Adelina gently brushed graying bangs back from a sweaty forehead, leaning down to lovingly press a kiss to a wrinkled brow. She stared down at her father, refusing to let the tears fall. She adjusted the blankets draped over him before standing from the chair situated by his bedside and left the room, quietly closing the door behind her. She walked to the kitchen, snagging her pack that was resting by the door. She set it down on the worn table and began filing it the food and drink she would need for the trip there. As she turned around she nearly jumped out of her skin upon seeing her seventeen year-old brother standing there with a frown fixed on his face. "Ciel, you nearly gave me a heart attack! What have I told you about sneaking up on me like that?" She scolded quietly, moving around him to wrap a loaf of bread in a piece of cloth. Ciel didn't answer her, simply watching her with folded arms. She sighed, turning to face him fully.

"Look, I know you're upset-" This time he cut her off, voice raised before he remembered their father sleeping in the other room and lowered it. "I should be the one to go, not you!" He whispered fiercely. Adelina sighed once more. They had had this argument many times, ever since the village received word that the prince in the castle in the mountains was looking for a housekeeper. Adelina had been the first to accept; she needed to money to pay for her fathers medicine and the pay was good so she didn't see any issue.

Ciel, on the other hand, had a very different opinion in the matter. "With father ill, I'm the man of the house so you shouldn't have to put yourself in danger. Besides, the other boys in the village are saying that the prince is a monster who's going to eat you!" And here was the true concern Ciel had with his sister going off to that castle. "The messenger clearly stated the prince wanted a female housekeeper and as lanky as you may be, you couldn't pass for a woman. They're just rumors Ciel, started by paranoid people looking for a reason as to why the prince never leaves his castle. I'm the eldest, so I'm going and thats final." She fixed him with a firm gaze and after a few moments of this staring contest, his shoulders slumped and he muttered his consent to let her go.

After that, Adelina continued to get prepared and soon she was seated on the family horse. Her brother held the reigns, gazing up at her with unshed tears in his eyes. She bade him to take care of their father and that as soon as she was paid she would be sending what she could back home. Taller than her even if only seventeen, Ciel pulled her from the horse into a fierce hug. "If he hurts you in any way, send a letter and I'll come get you." She nodded and climbed back onto the horse. With one last look at her brother and her home, she nudged her heels into the horses flank and away she went. The trek to the castle was a few days so that night she bedded down in a cave and supped on bread and cheese. She awoke early the next morning and continued on her journey.

Soon, she arrived at the castle. She gazed up at the looming structure, foreboding in its entirety. Gathering her courage, she tied the horse up in the stables, made sure it had hay and water before making her way over to the large doors and grasping the large knocker in tow hands, sending an echoing sound ringing through the castle as she knocked on the door.

Orren awaited the arrival of his new housekeeper. She was to appear today. He wondered if she would be afraid of him like the others. The only one to stay with him through all of this ordeal had been his best friend and he had taken up the buffering between the Prince and the public. He knew what they said about him and it enraged him at first but then he would pass a mirror and his heart would sink. His own family had left him how could he expect some unsuspecting girl to look past the horrid appearance he had been cursed with, to the soul inside.

That thought made him snicker derisively. The icy cold soul that got him into this entire thing? Who would want to see that? It was precisely why he was now a huge hulking monstrosity that made women scream and run and men quiver in fear of him. Hearing footsteps approach he turned to find James bringing in his lunch. It was an incredible amount of food for one but his size demanded it.

"So Orren, today please try not to scare this girl on the first day, ok? You are running out of days til your birthday and you need a year and her heart."

Impatient and irritated Orren grabbed the drink off of the table and guzzled it and then slammed it down. "Do you really think I don't know!" He paced to the window and glanced out and saw a rider coming up to the gate. His eyes took this in and his heart did a flip flop and his stomach began to churn anxiously. "Is everything in place? I think that must be her."

James smiled and said, "Yes it probably is her and yes everything is perfect, except for you!" He teased his friend. "You are still as big of an ass as always my friend."

Orren smirked at him and warned him. "Don't you let her fall for you. If you do I'll be forced to rip off an arm or a leg to make you less pretty."

James laughed exuberantly as he left the room to answer the door.

@XxLyraxX

@Wick

Adelina shifted from foot to foot, anxiously waiting for the door to be opened. She ran her fingers through her hair, pulling out any errant leave that may have gotten caught in the strands as well as working out any knots she encountered. She looked down at her outside and straightened her skirt, brushing off some dirt that clung to the hem. It wasn't the fanciest clothes she owned but she hoped she at least looked presentable. She heard footsteps heading towards the door and she straightened up, brushing her hair back away from her face and fixing a small smile on her face.

