by A. W. Cross
Fletcher didn’t say a word, cautiously turning around as to not knock anything over. He’d learned early on, that his dragon form within the castle wasn’t exactly easy to maneuver. Regardless, he didn’t have a choice. Either he found a woman who could truly love him for what and who he was, or he’d forever remain a dragon, with the inability to shift back into a man.
“You know, I don’t get you. What is this obsessive need to prove you are an independent woman, when everything around you is falling apart?” Lucien had showed up after all, much to her dismay, and immediately had to run his mouth.
Bella desperately wanted to throw a log at Lucien, but she knew how valuable wood was, especially with the winter season looming ahead.
“Why do you care?”
He stretched his arms in the air with a fastidious smile over his face. “You’re right! I really don’t. I mean, not as far as you are concerned. I just care for my friend. Besides, all this time he spends over here, checking in on you, helping you… it truly is cramping his style. He’s missing out on some amazing opportunities.” He paused and took a more serious tone. “he might just be missing out on finding that singular woman who is his perfect match.”
Lucien wasn’t wrong. Bella knew as much. She’d had this argument with Gustavo a hundred times over. Still, she wouldn’t admit openly to Lucien that he was right.
“Take that up with your friend.” She said returning her attention to stacking the wood.
Gustavo rounded the corner, “hey, here, let me help you.”
“No! Gustavo, I’m fine. Please, just go and take that obsessively annoying friend of yours with you. And don’t ever bring him back.”
Gustavo looked back and forth from Lucien and Bella trying to figure out just what he’d missed.
“Go!” Bella shouted.
Lucien let out a boisterous laugh as he moved away from her and towards the gate, letting himself out without bothering to close it.
Bella watched with complete and utter disgust.
“I’m sorry, Bella. I’ll close it on my way out. Just promise me, don’t let him get under your skin like that. Lucien feeds off people’s reactions. He gets this weird high from pissing people off.”
She took in a deep calculated breath. “Gus, I’m not stupid. And I really wish you’d stop treating me as if I’m some desperate damsel in distress. My situation here isn’t changing anytime soon and my response to you neither. Do us all a favor. Please go live your life as a proper young gentleman of society. Find someone who is your perfect match and let me be. Please?”
Gustavo gave her a big smile as he moved to leave. “I’ll be back tomorrow with some paint for that furniture. I really think you’ll be able to fetch a great price if you put some beautiful flowers on them. I know at least the women in my family go crazy over stuff like that.” He winked as he bowed to bid her farewell.
“Goodbye, Gustavo! And don’t come back!” She hollered jokingly.
4
The winter months were approaching, and the vibrant castle grounds, now alight with the most brilliant colors and vivid flowers would soon be kissed with browns and oranges, as all the world met with the kiss of Fall's cool embrace.
"Fletcher, you really must break this gloomy mood you're in," Griselda said, putting a large bowl in front of him so that he could slurp it up. He rolled his eyes at her, but his long tongue flicked in and out of the bowl like a snake.
Right after, she made her way to the end of the table where her son sat, watching his mother and Fletcher with large hazel eyes.
She slid a small plate in front of the boy, and kissed his head, in the dull light, the iridescent line of a scar glinted.
"What's he doing here?" Fletcher roared, wondering why she insisted on keeping her son around, considering the fact that one wrong flick of his tail and the boy could be hurt. Hence the large scar on the side of the boy's forehead.
"Oh stop, you know how much Charlie adores you, no matter how many times you flash your fangs at him."
"Yup, I sure do," the little boy took a bite of his soup, and though he was at the far end of the table, he smiled wide at Fletcher, not the least bit put off by the man's heaving, scaly belly, or his flaring nostrils.
"Well, I don't know why," Fletcher grumbled over his food. One glance towards the window, and the dreary skies told him he would not be going outside again for the day.
I don't know why insists on keeping him here, I almost cost the boy his life, and she acts like I have no guilt.
His mind flashed back to a night just a few years ago, when he'd been on one of his rampages through the castle. Fletcher had no idea that little Charlie had gotten out of bed and was roaming through the castle in the dark of night. Charlie had startled the man-beast, and without even thinking Fletcher’s large tale whipped around, sending the boy flying. When he'd realized his mistake, it was too late.
His roar had been enough to wake the rest of the castle, and miraculously, even though the blood loss, little Charlie had pulled through and neither Griselda nor the boy had left Fletcher’s side since.
Maybe that was part of his irritation, he'd been able to send everyone else packing, but Griselda had refused. He guessed he'd underestimated her dedication to him, and his family's bloodline.
"Where's your mind tonight, master?"
He finished off the last of the broth, wishing his beastly form would allow him to spit it out, like a human could.
