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New Friends

My eyes widened with each steps I put furthermore into the castle. Never in my life I visited such a huge mansion. The average house from where I belonged was my little world since birth.

'And today for that house you're here.'

My subconscious reminded my ironical fate as unconsciously my palm stretched out to touch the interior of the walls. Gold dusted brownie surface prickled at my fingertips as I stared in awe how so many beautiful paintings were hung in the interior. 

Large chandeliers hung above the high ceilings threating to fall whoever came with evil intention. Red carpet laid at every corridor submissively as if they would be deprived of the dust of their lord's feet if not did. White silk curtains swaying side by side lurking the danger away that was hiding behind the familiar faces.

Out straight from the mediaeval era.

The ancient fantasies.

The déjà vu was tantalizing in my every fibre as goosebumps erupted my skin while my hands smoothening over the beast king's huge potrait where he stood magnificently in his royal gown. His deadly gaze made me squirm but all I noticed was his eyes.

The pain. He was trying so hard to hide.

Even a painting as alive as it was couldn't hide the obvious.

But what was the reason of his sufferings?

"Miss?"

I almost forgot I was asked to follow the lady-maid and there I was ogling at the mansion.

"Uhh, I'm sorry." I apologized sheepishly as I saw she eyed me curiously.

"This is your new room." She declared as we stepped into a small but moderate room. "Master already gives you your clothes and essentials. Feel free to ask me if you need anything."

"Thanks..."

"Enid." She smiled politely.

"Isabella." I returned the smile.

"Isabella, what a lovely name." She chirped a little and by her talkings I could say she had a bubbly personality. But she sounded too indifferent of a girl who was being held captive against her will in this odd mansion.

"Aren't you a human?" I asked.

"Oh no, I'm a beast. And I think you're the first ever human slave His Majesty brought since he gave permission you to stay here." She shrugged as my eyes widened at her words.

"What's so special here?" I found myself ask her out of curiosity.

"I don't know. Probably this wing is close to His Majesty's room and he doesn't want anyone to disturb his peace. And you're not any 'anyone'." She cleared as I hummed.

"How long have you been a maid here, Enid?"

"As far as I remember since my birth. That's a century ago." She giggled as I gasped. I was yet to adjust with the immortal roles there.

Our small talking was interrupted by a soft knock on the door as I saw a guard was standing there.

"Apologies to interrupt Milady, but His Majesty is expecting to see you in his chamber now." He bowed as his chestnut locks fell over his forehead and upon noticing Enid beside me a cheeky grin appeared in his freckled face.

"Hey Max!" Enid smiled at him as he waved at her.

"He's Max, my best friend here and Max she's Isabella." Enid introduced us as I smiled at him.

"What a beauty we've here." He kissed the back of my hand making me blush.

"I told you as soon as I see her I could feel her angelic energy."

"You sure were right." They laughed like teenagers as I felt a little relieved to meet with them. Atleast I won't be alone there afterall.

After a few minute of freshening up Max escorted me out to the Beast King's chamber as I grew anxious about his next command.

"Don't be afraid. His Majesty may appear as a little short tempered and cold blooded at first sight but once you come to know him enough you'll realise he's really kind." I gave him a light smile but the reassurance didn't make me feel at ease.

While walking down I saw a girl was cleaning the furnitures and I instantly remembered her one of those missing girls I watched in the TV.

My heart ached thinking about her family members who must be worried sick of her back in the earth. But all matter was that she was alive.

"Long live the Queen!" My head snapped at the direction of the sudden commotion that caught my attention.