block her path, her eyes widen at my disobedience. She doesn’t speak but seems to weigh up something. “I won’t hurt him.” Her words don’t reassure me, but I can’t call her liar even if she is. I stand aside and let her see Donum.
After a few moments she speaks. “He is very beautiful.” I am surprised at how gentle her words sound and turn to see her crouched down in front of Donum.
“His name is Donum,” I say, surprising myself that I would tell her such a thing. She doesn’t look at me as she speaks. “Donum. Is he your friend?” she questions, when I don’t answer immediately she turns to me.
“Yes mother,” I say and my words sound pleading, pleading for her not to hurt him.
She laughs before standing. “Don’t sound so dreary, Bellona. Dear, dear daughter you sound as if someone died.”
I
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