Milah woke up rested well and refreshed.

Unlike yesterday, she was under warm quits and many pelts. She realized she wasn't in Beast's chambers. She was once again in the room she had awoken previous day. Her face became heated as Beast's called what had occurred last night. Beast had pick her up with tenderness and helped her escape ungodly cold. She was sure her face was crimson.
A whiff of deliciousness was detected by her nose Her breakfast was already steaming on the table. She examined its content. There were steaming eggs, some fruits she was unfamiliar with except apples, porridge, warm milk and nuts. She ate some of her breakfast. She dressed in the most delectable garbs provided in the wardrobe. She was amazed to find a warm cloak to wrap herself in. It was unbearable cold. Even the rooms were quite cold. She set forth to find Beast to thank him for his hospitality. She searched everywhere for the Beast, checked every nook and cranny but he was nowhere to be found.

I will die of boredom, she thought.

Then she remembered the vast archive Beast had. She giggled imagining the look on Beast's face when he would realize she stole books from him. The idea excited her. She wanted to see the Beast once again all tense and uneasy. She went into his study.

Rows and rows of books adorned the shelves. She loved reading. She was few of the ladies who had learned to read and write. She softly touched each of them. Few were ancient, many where newer works she was yet to read. She was amazed to find books on poetry, stories, legends and philosophy. Occupant had vast taste for reading. There were books on medicine, apothecary, catalogues of animals and birds. Even books on necromancy and magic. She picked up a book on apothecary.

"Glad to see you standing and moving around."

An unfamiliar voice made her drop the book. Many of the pages became loose and spread all over the floor. She gathered them up and placed them back at their appointed place.

"Who are you?" she implored suspiciously.

Man laughed heartily.

"Why, I am the one who took you from your home." He declared.

Milah meticulously examined the man. He was tall, dressed in respectable garments and with pleasant face. Yet he made her feel uncomfortable. She tried to get a metal candle stand as her protection.

The man was swift. With the flick of his hand, he made candle stand disappear.

"My name is Duval Freed." He announced. His eyes shone with intellect and playful nature. The kind she hated.

"I am nothing but a humble servant to the master of this house, milady."

She pouted.

"Oh my! What an interesting face!" Duval exclaimed. "believe me, milady, I have seen my fair share of barmaids and other gals but you, oh the bold colored rose in amidst the white winter! Stunning!"

His words disgust her.

"Why Beast had me abducted?" she inquired. She crossed her arms and held her chin high. He needs to know he is talking to the lady of high stature.

"Beast?" He appeared confused. "Oh, you mean Master." He laughed.

She hated people laughing without any valid incentive. She was sure to make her frown known to him.

"Tell me, if Beast want gold, my father have plenty. If he seeks a woman, I am pretty sure neighboring country's princess is more attractive. If he wants a favor from my father's governance, he must meet him. I see no reason why I am being kept here." She told him. Her woman's intuition told her it was not the case. Something was amiss.
Duval laughed once more.

"Who says anything about my Master abducting you? It was I." He said.

"Then why did you abducted me?" She inquired.

"All in good times." His smile made her angry.

"I want to know now." Her voice was stern.

"Feisty, aren't we?" he came close and whispered. "I like it."

She shuddered.

"Pardon me for intrusion but where is your master?" She really wanted to thank him for last night's kindness.

Duval stopped.

"Master never tells me where he goes. I met him earlier at the door. Apparently, he was going out at that moment." He wondered why a wench calling his master Beast wanted to know his whereabouts.

"But castle doors were shut yesterday. I couldn't get out even when Beast asked me to." She was clearly disturbed.

"Winter is upon us. This accursed castle open its door in winter to let Master out and I in. But Master cannot leave the mountain. The forest surrounding the mountain keeps its guard." Duval let out a huge sigh. "This is the curse bestowed upon this land."

One day in this castle was enough for her. Though the food was exquisite, clothes far richer than she ever wore, bed the most softest, she never lusted for it. She wanted to be surrounded by her loved ones. Her sisters and her father.

"But how can you come in and out?" You can take me with you, right? I can leave and go back to my family!" Milah was desperate. "You brought me here, after all."

"I cannot."

"You must take me with you."

"Am I so charming a man that I have swept you off your feet on our first meeting?" Milah was disgusted by his nasty remarks. He came closer to her. "I can take you as my own, milady but now that you are here, you can never leave."

"You oaf!" she pushed Duval away.

Duval suddenly become serious.

"My bloodline is granted special favor by spirits of forests. I am the only one who can pass."

"But somehow I came here."

"It was not the easy task, I assure you. Even old man green was angry at me for that. Unfortunately, they won't let you leave now."
Milah slumped on the floor.

"Anyhow, Master asked me to inquire if you need supplies to pass the hours. I will visit nearby town today and will return with whatever milady wants in few days." He became civil.

"Why must I stay here?"

Duval sighed. He mumbled something and blow on her face. Milah forgot what she wanted to ask. Her mind went blank.

"Milady, supplies to pass your hours?" He inquired.

She thought about it. She was unaware about her time there. She needed something to distract her mind from the solitude she was confined in. She knew what every lady of her status knew. She loved sewing but her wardrobe contained more robes than she needed. She enjoyed growing flowers, winter here was harsh. She wondered if flowers grow in this apparent infertile land. She thought of a hobby she had given up after her mother passed.

"I would like to have supplies for painting. Basic colors, some brushes, canvases and holding board." She thought for a moment. "And a bundle of white cloth."

He nodded.

"Well, it was a pleasure meeting you. I'll be gone now." Duvall turned to go away.

Milah hoped Beast return before nightfall. She didn't want to be left alone in that huge manor.

"Have a safe trip."

Duval gave a small smile. He was satisfied with his choice. He knew his power made him chose the most suitable woman for the job.