Seconds in Time

Page 11

{As of the previous chapter this story is on the What's Hot list for fantasy! It may be number 781, but it's on there and thats all that matters. Anyway, in other news, this is the last Alexanderless chapter for a while! :D }

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Francis hopped out first and then helped me out.

"I look okay right?" I asked him as if he was my best friend and I could trust him to answer honestly.

He chuckled at my worried expression before answering.

"You look lovely Miss Lillian." He assured me sincerely.

I only nodded and continued my nervous fidgeting. Well, there's one thing I'm going to have to get a handle on. I took a deep breath and followed Francis up to the large front doors.

The castle really was beautiful from the outside. Ivy and wildflowers climbed the cold, grey stone and accented the structure of the building. There were no cracks or blemishes in the walls that I could see. The windows were clear and of every shape and size, yet didn't clash. Most, however, did seem to be rather large in order to let light in.

Francis knocked on the door and I tried to mentally prepare myself as we waited for someone to answer. All this waiting was starting to drive me a little insane. At this point I just wanted it to be over with and for me to think that is really something. I'm the biggest procrastinator ever. I would much rather wait until the last minute, no matter what I'm doing.

I almost jumped when a little old woman pulled the door open a crack and poked her head out. She squinted around for a moment as if she couldn't see anything. Finally her pale blue eyes focused and she brought her attention to her faces.

"Lose your glasses again Marietta?" Francis asked her with an amused smile.

The old woman pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes at him.

"You watch your mouth or I'll watch it for you." She threatened, shaking a boney finger at him. He didn't seem very intimidated.

She pushed the door further open and with her hands on her hips, looked me over.

"You must be Miss Lillian." She said without a hint of emotion in her voice or scrutinizing gaze. She didn't seem very friendly.

"Yes ma'am." I confirmed with a small nod.

"Very well, right this way." She ordered and stepped out of the way. Francis and I walked into the castle and Marietta closed the heavy door behind us.

The marble floors beneath my feet were so clean that I could almost see my reflection in them. The walls were light gold and an eggshell color. Expensive looking tapestries hung on the walls and a chandelier was suspended from the ceiling. It was nearly impossible to believe I was going to be living here.