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Heart of the Beholder 19 63%
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19

THANE JUMPED OUT OF BED when he heard the morning birds singing. He tripped over his blankets on his way to the chair where Edgar had left his clothes for the day. He fumbled with the trousers, shoved his arms in his shirt sleeves, and after struggling for several minutes, he was fully dressed and rushing through the study into the library. He pulled the curtains back and peered down the pathway which led to the main road. It was empty. He retraced his steps, and entered his paint room, which had been cleaned up by Edgar. Thane looked out that window at the gardens below. There was no young lady talking sweetly to her plants, but there was a rush of water coming from the waterwheel that was sent down a system of pipes to water the garden.

A heavy sigh escaped him. His night had been interrupted by terrible memories and nightmares again. By the time he’d been in a deep sleep, he should have been getting up and ready for the day, but no—he had slept in and missed getting a glimpse of Miss Meadowbrooke as she arrived. After his realization of how her father died and how her mother got sick, he didn’t know if he would ever let himself be in the same room with her ever again. He didn’t feel worthy, especially if he kept it a secret. If it were up to him, he would have given her the bag of money and sent her away forever. Or would he? It was a much simpler solution than letting her into his manor every day, sneaking glances like a shy schoolboy, and pretending she didn’t affect his heart rate.

Thane sighed again and returned to his study, where he rang for his breakfast tray and sat at his desk. Edgar knocked before a whole minute had passed. Thane bid him to enter, and the butler brought the tray into the dark room.

“Late start this morning, my lord,” Edgar stated as he set the tray down.

“It was not intentional,” Thane replied as he picked up a fork and stabbed it through the scrambled eggs. “What have you assigned Miss Bridgette today?”

Edgar took a step back and held his hands behind his back as he answered. “I thought it was finally time to work on the music room. She is currently dusting and polishing all the furniture. When she is done with that, I will uncover the piano and have her do a detailed cleaning on it.”

Thane clenched and unclenched the fingers of his free hand. “We could just leave that room untouched. I have no need for it.”

“I have already hired someone to come tune the piano later this week, so once that is done, you do not have to acknowledge its existence, my lord, ” Edgar said in his proper way. “But it shall be ready for you if you decide you should need it. You never know if something may change your mind.”

“If it makes you happy, Edgar, I won’t stop you,” Thane said with a tired sigh and took a bite of his breakfast.

“If she asks to bring your lunch tray, what shall I tell her?”

Thane took a minute to answer, not because he was pondering the question, but because he was trying to come up with a reason to say no. “She can bring me the lunch tray. Tell her I'll wait for it in my bedroom, but she can leave it in the study.”

“Are you going to tell her about the explosion?” Edgar asked. Of course Thane had told the butler about his revelations from Bridgette’s visit.

“I don’t know.”

“Very well. Ring if you need me. Enjoy your meal, my lord.” Then the valet was gone, and Thane was once again alone. He couldn’t think of a reason for her not to bring the lunch tray because he was too busy thinking of ways to get her to come to the study. Which was ridiculous. He was supposed to be keeping her away from his corruption.

After he finished his breakfast, Thane pushed the tray away and sat back in his chair. Now was the time he usually thought about how pathetic he was, how disappointed his mother would be in him, and how terrible his situation was, but something caught his attention.

He reached for the thick tome on the bookshelf and opened it on his desk. He flipped to the back of the book where the stack of loose-leafed paper was. He turned to the last page and ran his finger over his mother’s name. “I have a confession, Mother,” he said out loud. “I thought this curse was the worst thing to have ever happened to me, but I have come to find I prefer this life over the one in the castle. I should clarify, that wasn’t the case until she came. I know the best thing for her is to not be around me, but I think I am too selfish to make her go. I don’t know what to do.”

His finger trailed down to the missing corner and remembered when he’d ripped it out during his first week hiding in the manor. He had been so angry and bitter, and had thought his life, and any future he might have had, was gone forever. He had thought everything good and beautiful had died with his mother. But now he wasn’t so sure.

