The Rose That Never Withered (Wattys 2017)

‡Chapter 4 - Curiosity Kills the Cat‡

"And I'd choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I'd find you, and I'd choose you" - The Chaos of Stars

"No" she sternly replied. It was something new for her, she rarely declines my requests.

"No?" I stated dumbly, like I couldn't believe she said the word no. When it finally sank in I neared her place and gripped her apron like a life line, and wept; yes, wept like the spoiled baby that I am. "Oh Dianne please?? I beg of yòu!!!" I sobbed dramatically.

"No child! If I knew you would ask of this, I would have never told you anything about him." her eyebrows knitted together in frustration. "I was a fool." she mumbled.

"Please please please...... Just one glimpse Dianne please." I begged. I was close to desperate. "You'll never have to hear it from me again, I promise! Just a tiny, wee peep!!!"

"No Eli. You'll get us both in trouble. If the master wakes up, you'll be digging our graves."

Seeing as she won't let me, you leave me no choice Dianne. I pleaded with my eyes and pouted my lips just enough, this always seemed to work on her and I mentally snickered.

"Please Dianne? I swear I'll never bother you again!!" I tried once again. If this still doesn't work, I'll stop.

"Ramses Olivia Seraphine Elizabeth, don't you dare use that face on me. It's not gonna work this time!"

I knew my crocodile tears were a low move, but desperate times call for desperate measures. So forgive me Dianne, for I must do this....

"No Eli! No..." she sighed. Got you.

"Ugh! One look and that's it!" She said begrudgingly.

Forgive my insolence Dianne, I really am just curious....

"Thank you Dianne!" I dropped my broom and enveloped Dianne in my arms as tightly as I could. Dianne remains stiff, unmoving in my arms."You know not of the joy I feel right now..." I mumbled "Thank you...."

"You ungrateful child" she whispered. Her face was monotone, forehead in folds. "A fool indeed..." she whispered to herself.

After finishing our kitchen duties, we proceeded to our destination, that is, the young master's quarters.

I knew she was frowning even if I wasn't looking. She continued to mumble all the way to the stairs how I'm going to get us both in deep ends. I didn't mind it though; I was too giddy to care about my surroundings. Even as the gigantic wooden doors were mere inches from my face, I was not quite there.

I felt like I was floating on cloud nine.

All those stories I heard about him was finally going to become reality. The master's doors were carved with roses, lilacs, carnations, and some other flowers I can't make up in the dark.

"Just a quick peek, Got it? Eli?!?! Are you listening??"

"Yes Dianne." I breathily answered.

"Good. You better hope the master is sleeping." Dianne whisper-shouted "let's pray he is....". She produced a key from her pocket and cautiously inserted it in the keyhole on the door. She turned it slowly, a soft click following afterwards.

This is it; I'm finally going to see him. The face behind the fantasy...

My own twisted fantasy...

"Who is there?" said a voice on the inner part of the room, just seconds before we were about to enter. Dianne and I immediately froze on our spot, me awaiting an order from Dianne. " I said, who is there!?!" the voice spoke again, this time with irritation.

It was the master's voice. The sound was so enthralling and almost hypnotizing. God forbid, those melodious tones could melt my insides with a single phrase. I could already feel my knees going weak, it was ridiculous!

Dianne directed to me "Ssshhhh Child!!!!" and made a shushing motion with her finger to her lips. I just smiled dreamily to her. She frowned and shook her head disapprovingly.

"Uh, it is I young master. Dianne." She answered clearing her throat.

"Dianne? What is your business here?" replied the voice.

"Just checking if everything's alright young master" she replied coolly. Everything fell silent.

A heavy sigh could be faintly heard from the other side, along with a dismantled grunt."Everything's quite. No need to check." replied the master "You may leave. Good night"

I don't know what came over me, but I blurted a "GOOD NIGHT" mindlessly. I closed my hands automatically round my mouth in shock.

Did I just say good night to Young Master Julianne? Damn it to the pits of Thartanos!?!? What is wrong with me!?!

Dianne pulled me abruptly away from the master's quarters towards our own. She pulled me by my arm roughly, though I doubted it was intentional, as we rushed downstairs, through the long halls, almost dragging my feet directly through our quarters. How she managed to run that fast with me in tow with her age is mind-boggling.

She shut the door behind us turning abruptly to me, her breaths coming in short pants. "What were you thinking child!?!?!? How could you risk our life like that!!" she was pacing now. I stared dumbly at her, my mind racing somewhere else. "I keep rambling here and she's not even listening! God! What have I done!?!?" she sat on my bed. "What did you make me do!?!"

"What have I let you done...." she mumbled faintly. Though I heard it, I heed no attention towards it. My mind was somewhere else.

I probably look like an idiot right now. I was so out of it. Even as Dianne was shaking me out of my trance, I remained unfazed.

"Do your night routine and go to sleep already child, we still have to wake up early for tomorrow." She said, giving up trying to talk some sense into my dreamy state. "Our guests shall arrive early this afternoon."

She walked to the door, her hands stopping at the knob. "You have caused us enough trouble as it is. I hope you're ready to face the price of your discovery." Opened it, and left, without another word.

I just nodded, my mind not quite there yet. I was sitting on my bed, mouth hung open like an idiot.

That voice.

God bless that voice. If his voice had that effect on me, I wonder what his face could do?

As instructed by Dianne, I did my bed routine and went to lie on my bed. My head rested on the pillow, and I stared blankly at the ceiling. Even as I felt the soreness of my body and the sweet pull of the soft mattress into oblivion, I couldn't sleep.

I know it's wrong to see him, but knowing myself, I can't stop it.

"I'll see you one day Julianne, one way or another!" I said determinedly. I would do anything in my power to see him. It was like there was a strange pull that was inviting me to do so and I was powerless to resist it.

"Anything" I whispered. My eyes slowly closed as the last thoughts completely left my mind.

Then I let sleep takeover.