Beast

Chapter 9

Warren had a maid take me to the dining room, one, because I was starving, my stomach was making growls which could rival his own, and two, because I think he knew I needed to see some light. I was served some eggs and sausage which was absolutely delicious and filled my tiny belly.

I was sipping on fresh orange juice when a familiar voice reached my ears. “Esme!” Papa weeps. I dropped my cup, spilling its contents over the wooden table and ran to him, immediately feeling safe in his arms. “Oh my darling girl, I was so worried.” He gently rubs my back, comforting me in a way only my papa can.

“I missed you papa.” I squeeze him tighter and he returns it. He looks healthy, healthier than he has ever been. His cheeks are flushed and no longer hollow, he doesn’t hunch over with his old back injury and his voice is strong and sure, not croaky with exhaustion.

“I missed you too.” 

“How did you get here? Those woods are dangerous papa!” I scold. He just chuckles.

“I was brought here in a carriage, a man… what was his name? Ah, Marcus, a pleasant fellow.” He smiles reassuringly down at me. Marcus… Pleasant?

“You look well papa.” I smile up at him. He kisses my cheek, momentarily startling me. I hug him harder, thankful I’m not paralysed this time.

“I feel great Esme.” He grins, proving his point by jumping up and down. He was one of the frail men in the village, so right now my jaw is hitting the floor. 

What was that stuff? And I drank practically a whole bottle!

 The door opening drew my attention away from papa to see Marcus striding in with a dark look on his face. Bruises surrounded his neck and the left side of his face, creating a sickening, artistic mixture of purples and yellows.

“What happened to you?” I gasp. Papa also stares, looking sad, no longer looking as if he was farting rainbows. Marcus’ face becomes expressionless, even his eyes become lifeless.

“Warren wants to see you.” He monotonously replies.

“O-Ok…” I kiss papa’s cheek. He, too, looks shocked at the unusual gesture being returned. “Will you be ok?” I ask. He smiles warmly at me. 

“Don’t worry, everyone has been extremely accommodating, I’ll be fine.” His face turns serious. “But I want to know who Warren is.” I smile sweetly. 

“Marcus will tell you.” I then run to the door, taking pleasure in Marcus’ wide eyed look before I closed the door.

------------------

I feel a lot happier when I reach Warren’s dark room, seeing my papa seems to have reassured me that everything will be ok, he’s here, safe. I don’t bother knocking this time and walk straight in. I have to blink repeatedly to get used to the darkness, already missing the blue sky and fluffy clouds.

“Warren?” Heavy footsteps come from my left, quickly getting closer.

“Beauty, did you have enough to eat?” He asks, wrapping me in his strong arms. My heart squeezes at his worried tone. 

“Yes, I am now completely stuffed.” I giggle. His chuckle warms my belly. I forget he is a… monster… sometimes, he acts so human. But then he’ll growl, or I’ll touch the fur on his arms and I’m reminded of the harsh reality of our situation. 

“Good, you need to eat as much as you can to get some muscle on you.” I practically hear his grin.

“I have plenty of muscle!” I protest, even though I know I am skin and bone, I wonder why the medicine hasn’t filled me out like it did with papa. His rough hand wraps around my bicep and squeezes, proving him right with that action alone. “Fine, so I’m a bit bony, I can still lift and work just fine. Thank you for bring papa here, I know it was your doing and I am extremely grateful.”