It was only after I had let out those words, I realized what i had just done, shocked at my own unexpected outburst, I quickly put a hand over my mouth.
A long silence ensue immediately afterward, that I couldn't tell if he was still there or not, or if he was even angry or not, nevertheless, I couldn't muster the courage to say anything nor even raise my head to meet his gaze.
My heart pounded as I closed my eyes, "Maybelline." I heard his voice, but I could hear and feel he was now standing beside me, my heart raced even faster.
I couldn't help but remember, when I was a little girl each time my father called out my name like this it always meant trouble.
"Why are you closing your eyes, are you hurt?"He said once more, making me astonished out of so many things I was expecting this reaction was the least, why wasn't he angry? Or was he just playing dumb again?
I gradually opened my eyes, and the moment I did his eyes met mine, they were fiery like gems. I heard a chuckle from the mask.
"Sorry if I had startled you by mistake, actually I didn't mean it. Also, I will never hurt you, that's one thing I can promise." He said, and walked away.
As he walked away, leaving me there with a racing heart and a million and one thoughts swirling in my head, I couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and intrigue. Who was this man, and why did he seem like he could read my thoughts?
Most importantly, even when he knew what were running through my mind why does he play dumb?
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself as I watched him disappear around the corner. Part of me wanted to chase after him, to demand answers and clarification. But another part of me was scared - scared of what I might uncover, scared of what might happen next.
I stood there for a moment, trying to collect my thoughts and make sense of the situation. Briareus words echoed in my mind, his promise to never hurt me. It was a kind sentiment, but also a strange one. Why did he feel the need to reassure me? What did he mean by it?
Pushing aside my swirling emotions, I decided to explore the castle.
****
The castle felt like a hidden oasis, a place where I could escape from the overwhelming thoughts and emotions that had been consuming me since arriving here.
As I sat down on a swing, the soft scent of roses filling the air, I couldn't help but replay the encounter with his Highness in my mind. He knew my name yet didn't call it often? And what did he mean by promising to never hurt me? There was an air of confidence about him that both enticed and unnerved me.
Lost in my thoughts, I absentmindedly swung back and forth, the gentle breeze soothing my troubled mind. Before I knew it, hours had passed and the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the castle grounds.
Feeling a bit more centered, I decided it was time to return to the bedroom, which took long than I expected and soon I realized I was almost lost, thankfully I was able find a maid that showed me around. As I made my way through the corridors, I couldn't help but noticed how big and extravagant the castle really was.
There were many household staff, at every corners and place you step in the castle, not only that each staff and guards had their own personal quarters assigned to them.
Just as I was exploring the chamber, a little boy bumped into me with wide-eyed and slightly flustered. "Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going."
I knelt down to his level, a gentle smile spreading across my face. "That's alright," I reassured him. "Accidents happen." I patted his head gently before standing up.
He glanced up at me, curiosity evident in his eyes. "Are you new here, My Lady?" he asked, his voice filled with both innocence and excitement.
I nodded, my heart warming at his genuine curiosity. "Yes, I am. I just arrived."
His eyes widened even further, his gaze filled with awe. "Wow! You must be really special if you're staying in the royal chambers," he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and envy.
Chuckling softly, I tousled his hair affectionately. "Well, I sure feel special now that I've met you," I replied with a gentle smile.
He blushed under my praise, but his excitement didn't wane. "I'm Gabriel, by the way," he said, extending his hand towards me.
I took his small hand in mine, shaking it gently. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Gabriel. I'm Maybelline."
He grinned widely, his eyes sparkling with joy. "Maybelline! That's a beautiful name."
"Thank you, Gabriel," I replied, touched by his warmth.
"By the way, am looking for my mask uncle Briareus." I couldn't help but chuckle, when he said mask uncle. They must be very close I thought.
"Oh dear, your mask uncle is not here, he left not quite long."I said with a tease."Do you want to leave a message for him, I just became his wife."
"His wife? Mask uncle tricked me again, he didn't tell he was going to get married, nevertheless, can I wait for him this time am really angry."He said with a pout, showing how cute and angry he was.
"Of course, come on in."I said with a smile and led him into the garden I just came from."Little gabriel are you hungry?"
He nodded, while adding,"Am not little gabriel, but big gabriel.