Beast

Chapter 6

I must have fallen asleep; his gentle strokes through my hair and soft words were lulling. When I wake up and rub my eyes, but instead of being hit with sunlight, I was encased in a darkness that was becoming familiar to me. Wait, I can move again! I feel so over joyed, I bolt up into a sitting position and nearly fall, causing me to yelp, but hands circle my waist and anchor me. “You are awake.” He chuckles. 

“Yes, I am… Yet I still feel as if my eyes are closed with all this darkness.” I say, wishing to see the daylight. The hands tighten, yet they remain careful not to hurt me.

“The darkness is necessary.” He grunts. I am a monster. I remember his words from last night. Does he not want me to see him because he is so ugly? No, that can’t be right; the picture above the fireplace was of the most handsome man I had ever seen. Is he insecure? 

My mind flashes to the clawed hand. Is he actually a monster? I know it was not my imagination, and what was in that medicine… I have so many questions that my head begins to throb with the beginnings of a headache. “Why is that darkness necessary?” I finally ask. “Why do you hide up here?” 

The silence only makes the darkness more claustrophobic. I cannot hear his breathing; he must be holding his breath. “I do not want you to fear me…” He sighs, sorrow clear in the timbre of his voice.

“And what makes you so certain I will fear you?” I lean my head on the silky softness I have become comfortable with. 

“I just know so. You’ve already proved it when I grabbed you.” He chides. His slides his hands into my hair and I stiffen, causing his hand to clench tightly. “See, you already fear me!” He snarls.

“It is not fear, I just…” I hesitate, hating the prickly feeling on my cheeks which can only be a blush. Thankfully it is dark. “I have… never been touched by a man before, I mean, I’ve had hugs from my papa, but never…” God, this is humiliating. His chuckle only infuriates me more. “I’m glad you find my discomfort amusing!” I mumble, hiding my face in his chest.

“I would never find your discomfort amusing; it was a chuckle of relief. I feel honoured to be the first to shower you with affections.” The cold wetness rubs along my neck, the same wetness I felt last night. It’s a gentle caress, but uncomfortable. 

“What is that?” I childishly giggle when it tickles a spot on my neck. It abruptly pulls away at my question and the hand that was sat tightly against my waist loosens. It strangely leaves me feeling cold and exposed. 

“Nothing, Melanie has cleaned the same room from last night for you, you will remain at the Manor until further notice. For health reasons of course.” I was about to protest but he stands me up and walks me to the door without another word.

“So that’s it? You’re going to push me out the door when I ask you an uncomfortable question?” I voice my frustrations. This strange connection should be explored, despite my reservations; I detect a hidden kindness within Warren. I hate that he wallows in this darkness all the time.

“You should remember that I am a Prince! You do not question me.” He snarls.

“Fine, sorry your highness,” I turn and leave without looking back. If I see those haunting green eyes like I did the last time, leaving would become an impossibility. I make sure to slam the door for good measure.

I remember the way to ‘my’ room. When I enter, I find nothing has changed accept that the bed is made. There is a big, square window with a perfect view of the woods and the moon, it looks almost full. I love a full moon, it gives me this tranquil feeling, like I could just lie on the ground and stare up at it with that the stars as companions. My papa said my head is always up in the clouds, and I would reply, “No papa, it’s up in the stars.” He would give me that warm smile of his and get on with his work.