The slowest week has finally passed. I have never imagined that seven days could be so timeless when you expect, hopeful, to see somebody. After that day, it seems like he has disappeared. I haven't crossed him in the hallways, nor received orders to serve him food or clean the principle rooms.

Nothing.

I have tried to ask Mary if she knows something about him, however, the only answer I have received was meaningless blabbers, and that is what made me more suspicious than worried. It is known that when someone blabbers means he or she is lying or hiding something.

I know for sure that Mary is hiding the information she knows about him from me. Maybe the reason is too private for me to know; in the end, I am just a maid, am I not?

But so she is. Why is she allowed to know more than I am?

From her behaviour towards him, it seems like she is more than just a maid to him. I can perceive a certain maternal relationship between them; when she talks about him, how she addresses to him, how she seems to protect him. I believe she knows him more than his real mother or father do.

Talking about his family, who are his parents? Are they Mr. Rockchild and Mrs. Rockchild?

This is part of the other million unsolvable dilemmas.

I decide to stop overthinking and taking a walk outside, even though I am not sure it is allowed. Why wouldnt it be? It is not outside the property.

With no more questions, I drag my legs out of the gloomy room. I still havent memorised every single floor of the Palace, but I am sure I will find a door that takes outside.

As I fall into the hallway, deep silence hits my ears. The dazzling light of the sun illuminates the whole Palace, enchanting every inch of it. I half-close my eyes, hurt by the powerful light, but astonished by its magic beauty.

I put a hand above my eyes in order to see where my steps go and in a couple of seconds I reach the stairs. I keep walking down slowly, afraid of falling. These stairs are way too rapids for me.

As I keep walking, a furious but low voice catches my attention. I stop my steps, concentrating all my auditory senses on that voice. I stick my body to the left, where the talk seems having place.

"You don't understand, she is too much for me!" is this The Lord- James's voice? Who is he talking about?

"James, please listen to m-" another familiar voice appears.

"Steve, all I think about is her. She is consuming every inch of.. This. Everytime I am in a room with her, I feel my chest heavy, my breaths arrest and I loose control of my mind."

A deep and endless silence invades my ears. I can hear my breath echoing and my heart pumping out of my chest. Afraid to be heard, I take a deep breath and hold it as long as needed.

"I need it. Now." He begs, almost desperately.

"Alright. We will start with one dose per week."

"Great." I hide myself behind the corner of the wall, as I hear someones steps from the room walking towards the corridor.

"However, I want you to promise me something, James".

"What, exactly", he says, with an irritating tone.

"You are a very powerful man, do not let feelings frighten you. Promise me that one day you'll let love access your dark and dreadful heart. Because one day, that will be your only cure."

I gasp at his words, walking as fast as possible to my room, afraid to be discovered eavesdropping. I have a deep feeling this was James's most vulnerable moment, as he was expressing his frustration to that familiar person.

I am sure I have already heard that voice, however, my mind is quite distracted in this moment to reckon anything.

As fear and curiosity run through my body, I decide to clean my room to distract my mind from further dilemmas.

...

As Christmas is at the corner, Anne, Lucy and Claire must be working endlessly. The family always invite important guests at every festivity, I can't imagine how many there will be in a week.

On the contrary, Mary and I are not working at all. And this is extremely surprising for me. "He has never celebrated one holiday. He hates holidays with all his body", claimed Mary when I asked her.

Thinking about him, I still haven't seen him, and after that talk I heard between Steve Court and him, it seems like he disappeared. The more I try to paraphrase Steve's words to him, the more confusing it is. What did he mean?

I get awaken by some loud noises coming from the stairs. "Are you leaving?"

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry I forgot to tell you! I am going to visit my grandchildren for Christmas." Mary affirms while she drags her luggage with fatigue.

"Wait, we are allowed to leave? For holidays?" I ask, shocked.

"What a silly question, of course! This is not a prison, dear." She laughs.

Oh. Then why does it feel like one?

"Don't you go visit some of your family members?"

"Well, I would love to, unfortunately I am the only and last member alive, so I am the only one who I can celebrate Christmas with." I never thought saying this out loud would sound so painful.

"Oh, dear." with her soft arms, she wraps them around my body. "Do you want to join me? I am sure everyone will adore you."

"Thank you for the invite, Mary. I will spend some time with the girls and make some delicious cakes. Go enjoy this precious time with your family."

She gives me her usual maternal look, warming my heart, before walking towards the door.

"Oh, one thing before I go, dear. Do not enter in Lord's room for any reason." her look shifts to a warning one.

"Why..?" I ask, curious as always.

She takes a big breath, "just don't", before shutting the door behind her.