Majesty of Obsession

14

Elizabeth

The garden air was warm, heavy with the scent of plants and damp earth, but my skin prickled, as if eyes were pressed against my back. I did not need to look up to know where they were coming from, it feels as if the dead is watching me from above.

I kept my gaze on the gravel path, counting my steps like it was the only thing anchoring me to the ground. Walk normally. Breathe.

I do not how to be free in this castle.
I wish Sebastian was here.

The thought of him came unbidden and vivid, unwelcoming in its comfort. He was not like the others in armor. His presence never spooked me at all. Tall, broad-shouldered, yet moving with a quiet restraint, as if he were always careful with me. His dark hair was pushed back, strands escaping when he moves or smiles. It was his being that felt out of place within the prison of these walls. His eyes were earnest which is the kind that listened even when he spoke nothing at all.

The night we shared in my chambers was the night I unraveled and poured my abduction into trembling words, yet he did not interrupt. He did not judge. He only listened, his jaw tight with anger not for me, but for what had been done to me. That was the night he promised to help me find a route out and a way to live again.

I had been told to await his return, the very same night he was assigned duty beyond the borders of these stone walls.

Beyond the borders, I repeated bitterly unto myself. When can I taste it once more?

I don't know if it is a common thing to long for a person like this. Maybe I am just glorifying him because he had promised to save me? He is my gleam of hope, after all. Have I been attached?

I was more than conflicted, clinging to the fragile hope that tasted like freedom. But I know deep inside that depending on Sebastian felt dangerous. Hope always was. One day, it might break my heart. I was so lost in the thought of him and his steady voice, his careful hands kept respectfully, his strong neck. Damn.

I failed to notice the sound of footsteps behind me. A shadow fell across the path in the midst of this greenery. Someone was already close enough to speak.

"Lady Elizabeth," a voice said. When I looked up, a brown headed man, young but smug. His eyes were narrow and disappears as he flashes me a smile. He is in servants clothing but showed kindness with his face. The kind of smile that meant to soften and charm a person. A little too pretentious for my liking, if I may.

"Y-Yes, sir?" I said, keeping my voice even.

The servant stood a little too close enough that I could smell soap and metal on him. He smiled, bowing shallowly, more casual than respectful.

"Please, call me Denvel."

"To what do I owe you the pleasure, sir?" I refused to be casual. He leaned in as if we were equals. As if I had invited him.

"I notice you roaming the castle grounds. You've been spending much time in this side of the garden," he said lightly. "If I didn't know better, the flowers of this garden makes you appear softer."

My fingers tightened around the folds of my dress. He chuckled at the side. "No harm meant. I only thought that being alone here must be dull. The castle can be lonely, even for someone favored."

Favored, he said, like my deprivation of freedom was a prize. I grew irked.

"I prefer solitude," I said, stepping aside to pass him.

He shifted too, blocking my way.

"Surely conversation wouldn't hurt," he continued. "I could keep you company. Tell you stories. Things no one else dares to say to you."