It felt like I had been dreaming for so long.

I woke up covered with sweat and tears as I slowly sat up, and saw our elderly head steward bringing my daily meal. I turned around as my eyes darted at the clock hanging on the wall and realized that it was already noon.

"G-Good morning, Milady... I have brought your meal." He stuttered, his voice trembled in fear. He couldn't even look straight in his own master's eyes.

"Am I really that scary?" I suddenly blurted. He looked surprised by the question that I asked out of the blue.

"Of course not," His lips were quivering as he placed a tray of food on top of the table nearby my bed, it was the same as always; a cold soup and a stale bread along with a glass of tap water. "I-I will be heading out now... I h-have prepared your bath and clothes..."

"It is not contagious." My throat felt dry and my voice was croaky, the words that escaped my mouth were more of a very quiet whisper. I could feel the blood flowing through my veins slowly boiling in anger.

"If you say so, Milady." It was loud enough for him to hear me. He formally bowed his head and was about to leave when I gathered all of my strength to stand as I threw the bowl of soup out of irritation. The shards of the broken porcelain scattered around the floor and my meal was completely wasted.

"M-Milady, what are you—?!"

"It is not contagious!" I vehemently screamed on top of my lungs as my knees were wobbling while I used the table to support my limping body. "What did I do to deserve this unfair treatment?! I don't want to be imprisoned within this tower for the rest of my life. I just want to gain my freedom!"

As I slowly approached him, he backed away from a safe distance. His eyes were brimming with dread.

"D-Don't come any closer!"

Within those eyes, I wonder how does he see me through them. As a grotesque monster, perhaps. Why can't anyone understand that I am only human?

"There is no reason to be so afraid of me, Sir Frederick... I can assure you that my disease is not infectious."

Until now, I never had the courage to defend myself as I thought that there is no other way I could get out of this. When I heard that my ailment will not spread to anyone else, I started having hopes and expectations that my life might change for the better.

"I-I can't do this anymore!" He suddenly raised his voice towards me as he was in a complete state of panic. The color drained from his face, terror coursed through his veins as he was frantic with fear.

"Just because I am the Head Steward does not mean that Master should dump me such a huge responsibility which includes putting my life on the line!"

"Calm down, like I said, it is not— "

"I'm so sorry, Milady. It is time for me to take my leave!" His voice was edged with fear, he was frightened down to the soles of his shoes.

I extended my hand towards him, attempting to grab his arm to prevent him to leave without hearing my side. "Sir Frederick, please, wait for a moment— "

Without a moment of hesitation, he hurriedly sprinted towards the door as he went out of the tower. I could only stare at his retreating figure while he ran away from me. My hand fell to my side as his face, twisted in agitation and terror, was imprinted in my mind. It was like dread had been growing in him all day.

I clenched my fists way too hard as my knuckles eventually turned white while I gritted my teeth, seething in anger. Burning rage hissed through my body like deathly poison, screeching a demanded release in the form of unwanted violence. I could feel my resentment growing inside of me like a tumor.

I hate this. Why must I be treated like this?

Before I knew it, I was already throwing a fit of tantrums, screaming and hurling things around the room. Putting a great effort, I lifted the wooden table high in the air as it crashed on the ground with a loud thud. Then I heaved the chair and slammed it against the wall as I was venting out all of my pent-up anger. I ripped my pillow in half as tiny feathers bursted in the air. Since it was far beyond my ability to destroy my bed, I decided to tore the mattress and made a huge mess out of it.

Tears continued cascading down my cheeks and as if demolishing my furnitures was still not enough, I grabbed a glass of water and tossed it on the wall clock. The stained glass shattered into millions of pieces as the shards fell on the ground, completely forgotten. I also tear apart my change of nightwear and underwear.

My throat was already horsed in screaming. I felt so hungry, thirsty, and even dizzy as my knees buckled which made me stumbled against the ground. I continued kicking my bony arms and legs as I was laying on the cold, stoned floor while crying loudly.

Just because I was cursed with such an ill-fate, there is no one who would truly love and care for me. Why do I have to suffer for the rest of my life with the crimes I never committed? How could my ancestors do such a cruel deed and make me bear such pain and discrimination without remorse or conscience?!

I heard the door creaking as I turned around and saw that it was open. Did the head steward forgot to lock it? I slowly stood up as I leaned against the stoned wall, carefully walking towards the door.

There was a bright flash of light that passed through the small gaps of the wooden door. I was reluctant to open it myself. It might be my only chance to leave this horrid place because of the slip-up that our servant made.

When it was already the time for me to make a crucial decision, I would find myself sinking. It has already been a year and a day since I was trapped in here against my will. I became afraid of the unknown, and what would be the consequence that I will face once I leave...

Until when will you stop being afraid?

His words began ringing loudly in my head once again. I don't really know who is that overly-suspicious guy. At first, I thought he was completely delusional as madness has already taken over him. But if he was the real deal as he claimed it to be, then I'm so screwed.

