The Blood Red Rose

Chapter 4

Aaron slid down against the door and groaned. He could not believe that George proposed to him. The two barely knew each other for Christ's sake! He stood up and peeked out his window, looking for George.

"Is he gone?" He whispered to no one in particular. With Sally gone, no one else was in the house. Aaron let out a small sigh of relief when he saw no sign of George or any of the villagers that he'd gotten a glimpse of when he'd shoved George out the door. Cautiously, he opened the door and took a step out. 

When nothing happened, he took another and slowly made his way over to the garden. He fell to his knees and started ripping up the weeds that had spread everywhere over the winter. Aaron always did this when he was mad, frustrated or just really anxious. It was good distraction besides reading of course. He was shocked however, when he heard a neigh.

"Theo? What are you doing back here? And where is Sally?" He demanded as he ran up to the obviously scared horse. He quickly unbuckled her from the wagon and he felt dread settle in his stomach when he saw some of the food and Sally's music box were gone. He immediately knew that something had happened. Sally would never just leave Theodosia to fend for herself.

"Lead me to her Theo." He said, jumping on Theodosia's back.

He was surprised when Theo lead him to a giant castle. Slowly, he dismounted the horse and opened the gate, leading her inside. A soft gasp escaped his lips when he got a closer look at the palace. It was almost like it had jumped right out of one of his novels. "This is incredible Theo. And you're sure that Sally is in there?"

Theodosia gave him a snort, almost as if to say 'Of course I am'. Aaron lead her into a small closure and tied her up. He patted her snout affectionately. "I'll be back soon girl."

He walked up the grand steps just like Sally had. Well, it was more like he ran. He was very worried for his sister. He knew that she would never let Theodosia go off on her own. Something must've happened to her. He made it to the front door and noticed that it was already opened a crack. He reached his hand out and gently pushed it open, before walking inside. As he walked, he gave a soft knock on the wood door.

"Hello? Is anyone in here? I don't mean to intrude, but I'm looking for a girl named Sally... Do you know if she's here?" Aaron got no response and suddenly he felt a bit silly talking to empty air.

"Washington! Washington! Look!" Our favorite french candelabra whispered, hitting the sleeping clock over the head with its candle sticks. Washington spluttered awake and shot a glare at Lafayette, who was looking at Aaron in excitement. Washington followed his gaze and instantly shook his head.

"No. Absolutely not." He said and Lafayette pouted.

"But look! He is so beautiful!" Lafayette protested, gesturing to Aaron, who remained oblivious to their presence.

"That was what you said about the girl  and look what happened. Now shut your mouth!" Washington hissed, before going still and attempting to look normal. At first, Lafayette decided to do the same, but as he listened to Aaron call for this Sally person, he felt himself a break a little more.

"Washington look at him! He seems to be our age and he's very handsome." Lafayette whispered and Washington let out a growl and glared at him.

"I thought I told you to be quiet!"

Meanwhile, a small teacup was sitting by the railing of a large staircase, practicing poetry. When he'd heard the castle door open and saw a handsome young man walk in he nearly burst with excitement.

"Mama! There's a man in the castle!" The teacup shrieked when he reached his mother who was a teapot.

"Philip, what are you talking about? There hasn't been a man in this castle for nearly three years." His mother, who's name was Eliza, said, frowning at her son.