History of Fictitious: Volume Three

Chapter 7

Hours turn into days, and days turn into weeks, while weeks turn into a long two months of avoiding him. During that time, every night, Shane asks the same thing: If I love him. I respond with the same thing over and over: No.

During those months, my brothers came twice at night to try to get in. The doors are locked regularly now, and my brothers were forced both times to leave. The second time, some spirits possessed suits of armor and told my brothers never to return. Since then, no one has tried to free me. My only companions are Ned and Fern, but they are rarely available, as the Beast keeps them busy.

I spend most of my days in my room, reading a handful of books. All the dreams of the past have stopped, thankfully. I don't want them repeating.

Today is different, though. Pulling out one of the books to read, I find a note inside. I lift it up, scanning through what it says. At the end, it has a signature. The note reads:

Beauty,

Help me change my behavior. Force me to learn manners and sincerity. You may not love me or ever will, but please help me find someone who can. We have three months left. I know you care for Fern and Ned. Breaking this curse affects them, too.

Your Beast.

My boredom gets to me, and I slowly go to the dank room with the enchanted rose. It couldn't hurt to help him improve his manners. If it assists in breaking the curse and leading to my freedom, I have to give it a shot. The thought of being his strict teacher excites me. It gives me a new purpose and someone to talk to. However, I remind myself that he has isolated me for a reason. I need to keep my guard up.

I rush to his room faster than I planned. When I get there, he smiles and says, "I knew you were bored out of your mind. You can only stand so much reading."

My eyes look up and down at what he's wearing. He looks like a king instead of a grubby-dressed man who hides under a cloak. Even his hair is brushed, and I remember his lavish appearance in my dreams. My shoulders slump. I knew it. This is a ploy, so my lonely heart will latch onto him.

He laughs at me, tugging on his cuffs. "I'm not trying to win you over with my looks, so relax. I was just getting the appearance step out of the way. I know how to do that at least. Now, where would you like to start first?"

I think about it and state, "How you eat."

"What? I eat just fine. I hadn't forgotten my table manners."

"Fine then, what about getting rid of that phony charisma."

"My charm isn't fake."

I sigh while throwing my hands in the air. He just wanted me out of my room. He doesn't want to change. Who am I kidding?

He rolls his eyes and takes my hand, bringing me back to him. "I'm joking! It was a joke! Let's work on your suggestions."

With his hand still holding mine, he runs with me behind him. To my surprise he takes me right outside of the castle. I look around, amazed at what we're doing. We continue until we reach a section by a ruined stone fountain. Surrounding the fountain are beautiful red roses.

Finally, he lets go of my hand and whistles. I look out in the direction of where my home is. I remind myself that the barrier is up, so there is no escape. I promised to stay anyway, for Sasha's sake.

Suddenly, a blanket and basket fly out of one of the windows. They smoothly land and create a picnic. Though all the signs point to Shane trying to court me, I stay. I'm the only person who can decide who I love and when I will love them.