Chapter [09]

|HELLO, ladies, gents, and my non-binary friends! I am so sorry for the inconvenient uploads; I need to inform you that my other chapters will now be late since school has started once more and I need to be on my A-game! Enjoy this chapter, and more are coming soon!|

Beau

  Line, trace, smudge, repeat- I've never been one to maintain several companions, merely acquaintances, but in my youth, I assumed everyone loved me. It was worse than I could have imagined, and yet I somehow stand as high as I can- one of my favorite activities is art. I am no Elizabeth Simcoe, but I've always adored colors, the use of shapes, the emotions you can convey through portraits- I'm not great with words, so creating is my way of expression. At the moment, I was developing a piece of true beauty, the item that makes me feel the most alive.

  Long locks, brown skin, a kind gaze- "Ah," I paused, glancing over the image- sensing a bit of pride towards the work I had put in. "Only a few strokes more-" My elbow knocked the ink all over the sketch. "NO!" I sighed, watching my details and ink submerge into an incomprehensible mess. "I need something..." I stood up, closing in on the window towards the town. I no longer wish to stay indoors; I desire my friend. I grasped my robe, trailing down the staircase to leave.

  "King- would you like anything?" I noticed my head butler step in front of me, "No, thank you." I was about to stroll past him, but he stepped in front of me again.  "Where are you going?" "I wish to head into town-" "I can have a staff obtain whatever you seek-" "But I would prefer to-" I attempted to interpret, but he cut me off. "There is no need- I can get you whatever your heart dreams of." "I understand, but-" "You know being out is a bad thing, and you could injure yourself. Think this over-" I grabbed his collar, shoving him to the wall- scaring him. "Don't tell me what to do!" "I APOLOGIZE!" I let him go, walking out of the mansion.

  I've walked for a while now, strolling down streets I once knew, but now it seemed I had imagined all of it. Empty town, no noise, and the only thing to be heard is the occasional breeze. I was sure to be lost, but I didn't mind. Gradually my mind started to fill in the missing pieces, there were people left and right all around me, laughter, babbling all alike, kids playing, and I even saw a child version of Hosuh and me. The little rascals circled me in delight, "Catch me, Beau!"

  Child Hosuh sprinted straight near the lake with young Beau chasing him, and I slowly followed them- noticing everyone and everything disappear. No more townspeople, no sound, my sight was just on child Hosuh and I nearing the water... "Hosuh, wait!" Baby Beau yelled as Hosuh vanished in front of the water. Little Beau kneeled to peek into the water with a smile- "Hey me, how did you get stuck down there?" I felt this tight squeeze in my chest- "W-Wait, no-" His hand reached to his reflection, "No, STOP!"

  I began to sprint with my arm stretching out to grab my younger self, but I was too late, and he fell in... I plunged to my knees, sensing my eyes tear up, and all I could do was hopelessly embrace myself for comfort.

  "You did it," I heard splashes, "Not again." my heart was pounding faster. "You killed him, Beaumont." "I DIDN'T MEAN TO!" I shouted, trying to cover my ears. "Look at me, Beau." "No..." "I said... LOOK AT ME!" I turned, recognizing a black-figured shadow rising from the water, no features, no face, only glowing white eyes. "You will never get rid of me!" I started breathing heavily, "SHUT UP!" "YOU KNOW YOU DID IT!" I couldn't hold it anymore, "Stop... please... stop... I'm sorry." my eyes exploded in tears as my voice cracked-

  "Are you okay?! Do you need help?!" I glimpsed up to see Josephine, "I...." "Are you wounded? Does your stomach ache?!" She clutched my arms, rolling my sleeves up to see no injuries, stroked my forehead, and felt no fever. "What's wrong?!" "My... I... feel lonely." I lied as she blinked and smiled, "Would you like to be lonely together?" Her hand went out to me as I nodded, grabbing it and standing up.

  "Where's Hosuh?" I consulted, struggling to look past what happened- wiping my face. We walked down a road, "He's in the bookshop with Mr. Frederick the third." Mr. Frederick? "Who?" I questioned. "Stephan Frederick the third, the librarian who is Hosuh's friend. They seem very close." I narrowed my eyes in anxiety during her explanation.