The door was opened by a young male and after quickly introducing herself, she was ushered inside. The first thing she noticed was how dark the castle was. All of the curtains she passed as she was lead to the dining room were tightly closed, not even letting a sliver of light shine through. And the dust. There was dust everywhere. There was even dust on the cobwebs! No wonder they needed a housekeeper so badly. The task was a little daunting to be perfectly honest but she was determined if anything else and if the price to pay was this, then so be it. She would be the best housekeeper and make enough money to pay for her father's medicine. The man, who had introduced himself as James, opened the door to the dining room and ushered her inside, closing the door behind himself as he stepped inside. James stepped around her and strode over to....Adelina recoiled, eyes widening in horror and her lips forming a small "o" of surprise.

Gods above...the boys weren't lying. The prince really was a monster. The more she gazed at him, the greater her terror became. Eventually it over-whelmed her and she whirled, hand reaching for the door handle. She was going to escape this place and run back home! But before her fingers could touch the handle she froze, the image of her father laying dying in bed stilling her hand. She rested her forehead on the door, shoulder quivering. I need this money for father. I need this money for father. She repeated mentally to herself like a mantra, steeling her resolve. After a few moments she turned and took a deep breath, curtsying. "I...apologize for my rude behavior just now. It has been a long journey to reach the castle and I was startled, that is all. My name is Adelina Erenborn and I have answered your request for a housekeeper." She finished in a steady voice, forcing her head up as she settled her eyes on the princes form. There was fear still in her eyes to be sure, but it was quickly becoming shadowed by her determination. She wasn't going to back down, not when her fathers life was on the line.

Orren had sat down to the table to eat thinking that James would show the young woman into the parlor to wait for him there. He was quite surprised by their entrance into the dining room. He was sitting at the table with a large plate of luncheon meats and fruits and vegetables before him. When she walked in he looked up and saw her terror written on her face. It was sheer instinct that made her turn away and one of determination that made her stay.

Orren had just taken a bite of his apple and so he thought he must look kind of silly with a half eaten apple hanging out of his mouth. He glanced at James and gave him a terribly annoyed look. Orren finished his apple and then he stood up and with his cloak flowing around him he made his way over to Adelina. His princely manners did not go to waste. He bowed to her and took her hand in his shaking it lightly.

"Mistress Erenborn, I am sorry that James did not prepare you better. The house is in terrible shape. He is the worst at cleaning up and I can be messy. Now, I had hoped to get to the obvious a little later but as you can see James is terribly ugly. A mean old crone cast a spell on him so that he might scare all of the children in the castle. Twas terribly cruel of her." Orren said all of this with the straight faced expression of a comedian. James however picked up an apple and threw it at him.

Easily catching the apple Orren took a bite of it and said with all of the dramatic flare of a theatre troupe. "Rumor has it that James eats young women and children and scares all of the warriors away with his beastliness. So if I were you I would steer clear of him and spend all of your time with me." Beastly or not Orren was grinning as James gave him a look of incredulity.

@XxLyraxX

@Wick

Adelina stood by the door, hands clenching the fabric of her skirt as she stared at the prince. His form was certainly...strange to look at. At first glance she thought him abhorrent but the longer she stared at him, the less shocked she felt. Adelina had always been good at taking what life threw at her and running with it. So while she had been terribly surprised upon first seeing him, she was quickly growing to accept this form that was the prince. When he stood up, only the barest of flinches jolted her shoulders and she stood steadfast as the prince settled his cloak around him and made his way over to her. When he reached for her hand, her first instinct was to draw back but the forced her hand to not move as he took it gently, shaking it lightly. Her eyes fell, examining his hand with curiosity. He had fierce-some claws yet she didn't feel even a prick from them. Her eyes trailed up, taking in the rest of his form. Standing directly in font of her, she was aware of just how tall he was. He towered over by a good foot and a half, she had to tip her head all the way back to even meet his eyes.

As he continued speaking, her brow furrowed slightly as she tried to figure out if he was jesting on his friends behalf or if he truly was not aware of his own condition. Though she soon divulged that he was jesting as his friend lobed an apple at the prince and the prince's straight-face broke out into a grin. Adelina blinked at the change. When he was smiling like that, he didn't seem so monstrous. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, it made her shoulders relax slightly and she exhaled a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. She gave him a small smile in return.

"Yes, I'm afraid the poor castle is in a state of disrepair. But fear not, I'll have it clean in no time."

Orren looked at the young maiden and wondered if she might have the stamina to stay. "Mistress Erenborn, may I ask, why did you accept this position? I know the pay is above average but that is because James is so hard to look at." He grinned at his friend opting to keep things as light as possible around the young lady. "I am quite impressed that you chose to stay after seeing his disfigured form."

He offered her a chair near where he was eating and James promptly set a place setting for Adelina. James pulled the large platter of food towards her so she might reach it as Orren spoke. Smiling at her slightly he spoke plainly.

"Mistress Erenborn I am in fact the disfigured one, not my friend here. What questions do you have about me? I will answer them to the best of my ability. Truly the fault is my own and I would not wish to scare you." James backed out of the room quietly but stayed in earshot in case he was called for.

