Ignorance

9

"My dear, wake up it is time to take a bath." I hear his deep voice rousing me from my sleep. groaning I sit up stretching my limbs hearing the soft cracks of my bones. Getting up from the bed, Sir leads me to the washroom, helping me slip off my gown before sinking into the water that smelled of fresh roses and milk. 

Sir sighed as he got in behind me, the shadow of his wings covering us. "Umm...thank you for last night. I'm sorry I disturbed you." I said. "Nonsense, my dear. You had a nightmare, a devilish nightmare. You are my eternal flame I will take care of you for the rest of our days. I will protect from all things even if it's from your nightmares. " He said his lips close to the shell of my ear. Shivering, I turn to him hesitantly wrapping my arms around his broad waist. 

His thick arms encircled my waist lifting me up, his breath hitting me cheeks. "May I, mo grá?" HIs accent thick as he called to me. I frowned internally but nodded my head before his lips descended upon me own. I could tell his thin lips was covered by his mustache and beard. He didn't ravage or apply much pressure to the kiss. Instead it was soft, reminding me of when my mother used to kiss me cheek at night. HE pulled away while my cheeks grew warm and flushed.

"Let us get ready for the day, my dear." He spoke his voice slightly hoarse. Nodding at him we get out of the water.  The maids separate us as they whisk me away, drying me off, dressing me in a light dress. The feeling of silk rubbing against my skin. The maids fussed over my hair before putting it in a up do, before one of them escorted me to the dining hall. 

"Mo grá, you look magnificent. The cooks have made us lamb stew." I hear him say as I approach the table before taking my seat. Smelling the food, my mouth started to water and my stomach grumbled with hunger. Sir chuckled lightly as he began feeding me. Feeling around on the table as I chew my food. "What are you looking for, my dear?" He asked chuckling lightly. "You said that I can feed you yesterday." I said nervously. 

"Here is a spoon. You may scoop up the food and feed me." He said handing me a tool. finding the food in a bowl, I scoop some onto it before feeding him. "Delicious." He said. Our meal continued as we fed each other and with each passing moment, I grew anxious. "What's wrong, mo grá?" Sir asked. "It's just you have to leave. I'm nervous about being by myself." I confessed. 

"Don't be nervous. The staff and Noelle will be here to keep you company. I will be back before you have supper. I promise you." He  says as a maid comes to clear off the table. "Noelle!" I heard quick footsteps "Noelle this is my eternal flame. Please see to it that she is taken care of. I must go now Nyx, mo grá." Sir said before leaving out the room. 

"My lady if you will please follow me." I hear a soft feminine voice ask. "I'm sorry but I am blind. You may call me Nyx." I said. I had no reason to apologize for my blindness but over the years I've adapted to apologizing for things I can't possibly control. The woman came over helping me from my chair, "Would you like to go to your chamber?" She asked. "I would like you to read to me. If you wouldn't mind." I say my voice soft and barely a whisper. 

"Yes ma'am. Lets go to the library." Ms. Noelle said. Down the hall, up a flight of stairs, turn right. This place was a labyrinth that I would never solve. "Take a seat over here Ms. Nyx." Ms. Noelle said as she sat me in a comfortable chair with, I heard the crackling of a fireplace in a distance.  "Do you have a specific book you want me read to you?" She asked. "No, just choose anything." I say as I fold my hands on my lap. 

Hearing her footsteps walk away I inhale deeply the smell of rustic and old pages of books. It made me smile softly I wished Kino could be here to see this. Hearing footsteps approaching before the creak of wood filled the space. "I have selected a book of poems. It is called 'The Tears That Taught Me'." 

.

.

.

Tears cascaded down my face as Ms. Noelle finished the last book. I could tell that the day seemed to slip us by as she read book after book. I was entranced by the sound of her voice, by the way she told stories. I found myself sometimes on the verge of tears, on the brink of happiness, even delving into despair.

Transported to the world of fiction is where I spent my days. Hearing a knock on the door, "Noelle the king has just got back and is asking for Miss." I heard a deep rumble say. "Come Ms. Nyx. The king awaits." Noelle said as she grabbed at my hand. Nodding at her, I follow her lead. "Ah! There you are." I hear sir boisterous voice say. Ms. Noelle released my hand as I continued walking, soft bumping into him. 

"You may leave us Noelle." Sir called out as he lifted me in his arm, making me balance myself by holding onto his shoulders. Hearing soft footsteps walking away, "Why are your eyes puffy, mo grá?" Sir asked a fiery heat licking at his breath. "Ms. Noelle read to me today and I cried a little bit at a story." I explained hoping Ms. Noelle wasn't in any trouble. 

"Oh. Well let us have supper while we talk. I am famished from dealing with the palace court." Sir sighed holding me tighter. Walking to the dining hall, he placed me in my seat before announcing what the cooks had made for us. Slowly he fed me, biting down on the food a gooey substance filed my mouth making me hum softly. "What is this again, sir?" I ask softly. "It's grilled cheese, my dear." He said. 

"May I ask you something, sir?" 

Hearing him give  me a confirmation, "Why don't you make me eat on the floor?" I ask. To me it was a innocent question, I was a slave at heart I didn't want to be. At times I wondered why I was treated so well is I am a slave. The room grew hot, sweat forming on my brow before he excused himself. 

I heard it. It shook the ground underneath me, making me hold onto the table.  A thunderous roar that make even beast shiver in fear.