Never Enough Time

Chapter Fourteen: Gabriel

Chapter Fourteen: Gabriel

“My shadow’s the only one that walks beside me

My shallow heart’s the only thing that’s beating…”

− Greenday, Boulevard of Broken Dreams

GABRIEL

            The castle was completely silent as I stealthily made my way down the wooden steps that led to the servants’ quarters. It was nearly pitch-black, but it was light enough for me to see, vaguely, where I was going. Besides, I had made this trip enough times that I almost had the route memorized.

            One of the steps creaked loudly when I put my weight on it, and someone in a room below me sighed in their sleep. I immediately pulled my foot back. Pausing, I listened intently for signs of the person waking up, but no footsteps were to be heard. I let out a silent breath of relief. Being caught here wouldn’t result in many consequences (for me, at least), but it would raise a number of questions that I didn’t care to answer. Deciding not to risk the creaky step again, I skipped it completely, landing silently on the next step. I descended the rest of the stairs swiftly, making up for lost time. An old wooden door stood ajar at the bottom of the staircase. I squeezed myself through the small opening and slipped into the night.

            A cold rush of night air hit me as I stepped outside, but the change in temperature did not bother me. I had gotten too used to it in these past few weeks of doing this. With my shadow as my only companion, I walked quickly towards the hills that surrounded the castle – the faster I got there and back, the better. I couldn’t care less about caught, but it was crucial that the purpose of my trip remain a secret. I didn’t want to think about what would happen if that purpose was revealed.       

            I reached the foot of the first hill and scanned the side for the hole I knew was there. After several moments of searching, I located it in its usual spot between two jagged rocks. Kneeling down, I took drew a package from the inside of my cloak and laid it in front of the opening.

            “For you,” I said quietly, then straightened and headed back to the castle.

            It was nearly light when I returned to the aged door that was the entrance to the servants’ quarters from outdoors. I could tell because rays of light were starting to peek out from the horizon, which was always my signal to get back into the castle before anyone discovered my absence. I pushed gently on the door, knowing that if I used too much force, it would fall away. It opened, hinges creaking slightly, and I made a mental note to bring some oil next time. As I started to ascend the stair once more, I saw something that made my blood run cold.

            There, barely visible in the dim light of dawn, was a solitary candle perched on the first step of the staircase. Underneath the candle lay a note. I picked it up.

            For next time, the note read.

NATHAN

            I awoke early the next morning, unable to sleep in knowing that somewhere, Rika was waiting for me. Of course, she may not even be awake at this hour, but just the prospect of seeing her was enough to rouse me. I paced around my room like a restless animal, itching to do something but thinking of nothing. It was still too early for breakfast, and I didn’t feel much like eating anyway. Besides, the kitchen staff would be furious with me if I were to order food at this time. I went to the washbasin and splashed my face with water, hoping to calm myself. This proved to have little purpose, since the cold water did nothing but make me even jitterier. I lay back on my bed, taking no notice of the fact that both my face and hair were sopping wet.

            At last, I could bear it no more. I lifted myself off the bed and strode over to the closet. Opening it, I surveyed the contents of my wardrobe critically. I had never paid much attention to what I wore before, but now I chose my garments with care. I wanted Rika to see me as myself, not a prince. I wanted her to approve of me. I wanted her to know me.

            It soon became clear, however, that I was incapable of selecting clothing items that did not make me seem like a regent. This was due in large part to the fact that nearly all of my clothes were tailored masterfully by the kingdom’s best, thus giving me a regal, princely look. This look was fine in court, but it was not how I wanted to be presented to Rika. After spending the better part of an hour staring into the closet, the task of putting together an acceptable outfit seemed an impossible one. I sighed, admitting defeat. I just had to face it – I needed help. So, I went to the one person from whom I never thought I would seek advice.

           I raised my fist, preparing to knock, but then paused. Did I really want to do this? Clothes, after all, weren’t really that important and I doubted that Rika would care…but I did need something to wear. I stood there with my hand poised to knock as I began reconsidering my decision to ask for help.

            In the end, my decision was made for me as the door swung open and I found myself facing a tall blond girl grinning at me from her doorway.

            She opened her arms to me. “Nathan, darling!” she exclaimed delightedly.

            I ignored her invitation to an embrace. “Scarlett,” I said without infliction.

            She noticed this and pouted. “Now, is that any way to greet a woman?” she asked, lowering her arms. “Especially at this ungodly hour,” she added, faking a yawn to emphasize her point.

            I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “Spare me the dramatics, Scarlett. I need your help,” I said.

            Scarlett pressed a hand to her heart and widened her eyes. “Me? But what possible assistance could I be of to you?” Despite her display of sarcasm, there was genuine surprise and curiosity behind her eyes. I couldn’t blame her; I was shocked as anyone that I had come to her in my time of need.

            “I need your help getting dressed.”

            She raised a delicate eyebrow. “You look plenty dressed to me, boy,” she said, taking in the nightclothes I was still wearing. “Unless you mean you need help undressing.” She took a step closer to me. “I could help you with that,” she whispered into my ear while simultaneously running a finger down my throat to my collarbone.

            I stepped back. “Don’t,” I said warningly.

            Scarlett only laughed. “Or what?” she asked. “You’ll have me beheaded? I hardly think so.” She regarded me with an expression of smug superiority, safe in the knowledge that I would never resort to such rash measures.

            Already regretting my decision to come here, I made to go. "Coming here was a mistake,” I said, shaking my head. "I'm leaving." Bowing, I turned back in the direction of my room.

            “Nathan, wait!” Scarlett called from behind. I heard her close the door as she left her room. I paused without turning around, waiting. She soon flitted to my side, her white chemise billowing around her as she came to a stop. “I’m sorry. Really,” she said, biting her lip and looking as if she was suppressing laughter.

            “Somehow, I don’t believe you,” I said, but I smiled to let her know she was forgiven.

            She smirked. “Smart boy,” she said, and did not comment any further.