Sylvie
Sylvie pressed her back against the door and slowly slid down onto the floor. Her knees came up to her chest, and she wrapped her arms around them while resting her forehead on her knees. She took slow and steady breaths to regulate the overwhelming emotion of helplessness she was currently feeling. Sylvie had never felt like this before, and the feeling was strange and terrifying.
She had never been put in a situation like this, and the realization that this was the rest of her life slammed into her like a flat of bricks. She closed her eyes tight as the room felt like it was spinning. She didn't know what was going on. She just knew she had to keep breathing through it. Just as suddenly as the panic feeling rushed over her, it was gone.
Sylvie opened her eyes and lifted her head up. She looked down and saw she was gripping her hands together tightly. She was surprised she couldn't feel the pain. She let go and stood up slowly. Once she got her footing, she walked over to the windows directly in front of her.
She saw bars on them and knew she couldn't open them.
She scanned the room and went to the windows farthest away from the bed, pulling back the heavy brocade curtains, she noticed the windows were locked and sealed. She felt her panic coming on at the thought of being locked in. She scanned the room once more and saw one more set of windows that were directly behind the bed.
She made a silent wish that she would be able to open them and get some fresh air in her lungs. The thought of inhaling sweet air was gnawing at her. She lifted her skirts and ran over to the windows, and ripped open the heavy curtains. She looked at the windows and saw they had no bars, nor were they sealed. She was so elated that she wanted to dance.
She opened the window slightly, and the cool breeze kissed her sweaty, flushed face. She felt her tears drying on her cheeks. If she could not be free, then at least she could enjoy the wind on her face. She closed her eyes once more and inhaled the sweet air. Memories of her and the wolf running in the open field in the forest came to mind.
Her faithful companion. Where had he gone? It would seem both of her protectors had left her when she had needed them most. When she felt more like herself, she opened her eyes and was able to see outside of the window. She looked down and noticed a trellis.
It was coupled with bright white and blood-red roses intertwining it. To Sylvie, it wasn't a long climb. If she wasn't wearing the constricting women's clothing and was in her trousers and shirt, she would have already climbed down the trellis and explored her new home on her own, or maybe even escaped. She wasn't sure. The thought was forming in her mind that maybe that was her best option to get to see where she was.
She looked down at her clothing. She couldn't do it like this, and she definitely couldn't do it right now. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. The noise startled Sylvie. She jumped, quickly shut the window, and closed the heavy curtains.
She quickly walked over and opened the door. She was surprised to see Whitley.
Whitley bowed, then spoke, "Lady Canis, your mid-day meal awaits."
Sylvie had forgotten. "Oh, yes. Please, come in. " She moved out of the way. Whitley, along with three female servants, set up a small table in the middle of her room. When they were done the three women curtsied and exited the chambers.
Sylvie had thought Whitley was going to leave, but he didn't. He smiled at her. She had never seen Whitley smile, and it alarmed her. "Please, my Lady, sit." He advised.
Sylvie did as he advised and sat down at the lone table setting. Whitley walked over and removed the food cover. It was a meat and rice soup with bread. It smelled delicious. Sylvie didn't have much of an appetite, but since Whitley was watching, she knew she had to eat. Recalling what Louve had taught her, she gently placed the napkin in her lap.
She chose the soup spoon and scooped the soup away from her, bringing the spoon to her mouth she took a bite of the soup. It tasted just as good as it looked.
"My compliments, My Lady. Your manners are improving considerably."
Sylvie was caught off guard at the butler's comments but still appeared gracious, "Thank you." She said, "Louve has taught me a lot in such a short period."
"That she has, my Lady." Whitley agreed. He stood beside her.
Sylvie took another bite of her soup. "Whitley, is there something-"
"Oh, no, my Lady. I was under the impression that you needed something. Madame Bouvier approached me and told me you had concerns."
"Concerns?" She asked just above a whisper.
"Do you?" Whitley's voice lost its warmth.
"Have concerns? N-no I don't have concerns." She said.
Whitley looked pleased with her answer. "As I suspected. Madame Bouvier is just trying to garner favor and win the trust of King Alpha. My lady, I would advise, that you let me handle this matter and notify King Alpha that Madame Bouvier is causing trouble."
"W-what! No! Madame Bouvier has done no such thing. I have no concerns about my marriage, sir, but I do have concerns about being couped up in this room until my husband comes home. I wanted to know if I could move freely in the manor. Madame Bouvier was only trying to help me. Please, don't tell my father-in-law. He seems like he would punish her harshly."
"He would. Interference of a servant is not tolerated." Whitley spoke.
"Yes. I see."
"Yes. I see." Sylvie had a feeling Whitley would enjoy that very much.
"If it makes you feel any better, ma'am, your husband will only be gone for a few more days. He must be here for the Pack games. When Lord Canis returns, I will give him a full report on how well you are adjusting, but for now. If there is anything you need, please come directly to me. We don't want any more outside influences to sway our judgment on certain matters. Lord Randolf gave me specific instructions to care for you, my Lady."
"Yes, he did. Thank you, Whitley." She said.
He bowed low and exited her chambers.
Sylvie realized then that she would be getting very little help from anyone who resided within these walls. She would have to take matters into her own hands. She was frightened of her new surroundings, but that fear was dulling. She was able to recognize she needed to get out of the room. She looked back over at the window. Tonight would be a perfect time.
She would have to wait until the sun went down...