@XxLyraxX

@Wick

Adelina settled into the chair offered to her, adjusting her skirt until it settled around her knees comfortably. At the princes asked question of why she chose to take the job, she brushed her bangs out of her eyes before answering. "My father is chronically ill his medication is quite expensive. My brother can only make so much money working around town and as for myself, well, the men are very reluctant to hire an un-married woman to work for them, never mind give me pay. So my brother and I find it very difficult to make enough money to pay for the medicine my father needs. When I heard that you were paying a high sum of money for a housekeeper, I immediately came to accept the job." She took a drink of water and use her fork to spear a piece of ham and place it onto her plate. Using her knife, she cut the ham into bit-sized pieces and took a bite. As she ate, the prince decided to drop the playful act and address the true matter at hand.

She chewed thoughtfully as she settled which questions to ask him. When he was joking about his friend, were the things he said really applying to himself? "So if what you were jesting about a few moments ago truly applies to you, you were put under a spell? Do you know of ways to break it? If I may ask, how did you come about being cursed?" She inquired, taking a sip of her water. She was finding that the longer she stayed in his company, the easier it was to meet his gaze. She selected an apple from the tray laid before her and bit into it, not realizing how hungry she was after her journey.

@XxLyraxX

Orren nodded, "Yes, for the most part I can tell you. I was cursed by an enchantress a few years ago. She pretended to be a mother in need of shelter for herself and her child." Orren took a deep breath and stated, "I have no good excuse, I had just fought with my father and I was in a bad mood. I told her to go away and shut the door in her face. Moments later she took her fury out in a spell that plagues me still. There is a way to break it but I am not capable of sharing that information. If I do the spell becomes permanent automatically."

James brought over a bunch of paperwork and placed it in front of Orren.

"Since I have had so much trouble getting a housekeeper in here to stay once they see me. I am offering you a bonus if double your year's salary if you stay a full year. No strings attached, but you must stay a full year." He pushed the pile of papers towards her gently as he speared some ham from his own plate.

He felt more hope with this girl than any other so far. She was still here after all.

@Wick

Adelina remained quiet as the prince told his tale, chewing thoughtfully on her apple as she soaked in his words and processed them. She set the core down and used a napkin to wipe the juice off of her fingers and around her mouth. She kind of felt sorry for him. Sure, in retrospect it was his fault the he was cursed but they all have their bad days and it was unfair of fate to throw that change at him on a bad day. Now he's paying unfairly for a momentary lapse in judgment and morals. She didn't speak it out loud but she could feel determination creeping up that compelled her to find a way to break the curse. Cardlin was always saying she had a soft heart and couldn't bare to not lead assistance when someone was in need and she was proving her brother right in the current moment. The prince was helping out her family more than he knew so she planned on returning the favor. Breaking a curse was no small feat but she felt confident she was up to the job.

As the paperwork was set down in front of her, she leaned forward so she could read through it. Once it was all read through, the contract as he had already stated, she grasped the writing untensil that had been laid beside the paperwork and signed her name where it was needed. "A year doesn't sound too bad. I think I can manage that." She said with a smile in his direction. And a year gives me time to find a way to break the curse. She added to herself silently. The papers now signed, she relaxed into her seat, content with the knowledge that her family would be in good financial standing. "So how would you like me to address you?" She inquired. His ranking dictated her to call him "your majesty" or "your highness". But since she worked for him should she call him "sir"?

@XxLyraxX



Orren smiled at her and James took the contract away after making her initial each page. He handed her an exact duplicate for her records. "For your perusal at your leisure miss." James said with a grin. Orren was large but he was also quiet. When they were finished with the paperwork and turned around he was gone from the room.

James looked around and made a face. "I've known the man for 18 years and it never ceases to amaze me how quiet he can be sometimes. Come on I'll show you where you sleep."

James led her through the huge castle and he pointed out the rooms that they were still using. Three fourths of the house was shut down and not in use at all. "You don't have to worry about those rooms. They will only be opened if the rest of the family comes back."

James smiled as he heard the piano in the ballroom. "There he is now. Orren plays beautifully. You can call Orren by his name, or you can call him bastard, I often do that. We are much less formal around here since it's likely his last year." Realizing the music changed to something more vibrant he smiled.

"In case you haven't picked up on it he and I grew up together and when everyone else left him after he was spelled...." For a moment James was serious. "I couldn't do that to my best friend."

"Here is your room my dearest. Is there anything I can get you? Did I show you where everything is well enough?" he opened her door and handed her the key. "I trust the room will suit your needs." The room was huge and luxurious by kingly standards. James bowed and walked towards the dining room.

@Wick

Adelina turned and surveyed the room, her eyes widening slightly. It was so big and grand! She had never seen such luxury and she almost half-turned to James to ask if she had been given the room because surely this must have been the prince's room! But her doubts were dispelled when James handed her the key then bowed out, shutting the door behind me. Adelina turned to the room once more, eyes taking in everything. She placed her bag by the foot of the bed and began exploring her new room. She pressed one hand against the mattress and marveled at how soft and squashy it was. She had half a mind to throw herself onto the bed but she was dirty from her journey and in need of a bath. She gathered up a change of clothes and opened the only other door in the room, revealing the bathing chambers. Even the bathrooms were nice! She set her change of clothes and grabbed a towel from a nook in-set into the wall by the tub.

