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"Please Father, don't do this," I pleaded, desperate now.
But he advanced on me again until I backed into the bedframe, trembling. Father towered over me, radiating rage.
"You will learn obedience Natalia, one way or another," he threatened in a low dangerous tone.
Tears of frustration burned in my eyes. I wanted to scream and fight back. But I knew that would only make things worse.
So instead, I forced myself to look down submissively. "I understand, Father," I said quietly, the defeat in my voice genuine. "You are right - I have been foolish and reckless. It won't happen again."
The lies tasted bitter on my tongue. But they had the desired effect. Father's taut shoulders relaxed slightly and the murderous glint left his eyes.
"See that it doesn't," he warned. But the worst had passed. After a final long look, Father turned and strode from the room, slamming the door behind him.
Alone again, I sank to the floor amidst the debris. Father had crushed this escape plan, but he couldn't break my spirit that easily. One way or another, my caged bird soul would find its wings again.
CHAPTER 7
AGAINST ALL ODDS
Natalia's POV:
Morning dawned bright and clear - the fateful day I was finally supposed to see Leonardo again after endless weeks apart. But as I stared out my window at the oak tree's hacked limbs, my hopes plummeted.
Father had tripled security after our blow up yesterday. My door was guarded 24/7 now. The broken tree meant climbing out the window was impossible. And I couldn't risk tipping them off by contacting Leonardo to call off the plan.
I paced my room anxiously, heart aching. In just a few short hours when I didn't show, Leonardo would think I had abandoned him. I couldn't bear the thought of him believing I didn't want to fight for us.
But I was completely trapped, all my careful schemes shredded. Hot, angry tears pricked my eyes. I had never felt so powerless.
A gentle knock interrupted my brooding. I hurriedly dried my eyes, expecting Father again. But instead, Enzo slipped quietly inside.
One look at my expression and he crossed the room to hug me tightly. "Hey, it's going to be okay," he soothed.
I shook my head bitterly. "How can it be? Father's made sure I have no way to get out of this prison." My chance with Leonardo was ruined.
Enzo smoothed my hair and stepped back. "Do you trust me?" he asked gently.
Confused, I searched his face. "Of course but..."
"No questions then," he interrupted. "Just follow me and keep quiet." Enzo opened my door a crack and peered out. "Stay close and move fast."
My heart leapt with tentative hope. Taking Enzo's outstretched hand, I let him lead me silently from my room.
Enzo led me swiftly down back servants' staircases I'd never known existed. My mind raced, but I stayed quiet until we reached a hidden side door leading outside.
Unable to contain my curiosity, I turned to Enzo. "Why are you doing this?" I whispered. "Helping me sneak out again, after everything?"
Enzo met my eyes steadily. "Honestly? I still don't know what's gotten into you lately." He shook his head. "But when Father had you cornered in your room yesterday...I've never seen that look in your eyes before."
I glanced away, ashamed he had witnessed my desperation.
Enzo touched my shoulder gently. "Whatever is going on, it clearly matters a great deal to you." He gave me a little smile. "I don't totally understand it, but I know you have to follow your heart or you’ll never forgive yourself."
I looked back up, overwhelmed with gratitude. Enzo pulled me into a quick fierce hug. "Go do what you have to do. This will be your only chance," he said solemnly.
I looked back up at Enzo, overwhelmed with gratitude. He pulled me into a quick fierce hug. "Go do what you have to do. This will be your only chance," he said solemnly.
I hugged him back tightly. "Thank you, Enzo. What you're doing means everything to me."
