Siren's Song (Completed)

Chapter 2

YURI

Sighing heavily I gathered my papers from my desk tucked in the corner of my bedroom and placed them neatly in a stack. I held the quill in my hands dripping with black ink.

I stared at the blank pages before me biting down on my plump lower lip. It had been a while since I had written anything, and felt my fingers twitch for the opportunity.

Pursing my lips and adjusting the spectacles on my nose, I glanced at the balcony where my bay doors were wide open allowing the summer breeze to roll into my room. I could smell the salty spray of the ocean.

The ocean. Cold, ruthless, unforgiving.

I shivered at that thought and quickly turned back to my desk.

I scribbled down some ideas before dipping the quill back into the inkwell. I placed the papers in a leather bound cover and tucked it into the desk before turning down the oil lamp.

Rising I stretched my stiff muscles and headed for my door. As I reached for the gold knob there was a swift knock on the other side of the thick mahogany wood.

I jumped back in surprise before laughing quietly at myself for being so foolish.

Ever since the accident I've been-unsettled to say the least.

When I was a child my parents were lost at sea, and I had been taken to my uncles home where I was raised with my cousins.

My heart sank as I recalled the incident that took place almost a year ago.  My younger cousin drowned and my uncle drowned as well trying to save her.

My aunt had claimed they had been killed, but the local physician had said she was in shock and dismissed her pleas.

Her eldest son Otabek had to make the tough decision to send her away to her sisters for her to grieve.

It was just the two of us in the manor at the moment. We weren't particularly close, but when his mother was sent away I made it a point to be the family he needs.

I'm not entirely convinced they drowned, but then again I'm suspicious of the sea as it is.

Opening the door I was surprised to see Otabek standing on the other side.

He wore a white tunic much like my own, and black leather trousers and boots.

"Otabek, d-did you need something?" I asked.

"Actually yes. I wanted to tell you that I will be visiting my mother for a few days. It-it's been a year and I think I should see her." His face was stoic, but his onyx eyes, were filled with a deep sorrow I understood.

"I understand. I'll be fine here. I'll watch over the manor for you." I smiled.

Relief washed over his features as he thanked me. Turning on his heel he headed back to his rooms down the long hall.

The halls of the manor were illuminated with candles and oil lamps lining the walls. The blue carpet was complimented by the golden yellow striped wallpaper.

I followed the blue carpet to the grand staircase and skipped down the stairs and headed to the kitchens.

The maids and servants had gone home per Otabek's request.

I knew my way around the kitchen so I whipped up a quick meal. As I chewed my fish and greens with cashew vinaigrette Otabek stepped into the dining hall and cleared his throat.

"My coach is here. Are you sure you will be alright here alone?" He asked raising his brows dubiously.

He knew of my fear of the ocean and how I avoided it like the black plague.