A Blessing and a Curse

Chapter Four

*Katrina's POV*

Malcolm actually isn't that bad. I mean, with all those rumors about him, I thought he'd at least be mean. He's not though, and I'm glad because it means I'll probably be able to fall in love with him and save the Buckingham bloodline. That's a relief. Although  I'd have to see the curse for myself before deciding anything, I think I could possibly end up loving him.

I plan to follow him outside tonight. He told me it's too dangerous, but I have to see it for myself or I'll never be able to decide on anything. Honestly, it can't be that bad, right? I mean, no one has ever gotten hurt as far as I know, so I should be fine.

I spend the rest of the day exploring the mansion. I feel so free compared to how it was at home. Here, they don't even have guards, which I know my father will want to change if Malcolm and I ever end up getting married. The garden is very lovely and spacious, not unlike the one at home, except it feels more wild and free here. Malcolm told me I could tend to the garden if I wanted to, even though there are servants to do that. He must have picked up on my passion for gardening. It's only one of the few things I was ever allowed to do at home. I love to sing and I play several instruments. I absolutely love to read.

Luckily, I didn't have to do much embroidery because my father thought I would somehow fatally injure myself by stabbing myself with the needle. Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed in the kitchen for that same reason. Of course, I was able to sneak into the kitchen and learn how to cook. My poor father would have a heart attack if he learned of all the supposedly dangerous things I learned in secret. Speaking of my father, I hear the ringtone I set for him and answer my phone.

"Hello?" I say.

"Katrina? Is that you?" Father asks.

Rolling my eyes, I say, "Yes, Dad, it's me."

"You know how much I dislike you being so informal. Please call me Father."

"Yes, Father."

"That's better. How is it? Are they treating you well? How many guards do they have?"

"Father, I'm fine. I'm protected. There's nothing to worry about," I assure him.

"They live in the middle of the forest, Sweetheart. How am I not supposed to worry?"

"Maybe you could try trusting them to take care of me," I suggest.

"I don't know... maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Shall I send someone to get you?"

"No, Father, this was your idea. You will not back out of it now." And I have to see this curse thing. Not to mention a whole bloodline is counting on me. No way am I backing out of this now.

He sighs. "As usual, you're right. Just be careful, okay? I love you."

"I will. I love you too."

"I'm counting on it. Bye."

"Bye."

I hang up and walk to my room. It's almost dinnertime. A few minutes later, a maid comes in, informing me that the food is ready. I go downstairs and have a silent dinner. I go back to my room and wait. As soon as the clock reads midnight, I sneak out. I see Malcolm. He is morphing into the beast. It looks painful. When he is fully transformed, he roars and charges out the door.

I quietly follow him, checking to see that nobody is following me. I can see the path of destruction that Malcolm left behind. Curious, I follow this path and find Malcolm, who is going crazy. His eyes meet mine, and for a second, he calms down before charging towards me. I know I should run or scream or whatever, but all I can do is stare at him.

He pins me down and almost moves to hit me before a bit of humanity returns to his eyes. He runs off, seeming almost ashamed of himself. Taking this chance, I decide I should probably go back. 

"I can smell you, you know," his voice comes from behind me. I jump and turn around. There he is, fully clothed, not the beast anymore. He looks completely normal, except his eyes are glowing a reddish yellow.

"You shouldn't be out here," he tells me, "I'm surprised I was able to take control. If I hadn't, you'd be dead right now. Even now, I can turn back any second and tear you apart. Go inside."

"I want to know you. Not just the one part of you."

"This part of me could get you killed. Do you want to die?" he asks, his voice stern.

"Well, no..."

"Then go inside." He lets out a grunt of pain as he begins to turn into a beast again. "Go inside, Katrina!"

"I-"

"I SAID GO INSIDE!!!"

I run inside and go into my room, shaking. At least I saw the beast side of him. It scares me, but at least I know he can be kind, even during his transformation. Trying to forget about this incident, I fall into a restless sleep. I hope he's okay.

The next morning, I crack my sore eyes open. The first thought that comes to my mind is Malcolm. Is he okay? I'd better go check on him. Plus, he seemed pretty upset with me last night for putting my life in danger. 

I find him in the dining room, calmly eating breakfast as if nothing had ever happened. I wonder if he told his father about it. I quietly sit down and both Malcolm and his father turn to look at me. They both simultaneously raise an eyebrow at me. Realizing I hadn't brushed my hair after quickly putting on a simple sundress, I blush. I duck my head and devour my breakfast.

I excuse myself and hurry to my room. I pull out my brush and try to get the snarls out to no avail. Finally, I call a maid to come help me. She quickly and easily detangles my hair, leaving me shocked. I get up and leave to find Malcolm to set things straight. I find him in the garden, admiring the roses.

"Um, hello, Malcolm," I say.

He turns around. "Hello Katrina. Did you sleep well?"

"For the most part. About last night..."

"What about it?"

"I'm sorry," I apologize.

"For?"

"Are you really going to make me do this?" I let out an exasperated sigh.

"What, Katrina? You know I never remember what happens when I transform."

"But you transformed back not long after."

"That has never happened, Katrina."

"You do remember, don't you?" I accuse.

"You are stubborn, Katrina."

"So? Tell me. Do you remember when you changed back? Don't even bother lying to me. I know enough to tell if you are."

"Fine. I do. And you should have stayed in the house," he growls.

"I just want to know you! Is that so bad?"

"Yes. It is if you are going to put your life in danger for it."

"I didn't die. I only got a few cuts and bruises," I mumble.

"A few?! Have you taken a look at yourself, Katrina? You look like you got trampled by a horse."

"I'm perfectly fine," I insist.

"Don't come out that late again or we will have to lock you in. Is that clear?"

"Yes."

"Good," he says, suddenly sounding happier, "We'll pretend this never happened."