Cruel Beauty chapter 3
Sorry for the wait please keep in mind I'm still a very young person with a lot to deal with. Fanfiction is simply a let out of my creative mind. Expect an update every month.
Into night I found myself wanting to wander about the palace, but a part of me didn't want to risk the possibility of running into the master again. Lord knows I didn't feel like another short but lethal encounter. Why he would be so pissed by the littlest interactions, I don't really know. I pushed the thought aside and proceeded to the hallway.
The cold floors made me wish some slippers were left for me. Most of the curtains were closed for the night, but the few that were open let in the warm welcoming glow of the full moon, and the image of snow lightly falling made the scenery beautiful. I looked out of a window, the outside was covered in snow, and the dark forest lay mysterious. It was so quiet I could hear the howls of the wolves. I shuddered, now terrified of those woods.
There was a time when I once loved to venture into them, but now, I wanted to stay away….
I continued on, unsure where I wanted to go. I wasn't so afraid of being lost anymore, having now remembered where my room is. I wanted to read, but I was sure there was no library or study anywhere. So I settled on just walking around.
Paintings that I had viewed looked to change from stoic and lifeless, to horrific. Beautiful statues seemed to look more evil from lack of light, and with every turn, I was scared something would come out and grab me. I knew that was a foolish thought, but walking around with only the moonlight to depend on was a scary thought. I was never a big fan of the dark.
I grew bored quickly, and considered retreating back to my room. But a distant warm light at the end of the hall caught my eye, and I followed it. It led me to a set of dark double doors, one door slightly cracked open, and a warm orange glow creeping out into the dark room.
I pushed the door open slightly and poked my head in. The room was nicely lit by the large fire, and the furniture of the office was white wood. Large bookshelves, a matching desk with gold trim, and two chairs in front of the desk. But the room wasn't empty, instead a tired figure occupied the desk, his head down and hands holding it, his hair like a curtain around him. I could tell who that was, and my irritation grew back.
I cursed to myself, and looked to go back to my room as quickly as possible, not wanting another short quarrel with this man.
I slowly withdraw my head and tip toe back down the hallway and to my room, noticing that some candelabras that hadn't been lit before had slightly lit the hallways. Turning into the stairway that led to my room, I quickly turned around after getting the feeling of another presence behind me. But nothing was there, and I quickly retreated to my bedroom and retired to a fretful sleep, thinking about my father.
…..
I woke with a start, drenched in sweat. I slowly came back to reality and turned to look out of the window. It was gray outside, and below workers were tending the gardens and animals, heavily clothed for the cold weather. A fresh coat of snow occupied the grounds.
I rose and took to eating the slice of toast and oatmeal that Mrs. Potts must have left for me along with a new set of clothing.
After eating I dressed in the royal blue and white gown with white lace trim and silk bows that cascaded down the bodice. I pulled my hair back with a silk blue bow and made my way out of my room.
Once again my hall was quiet, and the few maids who actually were around only gave me a curtsy and returned to their work, ignoring my requests for a conversation. I just wanted someone to talk to until I could leave, but no one would seem to even utter but so many words to me. Except for Mrs. Potts, who I instantly took a liking to. But even she didn't have time for conversation.
Growing bored, I roam around, taking in the extravagant scenery, and still wondering if there was a library somewhere. But before I know it, I'm in front of the master's door. It was cracked open, and I could hear muffled voices.
I knew I shouldn't eavesdrop but, one voice sounded familiar. Taking a short step forth, and pressing my ear lightly to the door. To my disappointment, the door was too thick to listen through.
I sighed and left the hall quietly, shaming myself for wanting to intrude on a conversation out of boredom. I looked out of the windows down the far end of the hall, it was like a fog blanketed the skies and the land, and I could see the shadows of some servants walking around making sure nothing was out of place. Another fresh coat of snow blanketed the grounds, covering the ashen statues with a light coat.
I went back to my room to get a coat and took my leave to the gardens. Before I left I searched inside my bag and found the few books I had with me and took them with me.
Finding a spot on a bench surrounded by branches that used to harbor plants, I read for a few hours. Occasionally, I would look up and catch the stares of some servants who would look at me questionably. I rolled my eyes, even here I was judged.
I kept reading, tuning out the world little by little with every turn of a page. For a moment, I forgot about the world around me, my worries for going home, being alone in this castle I wanted to leave. For a moment, I was just….me…lost in a book, in a story I wanted to experience.
Unfortunately, I was brought out of my lost state when I felt a pair of hands encase mines and gently close the book. I looked up and a mix of irritation and amusement crossed my face.
"Your highness,"
He tilted his head to the side a bit, and looked down at my book in confusion and then back at me. My eyes left his face and went down to our touching hands, a light blush crept on my cheeks, and I mentally prayed he would only think of my blush being caused by the cold air.
He was still looking at the book, Robin hood. I thought I saw a trace of amusement dance on his face but his strong stoic facial expression dominated that.
"I'm sure you know it's 'odd,' for women to read," He rolled his eyes. I rolled mines too and put the book down on the bench. He dusted away the light coat of snow on the bench and sat down next to me, I scooted away from him.
"I'm aware, but I never was one to follow by society's expectations of what a 'good' female was," I look to him and he stares at me in the same stoic expression
"But if you are only here to degrade me for reading I will be more than happy to take my leave," I challenge him, he snickers and looks at me.
"I know we had a bad start but I see no reason in judging you for…reading, you do what pleases you," He says, but the way he said it implied forced kindness. I rolled my eyes again and stood up, ready to leave.
But he commands me to sit back down. And I comply.
"I don't know why I put up with your sass," He whispers to himself, I cross my arms and hold my tongue. Until the same question that's crossed my thoughts strikes me again.
"When will I be able to leave?" I ask. I look up at him and his eyes are trained on the outside gardens. My question must have struck a nerve, because I saw his bright blue eyes turn a whole shade darker, and his frown grow deeper.
He seemed to struggle with his response before answering, "Whenever you want to….." he drifted off in his response, turned his back, and left. I could only stare at him in surprise.
I nodded my head and got up slowly, a hint of suspicion in my rising, afraid that he may just laugh in my face and tell me he was just joking with me. But he didn't, instead he just sat on the bench and put his head down upset with his response. He ran his hand through his hair and sighed deeply. For a minute I was compelled to ask him what troubles him. But I refrained.
Instead I turned my back and went up to my room, unaware of the depressed man upset to see me go….
To Be Continued…..
I felt like i owed you guys this chapter since its almost 2 months since I've updated and i feel guilty so expect a new update by the end of this month. And i guarantee a longer chapter since i'm trying to make it so this whole story makes sense. You all may not like how Adam is human but to me, he isnt really as violent as he seems, just someone trapped in a hole of depression they want to get out of. If you all care enough to read this note it will become clear as the story goes on. He may be more depressed than violent, at least towards belle that is. But don't worry, i expect this story to be a thrill for all.
