Throughout the day, we all in a bright and energetic mood. It was that lovely mood that I took to Angus that night. But like almost every other night, he was not in.
I decided to wait for him. I spent my time checking out the canvas. I found an intriguing one of a lake where a lamb sat staring at the lake while a wolf stares at it from a close distance. Another one was of a dove that flies elegantly in the sky. A smile took over my face.
"Enthusiastic?", I made a U.turn to face Angus.
"I guess the day has gone well.", he said with a smile, his face neutral. I turned back to the canvas.
But I could barely contained my excitement.
"It's just that Damascus visited the slave chamber today," I began, her eyes shining with enthusiasm as I reminisce on the day.
"He's so kind and genuinely cares about our well-being. He even promised to get us new sandals and improve our living quarters.", I turned to face Angus and my smile froze in place.
Angus' expression has darkened, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm sure he's just trying to win you all over," he muttered, his tone tinged with disdain.
But I didn't notice his growing irritation. I continued .
"Oh, no, it's more than that," I said, my voice filled with conviction. "He listens and shows genuine interest in our lives. He's a true leader." And then I muttered the last part. "unlike some people."
Angus' face twisted in annoyance. "What are you insinuating, Freye?" he asked, his voice low and even. I shrugged, still oblivious to his growing anger. I continued to sing Damascus's praises.
"I'm just saying that Damascus has a way of making everyone feel seen and valued. He's a true inspiration."
And then I saw it, the pain and hatred in his eyes. He suddenly appeared cold and distant, even though we were only a few feets apart.
"You seem to have a very high opinion of my brother," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Perhaps too high an opinion."
And then I finally began to sense the tension in the room but didn't realize the cause.
"What do you mean?" I asked, my brow furrowed in confusion.
His expression turned cold and he moved closer to me, his steps calculated, he stared into my eyes.
"Tell me, Freye. Do you also think Damascus is better than I am?.", he stared so hard into me that I could not say anything. I opened my mouth and close it again.
"An_Angus---
I wanted to speak but he cut in harshly.
"Just tell me, Freye. Do you think I can never be as good as he is? Do you think I should also come to the slave house tomorrow to show care for some lowly slaves before you can talk about me with so much light in your eyes?", he said with a deep resentment in his eyes. My eyes widened in shock and he turned away from me.
" That's just for you to be careful not to get too caught up in Damascus's charm. He's not always what he seems."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized that Angus was struggling with his own demons. I tried to diffuse the tension, but Angus' words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the complexities that lay beneath his surface.
"But I didn't mean it like that.", I waved my hands in the air. "I never meant to relate you with your brother like that. It's not--
He suddenly yelled.
"Enough!"
I opened my mouth, ready to apologise but he cut in again.
"It is enough, I said!", he snapped, but I only continued to apologize.
"Please pardon me.". I tried to touch him but he shrugged away from my touch.
"Leave now.", he ordered.
My mouth opened and I stared at him in a new light.
"Angus--
"Leave for now. I will let you know when you need to come back.", he told me.
That was our last conversation that night. I walked back to the slaves' chamber with a heavy heart.
I was about to lay on the bed when someone grabbed my arm.
It was Lyla. Hissing, I tried to shrug her off but she only tightened her hold. She pulled me upright until I was facing her and then she let me go. I sighed.
"What is it this time?", I asked and she bite her lower lip as if in thought.
"I still can't decipher how you made it out of that dungeon.", she muttered and I raised my brow.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I lowered my voice so as not to alert the others, but she pretended as though I had not just ask
ed a question.
She fold her arms and stared grudgingly into me.
"Last night," she began. "A girl was seen with master Angus."