Between A Rose And Its Thorns (ON HOLD)

Into the Woods

Lucinda's point of view

I wrap my arms around myself. The walk back to the east wing seemed longer now. Each step I took was dragging, yet I didn't know why.

Sunlight was coming through the windows, guiding me closer to my destination. Why do I feel like this? I feel so... heavy, all of a sudden? I shook my head. No, I didn't feel heavy, per say, it was... well, I am not sure what it was.. it is hard to describe.

All I could think about was getting back to Isabelle. I never wanted to put here in danger, and yet it seems as though I have shoved her right into it by making her stay here. But if I had known...

I bite my lip and grab onto the railing of the staircase.

Isabelle has always been nonsocial, always preferred her books over actual human beings. But.... she needs people. Real people, people she can see and touch. She doesn't need an extraordinarily castle, nor the invisible servants, and she definitely does not need a murderous beast...

I laugh at the thought.

Murderous? Dangerous, yes. Horrifying, very much so, but murderous? I couldn't see Theodred wanting to kill someone. He is a beast in form but in mind he is a man. He knows the differences between right and wrong. And despite his past... erm, actions, he is certainly not one I would think who would kill someone, just because he wanted to.

Garrick, on the other hand, most certainly would. He was famous in the village for his years in the war. Rumors were he led a battalion against enemy lines, killing over ten hundred men. And by the way he looks at his hunting kills... I shiver. It is plain to see he didn't join the war just for the honor for fighting for our country...

I still don't understand how someone so awful, could want to marry someone as sweet as Isabelle? They are complete opposites, in my opinion, no doubt about that. I know Isabelle needs to go back to the village for her greater good, but why would she want to return to a place filled with such wicked people?

No one helped us when our father died. We had to do all the work on our own, we had to earn our money ourselves. No one took pity on us, no one cared about the two orphan girls who sometimes starved at night. Sure, we are much better off now than we were then, but that doesn't change anything.

No one helped us, and yet, when they needed help, we did so with open arms. That was just the way it was, and if you refused to help, they would guilt you until you did help.

I never cared for that old life filled with misery and suffering, both from work and lack of food. I never let Isabelle go hungry, though. I promised I would always take care of her, and that is exactly what I am going to do.

I clasp my hand around my stomach and wince. Now that I'm thinking about, ever since I came here, I think I actually gained some of my weight back, and gained some extra... I shrug and drop my arms, letting them swing at my sides.

This castle is odd, to say the least. The people inside it even stranger. But in a good way, most of the time. It's funny to remember how I needed an escort to get around this place, it was a labyrinth. And now I can get around without any help, I could probably get to our rooms with my eyes closed!

I smile at the thought.

Strange how so much could happen under a month. I know when I first came here, all I wanted to do was leave, but now... I want nothing more than to stay. This place was a chance of a life time! So many rooms to explore, mysteries to solved, an enchantment to break! It is overwhelming, sometimes.