by Emily Sharp
Adara looked around her. They were beautiful and told Louise as much.
“Come winter, they die. Tragedy, isn't it?”
Adara stopped where their path ended and two new paths presented themselves. One led to a tall wall of hedges, the other with flowers.
“But they come back to life in the spring. So, it is only a brief goodbye.”
Louise snorted. “How can one be so beautiful but so naive. Choose a path,” Louise said, her hands outstretched. Looking up, Adara noticed the sun had all but disappeared, and night was coming to them with a vengeance. The flowers to her right looked appealing but would be better enjoyed in daylight.
“Let’s use this one,” Adara said, motioning to the left.
Without a word, they walked down it, Louise again keeping ahead of her slightly. The path, though about five feet wide, seemed smaller as the tall hedges loomed above them.
“Is this a labyrinth?”
“No. Well, it was not made for that purpose, but you cannot get lost if that is what you were wondering.”
“No, I was just curious,” Adara said and she was. She also felt a bit excited wondering what would appear as they rounded each bend. And then to her delight, they came to a clearing large enough for a few hundred people to easily stand. In the middle of it was a round gazebo. It was painted white, and had a roof as round as the deck below it.
“Glass on the roof? What a great idea,” Adara said as they approached it. Following Louise up, she went to the bench that circled around the deck and took a seat on the cushion. Louise walked opposite her, her left side once again on full display as she pulled her hair back across her shoulders.
Though her words were oftentimes cold, Adara saw the beauty in the woman’s face. She believed that perhaps underneath that grumpy exterior was a kind woman.
“You called yourself a princess earlier. Any chance you have royal blood?”
“Yes, of course I do. That’s why my castle is here of all places,” came the cynical reply.
“Then why call yourself a princess?”
The sun was now gone, and looking up through the glass panes, the stars made their first appearance of the night. And what a sight it was, each one seeming to be brighter than usual.
“My father called me his princess, and it’s why this place was built for me for my twenty-first birthday.”
“It’s quite the present,” Adara said, looking over at Louise.
“I suppose it is.”
“Better than what I got.”
“And that was?”
“A rose that was given in love and taken away in anger.” Adara bit her lip, angry at herself for letting the words slip out. But the words were true, and she was mad she was here because of that single rose. “I'm sorry, that was uncalled for.”
Louise didn't respond, and then leaning back, Adara glanced upwards again, watching the stars. So far for her first day, this hadn't been too bad. Dinner, a nice dress, and star gazing. If this was the work she had to do, the year would go by fast.
“I have more money that I can spend and I have no one to share it with. So, I have another proposition for you, Beauty.”
“My name is Adara.”
“I am the boss and I will call you what I see fit.”
Adara shook her head, sitting up, her legs planted firmly on the floor of the deck.
“Fine, call me what you want. What are you proposing then?”
“Marry me.”
Adara let out a laugh. “What? You must be kidding!”
Adara tried to comprehend this woman. Even if the proposal was real, there was no way she would consider the notion. Was Louise just messing with her? The next words that came to her, sent a chill down her spine making her realize that she was not.
Chapter Six
Louise curled her arms around her legs, enjoying the nighttime air and the stars that shone bright. Then a new character appeared in the sky, the moon. It was bright tonight, a hint of yellow or maybe red around its edge. Beauty sat across from her, now sitting up with a worried look on her angelic face. A face she wanted to kiss, a woman to hold against her. Louise would have her, no matter what the cost.
“I must admit your beauty is something that I admire. And though my home is filled with priceless works of art, I need you to complete it. So, marry me.”
Adara laughed, a slight shake to her head. She was quiet for a moment, perhaps wondering if the proposal was a joke.
“I will not marry you,” she said with a slight laugh, though not mocking.
“Why not?”
“First, I don't know you. Let’s see, I am not in love with you. No, sorry, it is not going to happen.”
Louise let out a laugh. It was going to happen, but perhaps tonight was not the night it would be accepted. Though Adara would be here for a year, she would have a ring on her finger no later than Christmas.
“Do you have someone else you plan to marry?”
“No.”
Louise nodded then took a deep breath. Why should the simplest things become complicated? A small gust of wind came in, the cold breeze causing her to shiver. For a few minutes she said nothing, letting the sounds of the night come to her and calm her anger. No one told her no, and the beauty across from her was not going to be the exception. But she needed to be patient and approach the subject another way.
“A wedding here in this castle would be magnificent. Horse-drawn carriages, the finest dresses, food and wine. It would be the event of the century.”
“I am sure it would be, but I am still not going to marry you.”
“Then who would you marry?”
Louise smiled, watching the woman hesitate before answering. As she waited for Adara to respond, she picked up her transmitter and spoke into it. “Bring me a bottle of Merlot and two glasses to my gazebo. Fruit as well.”
“Yes, Madam,” came Sofia’s reply.
It was silent again, and Louise found herself growing impatient as she waited for Adara’s reply. A slight rustling came to her side and glancing over to some bushes, she watched as a bird burrowed itself in for the night.
