Scorched

by Jendela Tryst

  Chapter 5

  Psyche lay in the bath as invisible hands fussed over her. Not for the first time, she found herself awed by their warmth and kindness, especially when compared to the cruel and brutal forest she had just left.

  Psyche heard a familiar voice that she recognized was her maid in waiting, chastising her gently for running off. “Now look at the scratches and bruises you got all over your face and hands. This will never do for the master.”

  “If he does not like it, he can return me home.” Psyche could not hide the petulance in her voice.

  The maid sighed as a pitcher floated towards a pool and dipped into it. The pitcher moved back towards Psyche who drew away in alarm. Invisible hands gave her a gentle nudge towards it.

  “Hold still,” her maid told her.

  The water touched Psyche’s skin and she gasped at the heat of it, trying to wrench away. Invisible hands held her lightly but firmly. Psyche watched as the water that had looked clean and clear, fizzled against her cuts. When another splash of the mysterious water poured onto her hand a second time, it revealed flawless skin. Psyche gasped at the sight and held up her hand towards the light in amazement.

  “Now, rinse your face, and we shall be done here.”

  Psyche did as she was told. She realized that the warmth from the water was more soothing than it was painful, and the tenderness on her cheek from a bramble that had caught on her face faded into nothing. When she touched her cheek again, there was no pain at all.

  Rendered speechless, Psyche rose from the bath and allowed the robes to fall upon her, patting her gently to dry. Her hair was smoothed, dried, and arranged high above her head. After Psyche stepped into the garment that was waiting for her, she could not help but gasp at its elaborateness. She did not think the richest queens possessed silks so fine with the most intricate silver embroidery. She passed her reflection and barely recognized herself. She had to touch her face to make sure it was really she.

  For a fleeting moment, she wondered how Erik would have reacted if he saw her now. Perhaps, he would have been even more intimidated and distanced himself further.

  But I am still Psyche, she thought.I am still the same.

  Unfortunately, there was no one that she could see to enjoy her new appearance. She dined alone in the great dining hall with more food than she could have eaten in a month.

  “Why does he not eat with me?” she asked out loud to no one in particular. But she was not surprised when the voice of her maid answered not too far from her.

  “He does not eat like the rest of us.”

  Psyche shrugged. “He feeds off of the frightened flesh of virgin sacrifices, then?”

  Her maid made an offended sound. “You know not what you speak of. Master would do no such thing!”

  Of course, how could a servant say anything bad about her master?

  Psyche tried a different approach. “What is he like?”

  The silence was more telling than anything. “You will meet him soon enough.”

  “Am I to call you something?”

  “I’m sorry?”

  “You. You never gave me your name. If I need you, I would like to know who to beckon.”

  The maid cleared her throat. “You may call me Cordelia.”

  “Cordelia. I am finished with my meal. You may take me to my husband now.”

  The chair was pulled out for Psyche, and she raised herself up and was surprised when a small torch floated from a mantel.

  “Follow me,” said Cordelia.

  Psyche followed the light as it led to a narrow passageway she had never been through before. The light from the other rooms slowly faded, and soon Psyche was surrounded only by a gloom that was so intense, she hesitated at the next passageway.

  The torch paused when it saw that Psyche was not following.

  “Are you coming?” Cordelia asked lightly.

  “Why is it so dark?” Psyche asked, her voice catching.

  “Master prefers the darkness.”

  A feeling of foreboding wrapped itself around Psyche’s heart and held her feet still.

  Cordelia’s tone was getting more impatient. “You must hurry. Master has been waiting for quite a while now.”

  Knowing that she could not refuse, Psyche bade herself to have courage. The warmth of the day was quickly disappearing as she felt herself moving deeper and deeper into the belly of the palace. She had completely lost all sense of direction, and she realized that if she ever wanted to make her escape, she would not have the slightest idea of how to get back.

  “Wait. Please.” Psyche was shaking now. The sense of claustrophobia was overcoming her and she dropped to her knees. “I can go no further.”

  “What nonsense is this?” Cordelia was urging her forward. “You are a grown woman, not a child. No ill will befall you.”

  “Of course you would say that. You are his to command!”

  After a pause, the maid’s tone changed. “We are almost there. Just a few paces ahead. Do not fret, child. Hurry or he will be displeased. You’ve already soiled your dress on the floor!”

  “He cannot even see me in this dark.”

  “Oh, he’ll see you just fine.”

  “Perhaps he is a bat, then? Or a night owl?”

  Cordelia chuckled at this. “Don’t be silly.” The torch was starting to leave without her. “You can come or you can stay where you are. I will not linger in this drafty passageway any longer.”

  Psyche saw the soft glow of the torch fade into a turn and felt the darkness enclose her, filled with frightening demons of her tormented imagination. Surely, anything was better than the blackness. “Cordelia, wait!” Psyche hurried around the bend and saw the torch pausing by an open door.

  “Well, hurry on now. Step inside.”

  When Psyche reached the interior of the room, she was surprised by its spaciousness. There were candles all around with dark patches here and there. The fire lit in the hearth, however, was warm and inviting.

