You Scare Me.

"We have arrived, Miss."

"Mrs., sir," I corrected the driver, although I was not particularly thrilled about the new title, but it's the reality now.

Before me, stood my newfound home, complete with a husband. I cannot deny that it resembled a captivating castle. The dry flowers hanging on its walls, the grandeur of the wooden entrance, and the rugged stone pathway – all depicted a charming abode. This dwelling must surpass a century in age, if not more. What kind of individual could call this place home? Secluded from the outside world, ensconced in isolation. Undeniably, it emanated a sense of foreboding. This is no dwelling fit for a graceful and noble princess. It contradicts the narrative. I am that charming queen, and I must not remain here.The closer I got, the more wrong it felt.

The loneliest sounds ever, I mean, owls singing and my luggage's wheels struggling to roll on the stones that haven't been cleaned in ages.

Is someone really living here?

The driver looked disturbed. I can't blame him.

He escorted me to the door, collected his money, and left.

I can't describe how nervous I feel.

My stomach hurts and my eyes feel heavy. I hope I don't faint right now. I will be fed to the wolves.

And I must give the best first impression to this man I don't know.

I struck the old and rusty lion knocker.

I am almost throwing up my breakfast.

I need to relax.

I combed my golden hair with my thin fingers.

I have to look good.

I took a peek at my pink dress. It looked fine. I am fine, I am...

The door cracked and opened slowly. As if it wasn't expecting me at all.

God, I hope I am in the wrong house.

An old woman peeked her head out.

"May I help you?", she said with a lazy raspy voice.

"Good morning, I am Mr. Malloid's daughter, Sophia."

"Oh... the master's wife... Come in.", she opened a little more for me to go in. She hurry and helped me with my luggage.

"There's no need to, thank you.", I said looking around but it was just too dark.

"Please let me do it."

I shyly smiled and let her do it. It wasn't much after all.

"Please excuse the lack of light, Mr. Arthur doesn't like brightness.", she said guiding me through the house.

"Huh? Why?"

"Because it's too bright..."

She answered as if it was the most obvious thing to ask.

Was it really?

I felt like I was going to hit something at any moment because I couldn't see very well. I couldn't hear anything either, just the lady's footsteps and the faint sound of birds outside. This earthy smell of the house was just making it worse. What is this place?

She stopped walking and I heard her shake what sounded like a box of matches.

I saw her face for a brief moment when she lighted the match. She carefully moved it away and lighted a candle that was on a counter table That I had ignored until that moment.

"We will leave your things here for now. Follow me."

I nodded and rapidly said "Yes!" because she couldn't see if I was nodding and I didn't want to sound rude.

We walked until she reached a door and opened it without making too much noise. We entered and kept walking.

All the windows in the house had paper or fabric on them.

This was just getting weirder and weirder.

But I was worried about other things like: How am I supposed to live in these conditions?

"We are here.", she said.

"Where are we?", I whispered for some reason.

"The Master's room."

My heart stopped.

What!? No, no, I'm not ready! I haven't rehearsed! What am I going to say? Ah!!

She opened the door and whispered

"Wait here." And she entered, shutting the door on my face.

Ah, this gives me mode anxiety! What is she doing! Why is this all so mysterious?

About ten seconds later she opened and grabbed my hand quickly, dragging me inside.

I held my scream in (that was sudden), and tried my best to not look scared.

She dragged me to a place I couldn't see and made me sit down on what felt like a sofa.

She didn't say anything and left.

I suddenly felt like my breathing was way too loud.

And I didn't know when he was going to come.

I waited patiently for maybe five minutes.

I sighed and stood up searching for the door stomping with things on the way.

I finally reached it but couldn't find how to open it.

I finally decided to speak.

"U... Uh... M-Miss?", I said trembling.

But no one answered.

Everything is wrong here... This doesn't feel right... I am too scared I can't see a thing.

"Who is there?", a soft male voice said.

I felt a chill on my spine.

I froze.

"Mrs. Chloe?", he asked again.

What are you doing?! Talk!

"Uhm... Mr. Arthur?", I said not moving. I didn't know where the voice came from.

He didn't say anything.

"Who are you?", he said with a deeper voice.

I am going to faint. I'm too scared of this man! Of this house! Of that lady!

"I'm Mr. Malloid's daughter, my name is Sophia."

He took a pause and then said.

"Why are you inside my bedroom, Ms. Malloid?"

"I... I don't know."

He didn't reply.

Awkward!

"I... A lady... She told me to follow her. She dragged me inside this room. I thought I was in a waiting room, and was, was waiting for Mr. Arthur but he was taking too long, and I...",

I was scared of the dark.

I can't say that. I might offend him.

"I understand."

"I'm very sorry, I didn't know-"

The lights were turned on.

I flinched and closed my eyes.

I opened them again slowly to get my eyes used to them.

The first thing I noticed was the black and red rug covering the floor.

I slowly lifted my hand and saw a huge bed Covered with matte black fabric, like the curtains of the bed.

"Please don't stare.", he said.

I widened my eyes shocked and looked to the wall.

So he is inside that fort...

I couldn't see him anyway, but it seems like he can see me.

My... This is so weird...

"Take a seat, Ms."

I looked for a place to sit and found a couch that was facing the bed.

I sat and looked to the floor. He didn't want me to look his way. And I must behave.

So I was sitting here... Was he looking at me? No. It was too dark. But he must've heard me.

I don't know what's going on.

"Your name is Sophia?"

"Yes, Mr."

I heard how he was scattering paper.

What is he doing?

"Your father is ... Jack Malloid?"

"Yes."

"He sent you here?"

"Yes."

"... Against your will?"

Yes.

"No. It was my own choice and will."

He paused for a long time and then talked.

"You came here to be my wife, is that right?"

"Yes.", I answered.

He took a pause and said:

"I'll call you by your last name since we don't know each other enough to call us by our names."

"I'm fine with whatever you think is fine, Mr. Arthur.", I replied.

He quieted down.

... I feel uneasy with these long pauses... I feel like he is staring at me.

"Mrs. Arthur, how old are you?"

Ouii Mrs. Arthur?, I blushed. I have to get used to that name... That's my name now.