Ch. 8: Dreams and Reality
"Do you think dreams are bits of reality?"
The snow was falling slowly as Tristan was walking with Gabriella as they watched over Luka. The young boy ran around amazed as usual at the snow slowly decent and adored every single moment he was in it. Tristan looked at Gabriella as he adjusted his cloak a bit, he shrugged at her, "Dreams can be. It depends that's all."
"What do you think though, Tris," Gabriella emphasized.
Tristan looked at her, "Dreams are what we want in our realities. It's that little piece of us that we lock away in our thoughts. A place where you are accepted." He chuckled a bit, "Does that answer your question?"
Gabriella nodded and felt a slight chill run up her spine. She linked her arm around Tristan's and laid her head against his shoulder, smelling the scent of cinnamon from Sofia's cooking of cinnamon rolls. She smiled against his shoulder while Tristan did not tense up like he usually did but instead kept focusing on Luka while pulling her closer. "Cold," he inquired.
She nodded, "Aren't you?"
"Insulation." He gestured to his arm as he placed her hand on his skin; she jumped at the touch for he was extremely warm. He chuckled again, "Transforming has its advantages."
She giggled and continued to walk until Tristan suddenly stopped walking. Gabriella looked at him, seeing a serious look on his face. She stopped giggling and looked out also, "What's wrong?"
"A horse coming closer," he told her. "Gabby, take Luka in."
She nodded and grabbed the young boy who noticed the serious look on his best friend's face. He followed Gabriella inside while she watched Tristan head toward the direction of the sound he was hearing.
Tristan approached the edge of the forest, not daring to enter now though he can hear the whispers calling to him. He watched as a pure black horse pulled in with red eyes, its rider with his hood on. However, Tristan did not attack but simply bowed his head, "Hello Father."
"Hello Tristan," the Duke pulled off his hood to reveal his appearance. He looked down at his son in disgust but stepped off, shaking his son's hand then wiping it off on his pants. Tristan turned and began to walk back to the castle while his father spoke, "I see everything is still in place."
"Of course."
"You haven't done anything foolish, have you?"
"And if I did, it is none of your concern."
"Watch your tone, boy," his father warned as he stopped his son. Their eyes met and could see the pure aggression that his son showed. "What are you hiding," he interrogated.
Tristan sighed, "If you must know, I have a guest here and I appreciate if she didn't see you."
"She?"
"Yes, she."
"Where's Andrew," his father inquired.
Tristan chuckled, he didn't know where Andrew was at but his father wanted to know, "He went missing."
"You killed my servant!"
Tristan opened the door, letting his father enter first, "No, we just had an incident and he decided to hide away like a coward." Three months his father had not seen him, it was thing his father like to do. Every three months, his father would come and visit, treating everyone harshly. Tristan always made sure Luka was close to him so his father wouldn't mess with the little boy.
But with Gabriella in the Castle, this was a completely new situation.
When they entered, Gabriella looked at the man beside Tristan. She could see the resemblance of him being Tristan's father. Sofia, Aaron and Abby stood next to her while Andrew finally appeared from the staircase. Luka held Gabriella's hand tight as he slowly bowed his head like the other servants.
Tristan's father smirked, "I see your servants are still…interesting." He removed his cape to reveal his black dress clothes as he tossed it to Sofia, approached Gabriella. "And who is this, boy?"
Tristan went next to Gabriella, "Father, this is Gabriella. Gabriella, this is my father Duke Kain."
Gabriella bowed but noticed the uneasiness in Tristan's eyes. She gently took his hand, which was immediately notice by Kain. He raised an eyebrow, "I'm here to tell you that people are coming to the Castle. It's for political reasons since they haven't been here in a while."
"What," Tristan released Gabriella's hand. "You want them to see your deformed son?"
"It's in two nights and I assure you, they won't."
"You are nuts," Tristan spat. Suddenly he noticed a dark look in Kain's eyes, he gestured Sofia to go and immediately they began to move. Gabriella wanted to stay but was slowly pull away by Abby.
