Chapted [12]

Stephan

  I felt light-headed, feeling my stomach eat itself. I pushed myself off the bed, wobbling over to leave my room. I entered the kitchen, opening each cabinet searching for something to gorge but endlessly found nothing. I was angry, willing to smash everything I owned but realized I couldn't afford even to attempt it. I caught a breath- going to my drawer and pulling out some of my wages but hesitantly sighed, lifting my shirt to see how flat I was... how shameless.

  I need to get heavier... I quickly dressed up- locked up my home and started browsing for a mart. I reached one and soon went in, inspecting every little food to make my money's worth.

  "OH! A TREAT!" That voice sounded familiar, which made me tilt my head from behind the racks of food- sighting Hosuh and Josephine. I panicked, hiding- snatching random foods, and waiting for both of them to go through the isles. I paid for my stuff and directed back to my library- noticing a note on the door. "No-" I sprinted over, clenching the letter to see "LATE PAYMENT" I sighed.

  I'm too exhausted to even explain to the King of my lateness- I'll just have to wait and speak with him till I have everything settled.

Hosuh

  I knocked, following the door flutter open. Arms embraced me, sweeping me off the floor. "BEAU! SET ME DOWN!" I barked as his head laid into my chest- "No~! You feel warm!" "I have the right mind to-"

  *Cough* Beau and I might have looked like children in Lars' eyes- he stood in the hall staring at Beau, holding me in the air with his face in my chest. I could have sworn that I might have looked like a doll within this giant's grip.

  "Beau, we have a few issues downstairs." Lars stayed professional, but I'm sure Beau would get scolded later for being barbaric with me. "Tell me now." He refused to let go of me, but Lars sighed.

  "I would be able to if it were that simple- but it is not." Beau groaned, placing me down. "The new list is on my desk; you could stay or leave. I'll be down if you need me." Beau said, leaving. I should be concerned, but if I wasn't called on, then I'll keep my nose to myself. I went behind the desk, scanning the job listing for morrow but saw a piece under it. "Art?" I looked over it, dark skin, long hair- how beautiful... I wondered why there was no face to it. Is Beau sketching Bell? And when did he pick up this activity? He never told me. I picked up the drawing, feeling memorized till it slid from my fingers onto some ink on the ground.

  "OH NO!" I hurried to grab it, but at that point- it was ruined. "Beau is going to be upset." I sighed till I saw the payment list for the month? I had the sudden urge to look through it- seeing Stephan behind on his rent. It was doubling by the day- he can't even pay for it at this rate...

  "Seems as though you stayed." I glimpsed at the doorway to see Beau, grinning ear to ear. "When did Stephan start racking up late fees?" His smile disappeared, shrugging. "Ever since he moved to Cunningham, he's always been a mess, but can you blame him? A bookstore isn't the most profitable that's for one- poor thing is barely surviving."

  I bit my lip for a moment and made up my mind- "How much?" "Hosuh- you cannot-" "I would like to give all my wages from the week to pay for his fees," I said as he groaned.

Stephan

  I laid my throbbing head on the desk, "I could leave." Cunningham is costly, jobs are difficult to find, and overall- I have no reason to stay except... a flash of Hosuh's smile overwhelmed me.

  "Hello!" I fell out of my chair. I looked up and saw a butler who I assumed was from the mansion. "King Cunningham wishes to see you." He mentioned as I stood up- "No, that's fine. I'll give him the payment soon." I lied as he glared. "I was not asking."

  He grabbed me, tossing me over his shoulder. "You truly are light- do you starve?" The butler grinned as I blushed in humiliation and anger. "I EAT WELL! AND LET ME DOWN!" I yelled, harming him but he didn't look phased. "I AM AN INTELLIGENT INDIVIDUAL! I HAVE DEGREES!" I shouted- "YOU CANNOT TREAT ME LIKE THIS!"

  "Ah yes, a smart librarian in debt, starved, weak, feminine-" I stopped in fear- all of it was true... and yet all I wanted was to cry. "PUT ME DOWN!" I again hit him as he laughed.

  I was thrown into an office, a desk, chairs, a small bookshelf, a glass case behind the desk, and a blond eyeing me. "Hey, librarian." He smiled as I wiped my face. "Lars- I told you not to make him cry," Beau said to the butler who brung me here.

  "He made thing's difficult- I had no choice," Lars announced, "I'll allow it, but don't disobey me again. Now fetch some tea." Beau shooed Lars, who left, shutting the door. I rapidly moved- struggling to open the door, but it was locked. "Don't be in a hurry, Books," He called me as I worriedly checked back, "My name is Stephan..."

  "Whatever, Books." I began to speak, "I'll pay the money soon- just give me some time." I panicked as he rolled his eyes. "No need, someone has already paid on your behalf," He seemed annoyed, "Who?" "Who do you think, Books?"

  My face somewhat burned; Hosuh did that for me?

  I caught myself confused. "Wait- then why do I stand here now?" "I'd like to gamble with you- make a wager if you will." He smirked. "But- why?" "Books, you need the riches, and I can give it to you." Beau started to circle me, filling my head with thoughts. "I can give you anything in your wildest dreams- all you have to do is win."

  My breathing was slow; I could have anything I yearned for... "What if I lose?" "Be banished from the Cunningham Kingdom forever." I gulped, hearing my heart scream for me to stop. "What do we have to do to win?" I asked as he smirked. "You are a smart one, Books."