An unexpected sound took him away from his thoughts. He sat still and waited for the sound. Nothing. Nothing. There it was again. He stood up from his desk, walked to the door that led to the hallway, and pressed his ear to it. The sound happened again, but it was muffled through the wood. As quietly as he could, Thane left the study and made his way to the staircase. A single note melody echoed up to him from the music room. The notes were not in perfect rhythm, but Thane recognized the familiar lullaby that had been sung to him as a young child. He continued on and took each step down with care in order to not make a sound. The tune repeated, but with a faster tempo. The last note was not right. There was a long pause of silence, so Thane froze against the wall, halfway between the stairs and the music room door. The song started again with slow concentration. Thane closed his eyes and tapped the rhythm with his fingers against his thigh. Another mistake was made and was followed by a cacophony explosion of notes as if fists were pounded on the keys. A dainty laugh made the corners of his mouth twitch.

“Oh, Bridgette, you are far from an expert pianist, but that was an honest attempt,” she said, as if she were having a conversation with someone and not just talking to herself.

Thane crept forward another step, hoping to catch a glimpse through the open door.

“Can I help you with something, my lord?”

Thane spun around to find Edgar suspiciously close with an amused look in his eyes. The valet held the breakfast tray in his hands. Thane looked down at it, then up at Edgar. “You are so silent and quick sometimes, I wonder why you didn’t get involved in the business of thieves,” he said under his breath.

“I am an honest man, my lord,” Edgar said in an even tone.

“Right, I forgot,” Thane grumbled.

“Edgar, is that you?” Bridgette called out.

“I wasn’t here,” Thane said briskly and took the stairs three at a time. He hurried to his dark study, where he shut the door, and sat with his heartbeat thudding in his ears. It was a foolish risk he took. He needed to think more logically and make better decisions. Yes, that is what he would do from now on.

The Thornwood genealogy book still sat open on the desk. Thane closed it, making sure the papers of the royal bloodline were tucked neatly inside, and put it back on the shelf. He went over to his chess table and sat. The game pieces stood in pristine rows, waiting to be moved. Thane pulled out his pocketwatch and sighed. He had just had breakfast. Lunch wasn’t for a few more hours. The minutes were not passing fast enough.

He got up and started pacing. It was a common thing he did when he needed to pass the time. Edgar would put him in his place once he saw the study rug in good light and the footpath Thane had worn into it. There were only so many things he could do to keep his mind busy while in a dark room.

Thane spent the next few hours counting the books in the library and reading each and every title until his eyes wouldn’t focus. Then he resorted to pacing in his bedchamber. When the earliest possible minute for it to be appropriate to call for lunch came, he rang the bell. He wasn’t that hungry, but he couldn’t wait anymore. He couldn’t say exactly what it was he couldn’t wait for, but he was done waiting for it.

It was probably only a few minutes, but it felt like an eternity before he heard the study door open and light footsteps walk in. He held his breath as he listened to the rustle of her skirts and the clink of silverware on porcelain. The footsteps approached the door, followed by a soft knock.

He took a step back from the door and waited a moment before saying, “Yes?”

“It’s me, Bridgette,” she said through the door like she had the week before.

Thane felt his lips pull into a wide smile. “Hello, Bridgette.”

“I brought your lunch tray.”

“Very good, thank you,” he said.

“I hope you enjoy it,” she said.

“I am sure I will,” he replied. He wanted to say something else to get her to stay for just a moment longer, but his mind was blank. “Bridgette,” he started.

“Yes?”

“Thank you for staying and talking with me the other day,” he said and winced at how awkward he sounded.

“Of course,” she said. “You are my friend, and I don’t want you to suffer alone.”

“Your friend?”

“I feel we have surpassed being just a maid and an employer,” she said with a soft chuckle. “So, I assumed friend was a sufficient word for our relationship. Unless you disagree.”

“I have never really had a friend, other than my mother. And maybe you can count Edgar.”

She laughed that wonderful laugh. “We must never forget Edgar.” They were silent for a moment, then she asked, “Are you up for a game of chess today?”

“I…” he sighed, “I don’t know if that is a good idea.”

