Snippet #1720607

Eleanor swallowed as she watched the Duke and his new mistress disappear. A tear ran silently down her dusty cheek, making yet another trial of evidence that her emotions have taken over again. Why did she long for a man who only saw them, her, as an occasional useful collection? Like a diary, only being written in when the desire to release your emotions right then and there was becoming unbearable. Didn't he feel even a little bit guilty for ruining so many girls' lives?

Eleanor sat down in her corner, hiding her tear-stained face behind her dirty hands. She didn't have much to live for, anyway. So why feel as if she's lost something? Did she miss the brothel, her friends, the little fame which came to her? She wanted to wash her hair, dress in something colourful again. She peered down through her short and thin fingers at her few belongings. Thank goodness she bought them with her when she ran away from the only place she ever called home. Most of these women were dressed in highly fashionable ball gowns, which were now torn and bad smelling.

'I can't stand this atmosphere.' She thought, and stood up. “Ladies.” She said in a croaked voice, and cleared it quickly to sound more confident. “Ladies.” She said again, sounding more mature. “I...we can't sit here forever. I know you all love the Duke...” Her voice broke off again. “But...I mean, I...” She closed her eyes, taken another deep breath. “You all need to go back to your families, you should all...pursue your futures, dreams. I know you won't want to listen, but...I...please, I beg you all. Can't we stand together and find a way out of this... nightmare?”

Her knees were weak, so she leaned against the wall, seeking support. She asked them to leave the Duke. Would she want to leave the Duke? A pain seared through her chest, causing tears to well in her green eyes. She hated this place, she hated her situation, she hated being stationary. She hated the Duke. But did she really? She thought of his smile, his eyes, his touch. A small smile appeared on her face, her eyes closed. It was impossible not to feel slightly aroused when she thought of his large hands exploring her petite figure. Shocked at herself, she forced her eyes open, her uneven breathing audible.

“Please...” She whispered. “I love him so much...I know you all do...but please...this is poison to our hearts and souls...we...we shall end up killing each other for the love we'll never...” Her heart screamed in agony. “...never get from him...he...can't...l-love...” With a loud sob she slit down onto the floor, holding herself while she cried shamelessly.