"Nothing," he growled, getting off of his haunches, and nodding to her before he left the large dining area without another word. He'd long since damaged the archway leading into the main hall, not intentionally of course, but his dragon frame was too large, and he'd not gotten used to it quick enough once he changed.
He followed the tattered carpet, shredded from his claws pacing up and down the hallway, and ignored the paintings of his human self that he'd once upon a time slashed through with one swipe.
Anger had destroyed most of the beauty left in the castle, but loneliness had caused the majority of that anger. With the eve of his seventh year as a dragon beast approaching, he'd lost all hope that he would fulfill the curse of the dragon blood.
No one frequented the castle anymore, not since he'd ordered all of his servants, and even his friends away.
The idea that he would find love, and have an offspring to follow in his footsteps, was both devastating, and a hopeless pursuit. For even if such a thing were possible, he couldn't imagine passing this curse on to someone else. Fletcher plowed through the barely remaining doors of the castle, the wood long since shredded from his angry bouts, and storming rampages.
As he exited, his large wings spread wild and free and he took to the skies. The only place that he could truly have freedom and be able to breathe. As he soared over the gentle fog that descended on his castle, and the cool of the evening caressed over his scales, he closed his eyes. He could not allow the emotions to rule over him, emotions made him destructive.
For the moment, he had to eat. Preying on small animals was the only thing that gave him reprieve, and tonight he needed that. He gave into the urges, cat-like eyes cutting through the descending night, and feasting on the rabbits and deer that dared to come to close to his castle. Griselda would be angry he'd stayed out all night, but instinct was the only thing that gave him rest from the loneliness that ravaged through his beastly body.
His nostrils flared, and he dove low. No more thoughts of Griselda, or Charlie, his mind went black.
They'd worked long into the night, clearing the shop, stacking the reusable wood, and setting aside the unfinished furniture that Mr. Luna had left behind. Lucien had left hours ago, much to Bella's delight, leaving the two of them in comfortable quiet.
When neither could take another step, and the light of day began to dawn through the clouds, Gustavo finally spoke.
"If you were my wife, I would sleep here and be back at work as quickly as I could. For now, I go home to rest. Then I'll be back, when we'v
e finished some of these wood pieces, I'll take them to the next town over for you."
"Gus, that's not necessary, I can do it," she said, cheeks reddening. His willingness to do anything for her, only proved his feelings further, and saddened her.
"Nonsense, it's not safe for a woman to travel alone, and I wouldn't be a very good friend if I allowed it."
Hey eyes heavy with sleep, and still so much to do, she acquiesced. "Fine, whatever you say, but at least go home and rest first."
He nodded, "Only if you do too."
They looked around the shop, both surprised at how much better the place looked with a little organization, Bella hopeful that the pieces they finished could be sold for enough profit to save her farm.
"Fine, but don't be mad at me if you come back, and I'm near finished," she winked at him. He kissed her forehead, offering her a kind smile before sliding out of the door.
She locked the shop behind her, and hurried to take care of the animals, before she threw herself a crossed her bed and fell into a deep slumber.
The last image in her mind, was the hand-carved carousel with her father's scent still lingering on its intricate details.
5
Bella had been working in the shop, true to form, when Gustavo showed up. She'd managed to put together a few chairs and was working on the base of a rocking chair when he's slid open the door to the shop.
"Bella," he called out.
"I'm here," she said covered in dust, with a dirt stained clothes. She sat crisscross on the ground, tears streaming down her face.
"What's the matter?"
Shaking her head, as she tried to attach the rounded edge of the rocker, she remained speechless. "I don't have my father's gift for any of this. I can't finish this intricate etching, I'm lucky enough to put the pieces together."
He placed a caring hand on her shoulder, "just take a deep breath. Let's just finish what we can. I'll see if there's anything I can do, and then I'll head off. I must return as quick as possible, however."
Bella nodded her head, "Good, I can't have you catering to me, every time I'm in distress," she teased him, hammering in the last nail, and then setting the rocker upright to see how well it performed.
It's gentle back and forth motion, as gentle as a soft wind across the waves of the ocean.
"It's not that, Bella. Stearns was disqualified from being mayor, and though Hicken’s is a shoo-in, Lucien nominated me yesterday after he left here. The villagers are asking me to take this seriously, and Bella... if I hope to bring about the right kind of change, this is the chance I've been waiting for."
She smiled wide, tossing her lovely chestnut hair from her face, fighting back tears of joy for him, and tears of sorrow for herself. So many times, she'd asked him to leave, with him as mayor, he'd no longer have time.
She was getting exactly what she wanted, she just hoped that he'd eventually get what he wanted as well. Someone to care for him the way he cared for her.
