Chapter Seven

It took well over three minutes to climb to the top, but it was well worth it. There were wall-to-wall bookshelves, floor to ceiling windows that looked over the forests surrounding the castle, but the thing that surprised me most was a clear roof. It didn't look like glass or any plexiglass that I'd ever seen before. I walked up to the nearest bookshelf and picked up a book. To my amazement it wasn't some foreign language, it was english. I let out a laugh and opened the cover and took a deep breath the musty smell relaxed me. I sat down at the base of the bookshelf and began to read. The world around me melted away. I was immersed in the story's world. I don't know how long I'd been there, but I had read the entire book. I gently put it back in its spot and turned. I jumped. King Madric was siting in a desk that I had neglected to notice, he was watching me with a strange expression.

"I-I'm sorry they did tell me that I shouldn't touch anything, but..." He smiled and stood.

"It's fine. It's been a while since I saw someone read a book with such a sincere look." He walked to me. I took a step back. "So, what's your name?" I froze. "Your parents must've called you something." He laughed.

"Sam." I didn't meet his eyes, they were too captivating.

"What an exotic name for a woman. Where do you come from Sam?" He asked continuing to walk closer to me.

"New Jersey." I move to the side slightly to evade him.

"It also sounds like an exotic place."

"You could say that, we are a strange people." He chuckled.

"This is my private study no one is allowed in here without my knowledge. You are allowed to come here any time that you want. You can go anywhere you please, but you are not allowed to leave the castle grounds without informing me first." He paused. "Do you have any combat training?"

"I'm good with both hand-to-hand and swordsmanship." Luckily, I took fencing as a high school elective and I took wrestling, karate, and ti quan do while I was in college.

"Hand-to-hand?" He looked at me curiously.

"Yes, people in my land learn it." He was quiet.

"You'll have to show me how to do this combat style." He said after a moment. "You will be staying the room across from mine. Remember to always lock the door before sleeping or bathing. I am the only one who has another key to it." He handed me a large key. "Don't let anyone that I don't approve of in. You have many enemies here already. Here's the key to my room. Don't hesitate to use it." He placed a second key in my hand. "Do you understand?"

"Yes." He smiled.

"I wanted to say," He started hesitantly. "That I liked your smile."

"What?"

"That is one of the reasons why I picked you." My smile?

"Oh, um... thank you?" Why was this so awkward?

"I also wanted to say that you look beautiful." He turned his head away slightly.

"You're kidding right?" He shook his head. I started at him a moment. The silence grew. I couldn't tell if he was joking or not with that straight face. "Are you feeling well?" I asked him. I reached up and place the back of my hand against his forehead. He jumped back slightly. "You don't feel like you have a fever." I said mumbling to myself. "Do you need glasses?" I looked up. His face was a deep red. He was looking down. Not at my face. I followed his gaze. Unbeknownst to me, my chest was squished into his. I let out a gasp. "I'm so sorry." I said, trying to straighten myself. I put a hand onto the bookshelf to help, but it slipped and I fell backwards a bit. The hem of the dress came up, showing my calves and knees. I quickly fixed myself and stood. That was embarrassing. I looked at him. His right hand was clasped firmly over his left, which covered his nose and mouth. Drops of blood squeezed through his hands.