“Okay,” she said quietly. Thane knew he was not imagining the disappointment he heard in her voice. “If you change your mind, ring the bell three times, and I’ll know to come.”

“Okay,” he said.

“Enjoy your lunch, Leander,” she said.

Thane’s heart fell at the sound of the name that wasn’t his. “Thank you, Bridgette.”

He waited for her to leave the room and close the door before he entered the study and breathed in the lingering scent she left behind. He was pathetic and selfish. Something needed to change.

Thane sat at his desk and smiled at the single yellow flower which accompanied his lunch. He pulled it out of its glass vase and spun it between his fingers. His attention was caught by something in the corner of his vision. He looked up. Next to his lunch tray sat two packages wrapped in brown paper. A small handwritten note sat on top.

He picked the note up and read:

Sometimes the only light we can

find is the one we create.

Your Friend, Bridgette

He set the note on his lunch tray and reached for the first package, which was light and rectangular shaped. Thane ripped the paper open and was surprised to find a stack of stretched canvases. He leaned them against the desk. Carefully, he slid the second package toward himself. It was heavier than the first. His vision blurred before he got the paper off. He wiped the tears away and ran his hand along the top of the beautifully handcrafted case made of expensive wood, leather, and metal. He flipped the latch and lifted the lid. Inside sat jars of black, white, blue, red, and yellow paint. Yellow paint. His fingers slid over a set of quality brushes. They were thick and thin, round and pointed. Every brush a painter could ever want or need. The bristles were soft, and the handles were a masterpiece all on their own. Thane closed the case, and a sob escaped his throat. He cleared his throat to gain control of his emotions, but his eyes filled with tears and would not stop. He covered his face with his hands and just cried.

Ten minutes might have passed, maybe an hour, but when the tears finally stopped, the last thing Thane expected to feel was happiness. His chest felt lighter, and he felt like laughing. It was unfamiliar and strange. He took the case and canvases to his painting room and set them carefully on the table. Then he immediately started pacing.

She was better off not spending time with him. He would just bring her down. Staying away from her was the logical thing to do. Thane stopped and looked at the case. “Yellow paint,” he said with a smile. He laughed out loud as he entered his bedchamber. He took hold of the bell pull. “To hell with reason,” he said and pulled the cord three times.

He brushed off his breeches, smoothed out his vest, and made sure his cloak was on properly before he placed himself by the door to wait. As soon as the knock came, he opened the door and bowed.

“I see you changed your mind,” she said as she stepped into the room.

“Yes,” he said and hurried to pull out her chair. He quickly opened the curtains and took his seat. Now that she was in the room, he wasn’t brave enough to look at her. He kept his hood low so he could only see the chess pieces before him.

“Any particular reason why you changed your mind?”

Thane tilted his head up an inch, and her smiling lips came into view.

“There is a reason, yes,” he said, then waved his hand toward her to start the game.

She moved the pawn in front of her right knight forward. “Can I know the reason?”

“If you win, I will tell you,” he said and moved the pawn in front of his king forward two spaces.

“I suppose that is fair,” she said and bit her bottom lip as she looked over the pieces. Thane was so distracted by her mouth, he almost missed her move the pawn in front of her right bishop forward two spaces. What was she doing? That was definitely a move he wouldn’t have made. He used his pawn to capture hers. She used her pawn to capture his. He almost laughed at the easy setup she gave him. Thane quickly moved his queen diagonally to the edge of the board.

“Checkmate,” he said triumphantly. He tilted his head up more to see her whole face. Had he looked at her earlier, he would have seen the dark circles under her eyes and the overall look of exhaustion on her face and told her they didn’t have to play today. “Bridgette, are you well?”

She looked up at him in surprise. “What? I think so,” she said as if she weren’t quite sure herself. She lifted a hand to her forehead, and Thane’s eyes were drawn directly to discoloring around her wrist. He stood and took her hand in his without thinking.

“Who did this to you?” His voice came out rough. The bruise circled her wrist completely. He could tell by the way she winced that it was tender. “Shouldn’t you have it wrapped or something? I will call for Edgar. I am sure he has supplies.”