She examined the strange knobs, having not seen anything like it. At home, they had a tub that they filled with water heated over the fire. She twisted one of the knobs to the right and jumped slightly as water began to pour into the tub. She blinked her eyes in astonishment, running a hand under the water. It was hot! It poured hot water! After playing around with the knobs she discovered that the other knob poured out cold water and soon had the tub filled with water to the temperature she liked. She shucked off her dirty clothing and folded them neatly so they wouldn't wrinkle, placing them on the floor to wash later and stepped into the tub. She sighed, relaxing into the water and submerging herself nearly up to her nose.

She soaked for some time but soon she washed her hair and body with rose-scented soap she had made herself and brought with her. She dried off and after a few moments struggle, figured out how to drain the tub. She dressed in a red dress and sat down at the vanity, brushing out her long lockes, then pulling the top half of her hair back into a pony-tail. She slipped on some slippers and exited the bathroom. Not really ready to go to sleep, she left the room with the desire to explore. James had showed her where everything was on the tour but she wanted to examine each room more thoroughly. But first, she followed the soft music to the ballroom. She slipped inside and examined the form at the piano.

Who knew such large and fierce hands could produce such a beautiful melody. Her fingers itched, she wished there was a violin she could play. She had forgotten to pack hers, thinking she wouldn't need it here plus not wanting to damage it in the travel. It was a gift from her mother and though she knew she could sell it and make a pretty penny off of it, Ciel had flat-out refused to let her sell it and though she made feeble protests, it tore her heart at the thought of selling it. She returned her attention to the present, swaying side to side slightly as she closed her eyes, letting the music swirl around her as a smile graced her lips.

Orren was sitting at the piano working on perfecting Beethoven's 9th symphony and he happened to glance up and see Adelina dancing with her eyes closed. He pretended not to notice her right away in case she was watching him. Sometimes Orren or even James would belt out the words to the piece of music but he would refrain from doing it while she was in the room. He watched the keys so he wouldn't mess up and kept an eye on her as she flitted around the room in near perfect steps to the music. He was impressed with her dancing skills. For one not of noble birth she had a talent for the steps with the music. He smiled that she could enjoy the music as much as he did. When the song came to a close he watched her open her eyes and he smiled. However, a smile from him might look a little menacing to her.

He remembered the days before the spell where he and James would get into trouble for staying up late to watch the ballroom dances his parents used to throw here. Then later as his heart grew colder after having his heart broken a few times. Eventually, he could only feel comfortable with James since they were rarely seen apart and then that fateful evening came.

"Hello m'lady, did James get you all settled?"

@Wick

When the music drew to a close, Adelina's eyes opened, not realizing she had been dancing around the room until she looked and found herself standing in a different spot than she was before. She looked over at the piano and saw that Orren was looking in her direction. Her cheeks reddened in a slight blush at being caught dancing. She cleared her throat slightly and glanced to the side, wondering what to say. But it seemed the prince beat her to it. At his question, she turned her head towards him. "Yes, your mag- Orren. James gave me a brief tour and lead me to my room. It's very beautiful and grand." She hesitated for only a split second before she made her way over to him, admiring the piano as she approached. She ran a gentle finger over one ivory key. She didn't see many pianos, none of the town's people could play one and they were quite expensive besides. She pressed down softly and smiled at the note that rang out softly. She wondered if she could learn how to play. She turned her attention to Orren, a question on her lips.

"Does the castle have a library? I didn't see one on the tour James gave me." A library would be wonderful. She didn't have much time to read at home but when she had spare time, she would go to the small bookstore and sit in there and read for as long as she could.

Orren had withdrawn into himself and been playing from memory of a happier time. When Adelina finished dancing he smiled to himself. She was quite the dancer. He especially liked her strawberry blond hair gliding about her as she spun and swayed to the music. He actually took in her appearance as if it were the first time. When she approached he nodded approvingly.

Jumping back to the present he smiled at her praise for the accommodations. "I am pleased you like them. A library? Yes, there is one here. James didn't show it to you?" He wondered why James had neglected to show her the library.

"Follow me and I'll show you." Orren pulled his cloak around himself and walked out into the main landing in the house.

Opening the door to the library he was surprised to find it emptied out. "JAMES!" He bellowed loudly with a growl that would likely scare Adelina. He momentarily forgot she was there and watching his anger. He heard a door close across the house and he repeated himself. "JAMES!" He yelled with his voice echoing off of the walls.

James appeared with his usual finesse. "What do you need Orren?" He realized where Orren was and his voice got lower.

"Orren I can explain." James stated as he approached. "Your father-" James jumped backwards and gave a frustrated look at Orren.