I nervously gulped, swallowing my saliva. I trudged my way to the unlocked door without looking back at my chaotic room. When I reached my hand towards the wooden door, my hands began trembling as it was covered with sweat. I don't even know why I feel so anxious.

As soon as my hand made a direct contact with the door, I slowly pushed it even wider. Once I realized that there is nothing to be so afraid, a wave of relief splashed all over me. I was instantly greeted by warm rays of sunlight that blinded my eyes. It was so bright that I couldn't help but look away.

A strong gust of wind hits my face as it blew my tousled hair behind my back. I shielded my eyes from the small cloud of dirt that came with the wind. I could also hear the faint rustlings of the leaves that danced through the breeze as this tower stood in the middle of the forest,
surrounded with a lot of tall trees that blocked my view.

To be honest, I have no idea where I am despite being imprisoned here for so long. My eyes were covered in blindfolds when I was brought in this tower for the very first time.

Slowly, I lowered my gaze as it felt like I almost had a mini heart attack from the sudden freight. I was standing on the edge of the door as one wrong move, I might fall straight to my death. The height of the tower separated me from the ground as it was so high up here. I really thought that I had already overcome my fear of heights when I was younger, but from the way how my hand subconsciously gripped on the door so tightly was enough proof that it was not the case.

Beneath me was a steep and lofty staircase made out of stones as my brain gave me a warning sign that it would be extremely dangerous if I take a risk to climb down. I cannot recall if I climbed this flight of stairs before; probably not since I was sure that I won't be able to bring myself to do so. Someone must've had carried me all the way up here.

I took a deep breathe, inhaling sharply before exhaling as I was trying to calm down my nerves. I decided that I would venture for a little bit in the forest and come back before the sun goes down. I won't leave here yet until I am sure that I have a place where I can go to.

I already considered the option of living as a peasant during my quarantine, I absolutely cannot return to the House Ainsworth nor do I know how to go back. Besides, my parents had already abandoned me a long time ago. They still gave an obligation to the servants to provide me with my daily necessities, but all I received is nothing but cold meals that lacked nutrition as it couldn't even fill my stomach. I know that a life of a peasant is difficult, but I don't want to rot in this tower without even doing anything in my entire life.

I mustered all of my courage to leave this place for a short meanwhile as I pressed my frail body against the stoned walls of the tower. At a slow pace, I began to descend the staircase as the rocks were so brittle that it would no longer be a surprise if my feet got blisters.

This was such a very rash decision. I had a hard time dealing with my legs since it was starting to numb. I already have a major problem to move them, but I am exerting a huge effort in it now. It felt like I was making a fool out of myself.

While I was preoccupied with climbing down, I noticed that there was another prison cell just a few floors below mine. I've always thought that I was the only person imprisoned in this tower. It never crossed my mind that there is someone else other than me is held in here. I couldn't help but let curiosity get the best of me.

I kept wondering who is inside that cell or what in the world did they do to end up there. It was only a wishful thinking, but what if there was someone like me who will be carrying this burden for the rest of their life? I wonder how they felt throughout this whole time.

If we have the chance to meet each other, would we have been friends? They must've been really lonely as well.

I was so absorbed in my train of thoughts that I accidentally slipped and began rolling down the staircase. During my miserable fall due to my carelessness, I was inflicted with cuts and wounds as I reached out my hand and grabbed the stoned edge of the prison beneath the one I was held in. Lifting myself up, I reached for the unknown cell and was able to save myself from the impending danger of my death.

It was just a sheer of dumb luck.

My cuts felt painful, but it was tolerable. Unlike my legs that were in the edge of giving up. I tried opening the door, but unfortunately it was locked. It seems like I wasted all that time and energy for nothing. Of course it would be locked! How could I be so stupidly optimistic!

"I should have known any better..." I gritted my teeth in frustration as I felt so exhausted. "I wonder why did I left my cell..." As the wind blew by, a sharp noise of dangling chains that ferociously clanged against one another pierced the air.

It made a clashing sound as they collided, sending shivers down my spine.

"Is someone there...?"

I heard a barely audible voice that spoke behind the rusty wooden door. She has a low, flat voice that's buoyed with a warm rural accent. The clashing and clanging sounds of metallic chains grew even louder as it was accompanied with shuffling of feet. It was soon followed with a loud thud as it seemed like someone crashed on the ground.

"Are you okay?!" I asked the mysterious girl who was imprisoned behind this door, my voice laced with concern.

"Y-Yes, I am... thank you, but who are you?"

There was a moment of silence between the two of us. I was contemplating if whether I should introduce myself to her or remain incognito.

"I am also a prisoner just like you, but my cell is located on the top floor." I decided to do the latter. I was not sure if it would be adequate to tell her my name. Who knows something bad might happen?

"Is that so? You're just like me then..." She muttered quietly, but it was loud enough for me to hear. I also heard the melodious chirping of the birds as they flapped their feathered wings across the vast sky.

"How long have you been here?"

"I am not sure... I can no longer recall how much time has already passed since I was locked in here." Her voice was so gentle and soothing, yet it was also brittle in the same time. It sounded as if she was about to burst into tears. "I cannot even remember my name or who I am..."

