Forty-Nine

Iris

I slumped against the cold wall, yawning and feeling increasingly bored. I'd been stuck in this cell all day, listening to the rain fall outside. I wanted to be free, to go outside and feel the moon on my face.

And not live like some fucking prisoner.

I should be grateful that I wasn't imprisoned in a public cell alongside crazy inmates.

They'd tear me apart and use me for their own entertainment and sport.

My stomach growled, reminding me that I needed food. I hoped that someone would bring me food soon. The cell door creaked open, answering my prayers.

I turned to look, and a young woman dressed in a maid uniform stepped inside, carrying a wooden tray. I smelled rice and my mouth watered.

She placed the tray in front of me, and I noticed it was a plate of steaming chicken and rice pilaf. My mouth watered even more, the hunger growing stronger by the minute.

"Enjoy yourself, Lady," she said, but made no move to leave. The creamy sauce and tender chicken stared at me as I pick