Orren practically growled and his eyes flashed and turned an angry shade of crimson. He roared "What did my father tell you to do? You do not report to him! You are MY best friend. THEY left me to be turned into this- this MONSTER."

Orren turned toward the library and saw Adelina. His eyes stopped flashing and he looked crestfallen that she had seen him like this. He couldn't help but believe she would run away and leave him. What normal girl wouldn't? His heart tore at the realization that he would be stuck as a demon forever as soon as she left.

Orren turned and ran, his cloak swirling out behind him. Once out of sight he went up into the tower and locked himself in. Orren would stay up here for days. Adelina wouldn't see him for a week at least.

Orren's sudden disappearance left James staring at Adelina. "What I was trying to tell him was that his father asked me to send some of the books to him at the other house and the others I boxed up so the library could be repainted." James looked at her and with a sad smile he said, "I should have told you. It was supposed to be a surprise for his 20th birthday. Will you help me with it?"

James tried to comfort her in case she was thinking of running away. "Orren often goes up to the tower when he is upset. He doesn't want you to see him this way. He is very sensitive to the effect his appearance has on others and the fact that his family abandoned him- Well, it can't hurt much more than that can it?"

@XxLyraxX

@Wick

Adelina will admit, she had been a little frightened of the shouting. She could be started very easily by loud noises and since she had been standing right next to Orren when his voice pitched up to a growl, it did cause her to stumble back in surprise a small bit. She watched the conversation between Orren in James, if it could be called a conversation, with eyes growing wider by the minute. She was about to step in and lay a calming hand on Orren's arm when he seemed to realize that she was still present in the room. She meet his gaze and her heart twinged at the heartbreak and...defeat..that she saw in his gaze. She watched with surprise as he turned and ran out of the room as if the hounds of Hell were nipping at his heels. She turned to James, seeking answers for what just happened. When she learned of what James's plan had been for the library, she felt a small twinge of guilt. They were here in the first place because she had asked about. She glanced at the door with which Orren had fled through and felt her shoulders drop slightly.

Throughout that week, Adelina helped James with the library as well as start on her cleaning. She had chosen to clean the foyer and main entrance first, figuring that would be the best place to start. It was a tedious task but Adelina was stubborn of all else and she worked as hard as she could. Since Orren had confined himself to the tower, meal times we're certainly a lonely affair. She knew she had to give Orren some space but by the end of the week she approached James with a determined look in her eyes. He would normally take a tray of food up to the tower for Orren. Adelina marched over to him and said she would take it. She gently took the tray from his hands and headed up the steps. She walked carefully, not wanting to spill anything. She reached the door to the tower and sent the tray on a table nearby. She straightened her hair and clothes and rapped on the door with her knuckles.

"Orren? It's Adelina. I've brought your food for you." She went silent before she took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts. "I know you probably don't to talk, so I will. I'm not afraid of you and I'm certainly not leaving any time soon. You shouldn't lock yourself away like this, just because you lost your temper a bit. Yes, I was startled, but because of the noise, not because of you. We're all subjected to anger every now and then. Even me. So don't beat yourself because of this. Will you come out? Please? Meal times are terribly lonely you know."

collaboration post with @xxlyraxx

Orren's head turned towards her voice when he heard her. He was in a tough place to be and he felt alone. If he let her get close to him and it wasn't enough to break the spell then what? He would turn full demon and hurt or kill her? His mind stayed amped up and worry filled his mind. He smiled slightly. She sure was a determined little thing. He held his breath and opened the door and turned and walked back to the window.

"It's lonely for me too." He sighed. "Why aren't you terrified of me? You should be, I'm half demon already. I could hurt you, kill you even." He opened his mouth to say more but he closed it and looked out over the city.

Adelina reached over and picked up the tray, carrying it into the room with her. She glanced around and spotted a table, walking over and setting it down before she turned to look at Orren. She remained quiet while he talked and once he had said his piece, she walked over to him, stopping shy of standing next to him. "I'm not terrified or scared of you because I have no reason to be. You expressing worry that you will do something terrible shows that you can control yourself. You were angered at James but you didn't raise a hand against him, did you? I don't fully understand how it feels to be in your place, but I want to do my best to help you out as much as I can. So please, don't hide away."

Orren was overly frustrated and he wasn't sure how he felt but he was still feeling resentful of the spell in it's entirety. He turned to her in a split second, his cloak flying about wildly. It gave her access to see his entire demonic form and the pain in his eyes.

"Do you know how badly people thought I was because of the spell? They spread rumors about me eating people. The doctors refused to come here for fear of being killed. James almost died last year, he got pneumonia and the doctor wouldn't come here." He leaned his face down to hers and his face changed, showing the hardness that he could be. "Maybe I should stop trying to break the spell and just make you both leave. I would be banished to hell as a demon, maybe that would be better for you both."

Orren rose up and glared at her. He growled under his breath quietly.