I felt a sudden tender pity for her. "That must've been a really terrible experience for you." I could only stand while leaning against the wooden door, expressing my sympathy towards the chained girl who has already lost a part of herself.

"What about you? How long have you been here?" She asked out of pure curiosity, her voice echoing through the walls. I vaguely noticed that the loud noises of clanging chains was put in a halt.

It has been quite a while since I was able to have a proper conversation with another person, excluding the unfathomable young man who claimed himself as a heinous being, a devil, inside my dream.

Maybe it would be alright if I reveal a little bit of information about myself to her. I doubt that she would know or recognize me anyway.

"It has been a year and a day since I lost my freedom..." I started my story-telling while taking a sit in front of the door and leaning my back against it. My legs had been throbbing rather painfully for a little while now, I was only able to endure it because I was simply intrigued about the fact that there is a girl that I never knew was sharing the same place as mine.

"I was imprisoned here because I acquired an unknown disease, and everyone was afraid that a pandemic might outbreak if I don't isolate myself away from them." A series of traumatic memories began flashing in my head. I slowly closed my eyes, a enormously rueful sigh escaped my chapped lips.

"All of the people I loved and cared about eventually became so afraid of me as they treated me like a monster, and I was even shunned out of our manor." There was a short bursts of cold breeze that gently caressed my skin as I found it very relaxing. A gentle swishing sound, like the rustling of leaves in the trees which gave me a euphoric feeling.

"There is no one who would stand up for me in their own volition nor at least try to understand me." I finished as I could still hear a various chirping of the birds that drifted down from the sky. I was enjoying a little bit of my freedom that was taken away from me against my will. A contented sigh escaped my lips as I patiently awaited for her to reply.

"It is not contagious...."

"How can you be so sure?"

"I just know so... I mean if it is, then I would've probably got infected already since I am just sitting behind this door while talking to you in a close distance."

I shivered trying to stifle a laugh, and grinned. I found her statement completely hilarious. "Disease does not work that way. I don't think that your symptoms would show at once." My eyes slowly fluttered open as I gazed at the plain sight in front of me, lots of huge trees in dual shades of black and white.

I heard her laughing behind the closed door, it seemed like she acknowledged her mistake. "Is that so? But I know that it would not spread to other people."

"How come? Does that mean you have the same ailment as well? Is that why you are locked up here?" I bombarded her with a lot of personal questions at once with a genuine interest. "Are you cursed just like me?"

We shared a period of silence. I found myself wondering for a brief moment if I asked something that I should not have. It was really insensitive of me. I should've known any better not to ask any sensitive questions. I was about to change the topic when the melancholy tranquility that followed was broke when she suddenly spoke.

"If I told you that I am, will you believe me?"

"I am not sure... I have not seen you yet, so it would be difficult for me answer that." I honestly admitted while kicking my scrawny legs that has ugly cursed markings swirling around them with a few sharp cuts.

"I find you very intriguing. Can you tell me what is your name?" She merrily asked, her voice was filled with expectancy to get to know me more.

Since I honestly enjoyed spending a little bit of time with her and having a pleasant talk, it would probably be okay if I could at least tell her my name, wouldn't it? Before my curse progressed throughout my body, I never really had anyone that I could openly engage in a friendly conversation.

I was used in being surrounded with a lot of people, they probably only approached me because I am the future Empress. I am nothing more than a convenient tool that would help anyone succeed, a powerful card in the deck. In all likelihood, that was how my parents saw me as well — A political marriage pawn.

I was always in the center of attention, I had cliques who tried to get in my good side to gain power with hopes of raising their statues.

Except my beloved fiancée, there is no one who would willingly become my companion without any ulterior motives. Now that I have fallen in the lowest point, I began to wonder if the chained girl behind this door would like to be my friend. 

"My name is Desdemona."

"...Desdemona, it's such a beautiful name and yet so tragic in the same time. Just like you, who is behind this door."

My lips curved into a melancholic smile. "I'll take that as an compliment." I could feel my blood pulsing and headache growing. It seems like I don't have much strength as necessary to venture in the woods that I originally planned out earlier. I only have enough energy to climb back in my cell.

"There is something that I need to tell you, Desdemona. Listen closely to my advice and bear it in mind." I was surprised when she suddenly became serious. I have no idea what is going on. Nevertheless, I stayed quiet and waited for her to speak.

"No matter what happens, you must not give in to temptation. Do not trust anyone who is giving you a good deal. It would only drag you to the depths of despair, and you might regret it in the end."

Her voice sounded so serious and so sad that the chirping of the birds were silenced at once. I was not sure if she was speaking from her own experience. Unless I know her entire reasoning, there is nothing I could tell her regarding this matter. It only made me suspicious.

"No, forget what I said." She stated. I heard a sigh of dismay escaped her lips along with the noise of her chains clanking loudly as she shifted from her position. "Actions that are not from your own might bring an even worst outcome."

During that time, I had no way of knowing what she was trying to tell me. Nor did I knew it would be our first and last time talking to each other.