“It was wrapped,” she said, holding onto his hand. Her cheeks were pink, but she looked up at him, even though his face was hidden in shadow. “I took it off because I was about to wash the dishes, but then you rang, and I didn’t take the time to wrap it again before I came up here. I have it here in my apron.” She used her free hand to pull out a long white cloth. “It is a little tricky to do with one hand.”

“I have two hands,” he offered. “May I help you?”

The smile she gave overwhelmed him. “Yes,” she said and held out the cloth.

Thane rounded the table and knelt before her, all without letting go of her hand. He took the cloth and tried to remember how she’d done it when she got the glass out of his hand. It was a challenge to get the cloth fully around her wrist while trying to be gentle. His gloved hands started to shake, and he cursed them silently. Once he made the second loop, his muscles relaxed a little.

“Will you tell me who did this to you?” he asked as he continued to work.

She exhaled loudly. “How do you know it was a person and not a thing? I am very clumsy, as you know.”

“The only thing that could have made those bruises is a hand which gripped far too tightly,” he said as he finished the wrap and tucked the end in. “How is that?”

She moved her hand around and winced. “You might have to do it again. It needs to be tighter around the wrist to give it support.”

“I can do it again,” he said quickly and unwound the cloth from her wrist. “Bridgette, tell me who did this.”

“Why?” she asked, looking down at her lap.

“Because no one deserves to be treated like this, if someone is giving you trouble, I will end it,” he said.

She looked up and he saw the sadness in her eyes. “I am a little embarrassed to tell you.”

“Don’t be,” he said and turned his attention back to wrapping her wrist tightly. “If you need more convincing, I did win the game, and this is what I want as my reward.”

She gave a soft laugh. “It was quite a sad excuse for a game of chess, wasn’t it?”

“You obviously have a lot on your mind,” he said. “I will not hold it against you.” He tucked the end in and asked, “How is that?”

“I think my fingers might fall off before the hour is over,” she said, barely wiggling her fingers, which were now turning purple.

“My apologies,” Thane blurted out and unraveled the bandage once again. “I have obviously never done this.”

“It's okay. I will not hold it against you,” she said with a smirk. He chuckled and started the wrap again. “I was at the market yesterday, and a young man I know cornered me and got closer than I wanted him to. I tried to defend myself, but he grabbed my wrist and wouldn’t let go.”

Thane consciously willed his hands to continue to be gentle, even though he wanted to clench them as anger burned through him. “What else did he do to you?”

“Nothing physical. I was able to get away.”

Thane tucked the end of the bandage in once again and asked, “How is it now?”

“Perfect,” she said with a smile.

Thane stood up and turned away from her. “What is his name?

“Jack. His father pretty much owns Cold Stone Hollow, so he thinks he has privilege and can get away with anything,” she said in an annoyed voice. “I despise him very much, but unfortunately, that only seems to entice him more.”

“Sounds like a piece of work who needs to be taught a lesson,” Thane said under his breath. “You said he didn’t do anything else to you physically. What does that mean?”

“He may have said something…” she started and trailed off.

“Something that upset you?” he asked over his shoulder.

“Uh, yes.”

“What did he say?”

“It turns out the whole town's talking about it.”

Thane turned back around to see Bridgette looking a bit frazzled and fidgeting with her skirt. “What is the town talking about?”

“Us,” she said in a high pitched tone.

“Us?” he asked in complete bewilderment. “What could they possibly be saying?”

She swallowed audibly, and her cheeks turned a bright red. It was more than just a little embarrassment; it looked like absolute humiliation. “They are saying I do more than just maid services for you.”

The realization made him clench his jaw. “That is preposterous! How did they come to that conclusion?”

“That’s what I have been asking,” she blurted, then dipped her chin bashfully. “The only thing I can think of is when Charles ran into us together in the woods. He probably told Jack, then Jack twisted it to his benefit and spread the rumor to soil my reputation and force me to marry him.”

“Force you to what?” he snapped.

