The Blood Red Rose

Chapter 3

The castle that sat before her was stunning. She took in a shaky breath as she took in the beautiful architecture. She stumbled towards the castle, almost dazed. She walked up the steps that lead to the door, running her hand along the golden rail. She studied the intricate designs that were carved into the rail.

"This is simply gorgeous." She whispered. She arrived at the front door and let out a small gasp when she saw the wood carvings. "Wow..."

She knocked gently on the door, and when no one answered, she nudged it. To her surprise, the door creaked open. She hesitated, unsure if she should enter. Her question was answered when thunder cracked nearby and she scurried in. She shut the door behind her, and looked around.

"Oh wow.... It's even more beautiful inside!" She exclaimed, smiling. She continued to examine the area she was in and her eyes lit up when she saw an intricate coat rack.

"So much detail... The person who created this was a genius!" She cried as she ran her hand over it.

"Look mon ami, there is a woman." A candelabra that was sitting on a table whispered to a gold clock that sat beside him. "And she is a gorgeous one at that!"

"I can see that, however, does she not seem a bit too old for Alexander? She doesn't seem to be his type either." The clock whispered back. Sally didn't hear either of them, she was too distracted by the coat rack.

"Age does not matter when it comes to love!" The candelabra protested, waving its candle sticks around a bit. This time, Sally heard the exclamation and she turned, looking for the source.

"Hello? Is someone there?" She called.

"Not another word Lafayette. Alexander will be furious if this woman finds out." The clock whispered sternly.

"I... I don't mean to intrude! But I have lost my horse and there are wolves outside your gate. And I think there is a storm approaching... Please, I hope you can just spare me one room." Sally called, walking towards where she thought she heard the voices.

"Do not worry Madam. You are welcome to stay here." The candelabra said, completely ignoring the clock. Sally, who was standing right beside the table they were on, looked around frantically.

"Who said that? Hello? You don't have to hide!" She called, before grabbing the candelabra. Lafayette spluttered a bit and Sally let out shriek, dropping him in the process. The clock let out a load groan and shook his head.

"Oh my goodness! Did someone somehow program you to talk?" She asked in fascination.

"Madam, it is quite rude to drop someone." He said, managing to stand himself upright. He dusted himself off and smiled at Sally. She reached down and picked him up again, which in turn caused him to spluttered in protest.

"Madam! S'il vous plait, let me down! I will have you know that I was once a soldier. This kingdom would not be here if it weren't for me." Lafayette said haughtily. Sally blinked.

"I-I apologize." She set the candelabra back on the table and then proceeded to pick the clock.

"Can this one talk as well?" She asked, turning the clock over in her arms.

"Miss, please put me down, I am a veteran! I have no place in your arms!" The clock said.

"Why Monsieur Washington, I did not realize you were such a flirt." Lafayette teased. If Washington were still human, a blush would've colored his cheeks.

"Excuse me? You are the flirt, not me!" He protested while Sally watched the exchange in fascination.

"This is incredible! To think that someone programmed you to have human personalities." She said, grinning. "Tell me, do you know who made you?"