Ignorance

7

I couldn't help the warmth that covered my cheeks. I bow my head as I continue to grab for food, feeding it to him. "Mo grá, I want to introduce you to people I hold in high regard. But I don't want to scare you with all the people." He said, his voice falling on my ears.

Fumbling with my hands, I grew nervous at the thought of having to meet new people. "Can we please wait? I still need to get used to this place." I ask. "Of course, my dear. That is reasonable." He said as he took my hand, kissing my knuckles.

"Come. I have work to do in my study. I would like you there with me." Sir said, he picked me up, carrying me to his study. He soon laid me on this cot that was covered in warm blankets.

"You may sleep here while I work." He said as I hesitantly laid my head down. "Thank you, sir." I whisper as I pull the blanket over me. "Sweet dreams, mo grá" He said as I nuzzled into the cot.

***

Feeling someone staring at me very close. I wake up sensing someone was in front of me, and I sit up backing away. "I apologize. You're just so beautiful. Would you like to go on a walk in the garden with me?" Sir said. Nodding, I feel him take my hand, leading me out of the study.

Walking towards the garden, I rub at my eyes, trying to wipe away the sleepiness. Down a hall, take a right, and  go straight. Once we stepped outside, I felt the heat of the sun against my skin, I could hear the chirp of the birds. We continued to walk my hands, running over the shrubs and flowers. The aroma of the flowers surrounding me.

Hearing the slight tickle of water, I turn my head in the direction. "Oh, that's the fountain in the center of the garden." Sir said. I nod, staying silent. "Why do you not speak unless spoken to?" He asks. "It's easier to stay silent, then get a punishment." I said my voice soft.

"Hmm. During your stay here, you will be treated as my queen. The queen of the draconian kingdom. I hope  you will come out of that mindset. Would you like to sit?" He says to me. Nodding, I try to take a seat on the grass, but instead, Sir directs me to a bench.

"I will appoint you a tutor to teach the history of this land. How to be a proper lady, etiquette, and such." Sir said as he rubbed at my hand. "Yes, sir." I murmur.

I lulled off into silence, listening to the fountain, hearing the sound of birds chirping. Everything was so different here. There were no loud noises of chains rattling together, no yells of the men of the village as they worked, no gossiping women, the bird didn't give angry caws, and most importantly, no stench of rotting flesh. The smell of fresh air, of the flowers that bloomed nearby. It was a peace that I had never before, and I was quite enjoying it.

"What are you thinking about, my dear? Does something ail you?" Sir asks. "No, sir. I am fine." I say the words caressing my tongue. I folded my hands on my lap as I took everything in. "Can you tell me what the human world is like? It's been some time since I last crossed the tree line." Sir asked me, the feeling of his eyes on me making me slightly nervous. I clear my throat in awkwardness. "It is loud. Everyone works hard. It is a dirty place. It stinks." I say my voice coming off as choppy. "What do you mean it stinks?" He asks prodding me. "It stinks of rotting, decaying, burning flesh." I said remembering the smell. 

"Do humans still burn their own people?" He asked as my breath slightly hitched. "Not their own. But yes they still burn people." I said tilting my head downward feeling the trail of tears on my cheeks. "Do they still eat spoiled food?" He askes and I shake my head. Feeling his hand tilt my head, "Why are you crying, love?" He asks as I whisper.

"They burned my brother."

As I uttered the words, the birds stopped their happy chirping, the sound of the water fountain seized. I could feel the warmth radiating off him in seemingly anger, "I'm terribly sorry to hear that, my dear. What of your mother?" He asked. "I don't know. I was taken when I was five." I said as I wiped roughly at my face. It was quiet for a moment, except for my woeful cries and the soft growls coming from Sir.

"Have you always been blind, my dear?" He askes and I nod. I have never even once been able to see my mother, brother, or even myself. Master Woolard used to tell me I was cursed. That God had took the gift of sight from me. But mother always said that I was not given sight because God did not want me to the horrors of this world.  

But even if what mother had said was true, I never got to see my family faces. Yes, there were times in my life where I cursed the ground I walk on for not being able to see. But I knew deep down I would not be able to face my monsters. 

"Come let us have dinner, take our bath and go to our chambers. Tomorrow I will have a busy day in the kingdom. I have meetings, paperwork, and I must consult with my advisors. I will not be able take you with me, so you will have to stay here I'm afraid. " He said. "I don't know my way around. Will someone be here to help me?" I asked quietly. "Yes." He said before he called someone over. "Noelle here will be your personal maid and guide. Noelle I expect for you to take very good care of my eternal flame staring tomorrow." Sir said.

"I will you can count on me." A soft voice said as I said a meek hello to her.