“When he cornered me, he asked me what kind of work I do for you. He said no one would want to marry me if they found out what I was doing, but he would be more than willing to have me for his wife. That’s when I tried to fight back, and he grabbed me by the wrist,” she said, as if she were ashamed.

Thane paced away from her, then ripped off his gloves and threw them onto his desk. He started to roll up his sleeves as he asked, “Where does this bastard live?”

“I don’t want you to get blood on your hands because of me.”

“That is a challenging request, but I can do it without drawing blood,” he said, feeling his anger tighten the muscles from his neck and shoulders all the way down his back.

“Leander,” she pleaded. Thane turned back toward her. “I came here to play chess, not plot Jack’s demise. He is not even worthy to be a part of our conversation.”

“You are not upset by his words?”

“They did upset me at first, but after I thought about it and had a good talk with Doctor Thistle, I realized it only affects me as much as I let it. If I were worried about my reputation and finding a husband and being involved in society, I would be a wreck,” she said. “But I am not worried about those things. I do not have time for a husband, nor do I care what others think of me. That is, everyone except you.”

“Me?”

“Well, since you are part of the rumors, I think your opinions matter. I actually like what we have here, and I don’t want it to be ruined by a ridiculous rumor,” she said with a stern shake of her head. “Are you upset by the rumors?”

Was he? It was a trick question with no right answer. “I think—” he started. I think I am flattered they would pair us up in such a way. I think I am disgusted that they think I am such a lousy man, but looking at my past, they would clearly be right. I am furious they think you of such little worth and morals. Thane shook out the intrusive thoughts. She looked up at him with a nervous smile. “I think if you are not going to let it affect you, then I shall do the same.”

She beamed with relief. “I am so happy you feel the same way. We shouldn’t care what they say. We know the truth, and that is enough.”

“Very well,” Thane said and cleared his throat. He rolled down his sleeves, then took his seat, and moved his pieces to their starting position.

“You didn’t even touch your lunch,” Bridgette said with a disapproving tone.

“Hmm?” Thane said, looking up at her, then at his untouched tray. “Oh. I guess I wasn’t actually hungry.”

“Then why did you ring for lunch, silly goose?” She laughed. “It is going to get cold.”

“Did you just call me a silly goose?” he asked.

She threw her head back as she laughed louder. The reaction thrilled him. “I suppose I did. Why did you ring if you were not hungry?” she asked again and made the first move of the game.

Thane moved and said, “I will tell you if you win.”

She groaned in frustration and moved one of her pieces. “Why must it be if I win?”

“Do you propose something else?” he asked and took his turn.

“How about a question per turn?” she suggested with her arms folded on the table. Thane angled his head so he could see her face. She looked like a young girl asking if she could have a cookie before supper. How could he deny her when she fluttered her lashes like that?

“Fine. You first,” he said with a wave of his hand.

She smiled triumphantly and moved her next piece. “Why did you ring if you were not hungry?” she asked again and looked at him as if she could see into his eyes.

“I wanted to talk to you,” he said simply and took his turn. She looked down at the table bashfully and bit her bottom lip. “You have talked about your parents. Do you have any siblings?”

She shook her head. “My parents were never able to have any more children. But there is Birdie; I suppose she is like a sister of sorts. Oh, and Doctor Thistle did say I am like a sister to him.”

“Who is Birdie?”

“One question per turn, Lord Thornwood,” she said with a grin.

“You are right,” he said, slightly embarrassed. “Please, go ahead.”

She took a moment to look over the board, then moved her knight to capture one of his pawns. “I know you have a brother. Do you have more siblings?”

“Just one brother, if I can call him that,” he answered. “At this moment, I prefer to forget he exists. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible.”

“I am sorry to hear that,” she said with a furrowed brow.

“It is fine,” he said with a shrug. “If you knew him, you would understand.”

“Maybe you could tell me about him,” she said.

“Only if that is what you want to use one of your questions for,” Thane said, trying to lighten the mood. She smirked and motioned for him to take his turn. He captured her knight with his bishop. “Who is Birdie?”

