Eternal

The Devil's Bargain

We were escorted out. I could hear him blabbering, his voice was foggy. Not because I ignored him, but because I had a lot on my mind.

Did Theo do something to upset anyone? No way all he did was eat the sweets. Was it me, did I do something? I don't recall, I made sure not to. Did they find out about Ed? But I made sure my spell was stronger this time, there is no way, if there were something wrong with the spell they would have arrested him by now... which only indicates that the reason Theo has been taken has nothing to do with tonight.

"Charlot I'm sorry" I stop walking and look at him for the first time since Theo has been taken by the guards.

"Is that some kind of spell to bring him back? I KNEW WE SHOULD HAVE STAYED!" I kick the ground. "What did they say to you?" I asked, looking at the palace gates.

"Where is your friend?" Ed said, holding his arms. He walks to me putting his hands on my shoulder. I wanted to push it away, but I already felt bad enough yelling at him.

"Let's wait for him," I suggested, walking with him to the office.

He will be fine, Theo always finds a way to get back on his feet and I'm still here he can call for me... please call for me.

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I was looking at the gussets from the balcony, Arthur my butler naming each guest my eyes lay on for too long. I hate hosting. I just stand there and pretend I care about people dancing in fancy clothes they can't afford. I wanted something fun to happen, like someone tripping while dancing or the pianist missing a note which everyone notices, anything that breaks this unbearable routine.

And there it was. My butler stuttered, he couldn't name the boy I kept staring at. Too pale to live in Shranley I thought to myself but who was next to him caught my attention. A joyful sun drop stuffing his mouth with all kinds of desserts. Too joyful.. Too aware. And then it hit me.

"Fitch that boy.. The pig that won't stop eating" I ordered three guards and asked Arthur to clean up my study.

And with every step I took, silence would spread around, At each doorway, a butler or maid would appear, their gloved hands deftly turning the ornate handles and swinging the heavy doors open for me. I walked without hesitation, never slowing my pace, not once did I touch a doorknob.

We meet again. Mr. explorer.

The door to my study room shuts. I pace around the room impatiently waiting for my plaything to arrive. The door opens again, and that same look on his face is imprinted. Why are you scared? He stays still at the door, I walked up to him close enough to make him step back.

"Sit" My hand directs him to one of two chairs placed across from each other. "Make yourself comfortable" I try to sound calm to ease the tension. But I think that's what's making him jump out of his chair.

I stand next to the chair across from him. Staring intensely, I waved my hand to make the teacup and its pot float to the small table in front of us. Pouring the tea and a small spoon sterling it. The boy's face turns pale. He looked up at me for the first time, and now I'm sure of it, you are the same boy I saw on the night of my birthday. Maybe that's why you are so quiet. You thought I wouldn't notice?

"Why do you act shocked? Could this be the first time you ever saw magic?" it was not his first time, but I wanted him to say something, instead he nodded which infuriated me. How could he lie to me? I stop the spoon from sterling. My eyes narrowed.

"Tell me, what's your name?" I asked after taking a sip from my cup.

"Theodore"

My eyes widened, "the blacksmith kid?" I cross my legs resting my cheek on my hand. "Well this is a surprise"