The sun had barely risen, casting a soft golden light through the windows of the grand manor. Fiona, the stern and commanding mistress of the house, stood before Bella, her eyes narrowed as she began to lay down the law.
"Now, Bella," Fiona said, her voice firm and unyielding, "I must make it clear what is expected. I suggest you follow the rules by the letter for your own good. I will not tolerate any disobedience."
Bella listened in silence, her heart pounding in her chest, her thoughts still consumed with everything that was going on, as Fiona listed the numerous rules and restrictions. She was not to speak without permission, not to stand on her two feet, and certainly not to disobey direct orders. The list seemed endless, and Bella felt a growing sense of unease as she realized the extent of her confinement. Fiona controlled her every move; she could not act on her own volition.
Just as Fiona was about to continue, Dania, the head servant, appeared in the doorway. "Mistress Fiona, breakfast is served," she announced, her voice as cold and emotionless as ever.
Fiona glanced at the ornate clock on the wall and sighed. "Oh, it's that time already," she murmured, her tone betraying a hint of annoyance. She turned to Bella and gestured for her to follow. "Come along, Bella. You may join us for the meal."
Bella hesitated for a moment, then obediently trailed behind Fiona as they made their way to the dining room. The table was set with a few dishes, the aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filling the air. Bella's stomach growled in anticipation, but she knew better than to reach for anything just yet.
As she moved to take a seat, Fiona's sharp voice stopped her in her tracks. "Bella, you are not to sit at the table. You will sit on the floor beside me." Bella's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she did as she was told, lowering herself to the cold, hard floor.
Fiona began to eat, her movements graceful and elegant. "You may not eat until I have finished," she informed Bella, who nodded silently. "But you must keep me company while I dine."
Numerous rules had disregarded Bella's humanity and autonomy, yet it wasn't until now that she fully grasped the magnitude of it. Fiona was making her feel like property.
Bella's mind raced as she sat there, watching Fiona enjoy her meal. She knew they needed to talk, to address the tension that had been building between them since her arrival. She had tried to broach the subject before, but Fiona had always brushed her off, refusing to engage in any kind of conversation.
Summoning her courage, Bella opened her mouth to speak, but her words died in her throat as her eyes met Dania's across the room. The head servant's gaze was icy and threatening, a silent warning that Bella should not dare to speak without permission. Memories of the last time she had defied Dania flashed through her mind, and she quickly closed her mouth, swallowing her words.
As the meal continued, Bella's thoughts swirled with frustration and fear. She knew she couldn't remain silent forever, but how could she find the courage to speak up when every glance and gesture seemed designed to keep her in her place? The answer eluded her, and as the morning sun climbed higher in the sky, Bella's resolve began to waver, leaving her uncertain of what the future might hold.
Moments later Fiona dabbed at her lips with a silk napkin, having just finished her own sumptuous meal. "Well, Bella," she said, her voice dripping with condescension, "I suppose it's time for you to eat."
She snapped her fingers, and Dania appeared at her side. "Bring Bella her food," Fiona commanded, a wicked smile playing on her lips.
Dania disappeared into the kitchen, returning moments later with a dog bowl filled with a slop that looked more fit for a pig than a human. She placed it on the floor next to Bella, who stared at it in disbelief.
Fiona burst into laughter at the sight of Bella's quizzical expression. "Oh, come now, Bella," she taunted. "Surely you didn't think I'd let you eat in a human-like manner?"
Bella's cheeks flushed with humiliation, but her hunger was too great to ignore. She lowered herself to the floor, her eyes never leaving Fiona's. As she bent her head towards the bowl, Fiona's voice rang out again.
"Ah, ah, ah! No hands allowed. Eat properly or I'll have to tie them up."
Bella's face contorted with anger, reducing her own sister to this. Bella could just wonder why this was happening, when has she wronged her sister? but she complied, her pride crumbling under the weight of her hunger. She lapped at the slop, her face growing wet and sticky with each mouthful.
Suddenly, Bella could take it no more. She pushed herself away from the bowl, her eyes blazing with fury. "This is ridiculous!" she shouted standing up, her voice shaking with emotion. "You've taken everything from me, but I won't let you take my dignity! You're being irrational, just why!?, answer m-!!"
Dania moved swiftly to shut her up, her hand clamping over Bella's mouth, muffling her cries of defiance and immobilizing her. Fiona's laughter died away, replaced by a cold, seething rage. She rose from her chair, her eyes locked on Bella's.
"You dare to defy me?" she hissed, her voice barely more than a whisper. "You think you have any dignity left to protect? I took everything from you?" her voice growing with irritation by the minute "I'm not the one who sold you!!"
Fiona crossed the room in a few quick strides, her hand closing around a fistful of Bella's hair. She yanked her to her feet, causing Dania to release her grip. Bella whimpered in pain, but her eyes remained defiant.
With a snarl, Fiona dragged Bella towards the door that led to the dungeon. "You'll learn your place, Bella," she growled. "I'll make sure of it."
The door slammed shut behind them, leaving Dania alone in the dining room. She stared at the mess on the floor, her face impassive, and began to clean up the remnants of Bella's meal.
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