by Emily Sharp
“Thank you. I am sorry, what is your name?” she asked as she stepped through and the man closed the door behind her.
“Thomas. You may leave your suitcase there, it will be attended to.”
Doing as he said, she set the suitcase against the wall.
“I will give you a tour of the castle, then you are to meet with Louise,” he said. Though his voice was as straight as his posture, there was a slight hint of a nice person behind it.
“That sounds wonderful.”
Without another word, Thomas headed to the right and opened up a set of double doors. Adara could not help but break out into a smile.
“The ballroom,” he said.
And what a room it was. The walls were gold in color, and a chandelier hung from the high ceiling, its size too big to measure. There was a piano and a stage to the side for what she assumed was for an orchestra. Rich tapestry of red with silhouettes of dancers hung down from the walls, their length at least fifteen feet. And there was a large fireplace, easily enough room for a grown man to lay or stand in.
“This way, please.”
Adara followed him across the room, then she burst out laughing. Thomas turned around, his eyebrows raised.
“What is so funny?”
“My footsteps, they echo,” Adara said, then covered her mouth. “I am sorry, but I just think it’s funny.” Adara felt a bit silly, her nerves were all over the place, and she was finding it hard to keep her outbursts under control. That’s what she did when she was nervous.
He nodded and then began walking again.
For the next ten minutes or so, she was led to a parlor, a beauty salon, a small casino, and other areas that she tried to remember but could not.
Finally she was led through another set of doors and into the same library which she sat in the day before. Without a word from Thomas, he closed the doors, leaving her in the room alone.
Looking around, her heart skipped a bit when she saw the figure in the window bay once again turned to the side so only half her body was revealed. Adara was not sure if the woman thought so highly of herself that everything had to be a pose, or she was just naturally awkward.
“I am glad you showed up.”
“Did you think I was not going to?” Adara replied, walking toward the couch she had sat on yesterday.
“One can never tell, but I assumed you would.”
She moved to the couch, and the small end table beside it held the rose she had picked yesterday, sitting in a glass of water. Tracing her finger on the soft petals, a smile came to her face before she sat down. “I am here and ready to work to pay of this debt. Would you have me clean? Or perhaps you would like me to work in your gardens?” Adara asked, her hands smoothing out her jeans.
The laugh echoed in the library, the same trace of meanness in it. “No. You will not be doing those meaningless things. You see, Adara, your job will be much greater, a unique position granted to you.”
Adara shook her head. “I am sorry, I don't understand.”
“No one is allowed to look at me, save Thomas. You have been granted permission to see of me what I want you to see.”
Adara tried to comprehend what the woman was saying but could not. She seemed to speak in riddles, and it was beginning to frustrate her, but she didn’t say anything. It would only make matters worse.
“So this will be your job for the next year. You will dine with me, watch movies with me, or whatever else I deem necessary.”
“So, you hired me to be your friend?”
The laugh was loud and at such high pitch, Adara looked at the windows wondering if they might in fact shatter.
“No. There are no friends in this world. A companion maybe. But you are beautiful, and I will want to gaze upon your beauty every day. That is what you are, a beauty, just like what your name means.”
Adara felt her heart pick up a little. “My job is for you to gaze upon me?” This woman truly was mad.
“No. Your job is to do what I say. I am the princess, the keeper of this castle. Let’s not complicate things. And I hear the fear in your voice, but don't worry. For as long as you are here, you are safe.”
Adara shook her head. Everything in her told her to stand up and leave, regardless of the consequences, and she did stand up and headed toward the entrance from which she came in.
Her hand went to the handle. All she had to do was get to a phone, or at the very worst begin the walk back to the cabin to where her dad was.
But then what? The rose on the table had to be paid for. It was either one year here, or many years of trying to pay off a debt so large it would be impossible.
With a sigh she let go of the handle, and with determination in her to get this year over with, she headed back to the small couch.
“You made the right decision. Now, your room had been prepared for you, and you will find everything you need. While you stay here as my guest, my castle, my servants, anything you desire is yours. I hope you find it to your liking,” Louise said, her voice now sweet and caring.
“OK,” Adara said, not sure what else to say.
“Your contract is in your room. It is straightforward and simple to understand. Though the rules are few, I expect them to be followed religiously.”
“What rules?” Adara asked.
“Read it.”
The door behind Adara opened, and turning, she saw Thomas standing there, his hands to his side.
“Enjoy your lunch. We will dine together tonight,” Louise said.
And feeling more confused than ever, Adara headed to her new room—and her new life for the next year.
Chapter Five
The room she was to sleep in was beyond magnificent, and its size was the same as the cabin she had been living in. A four-poster bed, complete with white see-through lace curtains hung from it. Wardrobes and dressers made from what appeared to be cherry wood, shone with a bright polish. A vanity table large enough for one to dine on sat along one wall, complete with an oversized mirror, the bulbs above it running in a long row, ready to be turned on.