Adelina straightened her spine and returned his glare, fists balling at her sides. She took a step forward, finger coming up and poking at his chest. "You're not going to give up, I won't let you and I highly doubt James will either. Even if you send me away, I'll come back, again and again. However many times it takes for you to see that I want to help and I'm not going to take no for an answer. I didn't run away before so I'm not going to run now. People will find anything to be afraid of and if they want to act like a lot of cowards then so be it. They won't get to see how nice of a person you are, or hear how beautifully you play. We're going to find a way to break this spell, do you hear me? I'm not giving up and neither will you, understand?"

She took a deep breath, staring up at him defiantly.

Orren was about to say something when he heard something outside the window. Someone was shooting at him. He shoved Adelina away from the window and she landed on her backside. "Stay down!"

A second shot rang out and although pistols in those days were not very accurate this one entered the window and hit him in the shoulder. Orren roared loudly and jumped right out of the window.

Adelina let out a loud "Ommph!" and was quite confused to suddenly find herself on the ground. It took her brain a few seconds to process what had happened, and a few more seconds to realize why Orren wasn't standing in the room with her any longer. Crouching, she hurried over to the door as fast as she could and as soon as she was clear of the window, began sprinting down the stairs, nearly tripping over her dress. "JAMES!" She screamed at the top of her lungs as she raced into the main area and towards the front door.

James didn't know which way to turn as he was already carrying a pistol. "I'm on my way out to the gardens. Someone is shooting at Orren!"

James ran to the door and towards the gardens in time to see the demonic side of Orren in full swing. His claws had come out and his eyes were glowing red in fury and he was about to tear the man in half. James aimed and shot Orren in the leg and Orren roared at him loudly. "Drop him Orren! You can't kill him. If you kill in demonic form you will suffer as a demon for all eternity."

Orren threw the man in the bushes and bellowed out a loud roar that shook the walls of the kingdom. Afterwards he ran towards the back of the property and his bellowing was heard for miles as he worked off some of his anger and frustration. Orren didn't come in for over an hour.

James ran over and took up the pistol from the ground and he dragged the shooter outside the gates so his friends who were no doubt watching could take him home. James locked the gates and walked back inside the main entrance of the house and kicked the door shut.

Adelina paced in a tight line in the foyer. She was fairly sure her pacing was wearing a line into the floor but that was the last thing on her mind. James had tried to coax her to come to dinner but she declined, her worry for Orren mounting as the hour passed. She had heard from James just what happened and she had begun her pacing when she learned about Orren's wounds. Finally, after an hour and still no sign of him, she marched over to the door and grabbed her cloak. She swung it over her shoulders then threw the door open. White flakes were beginning to drift from the sky and she shivered as a cold wind blew through the open doorway. All the more reason to go looking for him.

She called to James that she was going to look for Orren and hurried outside before he could call her back. He had said Orren had run to the back of the property and that's where she started looking. She scanned the open space but didn't see him anywhere. The forest it was then. She picked up the pace and ran into the trees. "Orren!" She called, huffing slightly as she jogged. The snow was beginning to fall faster now and she picked up speed, hoping to find him before the weather took a turn for the worse.

"Orre-" She cut off with a startled scream, the ground underneath her feet disappearing as she walked off a small hill, losing her footing and letting out another scream as she went tumbling down. She reached the bottom shortly thereafter and groaned, slowly sitting up. Nothing felt broken but when she tried to climb to her feet, her right ankle turned underneath her and she crumpled back to the ground.

She lay there for a few moments, catching her breath before sitting up once more and looking around for a sturdy stick she could use as a crutch. She eventually found one not too far from her and she leaned over, snagging it with her fingers and dragging it towards her. She got to her feet again slowly, right foot lifted off the ground as she leaned heavily on the branch. She looked around to find a path to take and let out another groan. The decline she had tumbled down landed her in what was essentially a bowl. Steep inclines surround her and with her foot, she definitely wouldn't be able to climb up. And all the while, the snow fell down, settling on her cloak.

Orren had heard Adelina and he had purposely stayed out of her sight. When she fell he waited to hear her and when he didn't he crept down into the bowl shape of the hill. He saw her in the dark. She was okay but he guessed she had twisted her ankle. In the darkness that was getting darker still he sighed and went over to her and tried to be gentle with her as he lifted her into his arms and held her against him. For him it was easy to get out of the decline. He said not a word as he carried her back to the house. Once inside the house he put her down on a chair.

When she was swept up into someone's arms, she yelped, arm holding the branch swinging in surprise. In the darkness she couldn't see who had picked her up and it was a reflect to swing. Lucky for Orren, her aim was off since she couldn't see and she missed hitting him with the branch. "O-Orren?" She asked quietly, feeling the figure lean forward as they climbed easily from the bowl they had been trapped in. Adelina stayed quiet for the majority of the trip, relaxing slightly when they exited the forest and the dim light from the castle barely allowed her to make out Orren's features. "Oh thank goodness. Are you okay? Your injuries are greater than mine, I don't think you should be carrying me." When she got no response, she peered up at him in concern. She continued to look at him in concern as he sat her down in a chair. Now that they were inside, she could fully see the extent of his injuries and she gasped.

