narration (10)

Arabella is ungrateful for the nice things I give her and doesn't question the cost. I reluctantly join Malinda in the dungeon that night and return to Arabella's tower. I don't handle the door as carefully as usual, not wanting to wake her. Ignoring her, I drew another card. Seven of hearts. Malinda made it clear that if the nice things were to continue, I owed her my nights in the dungeon. Arabella still sat amidst all the finery, the gowns and jewels, patting them as if they were children. She didn't know or wonder about the cost to give her these things. She'd never asked what I must do to earn the prizes scattered around her. She could at least ask. Or thank me, I thought with a trace of bitterness. So I joined Malinda that night in the dungeon per our usual schedule, and when I returned to the tower, I placed the key in the lock, though perhaps not as quietly as I could have. I eased open the door too quickly, maybe. I eyed Arabella, still asleep, and wasn't as careful as usual.