The Forbidden Entity (BWWM)

19

The next day, I couldn't stop reflecting on last night's events, thinking about Grace and wondering why she and Rinly disappeared after our dance. Was Grace embarrassed to be seen with me? Did she not enjoy my company? Maybe I overstepped by naively assuming she would tolerate my intrusion. Grace seemed fine once her shock wore off, but perhaps I should've minded my business and not startled her with my presence.

When I returned to Karina last night, I pretended I wasn't disappointed and sat quietly as she and Axel joked about my weak tolerance. Karina denied my request for another drink, saying I needed to let my body adjust to the wine before succumbing to another one. However, after negotiating my wellness and assuring Karina I was fine, she let me indulge a little more. Then, I was finally able to stop fretting over Grace.

Although last night was fun and enlightening, I couldn't curb my desire to visit the gardens. Karina was resting in her chambers, so now was the opportune time to leave my room. Rune accompanied me, of course, but didn't say a word as he went along with my antics.

I practically stalked the courtyard all morning, looking for Grace as I roamed about the flowers and hedges. When she never showed, I went to the fountain and sat along its edge, contemplating what to do.

"Should I come back later?" I voiced to Rune. I couldn't see him, but I knew he was near and could hear me. After a moment, I recognized his approaching boots.

"You may do as you please?"

"Can I visit the dwellings?"

"No, I cannot authorize said trip."

"Then, I cannot do as I please," I huffed, deciding to wait a bit longer before searching the gardens again. The possibility of seeing Grace kept my mind occupied, but as my hope diminished, so did said distraction. If I couldn't speak to Grace now, I'd have to wait until after The Whipping. Lord Marcelle wishes to resume our conversation in the library, and Karina will have my undivided attention tomorrow.

As I did my last sweep of the entire courtyard, I suddenly halted when I discovered Grace in a completely different section from where she used to work—a section I had neglected during my initial search. When did she switch locations?

"You shouldn't be here," Grace spoke first.

"I know, but I—"

"I can't talk right now. You'll have to wait until after my shift is over."

"I know." I closed the distance between us and dropped to my knees beside her. "I was only going to ask if I could help you with your duties."

"Why would you want to help me? You're a castle servant now; exterior labor is beneath you."

"I beg to differ," I shrugged. "Plus, I have nothing else to do and would like a distraction."

Grace grumbled but said nothing for the longest time, so I sat with my hands in my lap and waited for her approval. After many moments, she slid an empty sack my way and told me to follow her lead. Despite moving diligently, Grace did most of the work while I stuffed leftover garden waste into the sack. I insisted I could do more, but she barely let me dirty my hands. By the time we finished, my words restlessly spilled from my throat.

"Grace, I shouldn't make assumptions because I hardly know you, but—"

"You will make them regardless," she said.

"No, I would hate to offend you, so I would rather approach carefully and state my curiosity."

"And why should I care about your curiosity?"

"You don't have to, I guess, but I can't stop dwelling on our encounter last night. I didn't expect to see you at the celebration. Nor did I anticipate making you flee so abruptly. Do you usually attend lycan festivities?"