Adara walked to the large window that looked over the massive garden. Shrubbery, hedges, and winding paths waited to guide one’s feet as they explored. Leaving the window, she headed over to another door and opened it. A walk-in closet at least ten feet deep and the same wide, the empty space needing clothes to fill it. Opening another door, she came into the bathroom. A large soaking tub that could easily fit five rested against the wall, a shower next to it with blue and white tiles that glinted with multicolored lights that came through the stained glass on the massive window overlooking the tub. Going back to her new room, she let out a sigh.
A castle was something that was made of dreams, but she found herself in a nightmare. For although this could be a place of magic, the owner, the self-described princess, ruined the mood. Closing her eyes for a moment, Adara thought of her father and hoped he was preparing for his new start in life. A smile slowly began to form as the answer to her worries became evident.
She would be happy for her situation and not look at it any longer as a requirement. It was an adventure she would embark on for the next year. And if Princess Grouch wanted to remain moody and manic, then she could. But Adara would not. In fact she was going to make it the best experience ever.
Opening her eyes, she saw her room in a different light. The colors of the rugs now popped, the paintings on the wall now shone. And she began to sing, as she did when she felt most happy. Singing brought peace, not only to herself, but to those around her. The song ended and feeling better, she took a deep breath, a new outlook making her feel refreshed.
Going to the bed, she looked over the contract that sat on it, a pen resting beside it. She read over it; it was simple enough. No phone calls permitted, communication by letter only. Once she left, she was not allowed to talk to anyone about the castle or the people within it. She would be paid weekly, a sum of one thousand dollars that would be deposited in a bank in Palomino. Louise had been r
ight, there really weren’t many rules. Signing her name, she then opened her suitcase and removed her diary, took it and set it on top of the cabinet next to the bed. A moment later, she began to pull out clothes, and then going to the closet and wardrobes, put the few things she brought away. Soon, she was done, and now it was time to enjoy a hot bath.
“Madam,” a woman’s voice came to her, making her jump and she let out a small shriek. Turning around, a woman stood there, wearing a pair of black dress pants and buttoned up blouse. Her blond hair shone, her head lowered. She was the same woman who brought them tea earlier.
“You scared me!” Adara said, letting out a laugh.
“I am so sorry. Please, forgive me.”
Adara shook her head. “It is fine. What is your name?”
“Sofia.”
“Hey, you can look at me.”
The woman looked up, her face pretty with her slightly upturned nose and ocean blue eyes.
“Thank you, Madam. Dinner will be ready in two hours in the main dining room.”
Adara smiled. “Sounds great. So, how long have you worked here, Sofia?”
The woman seemed hesitant to answer.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to get too personal. I figure if I am going to live here a year, I should get to know everyone.”
Sofia gave a slight smile. “You are right. I have been here since Madam moved in.”
Adara walked over and grabbed her empty suitcase and set it on the end of the bed. “That’s great. You must really love working here.”
“Yes,” came the answer, though Adara did not detect any gratefulness in it. She went to speak again, but another voice came to her ears. She watched as Sofia took a small contraption from her belt and held it close to her mouth.
“I am here,” she said.
“Please do not bore my guest, and have a tea brought to me in the library. Now.”
“Of course, Madam,” Sofia said. She turned and hurried to the door, and Adara called out.
“It was nice to meet you.”
“Thank you, and you as well,” she said, then hurried out the open door, closing it behind her.
Adara went to the drawers and chose a change of clothes. It seemed the princess of the castle had her effect on everyone. But with a smile on her face, she knew that it would never affect her.
***
With only a towel wrapped around her, Adara came back into her bedroom, the sun’s rays shining through the window and warming her body. She tilted her head a little as she came up to the bed, looking at the items laid on it. There was an emerald-green dress, a pair of black heels, and a card. Picking up the card, she read it out loud.
“I took the liberty of selecting your outfit for this evening. I look forward to dining with you. Louise.”
Adara shook her head as she set the note back down and then with a shrug, started to change. A few minutes later, she looked herself over in the oval mirror. The dress came down to the top of her knees, its material tight but not offensively so. The top was cut a bit low but nothing too revealing, though her breasts were accentuated too much for her liking.
The dress did feel good, and running her hands along the side of it, she enjoyed the fine thin fabric it was made from. Like everything else in the house, it must have cost a small fortune. Heading to the vanity table, she sat down. Every possible cosmetic was at her disposal. Rows upon rows of lipsticks, blushes, mascara, and more, all with the ‘V’ logo on them. Many years ago, she had numerous Vandercourt cosmetic products and had marveled at their quality, just as she did now. Selecting a red lipstick, she twisted it to let the stick emerge and then applied it to her lips. Then she debated on the mascara and finally deciding to make a wonderful night and treat herself, she applied it to her lashes, lengthening them even more than they were naturally.
Twenty minutes later she stood. Her hair had been pulled back and pinned, and the long strand she had curled came down the front off her shoulder.
“I am a princess in a castle,” she whispered, then covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. Ready to go, she went to her door and opened it, her heart jumping as Sofia stood against the far wall.
