The Mechanic

Chapter 8

I awoke to bright morning -- the smell of fresh flowers and campfire. I was dressed in a white linen nightgown, my body wrapped in a warm fur. I stood up from the cot on the floor and walked over to the window. Today marked the second week of my father's leaving. Felix had moved me to a grander bedroom on the other side of the manor, this one having a larger fireplace and richer furniture. Though I still hadn't forgiven him for thrusting my father out of my life, I was still somewhat grateful for everything he had given me. 

Felix had never once allowed me to go hungry, sending in a  bear cub with a tray filled with the most delectable confections into my room four times a day. I had never once found myself waking up in the middle of the night, my teeth chattering as I once had back at home in the small flat. The fireplace kept away the cold. He had also allowed me to be alone, knowing well enough that the last thing I wanted was to see him. 

I pulled back the drapes from the glass and looked out across the lawns to the forest, the tops of the trees coated in a thick layer of white. Oh how I longed to be free of this place and ride back home to where my father would most certainly be waiting. I sighed and let the drape slip back through my fingers, turning my attention to the door. It was time I took a step outside the room for once. I would make sure not to cross paths with Felix. 

Walking toward a large tub resting near the fireplace, I slipped my nightgown over my head and climbed into the water. I had no idea who filled the tub or who made the food that was brought to me every day. All I knew was that it had never once failed to turn up. My closest thought was that Felix had other servants who came into my room before I was awake to dust and fill the tub and make sure that everything was orderly. To be honest, I didn't quite like the idea of strangers bustling around my room while I was asleep; it was very off putting. 

I pulled my hair out of its bun and scrubbed out the knots and grease that I had allowed collect while I spent my days sequestered in bed. The soap was smooth and smelled very strongly of roses. By the time I was done, I was feeling cleaner than I had in days and somewhat more relaxed. 

To my surprise, I found a row of fine silk dresses hanging in the wardrobe, each more beautiful than the last. I chose a simple blue dress that fit perfectly and braided my hair into a plait on my way out the door. The hallway was quite broad and lit brightly with a series of lanterns on the walls. Once again I found my breath being taken away by the beauty of the house. I cursed myself for thinking so. I shouldn't be here. I should be back at home bent over a cluttered desk, helping my father tinker with some new invention. 

As I came to the foot of the staircase, my footsteps faltered. There, leaning against the wall with a smug look on his face, was Felix. He watched as I made my way down the stairs and held out his hand when I came within reach. 

"Nice of you to finally leave your room and join the real world again," he said, not amused. I gave him a glare and pretended not to notice his outstretched arm. 

"Would you thank your servants for me? I would do it myself but it seems I never catch them doing anything," I asked. Felix's smile quivered. 

"Ah, yes. It would be my pleasure." I opened my mouth, suspicious, but he interrupted me before I could say anything more. 

"Now that you're down here I guess I can give you a tour." I folded my arms across my chest and gave him a pointed look. The last thing I wanted was more time spent with him. 

"And why do you think I would be interested in that?" Felix frowned. 

"Well I just thought that if you're going to live here, you'll want to know where you're going. I wouldn't want you to get lost on your way to the lavatory. I'd find you starved to death in a puddle of your own urine." I blushed. 

"I don't want anything to do with you or your house. I think I can manage on my own for now, thank you very much. I'll make sure to make an effort not to die if I get lost on my way to the toilet. I wouldn't want to ruin your floors." I started down another hallway that was lined with mirrors, but had hardly managed to get anywhere before Felix lunged toward me and caught my elbow. 

"Get off," I snapped, pulling out of his grasp. He froze and anger flashed across his face. There was a sickening silence that seemed to stretch slowly through the length of the hallway. 

"Don't you dare tell me what to do," he said coldly and his eyes flashed with an icy fire. My blood froze in my veins. I backed up slowly and looked down at my feet. 

"My apologies," I muttered, more to the ground than to him. 

"Just know that you can go anywhere in this manor except for the north wing. Is that understood?" He spoke the words with an angrier force than before and I felt no inclination to look back up at him. 

"Understood," I gulped and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. When I finally raised my head to look at him, he was nowhere in sight. I hadn't even heard him leave.