The main hall was quiet leaving Tristan, Kain and Andrew in the one room. Kain looked at Andrew who kicked in Tristan's knees causing him to collapse on the ground. He lifted his son's chin, "Careful what you say, Tristan."
"You are the reason why I look like this!"
"And I can promise that if you slip up again and not be respectful to me. Gabriella might have a visit with Andrew," he warned. Tristan suddenly tensed causing Kain to smirk, Andrew suddenly handed Kain a whip, "Now lay down boy."
B&B
Gabriella sat in her room when she heard a loud yell. It sounded painful and she quickly stood up. "Gabby, stay in here," Constant told her quietly.
"That was Tristan, I know it," Gabriella argued. She approached the door but could not turn the doorknob. "What's happening? Why can't I open the door," she asked.
Constant sighed while the General stormed in, "I don't like it when that imbecile is here."
"Xavier…"
"No, this man always likes to hurt Tristan and its different now since-" Constant suddenly slapped General and pointed to Gabriella. The General swallowed slightly as he bowed his head, "I'm sorry, Gabriella. You were not meant to here it."
Gabriella walked over to the paintings, "What do you mean?" Both paintings were quiet and looked down until there is a small knock, they took the chance of this and disappeared. Gabriella approached her door and opened it to see Tristan holding onto the doorway, cringing in pain. "Tristan," she gasped.
He slowly leaned over causing her to catch him. They walked to her bed as he sat down; she gently touched his back, "Where does it hurt?"
"My back. I'm fine; I just wanted to check on you."
"Your father did this to you," Gabriella said as they slipped Tristan's shirt off. She gasped at the new red marks on his back as she touched them slowly. He hissed before pulling her hand away, "I'm sorry."
"It will go away," Tristan assured her. Suddenly she watched as his skin slowly turned back to the color of his skin. She marveled of this as he smiled slightly, "The Castle heals us if it's severe. This is one."
She nodded then realized about the ball, "What are you going to do?"
"Have it and confine myself in my room. You can go and Aaron can keep an eye on you," Tristan told her.
She shyly looked down, "I was hoping to see you there." The two friends held hands while Tristan smiled at her, it was smile she learned that Tristan reserved it for her. It was soft and gentle as she gazed up into his eyes. "I wanted to dance with you," Gabriella whispered to him.
Tristan pressed his forehead against hers as he whispered, "I can't but I promise, you can see me waltz some other time."
"Promise?"
Gabriella watched as Tristan took her hand, placing it over his heart. She felt his heart beat and took a deep breath in. He always did this when he made a promise, he did this with everyone but when he said it to her, she felt so special and she knew he would keep it. Gabriella smiled at him while he said to her, "I promise." She nodded before Tristan stood up and grabbed his shirt.
"Tristan," she suddenly called out. He turned around while she approached; going on her tipy toes and kissed his cheek. Tristan suddenly blushed as she whispered, "I'll see you tonight." He just nodded and smiled.
B&B
The dinner was very quiet. Kain and Tristan sat at both ends of the table while Gabriella sat beside Tristan and Andrew with Kain. "How long are you here," Tristan inquired.
Kain looked up, "Until the ball. I'll leave that night, of course I won't say goodbye especially with your condition." He then glanced at Gabriella, "How long have you've been a guest, Gabriella?"
"Since the late summer," she answered as she glanced at Tristan. "Your son has been excellent company." She suddenly heard a loud chuckle from Kain, "What is funny?"
"Tristan? Excellent company? You must be mistaken?"
"I'm not."
"Interesting," Kain then glanced at Andrew whispering into his ear, "Make sure that she doesn't fall in love with him. You know what will happen to me if she does."
"Of course," Andrew agreed.
As the dinner concluded, Gabriella went to bed touching Tristan's hand leaving his father and him alone. Kain sipped his wine while looking at his son, "Did you already do a couple of things with her that I don't know of?"
"If you mean have sexual relations with her," Tristan pushed. "No, I did not and it is none of your business."
"Your mother would be disappointed of your behavior."