"Hang on, I'll go get the medkit." She said, thankful she had kept hold of her branch the entire time as she now tried to use it to climb to her feet.

Orren stayed her hand as she tried to get up. "James! Adelina has injured her ankle. Can you bring the medical kit, please." Orren had barely raised his voice but he heard James bustling about in the other room getting what was needed. James arrived with all manner of medical necessities. He wrapped Adelina's ankle after checking to see if it was broken. James glanced up and took a peek at Orren to see what state of mind he was in.

"Should I bother with you now or later?" Orren grumbled at him and James handed the kit to Adelina. "Maybe you'll have better luck. He isn't too pleased with me right now. He has one in the shoulder and one in the leg. I think they both went all the way through." James looked irritated and left them alone.

Orren was very aware that Adelina wouldn't have gotten injured if she hadn't come looking for him and it upset him. "You should have left me alone out there. It doesn't bother me at all. You could have been killed if I hadn't been close enough to hear you when you fell."

Adelina set the kit on the table and used her improv crutch to climb to her feet. She gestured for him to sit in the chair, waiting patiently for him to take a seat. When he did, she examined the wounds in his shoulder and leg. "James was right, they went right through so we don't have the painful job of digging the bullet out. Hmmmmm, It's going to need stitches though." She turned to the medical kit and began rooting around for what she needed. As she did, she addressed what he had said. "Yes, well, I would have minded. You were injured and it was starting to snow. There was no way I was going to leave you out there. And I'm sure I would have been able to find a way out of that hole, given time."

She poured some disinfectant onto a rag and hobbled over to him. "This will sting a bit." She warned before she began cleaning the wounds as gently as she could. Once done, she grabbed a needle, disinfected it before she threaded it and turned to Orren once more. Her tongue peeked out between her teeth as she focused on making neat, clean stitches. All that was left was to bandage the wound, which didn't take too long. Finished, she began cleaning up, starting to feel bruises form from her tumble down the hill.

Orren watched as she cleaned and sewed up the wounds. He couldn't figure why she seemed so concerned and then something occurred to him. She was cleaning up and he stood up and picked her up. Her surprise was obvious.

"I should let you know that whether or not I die you will still be paid so you need not worry about my welfare so much." He carried her to her room. "I'll have James bring hot water for a bath. Your muscles will be sore." His tone was cold as he deposited her on her bed and walked out of the room.

@XxLyraxX

@Wick

Adelina stared at him as he walked out of the room, sputtering in outrage. She snatched up her stick but he had already left. He was lucky he gotten out of range before she had gathered her wits about her to grab her stick, because he definitely would have gotten a bonk on his head to knock some sense back into him. How dare he. She was so flustered and mad that she only said a terse "Thank you" to James when he brought her some water for her bath and locked herself in the bathroom. She soaked in the water until it turned cold and dragged herself out. It took a little finessing to get dressed and make it back to her room but she managed it. James had left before she had locked herself in the bathroom but he left a tray of food on her nightstand. She glanced over at the door and scowled, hobbling over to it. She locked the handle then latched the chain. She knew both Orren and James hand a spare key for every door in the house but it gave her some satisfaction that they would have to break the chain if they wanted to get in.

She sat down on her bed and picked at her food, her appetite nearly non-existent. She sighed and left the tray, pulling back the covers and slipping beneath them. She sighed and closed her eyes, trying to relax enough to fall asleep.

---

The next morning when James knocked on her door to tell her breakfast was ready, she was already up and dressed. She unlocked her door and marched, well hobbled, to the dining room where Orren was already seated at the table. She stopped in the doorway and stared him, hand not holding her walking stick clenched into a tight fist at her side. Her facial expression was controlled but barely and when she spoke her voice bespoke her anger. "I'm only going to say this once: Don't you ever presume that the only reason I care about your well-being is because you pay me because if that's what you think then you are sorely mistaken. James, I'll be taking my breakfast in my room please." With that she turned and left the room.

---

A week passed and Adelina had been taking all of her meals in her room. She was also avoiding Orren out of anger. Banned from cleaning by James because of her ankle, Adelina explored the castle. The library was still being painted so she couldn't hide away in there. Most days, when it wasn't snowing too hard, she spent her days in the garden. James had found her a sketchpad and some charcoal at her request so she sat on a bench and drew whatever came to mind. On that day, she was seated on a bench, humming to herself as she sketched a squirrel foraging around for food. As she drew, her humming soon turned into singing, a lullaby her mother used to sing to her spilling from her lips.

"Lavender's blue,
Dilly dilly,
Lavenders green.

When I am King,
Dilly dilly,
You shall be Queen.

Who told you so,
Dilly dilly,
Who told you so?

T'was my own heart,
Dilly dilly,
That told me so.

