Chapter 14

Paul considered that he needed preparation for his day with Master and if Snow wasn't as stunned that Master finally wants him he would have made a sound when the elder made him take a heartful breakfast.

''How do pastel colors sound today, Snow?'' Paul asked after he took his last bites, the aftertaste of medicine still on his tongue.

For some reason the medicine took a cooling effect that made his mouth froze after taking it. It was a pleasant feeling even though the first bites of food were harder to take.

''Teal.'' Snow choose the color, remembering the beautiful orchids that greeted him the first time he entered the garden. He wasn't sure if they were natural or just a manifestation of Master magic but they surely made a mark on Snow

''Teal will be beautiful.'' Paul agreed before both of them begin looking through clothes choosing Snow best outfit. A pair of comfortable pants with white accents, one of his newly favorite blouse and with a quick brush of his hair, Snow declared himself ready to go.

''Already?'' Paul asked surprised stepping away from the wardrobe

''I can't keep Master waiting. Where does he need me?'' 

''His study, just like last time Snow.'' Paul smiled at him amused when he fidgeted ''There's no need to be nervous, child.'' 

If Snow didn't feel his tongue twist, he may had contradict Paul at that moment. Of course there was a need to be nervous. He was finally allowed to meet Master again.

Snow just needed to make sure he won't make a fool of himself, won't make Master angry or won't stare at the man. Again. His Master was beautiful but that just mean Snow shouldn't even be allowed to look at his face. The insubordination he showed last time was enough for a lifetime.

Master study door was already opened when he walked closer to the room. Wood door wide open, the same chair from before moved invitingly and bizarrely enough, there was a slice of his newly favorite cake right there. For a brief moment he wondered how Master know what his new favorite was when he didn't even mention it to Paul but those thoughts disappeared quickly when heat begin radiating behind him. 

The heat made him swallow with difficulty, just then remembering that he was actually quiet cold.

Master hand feel hot. Too hot on his blouse and completely unfamiliar with...anything he ever encountered. Pressing on his skin, Snow feel his face grow hot and hands sweaty when Master pushed him forward and almost made him seat on the chair.

The heat left him but the rapid beating of his heart was ever present.

Master took his rightful seat, a heavy book in his hand while pushing the cake plate towards Snow more obviously. Now, familiar with eating, Snow could remember if there was anything in his plate after each bite or not. 

Staring at his Master right hand, a small ring resting on his pinkie finger and two other simple, silver rings on his pointer were the attraction. The slower he eat, the more he could stare at them.

That thought filled him with so much embarrassment and shame that he almost choked on his next bite when Master got up from his seat and walked to one of the bookshelves, obviously searching for something else.

''Thank you.'' Snow said loudly knowing that his deaf Master couldn't hear him, setting the plate carefully away ''It was delicious.'' he continued when Master didn't move from his spot, still searching ''Somehow better then the one from yesterday, I don't know how Paul has time to make them-''

A soft thud made him slam his mouth shut, teeth clenched and body tense. There was no way...right? Breathing easier when Master just turned back at the desk, the same expression after a quick check. 

you are safe  Snow thought briefly keeping himself demure and pleasant looking, waiting for a command to dance, to let him to his job for Master 

READ.

The new book Master choose was smaller then the first one. Thin, with probably just a hundred pages, the book cover being of a pale purple, somehow violet. Despite it's soft and calm appearance, Snow feel just panic and dread looking at the book.

Fumbling with his hands, trembling fingers in his lap, hidden from Master view he begin muttering without knowing.

''What do I do....I never even-''

With raw lips and a big knot in his stomach, his Master opened the book clearly impatient about him.

READ. 

The word was repeated again and when Snow opened his mouth to stammer out hundreds of apologies, realization hit him.

Master can't hear  he thought desperately so even if I don't read the words right, even if I don't read at all he won't know. He can't.  

He is deaf.

For a moment, when he stared at the book content he almost give up and confessed but when he looked up at his Master he could feel himself relax. Master didn't look angry or arrogant like he know Snow couldn't read. He looked calm, curious even. Spectacular blue eyes shining with softness.

Pointing his eyes at the book contents, he begin talking.

He talked about the garden first, how he wanted to spend the day there to dance for the earth and plants that stood cursed all those years. He talked about his meals and the amazing desserts he always had. About Paul and his much help he gives to himself and to the Manor.

He talked about the music room that he sometimes visits at night when everyone is asleep and he can dance and dance and dance. 

Snow talked. He talked so much that his voice accommodated and he actually sounded normal if just slightly more deep then natural speaking. He talked so much that his voice become rough again this time from overuse. 

Changing the page when he thought it was time, Snow spends an entire afternoon with his Master calm company while he finally let himself talk without fear.