"Don't you dare talk about my mother. I wasn't the one who had the affair with a witch," Tristan watched as Kain suddenly went pale. "Mother left you for a reason, but she left me as well."
Tristan stood up, walking slowly away. "Do you think she will love you," Kain quietly inquired. Tristan suddenly stopped, "You are nothing but a monster boy. It's all she'll ever see. Loving you would be the ultimate curse." Tristan cringed and stormed off back to his bedchambers.
The two days went by slowly with everyone staying on their toes. Kain as company, Gabriella realized was not easy. He was cruel to a majority of the servants but Tristan was always there to make sure nothing went too far. He kept a vigilant eye and Gabriella admired that the most about Tristan.
On the evening of the ball, Gabriella knocked on Tristan's door that night, wearing her white ball gown with her hair falling against her shoulders. Tristan opened the door and his jaw literally dropped at the sight of her. Gabriella blushed a bit, "Too much?"
Tristan shook his head, "You look beautiful, Gabby. Please, come in for a second." Gabriella followed in and smiled as Tristan ran over to his desk, he then walked back to Gabriella. "I have something for you," he told her.
"Tristan…"
Slowly he pulled out a necklace, a small pendant with a little rose on it. She gasped in awe as she turned around moving her hair to the side, "Place it on me please." Tristan swallowed the lump that developed in his throat as he placed it slowly around her neck. Gabriella turned back around, touching her necklace gently. She smiled, "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
She sighed and smiled, "I wish you could come."
"Me too," Tristan smiled. "You should get going." Gabriella smiled and walked out before closing the door. Tristan sighed as he walked past his suit jacket before hearing a loud swoosh, "Hello Zelda."
"I see your father doesn't know when to stop," she pointed out.
"The Castle was ready to have a huge meltdown but luckily, it's allowing the guests to come. Just-"
"I'll put a delay on your curse," Zelda told him. He quickly turned around and looked at her, "Tristan, the Castle's curse is at delay. The forest won't attack the guests and things won't act strange."
"My curse?"
"It's only until you hear the howl."
Suddenly she disappeared, as Tristan looked at her confused, "What do you mean by that?" With no answer, Tristan walked passed the mirror taking a quick glance until he suddenly stopped. His eyes widened as he yelled, "Oh my god!"
B&B
Gabriella watched as people mingled with each other. She wished that she didn't feel so out of placed for she is so used to Tristan near her. A man bowed to her, asking her to dance but she declined.
Sofia watched as Gabriella denied each man who approached until she felt a hand on her shoulder, "How is she?"
Sofia turned around and her jaw dropped in amazement, "Tristan…"
Gabriella kept sighing before she felt a small tap on her shoulder. She turned around and gasped. He was dressed in a dark blue dress jacket with his handsome face smooth, he bowed to her as she smiled back. "May I have this dance," he inquired.
She nodded as she took his hand, "It's you. You are the one I see in my dreams. I thought I would never see you."
Tristan smiled at Gabriella, "I hope you don't mind if I stay with you for a bit." His scars were gone for a bit until he heard the howl but he was going to take his chance now. The first time in so long that he felt normal.
As they walked onto the dance floor, Kain gazed over in astonishment. It couldn't be, he thought to himself as he looked at Andrew who was equally confused. Every woman began to whisper at the sight of the two, wondering who this handsome man was. Kain felt his blood boil slightly before whispering into Andrew's ear. He nodded as Kain slowly disappeared.
"Everyone is staring," Gabriella whispered to him.
He smiled and whispered back, "Are they? I haven't notice since I'm with you." A small blush rushed to Gabriella's cheeks as she placed her hand on his shoulder as he slowly wrapped his hand on his waist. Slowly they began to dance with the two not letting go of each other. He would make her laugh but she still missed Tristan.
As they finished, they walked out to the balcony to take in the fresh air. She shivered slightly while Tristan wrapped his arms around her waist as she lied against him. She thought she could feel so much comfort when she was with Tristan but she was with this man, she felt as much as comfort. "Who are you," Gabriella whispered to him.
Tristan smiled softly, "It doesn't matter. I'm just a forgotten life."
"Not to me."
