Beau

See him tilt his head when he ducks under a branch, how his dark hair flops forward into his blue eyes. Have you spotted the diamond sharp cheekbones, yet? You have now.

"Ma?" he calls, "Ma!"

It's hard to tell, because his smooth complexion is unwrinkled by concern, but he's getting quite worried. Not because night is falling, and the horse spooked and ran off. Not because he's had to duck another date with Claudette this week, and she's shown no signs of letting up. But because his mother was expected back today and never showed.

He's never been this deep in the forest, so he's never seen this dilapidated castle. It's black and gloomy-looking, heavy on gargoyles. What are those things that look like black, grassy curtains at night? The kind a hero can duck under, his chiselled jaw tilted just so? There's some of those as well. And vines. Put some vines in.

His steps are purposeful, fearless. It looks like there's nobody home. But it's worth knocking, just in case. Maybe Ma sought shelter there. Maybe I could, just for the night. It's really getting quite dark.

He pulls his cloak closer (because he's chilly you understand, not because he's nervous) and raises his fist. The door creaks open before it. He peeks in. The corridor beyond is richly furnished and carpeted, but poorly lit. He picks up a flickering candlestick and holds it aloft with confidence.

"Hello? Who's there?"

It's as if someone is scurrying ahead of him, arranging things just so. By the time he reaches the comfortable chair, the fire is lit, with a footstool arranged. A small trolley is parked close by, laden with a full tea service, and pot of hot, fresh tea.

How wonderful, he thinks, pouring himself a steaming cup and warming his hands on it.

The air in the room changes, and the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. He freezes, cup halfway to his pouting lips.

The scrape of a claw. A low snarl, right on the edge of hearing. From the shadows, a woman's throaty voice drips into the room.

"Who are you, and what are you doing in my castle?"

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Word count (excluding note): 366

Submitted on 29th March at 23.05

*Quick Author's Note*

First, and most importantly: thank you for reading!

If you enjoyed this story, the best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another.

A Year of Stories: I'm writing a story every day this year. This one makes an 89 day streak. I'm also putting them in my Index post.

Thank you

Thank you again! I do my best to reciprocate all reads. Leaving a comment makes that easier 😁