“I want to meet a woman with heart and mind, who is strong and yet compassionate to others.”
Louise threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, really? Tell me, where does one find such a woman? For in all my travels, I have yet to meet one.”
“I don't know. I had a girlfriend before and…” Adara said, then stopped.
“Keep going. I like to be amused.”
“Well, we got along great, but it ended. A lot of relationships do.”
Louise nodded. “They do. Why did it end? Did she find someone else? Did she move?”
“No. It was after my father lost his job.”
Sofia came walking up and set the wine bottle and two glasses down on the round table in the middle of the deck.
“Pour them.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Louise watched as Sofia poured their wine, and then with her head lowered, brought her glass over and offered it to Louise. Taking it from her, she watched as Sofia went over to Adara, who's face lit up.
“Thank you, Sofia,” she said.
Anger went through Louse as she watched Adara smile. Sofia would be reprimanded later for interfering with her plans. Luckily, a moment later, she was gone, and Louise turned her attention back to Adara, happy to have her alone once again.
“So, it was because the money was gone she left you?”
“No, well…I mean…it was a lifestyle change and with us moving…”
“Of course it was. Though you don't believe that, do you?”
It was silent. Louise took a drink from her glass, the fruit flavor rolling along her tongue. Then the words came from Adara's mouth.
“I guess I don't. That was a few years ago though, it doesn't matter now.”
Pulling her hair around her head to cover her face, Louise sat up, her feet dropping to the ground.
“But it does matter now. Reside here with me forev
er and you will never be hurt again. Do you not see what I have? Not just this castle but the money? Think about it, I can buy you anything you desire. Cars, a private plane, your own island, jewelry. Why go out and risk it again? It is safe here!”
Her anger went rushing through her when she heard the words escape the beauty's lips.
“The money you have can by many things, that much is true. But it can’t buy the one thing I desire.”
“And what is that?”
“Love.”
Louise barked a laugh, her temper near the boiling point. Taking another drink of her wine, she let her emotions go back down. Her eyes went to Adara, tracing over the long shapely legs, the enticing line of cleavage, the swell of her breasts. Adara had everything she wanted in a woman.
“There is no love, Adara. There are only possessions, material things. That is where true love can be found.”
Louise watched as Adara took a drink from her wine glass, the hand holding it elegant. Setting it down beside her, she spoke up, her tone defiant.
“That is not true. It is the inside that counts, not the outward of things or a person.”
Louise stood up, having heard enough of this nonsense. “Is that what you really believe?”
“Of course.”
“Follow me then, I will show you something. The light here is not enough.” Without waiting for a reply, she set her wine glass down and then hurried off the deck onto another path. Hearing the heels click behind her, she walked down to the end of it where a tree was planted, the path circling around it.
“You come to show me this tree?”
“Drop the attitude. I will not tolerate it. But no, I came to show you what you really are.”
“And what is that then? I am not sure what you are trying to tell me.”
Louise looked up at the moon, its bright glow raining down on them. She preferred going to her garden at night when the outside staff was mostly asleep and she could remain out of the eyes of the helicopters from the press that flew by trying to get a picture of the heiress that had disappeared.
And she had done more than disappear. She had hidden herself in this castle for seven years, not leaving its confines, her garden the furthest she would travel. Everything she needed was brought in at her bidding, from her clothes to the doctor when she fell ill.
“You claim that beauty is skin deep.”
“It is. The heart and soul is where true beauty lies.”
Louise laughed. “In the last seven years, only Thomas and my doctors have seen all of my face. And now you will get to gaze upon it.” Turning around, she walked over to Adara, watching her brown eyes shifting back and forth, her hands wringing in front of her.
“If I have upset you, I am sorry, it wasn't my intention. I was just trying to tell you how I see things is all,” Adara said, her voice shaky.
Louise shook her head. “Let us see if what you have said is true.” Bringing her hands up, she pulled her hair back behind her shoulders to expose her full face. The moon above them shone down, and Louise knew it highlighted all of her face judging by the look of horror in Adara's eyes.
“Do not look down. True beauty is inside as you say.”
“It is,” Adara said, her voice soft, her hands now trembling.
“Tell me what you see.”
“A woman.”
“Tell me what you see.” Louise said, her anger boiling over.
“I see a woman!” Adara cried out, looking down at the ground.
“Lies. Tell me what you see, or I will have your father lose his dream,” Louise yelled, her anger now seething, her heart racing. She watched as Adara lifted her head up, her eyes trying to keep contact with Louise's.
“I see a woman who has been scarred.”
“More.”
“Scars…and discoloration?”
“You are not stupid, describe it to me.”
Adara shook her head, tears falling. “I cannot.”
“Why?”
“It-it is…”
“Disgusting?”
Adara looked down. “I cannot because it’s cruel.”
“You have only begun to experience cruelty. For your first assignment you will do as I say as per the job conditions which were laid out to you. Now, tell me what you see!”
“I see a woman disfigured, and I cannot stand to look at her!” Adara cried out, then burst out sobbing, her hands coming to cover her face.