“A very good friend who helped my mother and me when we had nowhere to go. She was the one who took us to Doctor Thistle, and the one who stays with my mother when I am here,” she said. A laugh escaped her lips and she added, “She is one of a kind—there is no one like Birdie. I don’t know how to describe her; you just have to meet her.”

“Maybe one day I will,” Thane said, then blushed at the implication of it.

Bridgette just smiled softly and said, “Maybe.” She took her turn and asked, “Do you have any contact with your family?”

“No,” he confessed. “Both of my parents are dead, and everyone else probably sides with my brother and has disowned me.” She stayed silent, so he took his turn. “What is your opinion on magic?”

She looked up in surprise. “My parents rarely talked about it. They kept me away from carnivals and sorcerer shops. I suppose when I was younger, I thought it was just something of dreams and made-up stories. It doesn’t help that I have never been wealthy and had extra money to spend on such things, nor have I ever had a reason to search for it.”

Envy tightened his chest. Where would he be if he had been kept away from magic?

“I was warned to stay away from those who are marked with a curse and to never make a deal with a sorceress, but I have never found myself in those situations.” She tilted her head and looked thoughtful. “I did entertain the idea for a moment of searching for a sorceress to help my mother, but again, money is an issue, and I learned through Doctor Thistle it would only be a temporary fix.”

“Temporary fix?” he asked.

She nodded. “Magic has an amazing ability to bind things together, push things out that don’t belong, or make things stronger. But it blocks the natural healing process. Doctor Thistle told me if someone broke their leg and had a sorceress fix it with magic, he would be able to walk, but if the magic was taken away or something happened to the sorceress’ power, it would be like he freshly broke his bone, even if it had been years.” She looked puzzled for a minute. “I think you sneakily got two questions answered.”

“In my defense, I like asking you questions more than answering them,” he said casually.

“I’ll let you get away with it this time,” she said. She moved a piece and became solemn. “I am sorry about your parents. How long ago did they die?”

“It has been over two years since my mother passed from an illness,” he said reverently, remembering how he’d yelled at the guards to take the doctor to the dungeons. Not wanting to dwell on the pain, he continued, “My father passed away just a few weeks ago.”

Bridgette’s eyes widened, and Thane could see tears starting to form. “Your father died recently? Did you know he was going to die? I am guessing you didn’t see him before he died because you have been here.”

How did she have so much sympathy for someone she barely knew? “If he was ill the last time I saw him, I didn’t know. I haven’t seen him for over nine months, so I guess he could have gotten sick in that time,” he said and sighed. “I didn’t visit him because I didn’t want to see my brother, but if I had known he was dying, I might have tried to see him.”

Bridgette reached a hand around the board and grabbed his own. “I am so sorry you couldn’t be there for him.”

Emotion swelled in Thane’s throat. He cleared it many times before he said, “It is probably for the best. If I would have gone, I probably would have been killed.”

“It is still okay to be sad about it,” she whispered and squeezed his hand.

He didn’t know what to say, and he didn’t want to feel anything either, but he kept his hand in hers and used his free one to move his piece and capture her rook. “What is your opinion about the king?”

She sat back in her chair, and to his regret, her hand slid out of his. “The current one? Or the one who passed not too long ago?”

“Am I allowed to ask about both?” he asked in innocence.

“I suppose,” she said and licked her lips. The adorable little crease appeared between her brows. “I feel like my parents almost treated the royal family just like those who used magic, which is a little funny now that I think about it. We never went to the castle. I did see the late king and his two sons once.” Thane’s heart skipped a beat. “It was many years ago, when there was a parade. I was so far away, I couldn’t even tell you what they looked like.” He exhaled a breath of relief. “The only talk of the king in our home was how he raised taxes again and how my father would strangle him if he ever was in the same room.” She blinked many times. “That is a terrible thing to say out loud, but that was who he was. And to be honest, when he was complaining about the king, he wasn’t focused on me, which was a relief.”

