The next morning, Thalia quietly served Vicious his breakfast. She set the tray before him, fingers tightening around the edge of the plate.
"Can I at least go and pick up my clothes?" she asked softly, testing her courage.
Vicious didn't respond. He continued eating, the clink of his cutlery the only sound in the room.
Her chest tightened. "Why can't you let me get my clothes? For days now, I've had nothing except a robe and a uniform. Every night, I wash the maid's uniform in my bathroom, dry it, and wear it again the next morning. I can't keep doing this. If you won't allow me, then I'll go myself."
Finally, his eyes lifted to hers, cold and unreadable. A faint smirk curved his lips. "We'll see about that."
He rose from the table and left for work, his presence like a shadow fading from the room, leaving her more frustrated than ever.
Later that day, Thalia tried slipping outside, but the guards stopped her at once. "You can't leave," one said firmly.
She returned to her room, pacing, her mind racing with ways to escape. I can't live like this, she thought. I need my things. I need a piece of myself back.
The door opened, and Matt stepped in. Relief spread through her, and she couldn't help but smile.
"Hey, Thalia," he greeted, his voice warm. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm… fine," she said, though her eyes betrayed her weariness. After a pause, she added, "I wanted to get my things, but the guards won't let me out."
Matt studied her quietly, then gave a small nod. "Then let me help you."
Together they approached the guards. Matt's voice carried calm authority. "She's with me. I need to speak with her outside."
The guards hesitated, but they obeyed. For the first time in days, Thalia stepped beyond the gates. The fresh air hit her lungs, and her heart fluttered at the taste of freedom. They gathered her belongings quickly, and she clutched them close, as though afraid someone would snatch them away.
On their way back, Matt glanced at her. "Are you really just going to lock yourself up in that big house all day? Don't you get bored?" His smile grew playful. "Why don't we go out—have a little fun? Ice cream, cotton candy… maybe the park?"
Thalia laughed, the sound surprising even herself. "I'm not a child, Matt. I'm neither a teenager."
"And Adults deserve fun too," he countered, eyes glinting. "Unless you have somewhere else in mind?"
She softened, considering. "The park would be nice. Maybe sit down, breathe, read a novel."
They went together. At the park, Thalia sat on a bench, opening her book, while Matt disappeared for a moment. When he returned, he held out a cotton candy with a grin.
"For you," he said.
Her eyes widened, then softened as she accepted it. "Thank you." She took a bite, the sweetness melting on her tongue. For the first time in a long time, her smile came easily.
Matt sat beside her, watching her laugh. The way her eyes lit up made something stir quietly in his chest. Their gazes met for a moment longer than usual, both of them smiling before looking away.
For a while, the world slowed. She read, he sat beside her, and the air around them felt lighter—free.
But soon, reality returned. Thalia closed her book with a sigh. "We should go back before the guards notice. If they tell Vicious, we'll be in trouble."
Matt nodded, though he seemed reluctant. They walked home together, a gentle silence between them.
At the gates, he paused. "Take care, Thalia."
"You too," she replied softly. Their eyes met again, and she felt her heart skip before he turned and walked away.
Clutching her clothes against her chest, Thalia exhaled in relief. Finally, I have a piece of myself back.