A rose to grind

-5-

Three years flew by like migrating birds. You don't know when, but it happened so fast you couldn't even catch it with your eyes. Life had been strange or perhaps that was only me that felt so. I had changed so much even I, was flabbergasted at the mercurial self of mine. I stared intently at the mirror, head held high, hands politely placed at the back. With my sleek, black suit and a white sarong wrapped around my waist, I was the epitome of a butler. Tall and mighty yet had to submit to a tyrannical, superior being that hadn't had the power or ability to serve themselves. There was when butlers come in — prepared to hand everything on a silver platter to their employers. I was forced into this business against my will, but I knew to myself that this was the safest choice to make.

I slipped my hands into my tight, black gloves and brought them to my face. A high nose bridge and single-lid eyes flashing with a solemn glint, hollow cheeks and thick, dark eyebrows. I caressed the Cupid bow on my caramel colored lips, slightly parted. I still couldn't believe I was in Yugo Karrina's body, even till now. I may have denied missing my family but inwardly, I knew I did have miss them though my blatant denial. A knock came from behind me. Without looking away, I still stared straight ahead, speaking: "Come in." My voice had only a faint hint of childishness left and took on a more sonorous voice, deep and lilting, but neutral and free of any emotions.

A figure emerged from my door and there stood Etienne, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and blocking the doorway. He too, had changed over the past three years and had grown even more ethereal. His smooth, unblemished skin seemed to glow in the faint sunlight that seeped through my velvety curtains and did no justice in blocking out the light. There was a small smile tugging at his incredibly plump, pink lips. And his gelled fiery red hair resembling the deep, dark color of blood had been slicked back with gel, seeming to shine in the light. "You didn't come out, so I came in instead," Etienne said in a crisp, light tone.

I smiled at him through the mirror. But Etienne was already used to my fake smile that was said to be so sincere and genuine by many, but Etienne knew better as my employer, or master. "Today, Yugo, today is the day when you follow me to the company's party, along with my father. This is a very important day so I hope you don't blow your cover as a butler of mine. We wouldn't want anyone knowing you're a Karrina, hm? You know it's going to seem bad for our poor mother."

"You know I won't, Young Master," my eyes narrowed down into a feline's shape. "You know I'm very loyal to you, don't you?"

"That's right," Etienne mused, amusedly watching in silence as I turned around and moved about the room, closing the distance between the two of us. My two front feet came to a stop in front of his languid form. He straightened himself and reached over to wipe the imaginary dust from my shoulders in slow movements as I towered over him, blocking the sunlight from reaching Etienne. "As your master...I treat you very well, don't I? You a butler who receives special attention from me...don't you think it's rather scandalous? These past years, the reason behind you living well and alive till now is me."

My body went stiff at his abrupt contact. Etienne must have noticed because his grin grew even wider than before. "O..Of course, Young Master. This is why I have devoted myself to you. Please don't mind rumors. They can be very harmful, sir."

Etienne caressed my cheek lovingly, stroking his hand against my skin gently as if I were his most precious possession. His another hand was brought up to touch my other cheek as well, lightly squishing my cheek with force, but a tad lessened so I didn't have to feel the pain. "I love this feeling of making you know your place. Oh, how good to bully you when you can do nothing but watch in silence. You're the only one I can trust, isn't that correct? You swore your allegiance to me. Therefore, it is your duty to serve me, no matter what my request is."