  Her first impression was that the room was empty, and for this, she was relieved. At least she could have time to scan the area for a means of escape or at the very least a weapon to defend herself before her husband’s arrival.

  The torch settled itself on the mantel and Psyche moved towards a cushioned lounge and sat down, her attention caught by the lovely array of fruits and cheeses beautifully displayed on a small table.

  “Well, then. I shall leave you two alone.”

  The door shut and Psyche suddenly jumped up off the chair and took a second look at the room. She had been certain no one was there, but upon closer scrutiny, she noticed that there was a shadowy patch at the far corner of the room. Behind a lounge, she suddenly realized an indistinct shape was hovering.

  Her new husband.

  Psyche swallowed and immediately backed away, petrified of what the darkness was hiding.

  “Do not be frightened.”

  The voice was surprisingly deep but soft, like the purr of a tiger. Psyche was only slightly assured. She was defenseless, she knew, but if she had to, she had a clear path to the exit and another escape through a narrow window. Surely, plunging to her death would be more inviting than what this strange creature had in mind for her.

  “I have been waiting so long to see you.”

  When she did not respond, she saw him shift a bit, as if uncomfortable. “Won’t you be seated?”

  “I’d rather stand.”

  She did not intend her voice to be as sharp as it was, but she no longer knew what to expect from the strange creatures of this island. She knew she was taken here against her will as some sort of sacrifice for the gods. There was no escaping her fate, but she was not going to simply sit and let it happen to her, whatever it might be.

  She heard the strange creature almost sigh wearily. “You may do whatever you wish. Your happiness is my utmost desire.”

  His speech gave her some courage. “If this is so, then you will take me home.”

  He pa
used and she began to feel a niggling of hope. “Do you believe you will find happiness at home?”

  The response was unexpected. Psyche opened her mouth to respond sharply, but could not bring herself to lie. She recalled the meanness of her mother, the snide remarks from her sister, the dirty looks of the villagers, and the constant desire to get away. Then, she remembered the only times she felt truly happy were the brief moments she had stolen with Erik, talking with him, dreaming with him, laughing....

  She blinked the tears away and returned to the present, shaking her head. “I do not know where I will find happiness. I just know that it will not be here in this strange palace, and it will not be with you.”

  “You are so certain?”

  “I am.”

  Happiness was being with the one she loved and the one she believed loved her back. Psyche knew she would never allow herself to love to such an extent again. Love would lead to nothing but deceit and pain. She had never felt so alone, for the creature was right. Home would not resolve her problems. Home was where memories ofhim were, in every grove, in every tree, on every hilltop. Home was where her mother would simply find ways to blame her for everything, and a mob of people wanted to sacrifice her to save themselves.

  “Perhaps, you will give me a chance. It is all I ask of you.”

  Psyche looked up from her tear soaked eyes at the strange shadow before her. She was no longer afraid of him, and she did not know why. She found herself slowly sitting back down on the chaise. “Who are you?”

  “I am the Lord of Amorus.”

  Psyche shook her head. Again, the name meant nothing to her. “This island by the same name, you are the lord of it?”

  “I am.”

  “Why do you not come into the light?”

  “The light will kill me.”

  “Kill you? How is that possible?”

  “A lot of things are possible in this island, Psyche. Surely you realize this by now, after all of your escapades.”

  Psyche inhaled a breath sharply. “You... you know of them?”

  “Would I be master of this island if I do not know all that happens here? Could I even be master of my own palace?”

  “But then... you let me go. You let me run away.”

  “You would have gone mad if you weren’t allowed to see what was out there. The doors are locked not to keep you from escaping, but to keep you safe from the island creatures. There are beasts five times more frightening than any of the ones you encountered today. And you are one of the few mortals on this island.”

  “Mortals?” Psyche could hardly bring herself to ask her next question, but she had to. “You...then...are not a mortal?”

  Her mind quickly flew to the list of immortals in her readings. There were of course, the gods, but they resided on Mount Olympus, and she had offended them. It was unlikely any of them would have wanted her for a wife. Then there were the demi-gods, the half gods who ranged from all kinds of frightening creatures to more harmless ones who had all the traits of a person. She did not recall any who were harmed by light. Not unless you counted the demons of the Underworld. Could he be one of these? If so, which was he?

  Her companion interrupted her thoughts. “The point is that you are fragile here, Psyche. Your mortality is a great weakness, and you do not stand a chance out there where the beasts are plentiful and merciless.”

  “Like you?”

  He paused. “I have not harmed you.”

  “Yet.”

  Psyche wondered if she could irritate him. She found herself suddenly wanting to see this suspiciously gentle creature angry. Surely, anger would lead him to show his true colors and she would have a better idea of what she was dealing with.

  “I will not harm you,” he corrected himself calmly.

  “Why do you not show yourself? What is it you’re hiding?”

  “Psyche, I beg you to lower your guard. I wish only to spend more time with you. I do not want my form to prejudice you, or frighten you away. In time, I shall reveal myself to you. But I have brought you here not to devour you, as you seem to love telling my servants, but because... I would like for you to be my friend.”