She folded her arms and looked thoughtful. “As for the new king, the only impression he has given me is that he's very greedy, because he immediately doubled taxes when so many of us were already struggling. I think it’s a little ridiculous that he asks so much of us and doesn’t even take the time to visit and get to know his people. But really, I have so much of my own to worry about, so I just pay the taxes, live my life, and pray I don’t have to give him anything more.”

Thane wasn’t sure what he was expecting her answer to be or how it would affect him, but it wasn’t this. “Would you want to strangle him if you ever met him?”

A wonderful laugh burst out of her, and she shook her head. “Absolutely not,” she said. “I may not agree with his choices, but that doesn’t mean I need to hurt him.”

“Just checking,” Thane said, his hands up in surrender. “Your turn.”

She moved her other rook to threaten his queen. “What is your favorite memory from your childhood?”

Thane’s chest tightened. Did he have a childhood to think fondly back to? He was the firstborn son to a king and queen and raised from birth to one day be king himself. He had a brother whom he had never truly gotten along with and ended up loathing.

“If I overstepped, you don’t have to answer that,” she said tentatively.

“No, no. I just haven’t thought about it,” he assured. He reached far back into his memory, to find one happy moment. There had to be something. “I don’t have a specific memory, but I enjoyed the times when I came here to visit. I remember hiding in different spots to see how long it would take Edgar to find me when my mother couldn’t. I slid down the banisters to get away from my nanny. I snuck sweets from the kitchen and dirtied my clothes in the garden. I pretended to catch robbers and fight dragons in the meadow.”

Bridgette looked dreamily off in the distance as he spoke. “That sounds so wonderful. What a beautiful childhood you had.”

“It was good. At least while I was here,” he said out loud. And not in the castle, where I was expected to be on my best behavior all the time and not able to be a child, he said in his mind.

“I am glad you were able to come back to a place with happy memories,” she said with a small smile.

Thane nodded and moved his queen. “Checkmate,” he said, distracted.

Bridgette sighed. “One day, I will beat you and your impressive chess skills.”

“You told me not to go easy on you,” he replied, mindlessly moving the pieces back to their proper place.

She was quiet as she started to move her own pieces, then said, “You didn’t ask your last question.”

“Oh, yes,” he said. It felt like his head was in a fog. “Why did you spend your hard-earned coin on someone like me?”

Her cheeks pinked slightly. “I saw it and thought of you and how you probably needed more paint after the last time we talked.”

“But you need it for your mother. Your time and energy earned that money, and those are valuable things you can’t get back,” he said.

“Then you have a small idea of how much I value our friendship,” she said with an honest smile and stood from her chair. Thane sat staring at her empty seat for a few moments before he jolted up to open the door for her. “Thank you for calling me back for a game. I will see you tomorrow, Leander.”

He cleared his throat. “I look forward to it, Bridgette,” he said as he watched her leave the study and walk down the hall. He blinked several times. It was like he had traveled back in time to when he roamed the halls as a young boy and caused mischief for the staff. Thane stepped into the hall and looked at the long rug which stretched out before him. He remembered creating a game of hopping from one flower to another along the intricate pattern. He made it to the stairs and smiled when he saw the banisters he had slid down. Once he stood on the landing, he looked at the main doors. He remembered, after an afternoon of slaying imaginary dragons, he had burst through the large double doors with a handful of wildflowers as a gift for his mother. She had accepted them with a kiss on his cheek. Thane turned around and chuckled at the grandfather clock where he had once hid for hours before Edgar found him, just in time for bed.

After fleeing the castle, the manor had only seemed like a prison to Thane. He’d remembered it had been special to his mother, but beyond that, it had been a fortress of torturous solitude where he’d planned to spend the rest of his days alone. Amidst his self pity, he had forgotten about his own connection to the manor. Bridgette’s question had stirred memories from their hiding place behind the last several years of his depressing existence at the castle with his father and brother. Now, he could see evidence that there had been a time when he didn’t dread what the day would bring, when he had felt happy just being alive. A time when he had seen beauty in everything.

A tear fell down his cheek as he turned to look over the dark entrance hall. He needed to find Edgar and tell him to open the curtains, light the candles, and bring the manor back to life.

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