Louise nodded, her anger leaving her as she watched Adara sob.
“I cannot stand to see myself either,” Louise said her voice low. “I can buy anything I want, but even the greatest surgeons in the world cannot fix this. And I have tried, believe me. So, now you know, Adara, you are not alone, I am disgusted by what I see as well.”
“You made me say it. I don't think this way!”
Louise laughed, her hand moving to Adara's shoulder, which caused Adara to shudder. And with that shudder Louise’s heart hurt even more, for even her touch repulsed others.
“No, you said what you really think. And that is good. Now you realize that the ideas you hold, the dreams you speak of, are foolish. The truth has finally come out. You have convinced no one but yourself.”
“I will not stop dreaming,” Adara said, wiping at her eye.
Louise removed her hand.
“I guess I cannot stop that. Now, look at me one more time.”
Louise expected an argument but watched as Adara slightly raised her head, the face more precious than the rose she had stolen now covered with tears. And for a brief moment, the thought of seeing that was worse than her own disfigurement. Shoving the thought away, she continued to watch as Adara held her gaze.
“The scars on my face are only the beginning. They run deeper, into my soul and heart. We all have these scars, yet mine, by some cruel twist of fate, are worn on the outside as well. Consider what I asked of you earlier. Reside with me here forever. I will see you in the morning.”
Without waiting for her, Louise walked away, taking another path back to the castle. She stormed through the grounds, her shoes loud against the pavement as her anger built with each step. Earlier, for a brief moment, she had believed this woman was different, that perhaps she really could see inside a person. But like others who had first seen her years ago right after the accident, she found that not to be the case.
That’s what people did. They made promises when things were fine, or when they were dreaming, and when it was changed, they quickly became more vicious than the beast she had become. And that is what she was, she thought, as she opened the door and headed down the hallway.
A beast.
What other word could describe her disfigurement, let alone the rage inside her? Stopping in the hallway, she glanced in a mirror, seeing her own reflection. The right side of her face was horribly scarred, the once smooth skin now deep ripples of scorched flesh. Her ear was mostly plastic now, as was the side of her face the doctors had tried to repair. Yet when she held her hand up against it to cover it, she saw the woman she once was. The woman who turned heads, the woman who was beautiful and the woman who was loved.
But love was an illusion, much like the scars that had disappeared with the hand that covered them. Dropping that hand, she saw the reality, and she did not like it. Letting out a yell, she pulled the mirror off the wall and threw it, watching as it smashed against the floor, its glass shattering.
Hurrying down the hallway to her library, she flung open the doors. Sofia was in there cleaning, and Louise walked over to her while the woman kept her head low.
“Do you want to gaze upon me, Sofia?” she said, her voice rising.
“No, Madam.”
“Why? Are you too good for me?”
“No, of course not. But it is your rule, and I won’t break it.”
“But I am ordering you to,” Louise said, her voice rising even higher, not believing the woman was being defiant.
“I cannot. You are angry and will regret it if I do.”
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Louise laughed. Her servant had become cocky, much like the woman outside. And that reminded her of the smile they both shared earlier.
“Do not ever flirt with my guest again. Or I will have you punished beyond anything cruel, do you understand me?”
“But I wasn't flirting with her!”
“Are you calling me a liar?”
She watched as the blond hair flew side to side. “No, never!”
“Then admit it, now. Admit that you were flirting with her.”
There was silence, and she could feel the woman hesitate, the energy of her fear in the room bringing a small pleasure to Louise.
“I…I was flirting with her.”
“Excellent. Do not try to undermine me again,” Louise said, then walked over to her liquor cart and grabbed it, toppling it over, the numerous bottles breaking on the floor.
“You will clean this up and then retire for the evening. Tomorrow, stay out of my way. Think about your life and what a mess it is.”
“Yes, Madam,” came the choked voice.
Louise walked past her, opening the secret door that led to her private hallway. Walking along it, her hands trailed along the walls, and she screamed, the feeling great as she let her anger release. When she reached a small stairwell, she walked up it and went into her room.
“Yes, I am a beast!” she yelled out, going to her vanity table and throwing off all the cosmetics. Why did she bother spending time applying it to her face? “I am the beast of this castle! And no one can dare look at me, for if they do…” she said, then broke out in a sob. “….they are as repulsed as I am,” she whispered, gazing at herself the mirror. The tears which had not come for some time came pouring out, her heart hurting. Grabbing a bottle of wine, she poured half a glass and took a drink, the liquid delicious, but not able to heal the ache in her heart. Going to her window, she opened it up slightly, gazing out at the night sky, memories flooding her mind, old wounds inside opening up.
And then she heard it, faint at first but coming in clearer. It was the sound of the heavens opening up, the angels themselves heard. Adara came walking along the path singing, the glow from the moon highlighting her. She stooped in front of a rose bush, her hand tracing around one of the roses as she sang. The words carried through the night air, up unto Louise's room, at first to her ear and then to her heart. And for the first time in over seven years, she felt something briefly that she had forgot ever existed.
