Slave

Chapter 20
The Unavoidable Truth

Dinner was an uneventful affair. Cassandra barely ate; mostly she pushed her food around her plate with her fork. She was still concerned about the well being of her child. Seth had made a fleeting reference to having some new information, but Cassandra barely acknowledged he had spoken. Relatively early into the meal Seth excused himself from the table and retreated into his study. Seth had spent all week preoccupied in this room pouring over books and tomes. He wanted so desperately to spare Cassandra the heartache of loosing her first child, but so far he had been unable to find anything. No clues, no help, nothing! He threw a book into the fireplace, “There has to be a way!” the sound of someone tapping softly on the door drew Seth out of his fuming and back into the present. “What!” Seth snapped his voice cold and aggravated. Cassandra yelped but slowly pried the door open and poked her head in, “I’m going to head to bed, is that alright?” she asked softly, her voice reflecting the fear she felt. “Yea go. Go ahead.” Seth’s voice seemed softer. “Are you going to be joining me?” she asked stepping into the door frame. “Um--no. No Cassie. I still have some work to finish up.” He said rubbing his temples. Cassandra nodded and backed out of the room. The sound of retreating foot steps and the soft click of the door latch told Seth that Cassandra was in bed by now.

Seth worked all night and into the early morning, but still nothing. His library was significantly smaller now tough, thanks to several rages that caused him the throw the nearest book or books into the fireplace. Seth crept down the hall and into his room only to find Cassandra passed out on his bed. He moved silently to fetch a change of clothes, by the time Seth had showered, changed and started breakfast, Cassandra had managed to meander her way into the kitchen. “Sit down Cassie!” Seth’s voice was cold and distant, it was apparent that he was in a foul mood. Fear bathed Cassandra and se sat down like an obedient puppy, one of her small hands cradling her largely swollen belly. “We need to talk Cassie.” Seth said, his voice never changing. Cassandra nodded even though Seth had yet to turn and look at her, and with the same cold, distant and detached voice he began to tell her the awful truth; the truth he wanted so desperately to avoid. “There’s no way around it. I’ve looked through every book in my library for a loop hole, but there just isn’t one.” He said slowly, not trusting is own voice. “Even if I take you as my bride, there is no stopping it.” Seth’s voice wavered slightly and he paused to regain control of his rampant emotions. “Just what are you talking about Seth?” Cassandra asked standing up from her seat at the table. “SIT DOWN CASSIE!” Seth yelled, his anger finally peaking and breaking. “You can’t keep the baby, there is no possible way for you to keep it.” He turned to look at her and his voice failed him, he shook his head and grabbed Cassandra by the wrist and drug her from the kitchen. “I’m sorry Cassie, but this must be done.” Seth threw her into the back of the car; he fought not to allow his emotions take over. “We are going to town.” He said, his voice once again cold, hard and distant. Seth turned his head and looked out the window. He refused to acknowledge the pain in his heart the pain displayed on Cassandra’s face.