Gabriella looked up at him and for a moment, recognized the smile as if it was Tristan but she could not tell. His eyes did not show to her but she gently cupped his cheek. Tristan took in her touch, taking in the softness and wholeness it felt. It was a feeling that he would never get when he had his scars.
She slowly leaned up and kissed his lips softly. A spark came between the two as Tristan instinctively pulled her closer. She pulled back as she smiled up at him as he smiled back to her. Tristan needed to feel her lips again, he needed to feel the warmth once more as he leaned down and kissed her again. She smiled against his lips but in the back of her mind, she could hear something, Why does it feel wrong?
Maybe you feel more for someone else? However, Gabriella ignored this thought as he kissed down her jaw line, slowly and softly. Tristan held her close closing his eyes until he heard a howl.
He looked down at her and kissed her again, "I have to go…"
Gabriella returned the kiss immediately but felt the man pull back, "Don't go now."
"I have to," Tristan whispered. "You'll see me in your dreams, Gabriella. I promise." She still held him as she kissed him again, tentatively and softly. He pulled back, his hand still in hers but slowly he pulled away and quickly disappeared.
In the shadows, Andrew watched from the forest. "Sooner or later, our plan will go into action and Tristan will be no more, my friends and the Duke will have his youth back forever."
B&B
As the night concluded, Gabriella knocked on Tristan's door but there was no answer. She wanted to see her friend to tell her the amazing night she had and get her dance with him. But as she waited a little longer, he did not answer still. I guess, I'll talk to him later, she thought to herself.
Walking down the hallway, Gabriella smiled a bit, thinking about the man she met in her dreams. How it felt to have him there in reality, to feel his touch and to kiss him. But when she thought of Tristan, her heart was beating fast and she wondered where he was. She grown fond of Tristan and she wondered if there was something more to what she felt.
I wonder where he is, Zelda appeared in Tristan's chambers noticing he was not there. She teleported again to check the art room but was not there either, finally she checked the Hall of Portraits to see Tristan sitting in a chair staring at his portrait. His shirt slightly open and his scars on his face once more. "There you are," Zelda said.
Tristan looked up, "Be gone."
"What's with you? You had your chance to be with her without your scars, a chance to feel her lips against yours, a chance-"
"A chance to realize that I can't be with her," Tristan yelled. The chair pushed back and hit against the cage while he looked back at her, "A chance to realize that I'm nothing but a scarred and curse monster. She can't love me…"
Zelda watched as Tristan's face stared at her. His eyes were not fill with anger but with sorrow and heartbreak. She cursed this boy because of her father who did not know what love was.
Realization suddenly hit, "You're in love with her."
"Just go Zelda. You have been nothing but a nuisance and give me more heartache," Tristan told her.
"Tristan, don't give up. You see her in the dreams, you wanted this so much."
"And you could have denied me! I could have stayed in my room!"
Zelda shook her head, "But you would have still fallen in love with her."
Zelda watched as Tristan turned away from her. She sighed as she left Tristan alone in the chamber.
He could feel his tears slowly go down his face; he wiped them away and took in a deep breath. He gently touched his face, remembering Gabriella's soft touch against his skin then touched his lips remembering Gabriella's embrace. He sighed as he closed his eyes, I love her. I'm in love with her.
Tristan stood up, leaving the chamber. He walked down passing Gabriella's room; he slowly opened the door to see Gabriella lying in her bed. He walked over to her and sat on the edge as she turned toward him. She opened her eyes, looking up at him, "Tristan…"
"Good night Gabby."
Gabriella sat up slightly, hugging him then softly kissing his cheek; the spark she felt with the man came with Tristan as she smiled against his neck. Tristan hugged her back, looking down and away. "Please stay," she whispered to him.
He looked back at her and nodded as they both lied in bed together. He glanced at her, Even though it is unrequited love. I wish I could say it to her. He gently touched her cheek as she snuggled into his touch.
I love you, Gabriella.
Holy crap, this is really long. Thank you for your reviews and PMs. You know the drill Review, PM, etc. You guys are awesome!
