Slave

Chapter 29
Answer to it All


Seth looked at the small velvet box and placed a gold chain with a small key on top of a neatly printed note. He let out a deep sigh and ran a hand through his hair, locking the door behind him he made his way to the kitchen. Cassandra was already seated at the table eating when Seth arrived.

“Couldn't wait for me?” he asked teasingly.

Cassandra set down her fork and folded her hands and let them rest on her engorged belly.

“I did not know you would be joining me, you have been locked up in your office all week.” Her voice was cool, yet held a hint of anger and depression.

She watched in silence as Seth moved about the kitchen.

“You could have asked-” he said pausing momentarily. “-I learned not to bother you or question you.” she interjected, he voice barely a whisper.

Seth stopped dead in his tracks and looked at her; he could see where the bruise was fading from her cheek. Rejection flickered through his eyes and a stab of pain and guilt twisted in his gut.

“I'm not hungry anymore-” Cassandra lied.

She stood up and deposited her plate in the sink and made her way quickly from the kitchen. Once she was out of the door she half ran towards her room and sunk into her bed in tears. Seth stood motionless in the kitchen just staring after her, a single tear siding from his eye. Seth, fueled by depression retreated into the dungeon, his hunger forgotten. He walked among the long forgotten equipment and tools. He sat down on the floor and took one of the numerous knives from a nearby table, as he held it in his hand he wondered if this was how Cassandra had felt all those time she had cut herself. So worthless, useless and unloved; the words clawed at his heart and he knew it was all the truth. Cassandra jumped with a start as he heard the steal metal door to Seth's dungeon slam. Cassandra wept because the knowledge that he had gotten a new slave was too much. Pain washed over her as she finally knew the truth, he never loved her, and now even worse she was pregnant and no longer any use to him. Anger coursed through Cassandra's vein, she stormed from her room. When she entered the dungeon the last thing she had expected to see was Seth sitting on the floor, alone with a knife in one hand and blood coursing from the other.

“Seth!” She screamed seeing him laying there.
He turned his head slowly and looked at her.
“What Cassandra-” he asked softly, his voice betraying his feelings. “-can I not bleed here in peace!” he half screamed at her as he motioned around the room with his uncut arm.

Seth was pissed; she had seen her at his lowest. Tears welled up in Cassandra's eyes and she knew everything that she had assumed was true, he didn't love her, could never lover her and wanted anything to do with their child. She shook her head and ran up the few stairs to the landing; Seth knew why she had run from his sight. She now knew he was weak and could never love him. A few stray tears fell from Seth's eyes as he found an uncut portion of his arm. As he cut deep he felt momentary freedom and then instant sinking depression.

***

It had been nearly a week since Cassandra had found Seth in the dungeon slicing up his arm. She had taken careful measures to avoid him, eating early in the morning and late at night. She spent most of the day in her room or out by the lake. Seth noticed her withdrawal and took to locking himself up in his office. The official paperwork had come in and Cassandra was due any day, Seth had hoped to ask Cassandra if she wanted him there when she gave birth, but since she had taken to avoiding he had figured she wanted nothing to do with him. Seth placed the gold chain with the key in an envelope along with the printed note. He waited until he heard her leave her room, judging by the time he assumed she was going to eat. He slipped across the hall and into her room, he took in a deep breath and tried to submit the smell to memory, he knew this would be the last time he would be this close to her. Seth placed the envelope and small velvet box on her bed and quietly exited her room. Seth entered the kitchen slowly.

”Cassandra-” he called out to her from the door way.

The sound of his voice made Cassandra jump; she looked at him and a great collage of emotions ran through her.

“-I just wanted to let you know that I'm going away-for a rather long time.”

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“I took care of everything, so you don't have to worry about anyone coming for you or the baby.”

Seth spoke slowly, he looked up at her, tears blurring his vision, and he turned quickly and left the kitchen. Cassandra sat stock still as Seth's words washed over her, it wasn't until she heard the door click closed that she realized when he was saying. It was over, Seth was leaving her and she was alone to raise their child. Cassandra's head fell forward, her tough resolve broke and she cried. Seth had all but ran from the house, he knew if he stopped to look back or took his time he would never be able to leave her. It wasn't until Seth was in the car and half way to his destination that he broke down and allowed the tears to come. Cassandra and his baby were safe; though he would never see them again, never know how they were or what was happening in their lives.

***

Cassandra awoke to the sound of a child's cries; it had been the same routine for a week now. It had been two weeks since Seth had left, two weeks since she had found his note, the key to her freedom, and Seth's final gift. Inside a small velvet box Seth had left her a simple golden ring, he had even had it engraved on the inside of the band; the inscription was simple. ‘Slave to your heart.’ Cassandra sighed and rose from bed, she picked up a small crying baby girl.
“Shh-It's of Isabella—Mommy's here.” Cassandra cooed.

Today was just the same as yesterday and tomorrow would be the same as today. With that realization Cassandra smiled softly as she looked at her child.