  "He never told me about Stephan..." I whispered under my breath. "Hm?" Josephine looked at me, confused. "I didn't catch that." "I um- was wondering why you aren't with him?" I stalled. "Oh- well, Hosuh swore to get me a treat, and there stood a bakery across the way, so he let me go, but I heard crying and came to check." She explained as I nodded. "I, um, apologize for that." I blushed, embarrassed as she smiled.

  "Don't say sorry for being sad; it happens to everyone. Just be happy now!" She smiled brightly. "Yeah."

  We arrived outside the library, and I immediately noticed Hosuh and who I presume was the librarian. Light skin, thin, neatly dressed, and the sweetest smile to ever exist. At first glance, he appeared to look just like me- blond curls, but instead of green eyes, he had blue... My fingers caressed my locks, "Is his hair whiter than mine?" My face burned a bit annoyed, Hosuh was taller than Stephan, and it made me uneasy- why hadn't Hosuh spoken of him?

  "King Beaumont, come in." I realized Josephine opened the door to the library, and I entered to turn the corner of shelves- meeting eyes with Hosuh. "King Beaumont?!" Hosuh's face displayed surprise, nervousness, and most of all- worry. "Hello, King Cunningham," Stephan muttered, but I ignored him. "Hosuh, I assumed you were monitoring the streets." I peered at the petite blond, and he bowed as Hosuh followed his lead. "I was exhausted and chose to fetch a book for a little read during the shift." Hosuh lied. "And where is the praytell novel?" I looked at both their arms as Stephan decided to butt in.

  "It's in the backroom! I was just about to grab it since it was a special order from a while ago. I'll bring it right away!" Stephan scrambled behind the counter and into the back. "Aww, I scared the poor thing." I sarcastically said, referring to Stephan, but Hosuh came off bothered by the comment. "What are you doing here?"

  "I took your offer for a tour of the village with you-" I smiled as he rubbed his neck, "Are you sure you can be out and about? Did Lars give you the go-ahead for the day?" He doubted as I felt mad. "Hosuh, I will not be trapped in the manor my entire life!" I bawled as he sighed.

  "I don't mean to keep you in; I just worry for you, is all." He peered at his hands, awkwardly but I grabbed his shoulder- making him stare at me. "I'm fine." "I believe you, but if you need help. I am always here for you." No smile appeared on him, but his eyes said all I needed to know. I so craved to cuddle him; however, we both swore to remain professional in the public eyes- I would happily announce my love, but he wants to keep me safe and whatnot. "Can I-"

  "I have retained it! One order for Commander Hosuh!" Stephan ran in, delivering the book to Hosuh with a gleam in his eye. Hosuh stared over the cover, "I.. love this book- thank you, Stephan..." Hosuh's cheeks were light red as he held a soft smile, "I hope you enjoy!" Their eyes met till Hosuh looked my way.

  "Prepared to leave King Cunningham?" The exact weight from earlier erupted in my chest, making me anxious and lonely. "I... shall be heading back to my humble abode." I pretended to smile. "I can-" "I'd like some quiet, have a good day to the three of you." I left, listening to the bell ring as the door shut.

  I glanced through the glass window of the book store; Hosuh and Stephan happily chatted as Josephine ate some sweets. I shook my head, losing the smile. I began to walk mindlessly. I lied to Hosuh, but I didn't want to return to the castle. I suddenly heard loud yelling and laughing? I was close to a brewery, and I roamed in having no other option in mind.

  Men and women alike were roughhousing, but they all looked at me a bit annoyed or disgusted. I didn't care; I just made my way through the noise to the bar. "What would ya like, King?" The bartender asked, "Whiskey on the rocks." "Comin up." I glanced next to me and noticed a familiar redhead. "Hey, red." I grinned at Bell- "Ugh, haven't you learned anything from our previous encounter?"

  "I learned that you are dangerous- and I very much like that." She growled at me as I glanced at the bartender, "Another whiskey for the girl." he bobbed, handing one to me and her.

  "You are aggravating." "Am I so disappointing that you won't sit down and entertain me?" I winked as she chugged down the alcohol. "Sweet, but no thanks. Have an awful day, your highness." She departed as I stared into the light brown drink. "Already am..." I downed it, asking for more.