No Exceptions

Thirteen

It was the early morning rays that woke me. The curtain was wide open and little prisms of light danced through the crack in Amber's window. She'd left, but I couldn't help but feel something I hadn't in the longest time: hopeful.

Flicking the duvet off, I sat up and sunk my feet into Amber's shag rug. My stomach flipped at the realisation of how she would've earned it.

Don't dwell. Just be happy that things are going to get better.

I fished my shoes from under her bed and got ready for the day. Before leaving the cosy room I made a mental not to thank My fellow wife for her hospitality. She could get in a lot of trouble for doing what she did.

As I opened up the door, I rested my shoulders back and walked slowly. Can't have Negan's people sniffing out my happiness. But as soon as the thought entered my head, I saw two large figures in my peripherals.

Cool it, Rackel! You're just being paranoid.

I slowed my gait. There's slowed with it.

Fuck.

Had they found out?

Am I dead?

Is he—

My throat constricted, but I kept pace. Thought it was probably best to go to the source with a smile on my face. I mean, what idiot would walk head first into the lion's den?

The Harem was uncharacteristically quite, which didn't bode well. "Good morning, everyone," I chirped, swinging the double doors open. Everyone looked at me, including a blotchy Amber, eyes bloodshot and nose runny.

He knows.

We're dead. He knows.

Negan came in with his usual flourish, but instead of Lucille, he had Carl.

"Sweetie!" I ran to my little man and gave him a bear hug, putting me between him and Negan. You are not taking him too. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"A bit young for you, ain't he?" Negan tugged at my shoulder. If looks could kill.

I retreated into myself, standing beside Carl but avoiding all contact.

Negan's eyes released me, turning his gaze over to Sherry. "Can I talk to you, dear wife?" He sauntered over to the liquor cabinet, easing a brow at me over his shoulder before smiling at his new prisoner. "Make yourself comfortable, kid. I'm sure you're familiar with my new woman."

Carl shook his head at him. But as he looked me up and down, his eyes widened. "What the fuck?"

It was easy enough to forget that I was dressed like a dominatrix when I was surrounded by strangers. But that look in his eyes made me feel like a loose-change hooker.

I wasn't much better, to be honest.

"What are you doing here?" I whispered, looking away from him.

"I, uh—" He was trying to get me to look, but continued. "Snuck into one of their trucks, tried to kill him." He tilted his head toward Negan.