Chapter 3 - The East Wing Siege
The hallway leading to the east wing feels like the antechamber to a war zone.As Nora and Arthur approximately double doors reinforced with heavy oak,the sound of muffled shouting,clapping toys,and pounding fists echoed through the corridor.
"Open up,Climb,Arthur commanded,banging his fist once against the wood.The heavy thud instantly silenced the chaos inside.
"We won't!""a fierce,cracked boy's voice shouted back."We're not letting another witch in!We know you brought someone else!Tell her to go away!"
Arthur turned to Nora,His expression is flat."Knock yourself out.""
Before Arthur could push the door open himself,Nora raised a hand,pretending to be a fool.She stepped forward,adjusting the cuffs of her black velvet dress,and leaned down until her lips were level with the heavy keyhole.
"My name is Nora," she said clearly,her voice is devoid of the sweet,trembling patronization nannies usually used."And I am not a witch."I am an employee.Your father bought me for three million and five hundred thousand dollars,which means I am the most expensive piece of furniture he has ever purchased.I am not leaving until my contract expires or I decide I'm bored."
Silence fell over the room on the other side of the door.A small,Mimicking silence.
"How much?"" a little girl's voice whispers from inside.
Three point five million,Nora repeated.And right now,I am standing in a very cold hallway in these stupid shoes because you locked the door.So you have exactly ten seconds to open it,or I am going to tell your father to cancel dessert for the rest of the year."
A collective gasp echoed behind the wood.A moment later,the sound of sliding furniture scraping against hardwood filled the room.The locks clicked,One by one.
The door cracked open an inch,revealing a pair of wide,furious dark eyes belonging to an eleven-year-old boy with messy dark hair and ash smudged across his cheek.He glared up at Nora.holding a heavy plastic toy truck like a weapon.
Nora didn't flinch.She pushed the door open the rest of the way,stepping past him into the ruined nursery.
The room looked like a hurricane had hit it.Cushions were ripped open,feathers drifted through the air like snow,books were scattered everywhere,and a broken lamp sat in a heap of shattered ceramic near the window.Three smaller children stood behind Leo like a protective phalanx:Maya,small and glaring with sharp teeth bared; Toby,clutching a worn-out blanket to his chest; and little Clara,sitting in the corner with tear-tracks dried on her chubby cheeks.
Arthur lingered in the doorway,his massive frame blocking the exit.He stared at Nora with genuine surprise.No one had ever bypassed the barricade on night one without weeping or screaming.
"Pick up the lamp,Climb,Nora said calmly,walking over to the unmade bed and sitting down.She kicked off her heels.Letting out a soft sigh of relief as her aching feet touched the plush rug.
"I won't!""Leo spat,puffing out his chest.
"Then I'll start deducting the cost of ceramic repair from your father's weekly allowance,Nora replied smoothly,glancing over at Arthur."He does give you an allowance,right,Mr.Costa?Or are they expected to live like monastic prisoners?"
May you like
Arthur blinked,Caught off guard.They...They get an allowance."
"Good."Climb,Grab the dustpan.Maya,Stop growingling at me.It's unbecoming.Toby,bring me that book on the floor,the blue one." Nora looked around the room,taking command with an effortless,chilling authority that reminded her of the boardrooms her father used to drag her through—only here,The stakes were human."We have five minutes to make this room look habitable before I start locking things away.moved."
