Meant To Be Alone

For the next three days, Nine behaved right. She let the Queen berate her and allowed Vanessa torment her silently. She could tell that it confused them, her not breaking down as she always did, but she didn't care.

She needed to get on their good sides for today.

"Vanessa?"

The girl braiding her hair with her scowl still on answered, "Yes, my Lady?"

"When you're done with me," Nine said, voice soft. "I will like to go on a walk."

She heard the witch snort, "Why are you telling me? You always do so, without my permission."

I'm telling you because I know you will tell the Queen, Nine thought, Which means she wouldn't look for me because she might be too busy hoping I've run away. "I didn't want you worrying about me."

She heard her snicker, but say nothing else.

When she was done, Nine changed into a more comfortable dress and shoes, ignoring the look on Vanessa's face and walked out of her room, heading to the Pantry so she could get an apple before she heard the voices coming from i