Cursed

Chapter 1: Celeste

Chapter 1: Celeste

I hear the screaming sometime in the early morning. Not knowing what to do, I wait out the night safely in my room. When my mistress fails to get me; I get up and go to my parents room. No one's there. 'maybe they're in the study' I think as I go down stairs.

As soon as I reach the bottom of the stairs I see one of the servants lying down in the entrance to the drawing room.

"hello?" I ask, she didn't move. I walked closer to try and shake her awake. But before I shook her I saw the pool of blood surrounding her. I screamed and backed up until I tripped. I look over and see my mothers corpse. Looking around the drawing room, I see that everyone is dead. ' I will not cry. I will not cry.' I chant in my head. As I start to get up, someone touches my shoulder. I gasp, my breath catching on my throat. I swallow back my panic as I turn to see a man looking right at me. " I apologize for alarming you madame," he says as he bows slightly. "Do I know you sir?" I ask hesitantly. He straightens and gives a sideways smile." No, but I know of you,"

"May I ask why you're here,sir?"

"I'll tell you whatever you want to know. But I think it would be best if you were in a more pleasant room." He holds out his hand, " May I?" I grab his hand and allow him to lead me to the sitting room. Outside the garden blooms to life in the morning sun. " What happened to my parents and servants?" I ask, wanting to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible. "First off we should probably introduce ourselves."

"Maria" I reply bluntly.

"huh?" He asks confused.

" I am Maria, and you are?"

"I have no use for a name, madame Maria." he says, emphasizing my name. " How can I trust someone without a name?" I ask defensively.He flashes his crooked grin, folding his hands and says" My name is for you to decide since I will be in your services." I couldn't wrap my mind around this, just who was this guy?

" My....services?"

"You summoned me, am I wrong madame?"

"What do you mean I-"

"You screamed, and in my years if experience, a young woman doesn't scream unless she is in need of help."

"But I-"

"Look Maria, I'm a demon. My job is to make deals with people. Your options are to accept or die. In the meantime, would you like some tea?"

"Excuse me, but who do you think you are bossing me around in my house?"

He took a step back" I apologize madame," he gave a slight bow," I was rude. I am in the presence of royalty, I should have behaved myself." I was taken aback. This guy was so...strange. "Madame?"he asks, concern seeping into his tone.

"sorry" I reply nonchalantly.

"You have nothing to be sorry for Madame Maria. It is entirely my fault. But please tell me I am forgiven for my rudeness."

"yes, you are forgiven."

" Oh! Thank you madame. I know I don't deserve your kindness. I'll go make you some tea and fetch your breakfast!"

~~~

"Is everything to your liking?" he asks. I nod." Is there anything else I can get for you, madame?"

"No, and stop calling me 'madame', that was my mother." I reply curtly.

"I apologize. what shall I call you then?" he asks bowing.

"I could ask you the samething. You will call me... Miss unless told otherwise." He bows slightly." Yes, Miss Maria."

"Now Sir, what may I have them pleasure of calling you?" he gives a slight grin, "I told you m'lady, you choose my name." he replies gently.

I push away from the table and walk over to him."Hmm, what to name you then?" I walk around him. He has dark brown hair, grey eyes that seem to look through your soul, and he seems to be rather tall.

" You name shall be Celeste."

"Yes, Miss Maria."

[ Eight years later]

" If you don't hurry you'll be Kate for your lunch with Prince Zachariah" Celeste says almost impatiently.

"Don't rush me. Do you not understand how confusing this dress is?"

"Heh, I asked if you needed help m'lady."

"I don't need your help Celeste." I reply annoyed. Seriously, what is with him? It's like he's trying to get rid of me. Unless he's jealous, which I highly doubt. I guess I'll have plenty of time to think it over."Okay, I'm ready."