filled me to the brim. Was there so little between us that I wasn’t at least owed a warning? How could he let me walk blindly into this situation?
“Jules, you know your engagement to Josiah isn’t final yet. We have a few other decisions to make before arrangements will be made. Plus, you have at least two years before you turn eighteen and the wedding will happen,” Master Black scolded her with a thick tone. I noticed him once again staring at me curiously, and I prayed that my reaction to this news wasn’t overly noticeable.
“I feel honored by the privilege of calling you by your first name, Jules,” Josiah muttered, and I immediately hated how her name sounded on his tongue.
Mistress Stonewell revealed a wide grin then looked back at me with a sickening sense of satisfaction. A part of me wondered if she had coordinated this union or if Josiah did. It seemed like the perfect way to provide permanent distance between Josiah and me. Although legally, Josiah was the master of this house, Linda wielded her powers of manipulation like a skilled swordsman. She wouldn’t dare have me removed, as Josiah would merely forbid it; but she would, however, make my life as miserable as possible as long as I stayed.
“Walker, you are dismissed and free to start preparations for dinner. I will page your watch if you are needed,” she said with a smile.
I nodded and shuffled towards the basement. Unlike before, I welcomed the dark, damp, room where even Josiah’s starlight nightlight couldn’t brighten my mood.
Chapter Three
I allowed myself ten minutes of grief and tears before pinching my thigh and willing myself to overcome the emotional turmoil. It was a tactic of avoidance I learned long ago. I knew that eventually Josiah would be expected to marry and fulfill his duties as Master of the home and Governor of Galla. Although I wanted to have faith in our secure connection, ultimately, he was a high-ranking member of society and I was merely a Walker.
I reminded myself that I was lucky. Jules may have Josiah's future, but I would always have the memories of our childhood together, which was something not even Linda Stonewell could steal from me. Although I wanted nothing more than to weep for a love and future I would never have, I refused to lay in bed and feel sorry for myself.
I gave myself a pep talk and told myself that it was time for me to accept this arrangement and embrace my position in Josiah’s world. Despite wanting to crawl into a hole and cry my eyes out, I kept strong. I just couldn’t let a childhood love jeopardize my safety. I wouldn’t last one hour in the Walker Zones. A broken heart was nothing compared to what I would face if I went there.
After a few hours passed, I went upstairs to prepare dinner. I ignored the childish giggles that overflowed from the living room as I pulled the roast from the oven and set the dining room table. Mistress Black reveled in being the center of Josiah’s attention. She laughed at every word he said, and when I snuck a quick peek in the standard room at them, I noticed her perfectly-manicured hand bravely laying on his shoulder while they spoke.
I fought back the waves of jealousy that tore me apart and allowed the image of them together to burn into my brain. I needed to see Josiah’s new relationship and betrayal. I prayed that, eventually, the pain would make it easier to let go.
When it was time to eat, they filtered elegantly into the dining room, and I poured each of them a glass of wine in silence while ignoring their chatter to the best of my ability. When it was time to serve everyone's food, I didn’t spare Josiah a glance when I accidentally plopped his serving down forcefully on his plate. Droplets of grease splattered on his suit, but he didn’t flinch or even acknowledge my faux pas. I almost felt disappointed that he didn’t react to my less-than-stellar table service. I badly wanted to be on the receiving end of his stare but hated that his blue gaze would never be mine.
I continued to make my way around the table politely, and with much effort, resisted the urge to dump an entire plate on top of Jules’ head. After serving everyone, I put the tray down at the center of their chestnut, eight-guest table and