  Psyche could not quite believe her ears. Friendship? Was that really all he wanted? Were they not supposed to be married? She did not know how to respond. She stared at the dark shadow at the corner, her mind racing. She did not like not seeing him, not reading his expressions, but she could not deny the gentleness of his voice, despite its low, almost growling timbre. At the moment, it sounded more like a purr, inviting and seductive. The creature waited patiently for a response, but she could see him shifting uncomfortably in the shadows.

  She felt some satisfaction when she heard him say, “Please, say something.” He was not the only one who could be mysterious.

  Making a decision, Psyche suddenly got up from her seat. She sensed that the creature had tensed as she moved towards the door.

  “Psyche?”

  She reached for the torch and gazed towards him with an unreadable expression. Then, with a sudden move, she snuffed the light so that the room was filled with darkness save for a few candles in the far corner.

  “Step away from there then, Lord of Amorus, and sit beside me more comfortably.”

  She heard him gasp at her words, then a faint breath of hesitation. Finally, there was a shuffle from where the strange creature sat on the other side of the room. He sounded clumsy from his movements as he made it towards a vacant seat and sat down. She could see no more of him, not even a shadow. She finally sat back down on the chaise and willed her voice to remain steady as she stared flatly at the looming, but hidden, figure only a few feet away.

  “So then, if we are to be friends, perhaps you can tell me a little bit more about yourself and this strange land you have brought me to.”

  Chapter 6

  Psyche felt him relax distinctly and thought she heard a long, soft exhalation. She felt inexplicably irritated by the sound, as if he knew something she did not. It made her almost want to take back her offer of friendship.

  “We will get to all that in time,” he deferred smoothly. “But first, let me ask you how do you like your new home?”

  “It is a luxurious prison, thank you.”

  He sighed, but did not argue. “I thought we were to be friends.”

  “If we are to be friends, I believe we should be honest with each other. I do not believe I need to pretend just to spare your feelings.”

  “At least you acknowledge that I have some. Feelings, that is.”

  Psyche would not be swayed. “Why are the servants invisible?”

  He sighed again. “I knew you would never rest until you had all the answers.”

  “What fool would live in an enchanted palace and not demand answers?”

  His voice was laced with amusement. “You would be surprised how many. Are the servants not to your liking?”

  “Will you eat them if they aren’t?”

  Psyche was startled when she suddenly heard a low rumble. It took her a moment to realize that it was her mysterious companion laughing. It was a rich, pleasant sound that filled the empty, dark room and caused some candles in the corner to flicker. She responded with her own smile.

  A candle at the corner suddenly moved and she saw that it was floating towards her, stopping to settle on a small table by her seat. She looked questioningly at it.

  “I hope you don’t mind that I look upon you as we converse,” He answered the unspoken. “I’m sorry I cannot return the pleasure.”

  “I don’t mind, as long as you promise that someday the pleasure will be returned.”

  Psyche felt the creature’s hesitation and she found herself leaning towards the single candle and inhaling as if to blow.

  “I promise!” was the exclamation that came from the shadows.

  Psyche smiled and although she couldn’t see it, the shadow caught his breath.

  “How about this?” continued her mysterious companion. “You will
be allowed one question a night that refers to your... new situation. The rest of our conversation can be used talking about other matters.”

  “Like the weather?”

  This time his sigh was a bit more exasperated and she shifted uncomfortably. She knew she was being rude and began to feel the stirrings of guilt. It seemed unfair, as he exceptionally well mannered, not to mention patience. But then, he wasn’t the one who had been abducted and taken from his family.

  “Hopefully, we can talk about more than that,” he responded gently. “Please, Psyche, give this a chance. I have a feeling we have more in common than you think.”

  “How do you know this?”

  “Is this your one question for the night?”

  Psyche felt her patience falter. “I have not agreed to your bargain yet.”

  “Psyche, my dear, I can refuse to answer any of your questions if I wish. We can do this all night.”

  “Three questions a night,” Psyche tried.

  “You humans are always driving a hard bargain.”

  “Only a nonhuman would say such a thing. You are not human, then?”

  The creature leaned back and made a soft sound. Psyche suspected it was out of irritation at last. “I’m afraid three questions will not be possible. You see, my goal is to make you like me enough that the truth no longer frightens you.”

  It seemed like a reasonable request, but Psyche was determined. “I am not so easily frightened,” she insisted.

  “I know. The fact that you ventured off alone and came back alive and not driven insane by the island is proof enough. But I do not know how you will deal with... who I am.”

  There was a pregnant silence as Psyche weighed her options. “If, when I find out all that I need to, and you finally show yourself to me, and I... do not like what I see, will I be free to go?”

  It was his turn to be silent. She felt him search her face and she willed herself to be still. His answer would mean everything to her. And it would determine whether she was a true prisoner or not. For what would it matter if she “liked” him if she would never be free?

  “You will be free to go. But if you do, you cannot reveal to anyone what you have seen here. And I will... find a way to make it so that you can forget.”