Call up your men,
Dilly dilly,
Set them to work.

Some to the plow,
Dilly dilly,
Some to the fork.

Some to make hay,
Dilly dilly,
Some to cut corn.

While you and I,
Dilly dilly,
Keep ourselves warm.

Lavender's green,
Dilly dilly,
Lavender's blue.

If you love me,
Dilly dilly,
I will love you.

Let the birds sing,
Dilly dilly,
Let the lambs play.

We shall be safe,
Dilly dilly,
Out of harms way.

I love to dance,
Dilly dilly,
I love to sing.

When I am Queen,
Dilly dilly,
You'll be my King.

Who told me so,
Dilly dilly,
Who told me so?

I told myself,
Dilly dilly,
I told me so."

(Song she was singing and what her singing voice sounds like: youtu.be/egxhqVo81u8)

@XxLyraxX

Orren had heard Adelina's words and when she left the room so did he. He went back up into the tower to think about what she had said and after a while he was smiling. She had spunk he had to give her that. He noticed the last few days she had avoided him altogether and he couldn't say that he blamed her. However, today he felt like celebrating the sunshine. The heat on his face made him smile brilliantly. Orren looked down and realized that Adelina was in the garden drawing he presumed.

He looked up seeing movement outside the main gate. He saw James go outside and speak with the driver of the wagon and James appeared to run back inside and Orren ran downstairs to see what was going on. "Orren!" James yelled not realizing he was on his way already. "What is wrong?" Orren inquired. After listening to James, Orren went outside to speak to the driver and James grabbed his coat and at Orren's request he left to go help the driver.

Orren went immediately to the gardens. "Adelina!" Orren came over to where she was sitting and he knew she was still mad at him. "I need you to clean out two rooms immediately. We will have two guests that I expect to be long term. One is ill and one is injured." He looked down upon her face sadly. "Adelina, it's your father and brother. I am bringing them here to live and take care of. Your brother had an accident. He fell off of a horse. The doctor sent someone to tell us and I sent James to bring them back here."

@XxLyraxX

@Wick

Adelina tensed as she heard that unmistakable voice call out her name. Her fingers tightened on the stick of charcoal until she set it aside for fear of snapping it in half from the force of her ire. It had been a week so she supposed she shouldn't be too surprised Orren was seeking her out. She took a deep breath as his form grew closer and closer. She was going to say hello and then she would retreat to her bedroom where she knew he wouldn't follow. When he stopped before her, she turned and opened her mouth to deliver her curt greeting but he beat her to speaking by getting right to the point. Her mouth slowly closed as he explained he needed her to clean out two guest rooms, her curiosity rising despite herself. But as he continued to speak, his face changed into an expression she recognized quite well. It was the same expression the town's people had given her and Ciel at the time of their mother's passing.

She was already rising before he had even gotten the words out, though when she heard them it sent a pang to her heart and she swayed, having to catch herself on the bench. She turned as pale as the snow that surrounded her, causing her crimson lockes to stand out in stark relief. She began to tremble, breaths rattling her body in gasps as a ringing started up in her ears. She took a few stumbling steps before she broke out into a dash towards the castle. Her ankle screamed in protest but she grit her teeth against the pain and flew up the stairs. There were two guest rooms next to her own and she was a whirl-wind as she cleaned up and set about making it presentable. Her hands didn't stop trembling the entire and she dropped the blankets and sheets a few times but she managed to get everything in order.

Without anything to occupy herself, she paced in tight circles, limping now for over-exerting her ankle. But she just couldn't stop moving. Because she knew if she stopped moving and let her thoughts consume her, she was going to crumple into a pile of tears. And she needed to be strong for when her father and Ciel arrived.

Orren had tried not to blurt out the news as indelicately as he did. He could see her pallor lighten and her nerves fraying as he went to catch her when she started to sway. However, she had righted herself before he could help. She sprinted past him and into the castle. He looked down at the sketchbook and picked it up and carried it inside the house.

Orren could hear her working hard upstairs to make the rooms clean enough for her brother and father. Orren wasn't sure how else to help her. He stayed out of her way and after she left the rooms he brought in extra blankets, more candles and firewood for the fireplaces to keep them burning so the cold wouldn't settle in again. Orren went down to the parlor where he found Adelina pacing back and forth anxiously.

"Adelina, I'm sorry to tell you this but the chances of them getting here in the snow tonight are very unlikely. It's most likely that they will arrive tomorrow morning. I don't believe that James or the doctor would want them out in the coldest part of the night." He filled the fireplace and lit it hoping to take the damp chill out of the air. He pulled a blanket out and walked to her and wrapped it around her shoulders and looked at her.

"I'm sorry. I hope you are okay with my decision to bring them here. Maybe I should have consulted you first but I thought speed was of the essence and that you would like them close by so you could look after them."

Orren didn't leave the room quickly but he walked towards the kitchen. He realized with James gone they were on their own for dinner.

@XxLyraxX