Sun rays traced my skin as I awoke. Rubbing my eyes as I yawned, I slowly got out of bed. Yesterday's event filled my mind recalling me back to my current situation. I quietly walked to the door, brushing my hair out of my face.Maybe today I can find a way out of this place, I thought to myself as I slipped into the hallway and began wandering down the winding passageway.
I paused at a corner after endlessly walking down a few hallways, I heard voices coming from what appeared to be a large kitchen.
"I can no longer wait," one voice said, and I immediately recognized it as the man with red hair. I held my breath and listened as he continued.
"People on the outside walls are beginning to think I'm powerless!" he yelled, his frustration evident. I heard various items clatter to the floor, and it appeared that he had taken out his anger on inanimate objects.
I moved closer to the doorway, peeking inside and hoping he wouldn't see me. He continued knocking things over, blindly raging, sparing nothing. Everything in his path was sent flying, and he was so reckless it seemed that he could not be stopped.
Lae, who I hadn't noticed until now, walked closer to him, trying to pacify him.
"Master calm down," he said softly, and the red headed man paused, the last object that met his wrath toppling onto the floor. He was silent for a moment.
"He is the reason I lost my eyesight" his voice was barely audible, his eyes closed. Questions sprouted in my mind. What did he mean, he'd lost his eyesight? Who was this 'he', he was referring to?
"I need to find him" he replied, glaring at Lae. “This accursed fate.., If I did not have my ability to sense I would be completely blind”.Confused and dazed, I took a step back from the door, distancing myself from their conversation. Finally coming to a halt. I leaned against the wall of the hallway.
Was he really blind? I thought back of the first time he had spoken to me, when he said he had sensed me from the moment I arrived.
Was he really weak as he described himself? What had the man done to make him lose his eyesight? I imagined the hatred he had for the one who had destroyed his sight.
༺♥༻
After a few minutes of silence, a voice startled me out of my thoughts.
"Luce, Master would like to speak with you" I turned around to see Lae standing in the middle of the hallway. Apparently he hadn't noticed that I had been eavesdropping.
He led me down the hallway to his master's room, shutting the door behind me.
"Come here," the red haired man ordered, motioning for me to approach him. I obeyed and sat in front of him on the bed, wringing my hands nervously.
"My name is Von Claus," he said, moving his hand toward my face and running his fingers through my hair. I tensed up, but did not pull away.
"Your energy feels strange, you are compelling to me," he smirked. I blushed and looked away, not knowing if this was a complement or not. Though, I started to feel warm all over.
Turning back towards him, I looked deeply into his dazzling grey eyes, wondering if he could truly see me. I pulled out a hairpin that I had tucked away in my hair, determined to find out. "May I ask you something?" I said, quietly. My stomach twisted itself into knots, as I nervously held the pin in one shaking hand.
"You may" he replied, still brushing his hand through my hair.
I slowly moved the pin closer to his face, not giving it a second thought.
"What is this I'm holding and what color is it?" I asked, waiting for his reaction. He sat there for a second then sensed my hand was in front of him. He reaches his hand out but before he touches the hair pin, I pull my hand away. “Just tell me” I softly say, no longer wanting to drag this out. He cast his eyes down towards the ground, a pained expression on his face. His hand gently falling to his side as he pondered on what to say.
"So you know," he whispered, his voice shaky.
He rose from the bed and moved towards the window. Gazing outside, with a blank expression, he began to speak.
"Three years ago I was to be the heir to the throne, but my brother, was furious that I was next in line for the crown. He wanted to rule."
He clenched his fists and continued to talk. "My mother held no power, but my father was powerful. I inherited my father's abilities while my brother was only given half of what I was."
He turned and sat back on the bed with me.
"In a fit of jealousy and rage, he decided to kill our parents and cursed me to lose my eyesight."
I gasped; the pain of losing both his parents and being betrayed by one's brother must have been unimaginable. My heart ached for him.
"My brother was selfish," he finally said, shaking his head and turning towards me,"but that does not mean that I fully lost my eyesight."
He brushed his hand over my chin then down to my waist.
"My mother loved roses," he whispered. I shifted uncomfortable and pushed his hand away.
"Is that why you've kept me?" I asked.
"Yes, nothing more," he said coldly, turning away from me. "Lae will handle you for now, call him if you need anything during your stay."
He gestured to the door, signaling that our conversation was over. I rose and slipped silently out of the door.
My thoughts swirled within my head, surfacing and sinking.
How long am I going to be here? Does he plan on keeping me here for a while?
I felt sick to my stomach, so I hurriedly made my way back to my room.
I crawled into bed, still feeling ill.
Lae entered the room with a cup of tea and a piece of bread. "Are you alright Luce?" He worriedly said, seeing me buried under the covers.
"I-I'm fine" I replied, still clutching my aching stomach. He placed the food on the bed, smiling slightly.
"You probably have not eaten anything in a while, so I thought I would bring something to you," he said. I realised that I had been so caught up on everything that eating became the last thing on my mind.
I picked up the bread and took a couple of bites, chewing and swallowing slowly. Lae pulled out a small box and moved over to my feet, taking out thin strips of cloth that appeared to have medicine on them. He gently wrapped each of my feet and looked up at me as I ate.
"I forgot to mend your feet. I apologize. I would have done this sooner, but this week has been very busy." I nodded, agreeing.
He finished and packed his items back in the box. "There will be a guest coming later today, and Master requested that you join them. The bath is ready so you can bathe anytime." I thanked him as he left.
I slipped off my robe and entered the bath, wetting my hair and brushing it back. As I bathe, I slip into reverie again, my thoughts resurfacing.
This situation has been very complicated, and even now it seems that it would be easier for me if I obey Von and Lae. If I don't comply, my refusal might cause trouble.
I sighed. After that night, I wondered if Father tried to look for me? I felt myself choking down a sob. I wished this was all a dream, praying that maybe I’ll be let free soon. In the wake of this horrid reality, I thought of Von.
Did I really want to serve under him?
Frustrated, I dipped my head underwater for a moment, trying to clear my mind. When I finished washing, I got out of the bath and walked over to the closet. Beautiful rows of robes and dresses shone and glistened as the light reflected on them. Scanning the outfits, I pulled out a white dress.
Since I would be meeting someone, I thought it would be nice to dress presentably out of respect.
After getting dressed, I decided to put a shade of dark red on my lips, and black liner over my eyelids. I smiled at my appearance, pleased with my application of makeup and waited for Lae to arrive.
Five minutes or so later, Lae knocked the door and quietly walked me over to the studies. As I entered, I noticed that Von had changed into nicer clothes, and his guest was already seated across from him.
The stranger was about Von's age, with coal black hair and a swirling black tattoo snaking across his entire neck. He was dressed in a dark green attire similar to Lae, which hung loosely on his frame.
"Yes, she is the one that will inherit the Sanctus seal," the stranger said to Von, who seemed annoyed, but still listened intently.
They both continued to stare as if they were deciding my fate.
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