“Sofia, must you always scare me?”
“I am sorry, Madam. Let me escort you to the dining room.”
“Thank you. This place is huge, and I know it would take me an hour to find it.” Following Sofia down the hall way, Adara’s eyes glanced at the numerous paintings on the wall. Moving to the top of the stairs, she looked down, realizing the long distance to the bottom. The railing was smooth, her hand gliding along it as she walked down, the heels comfortable and firm, though it had been a few years since she owned any.
At the bottom of the stairs they took a right, and down a far hallway, Sofia opened a door for her.
“Enjoy.”
“Thank you. I will,” Adara said and then stepped into the room. It was not as large as the other rooms in the house, though still impressive in size. The walls were white with just a few paintings of landscapes. An unlit fireplace and long table that could seat twenty or more greeted her. At the end of the table was Louise, who stood up, her long hair covering her face.
“Please, sit. We have much to discuss,” Louise said, her hand gesturing to the chair closest to her. Heading over to it, Adara sat and watched as Louise moved her chair at an angle. Sitting down, her left side facing Adara, her hands came to her long hair and pulled it back. Adara wondered why Louise felt she must always pose, but she was not curious enough to ask.
If it was not for her attitude, Adara would consider Louise beautiful, there was no doubt about that. Her mind wandered for a few moments as she wondered what it would be like to kiss her face and then her lips. A tingling sensation went through her body. Pushing her legs together, she reached for the glass in front of her and took a drink of the water.
“Do you like your room?”
“Yes, it is very nice. And thank you for this dress.”
“The dress is now yours. Anything you desire is yours, all you need to do is ask.”
Adara set her glass down. “I am quite content with what I have. But thank you all the same.”
“You are not content.”
Adara let out a laugh. This woman with all her money apparently believed it offered her a special insight into someone’s life and thoughts.
“Not to argue with the one who is going to feed me, but yes, I am content in life.”
“You had no choice in what happened to your father and having to move out here in the middle of nowhere. So maybe you accepted what fate brought to you?”
If she wanted to play words games, then so be it. “I make the best of every situation I am in. Would I have preferred at first not to live in that small cabin with two sisters that drove me nuts? Yes, it would be a lie if I said otherwise. But I grew to love it. The mountains, the fresh air, it made me realize there was much more to life.”
Though Louise sat perhaps fifteen feet away, her laugh seemed to come as though it was right next to Adara's ear. “You have a wonderful view on things. But I was naive once like you.”
“What changed?” Adara said, feeling a bit humiliated at her words.
There was silence for a while, the seconds ticking by. Adara went to speak up again, but Louise finally spoke. “I realized that hope and dreams are just that, Adara. They never come true, that is a fact you will one day realize.”
Adara shook her head. “There are happily ever afters, I am sure of it. Why would they be written if it were not possible?”
The door behind Louise opened, and Thomas came in pushing a metal cart. Setting plates with food down in front of Louise, he pushed the cart toward Adara, stopping at her side. Looking over, her stomach growled. There was a steak, scalloped potatoes, and a small dish of sauce. Setting them in front of her, he placed a linen napkin and silverware next to the food. Then grabbing the bottle of wine and not asking if she wanted any, he filled her glass.
“Thank you, Thomas.”
/> He smiled, then pushed the cart behind her, leaving the two of them alone together.
“This meal looks wonderful,” Adara said, placing the napkin in her lap.
“As do you. Your beauty is something I admire. And speaking of, you do not need makeup. But we can talk about that later.”
Adara shook her head. If this woman wanted to gaze at her all day, then so be it. But cutting into her steak, another thought came to her which had bothered her since yesterday and nagged at her today. She only saw one side of Louise's face. The woman went to what appeared to be great lengths to conceal half her body. She just had to ask.
“Louise, why is it that you only show me the left side of your face?”
The sound of the dropped fork against the plate echoed in the room, the temperature seeming to drop, causing Adara to shiver.
“Let us eat in silence,” was Louise’s curt response. “We can talk later.”
***
Thomas came back once more to take away their now empty plates and refill her wine. Adara glanced at the window. Though night was approaching, there was enough light left to view some of the gardens.
“Thank you for the wonderful meal,” Adara said, scooting her chair back and then standing up. Pushing it back in, she watched as Louise stood.
“I have not been outside in weeks. Care to join me for a walk around my garden.”
Adara smiled. “I would like that.”
Louise motioned with her hand for Adara to follow, and Adara walked toward her, hoping to see her face. But Louise pulled her hair back around, creating a thick blond curtain that concealed her face. Without a word, Adara followed her to a door in the corner, which led outside. Inhaling deeply, she savored the fresh air. The path at her feet was winding, spreading far out in its twists and turns, branching off in many directions amongst the rows of shrubbery and flowers which created the walls.
“I'm glad this path is solid, or these heels would be sinking in the gravel,” Adara said, motioning to one of the paths, as they started to walk. Louise was to her right a half step ahead.
“Do you like the gardens?”
