Melokuhle

I had lost count of the days, as they blended in together in a dull never ending routine. Every morning, Melusi would walk in with a steaming hot breakfast in his hands. And just like always his face would remain the same— stone cold and void of emotion. 

My lunch and dinner would be brought in by a maid who looked like she was in her 50's. She had a stern face that demanded respect. Her eyes never met mine, despite being in her 50's the maid's movements were fast and efficient. I tried many times to break the silence, to make her help me, instead she would turn around and leave like she didn't hear me. I eventually gave up trying to get out. 

As the days turned into weeks, my tears began to go dry. I soon realised that my father wasn't going to rescue me anytime soon. 

Without knowing what else to do in here I started to find small comforts to keep myself from going insane. I would pace back and forth with my footsteps echoing off the concrete walls. It was a small connection to the world outside, even if it was just a tiny bit. 

Melusi walked into the room, his tall, muscular frame filling the small space. He was wearing a sleek white and black tuxedo. The fabric seemed to shine under the basement's dim light. His piercing eyes locked with mine, It was as if he could see right through me, into the very heart of my being. I watched when he placed a dress on the bed. The fabric shimmered and rustled making the sound echo through the room.

"We're going out," he said, his deep voice sending a shiver 

down my spine.  He stuffed his hands into his pockets, his eyes glinting with a hint of a warning. "I want to find you ready in 20 minutes," he growled. "And I don't like to be kept waiting." I wanted to ask him if he was crazy? How was I going to get ready when there was no bathroom in here? Instead of saying anything I kept quiet. When the door clicked shut behind Melusi, I looked around in panic. When I was about to give up, I  spotted a faint line on the wall, almost invisible behind the stacked boxes and furniture. I pushed the boxes aside, and to my surprise, a door swung open. Unlike the basement, the bathroom looked beautiful. 

I stepped out of the bathroom 10 minutes later, wrapped in a soft plush towel. 

With the makeup kit and the pink lip gloss I found on the bed, I quickly added a touch of colour to my lips and eyes. 

Exactly 20 minutes later Melusi walked back into the room. He pushed the door wide open, and walked out. I hesitated for a minute, not knowing what to do. 

With no other choice, I followed him. When I stepped out of the basement, I caught a glimpse of the house. The hallway 

looked elegant and decorated with art pieces. I followed Melusi to the stairs that turned like a ribbon going upstairs, the floor was polished with marble that sparkled. I took a deep breath filling my lungs with fresh air when we stepped outside. 

Melusi walked to the car, his long strides eating up the distance. He got inside and started the engine. I half ran to the car trying to catch up, I bit back the snarky comment that rose to my lips. Melusi wasn't exactly the gentleman type. He was rough, rugged, and unapologetic. I'd learned that the hard way, and I wasn't about to forget it anytime soon.

I yanked open the passenger door and slid into the seat, the leather creaking softly beneath me. Despite the luxurious car, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of my stomach.

The silence that filled the car was oppressive. I felt like I was drowning in it. As Malusi drove through the castle gates, the crunch of gravel beneath the tyres was keeping my nerves at bay. 

Melusi's voice was low and somewhat cold, sending a cold shiver down my spine. "Don't speak and don't mingle with anyone unless I tell you to." His eyes turned towards me, the glint in his eye made my skin crawl. I nodded while looking at the castle, its stone walls looked like they stretched up to the sky, I swallowed thickly.  

When we stepped out of the car, Melusi handed me a mask decorated with black feathers. I took the mask hesitantly, my fingers were trembling when I tied it around my head. After putting his on he took my hand, his grip pinching my skin. I winced trying to pull away, but he held firmly, his fingers digging into my skin like claws. 

When we stepped into the grand ballroom, we were immediately swallowed by the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses. 

Masks were glistening under the  bright lights of the chandeliers. Melusi's grip on my hand tightened and his fingers intertwined with mine.

We made our way through the sea of people, Melusi's confident stride leading the way. I struggled to keep up, my heels clicking on the marble floor. 

Before I could even get a good look around, a man, more like someone's grandfather with snow white hair  approached us with a big smile pasted on his face. "Melusi, another arm candy?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a bit of mischief. Melusi's smile was effortless. "Just a friend," he replied, in a low voice.

I forced a smile, feeling like a prized possession on display. The man's eyes lingered, making me uncomfortable.

Melusi's voice cut through the noise and the tension, turning to look at me. "Go grab some food." He said when he noticed my discomfort, and soon he disappeared into the crowd with the man following him behind, I sighed with relief when I was finally alone.

With Melusi gone, I was finally able to breathe. I went to the table where the food was at, I took small portions of food for myself and a glass of wine trying not to stand out like a sore thumb. When I went outside, the fake smile I had on slipped.

I considered jumping over the balcony but it was such a steep drop, I would be lucky if I made it down there still alive. I placed the plate and the wine glass on the balcony's thick railing and slowly walked away. 

I scanned the area once again, searching for another way out, while Melusi was still distracted.

Guards stood everywhere, their watchful eyes scanning the crowd. Having to escape unnoticed was going to be difficult.

For a split second, I considered running to them, pleading for help, telling them that I was kidnapped. I snickered at the thought, who would they believe? Between Melusi, who was charming and with deep pockets, and me, a girl they barely knew?

They'd likely think I was some attention-seeking, dramatic guest. No, if I was going to escape I had to do it alone, without anyone’s help. 

For the past five minutes my eyes were locked on the guards, studying their routes, timing how they patrolled the area and after having to wait for what felt like forever I finally spotted a chance for me to slip out.

 It was now or never.

I weaved through the crowded room. My smile was back on my face, it felt forced and strained, but I held it tight, hiding my panic. With my heart hammering on my chest I was able to slip out of the ballroom. The sudden silence of the hallway had me nervous.

I scanned the long corridor, my eyes racing looking for a way out. My heart was sitting on my throat instead of turning around because of fear I pushed myself forward.

I took a deep breath, set my shoulders straight and swallowed down the nerves that were tickling my throat.

I stepped forward, my heels clicking down the hallway.