"Do you like to read?" I asked one morning while sitting in the library with Nolan. The poor thing was sweeping every last speck of dust off the floor, having been at it for hours already.

"Yes, I do. I'm not sure what literary works you are familiar with from our world."

"Well, I'm reading this one. What is it?" I checked the title again. "A Lovely Beast? I'm only a couple chapters in, but so far it's pretty good."

"That is a classic." He nodded, sweeping away.

"Do you want to read with me?" I asked.

He smiled, seeming genuinely flattered for a brief moment. "I would love to; but Master Bastillion-"

I sighed, nodding. "Of course. I forgot about him."

I had a rose as my bookmark, one from the beautiful garden Nolan planted, and every so often I would take a break from reading and smell the sweet aroma from the petals.

"Rose?"

I looked up to see Nolan by the fireplace, a broomstick still glued in his hands. "Would you mind reading aloud?"

"Oh?"

He seemed a little embarrassed, suddenly darting his eyes away from mind. "You don't have to, of course. It's just I haven't read a good book in so long. I was wondering if you could read to me. You have a very wonderful voice."

I was surprised to hear that last part, but I just smiled and nodded. "Of course I can."

I could see a very small grin as he began sweeping again and I began reading.

"She left a lingering feeling on him, as if the world was right again because of her smile. He would never forget that grin that will forever impact his heart. He vowed to never love like he loved her."

I closed the book, surprised to have finished it already. I guess I didn't need the rose as a bookmark anyway. I was tired, and when I checked the clock above the fireplace, I realized it was already afternoon. I began waking up and going to bad rather early, all in an effort to avoid Lord Bastillion.

"That was a beautiful read." Nolan smiled, putting the broomstick back near the fireplace. "And convenient as I'm now done cleaning."

He would've walked out of the library if I hadn't stopped him. "Wait!"

He froze in his place, turning around to face me. He looked surprised, or maybe nervous. I couldn't tell. "Yes?"

"Would you like to walk around the garden? Just for a little while."

He nodded, not hesitantly either. "Of course, if that is what you wish."

And so I got up and put the book back in its designated place on the shelf, and we both walked out of the manor and found ourselves in the garden. The roses completely took over the area, and the Sun was hiding behind the willow trees not too far from the garden.

"Nolan, I must ask you something; and I really hope you will not be offended."

Nolan was quiet for a moment, and it worried me immensely during those very brief seconds of waiting for a reply. "You can ask me anything."

I thought of my words carefully. "I was wondering…if you needed to escape."

He stopped in his tracks and did not say anything. "Pardon?"

"You told me you are a slave to Lord Bastillion, but maybe we can come up with some sort of plan! To help you escape!"

He shook his head. "I just… I don't know if that's ever going to be possible."

I couldn't understand the hold that Lord Bastillion had on him. There were no chains on his wrists, he could walk freely all around the property. How hard could it be to step off the grounds?

"I'm sure there's some way! You see, I understand you in this sense. I too wish to leave. Please understand, Lady Bastillion, Carl, and you have all treated me so wonderfully. But I feel like I am caught up in this war between the Bastillion clan and my brother's. I just want to run away, some place safe."

"This manor is very safe, I assure you." Nolan murmured soothingly.

"I know it is. But I just mean for my own mind. Being here reminds me of how close I am to my own world. I know I can never return there because of my brother's clan. I know too much. But staying here only makes my heart ache more and more."

"I don't know if running away would help you forget your previous life." He sighed, honestly but also in a kind and familiar manner.

I nodded. "Perhaps you're right. I still think it wouldn't hurt to try. Besides, you also need to leave. You are much too kind to be stuck with a master such as Lord Bastillion. I just thought we were both in a similar situation, we could escape and since you know your world better than I do, we could find some place to live in together-" and then I realized exactly what I was saying. I was a little shy about the idea, but not ashamed. Besides, seeing Nolan's face right before he turned away from me abruptly seemed rather embarrassed of the idea I had accidentally implied. I hoped he understood that a romantic escape was not necessarily my intentions.

I giggled a little, feeling a little silly for making him feel uncomfortable. "I'm sorry if I've made you feel uncomfortable."

"No, I understand." He insisted, still looking away from me.

"Well…" I sighed. "If you ever change your mind, I would be more than happy to help you."

He nodded, turning toward me again but still looking too bashful to look into my eyes. "I appreciate your concern, Rose."

He really seemed to take my words to heart, his embarrassment very well shown on his face. It then occurred to me: Nolan may very well like me.

"I…" I suddenly felt a little faint. "I think I'm going to head back to my room for the evening. G-Goodnight!" I muttered, trying not to frantically run out of the garden.

When I finally made it back to my room I closed the door behind me and tried to make sense of my thoughts. Nolan can't like me. I'm just his friend. He probably doesn't even see me as that. Probably more of a guest he serves. Oh, I feel like such an idiot…

I took off my dress and crawled into bed, dragging the blanket over my head. Poor Nolan, I didn't mean to put him on the spot like that. I hope he'll forgive me by morning.