Free Mira by Leighann Phoenix Page B

handprint was already beginning to show signs of bruising on her throat.   Mira couldn’t decide if the tears were from what he did to her or from what he said.   She walked out the door, knowing better than to push him any farther that night.   She had a great deal more thinking to do.

Chapter 4
     
                Mira may have thought it all a disturbing nightmare, if not for the handprint on her throat and the new pain searing through her skull.   She stood in front of the mirror and examined the purple seeping into her pale skin.   Collapsing onto the edge of her bed, she stared at the door, imagining that she was brave enough to leave.   I can find the way out , she thought almost manically.   Rillan won’t follow me.   He’ll tell the druids to send someone else.   Only, without a withered body lying on the altar outside the cave, everyone will know that I ran away.   That thought triggered tears.   I’m trapped here by myself.
                Mira lay back on the bed, letting tears stream down her cheeks. I don’t know why it’s taking so much for me to get used to it all.   Didn’t they tell me how horrible this was?   Wasn’t I prepared for being sacrificed for the good of my people?   Mostly, she was angry at herself for seeing something in Rillan ap Tiernay that wasn’t really there.   Just because the man’s touch was gentle once, and he seemed so-- I was wrong.   I was just wrong, she thought.  
                It took some time that night, but she was able to turn her tears off.   Mira busied herself preparing a bath and making plans for what she could do to pass time until Rillan wanted another meal.   That’s all I am.   A meal.   A well cared for, unwanted, meal.   In the end, I suppose, it makes sense.   He hates himself.   I’m another representation of what he despises about himself.   I guess if I were a good person who turned myself into a monster, I wouldn’t much like the things that reminded me of that either.
                Mira soaked in the tub, feeling the warm water sooth the tension from her body.   She did her best to remember her lessons and try not to be resentful for all of this.   It was her choice.   No one forced her into this life.   Now she would have to adjust to it.   The longer she lasted, the fewer girls in the next generation would have to be subjected to it.  
                She resolved to look through the library.   There were any number of books that caught her attention.   I’d love a better look at those leather bound histories , she thought with some excitement.   Who knows what kind of old knowledge could be in them.   And I can see about finding some books on music .   Nothing surprised her more than when she had found the room with all the stored instruments.  
                If I can find some books on how to play one of them, she thought, maybe I can teach myself.   That would certainly take a great deal of time .   Besides, I’ve never liked sewing, and there is plenty of clothing.   I only cook and clean for myself.   There are no gardens to tend or animals to look after or children to teach.   I have never had so little to do .
                Mira eventually got out of the tub, dried herself off, and went to her bed.   She wouldn’t disobey his rules again.
                Rillan grabbed his armor off the rack and strapped it on.   Choosing one of the more violent looking maces from the weapons rack, he stepped up to the armored dummy.   He roared frustration, as vicious blows rained down on the dummy.   Sweat covered his face and ran down the back of his neck, as he battered the inanimate, faceless enemy into submission.   When it finally lay in a brutalized mound on the floor, he threw the mace across the room with an unsatisfied war cry and paced away from the mess.   Drawing air forcefully into his lungs, he tried to calm down.