The Monarch - Book 4

Almost

Alek had calmed his breathing, his face now dull and depressed like he kept it before. He made sure Bridgette was fully hidden before opening the door, as if it was the most boring thing to do. "What is it?"

A man stares at him with rotting skin and he growls "Were you with anyone in this room?" He eyes the room. Bridgette holds her breath.

"If I was, at least I'd see something besides this repetitive gray." He motions to the walls and the door. "It's bland and there isn't."

"Does that mean you felt something besides this grey....?" He narrows his eyes "I should call a puppet..." Suddenly his head twitches and a raspy voice comes from his mouth "Call them now!"

Alek does his best to stay calm, his hand tightening against this wall. "I only feel grey. It's bland. Now if that's all..." he begins shutting the door.

The man places a sharp hand on the door to keep it open "You wouldn't mind if I asked your punishment... would you?" He glares and gives a twisted smile.

"I was an artist. The colorless world was deemed punishment enough." Alek keeps his eyes on the man, forcing himself to feel dull and empty.

The man stares for a moment. "Hmph... seems reasonable. Fine. We'll leave you, but I've got my eyes on you..." he turns and leaves, twitching a bit.

Alek shuts the door, stepping back and shaking. "Oh heavens..." he whispered, his hands up to his mouth.

Bridgette breathes and trembles, rolling out from under the bed and sitting up. "T-that was too close..."

Alek looks around for a moment before moving to Bridgette. "My love, are you alright?" He speaks quietly as if being listened to.

She nods and sits back on the bed "W... we should rest now..." She blushes and lays down. Alek nods, kissing her forehead. He looks to the other bed.

"... love come rest..." She looks at him and shuffles to a more comfortable position. "You'll need it."

He nods, standing and moving by her. He sighs as he lays down, his hands behind his head. "We'll be more careful, won't we?"

"Yes... we will..." She debates on cuddling up to him and does it anyway, gently. "... thank you Alek... for making me feel worth something down here..." She smiles.

He looks down at her and smiles lightly. He puts his arm around her and lays back. "You always have been."

She smiles and shuts her eyes, drifting into a peaceful sleep.

Alek stays awake for a while longer, thinking and staring at the door. "I'll have to be more careful..." he whispers, falling asleep.

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A/N: Short chappie I know.