What Makes a Monster

♱Eighteen♱

Hael kept the books and cards he used when learning to read. Admittedly, it was a tad humiliating to see the children's book, but we all have to start somewhere. They are certainly easier to read than the monstrosities Hael now takes in. Besides, I even have to learn the basics and so nearly every night after work Hael goes over something new with me.

With Layne back, he is at Lord Makai's side again. In the back of my mind, I'm a little upset, but I choose to ignore it. Layne is the best choice for the job. He is of more help to Lord Makai and, well, I didn't want to work at his side in the first place...(is what I have to keep telling myself.)

In order not to think about that, I focus on the task at hand. When I'm not busy or I'm alone, I pull out the flash cards that make me smile each time. I can read something at least. These little cards that are simply teaching me the absolute basics bring me great joy. The flashcards have pictures of objects so I've found that it helps since I already know how to pronounce it. Hael says I'm doing well considering it's only been two weeks.

I think I'm doing well too. At the very least, I am proud of myself. I can't write a letter or even my full name...but I've almost got Lord Makai's name down!

I flush just thinking about it, remembering the papers in my room where I've written his name over and over in hopes to make it look nice, but my writing truly is chicken scratch. It's horrid squiggles and I keep messing up O and A or M and N. Writing is hard!

But I'll show him one day and...

And what? He'll be proud of me? I can work at his side more? Because I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing this for yet I continue to practice at it the most. The thought of handing Lord Makai a paper simply with his name that I've written and seeing him smile or telling me, "Good job," somehow makes my heart flutter.

Shit.

I stash the cards in my back pocket.

Higra orders me to help some of the gardners out back. During the winter there are few trees that grow, but we've had great snowfall the last few weeks. Apparently a lot of snow has piled up and Higra rather have it shoveled then remain on structures such as the gazebo and fountains.

The air is cold, reddening my nose and ears almost immediately. Though I wear a heavy coat, the wind still has a nip that makes us all shiver. I'm not the only one called, a few other butlers are at work shoveling sidewalks and dusting off fountains. Even in winter, the garden is lovely with ice cicles hanging from trees and untouched snow settled atop sleeping gardens. The fountains are eerily beautiful. Without water the statues appear almost solemn, reaching towards the sky for freedom or settled in a deep slumber. And the pond located around back is completely frozen. A line of rope was put around it just before winter to remind everyone of where it is once the snow falls. It blends in with everything else.

It isn't until we're back inside that Higra thanks us for the work then says, "We must keep an exceptional watch over both the interior and exterior of the estate. In a weeks time, the High Priest and Grand Knight of Aena will be visiting."

What? But Lord Makai never gets visitors!

"No others?" asks a butler with his hand raised.

"Their escorts will be alongside them, so a total of six guests. Each and every room must be spotless. Even the unused guest bedrooms. Nothing will be out of place and no trouble will be caused. We must treat them with the utmost respect and care. Should any of you bring dishonor to this household, know that the best case scenario is your expulsion from the estate, understood?" Higra looks from one to the other, her gaze hesitating on me for a moment.

What's that supposed to mean?

"Return to your duties. Tomorrow, new assignments will be given out, such as who will be in charge of the guests personal rooms."