"Oh Gustavo, this is wonderful news! You deserve it!" She tossed her arms around him. There was certainly no chance for them now, she'd long since decided when the time was right, she'd leave this place, but Gustavo becoming mayor would ensure that anyone he married would never leave.
As they finished up work, polishing and cleaning up the wood pieces, and loading them onto his large cart, her heart was heavy knowing she would soon lose one of her best friends.
"Are you sure you're okay, taking these for me?"
He nodded, "yes, you stubborn girl, maybe when you've sold them all, and have enough to save your farm, you'll stop worrying and you'll say yes."
She shook her head, "You're impossible!" she exclaimed. "Somehow, I don’t think I'm meant to be a mayor's wife. Can you imagine how the townspeople would talk?" she giggled. "They'd boot you out of office for sure."
He laughed at her, as he secured the last piece. "We'll just see about that. I'll take care of this and be back as quick as I can," he promised.
She nodded. "Thank you, so much. I'll never be able to repay you."
"Yes, you will. When I return,”
“Don’t you dare say it!” she furrowed her brow in mock frustration. He couldn’t seem to take a hint, and if he knew what she had on her mind. How she longed to sell the farm and leave that place, he would be crushed.
“Fine, I won’t say it. Mark my words, Bella, one day.” He kissed her forehead, and then set about attaching the cart to the horse, before he took off into the evening. As she locked her gate, and finished her night time chores, she heaved a deep sigh of relief. She would have to pay him back for all he’d done to help her, but for now, she just wanted to breathe. Things had not stopped moving since her father passed, life was circling her round and round, much like the carousel when she wound the music box on the bottom.
“Miss Bella, I’m here on behalf of young Gustavo. It seems he sold all the pieces and sends the money. He apologizes he couldn’t bring this in personally, however, he said he’ll be by tomorrow to share more details.” Gustavo’s valet, Frederick, reported.
Frederick had always been one of the kinder members of Gustavo’s family estates staff. She’d always supposed it had to do with the fact that he’d spent the most time with Gustavo, privately.
Her eyes grew wide when he handed over the carefully bundled kerchief full of money.
"Thank you, Frederick. Please tell Gustavo I said thank you."
There was something else on Fredericks mind, she could sense it. She waited a few seconds for him to respond.
"Miss, if I may. I understand the extreme financial stress you've been under since losing your father. I've been contemplating making a purchase of my own and would like to make you an offer for this farm. Of course, you may live here as long as you'd like and continue running it until I officially retire." The words were like a windfall of good news to her. She smiled brightly. "Fredrick, really? You'd like to buy the farm?"
"Yes, miss."
"Why? I don't even know what to say. I mean, I've..." she hesitated. "You have to promise not to share with Gustavo, please?"
"You have my word, Miss Bella."
"Very well. I've been contemplating selling since my father passed away. I have no desire to run a farm or continue his woodworking shop. But as you know, making any type of change is expensive and well, it takes money to make money, and I haven't had any of it. At least until now. I'd very much like to seriously consider your offer."
She invited him in for a cup of tea where they discussed the ins and outs of the property, a fair price and when she'd receive payment. It seemed as if everything was lining up in her favor.
Later that night, as she laid in bed, happy as could be, she reached for the carousel on her nightstand.
Aside from a few items of clothing, important documents, and her money, the carousel was all she'd be taking with her.
She gave it a good windup, and placed on the window seal, listening to the beautiful music as the inner part opened to mirrors. The starry night sky's reflection danced off her walls through the mirrors. She smiled, feeling the wind of change quickly switching in her favor.
Fletcher batted his wings fervently through the sky; dipping through the clouds, shifting directions so quickly that his leathery skin made loud thrashing sounds as it broke the clouds. He ventured further than usual, welcoming what was left of the autumn nights. Soon, winter would blanket the entire area in white fluffy snow.
He closed his eyes, taking in every scent he could rising from the earth, listening keenly to the noises below. Mostly animals and the occasional drunkards.
He was about to return to the castle when a distinct sound moved in a wave like motion toward him.
What is that? He wondered. Listening carefully to its direction. He circled the sky until he caught a glimpse of something shiny rotating, round and round.
His vast body glided down toward the earth, as he surveyed the area. A small village off in the distance and scattered homes, but
none too close to the source.
A barn full of sleeping animals wouldn't be an issue. He was wary of loose animals, as they often startled in his presence, and rightfully so.
Fletcher landed softly on the earth, a descent he'd perfected over the years.
Unlike the soil at the castle, this soil was dry and hard, he noted as his talons broke through the surface, crunching below his hind claws.
He moved closer toward the dilapidated two-story farmhouse, wondering who could possibly live in such conditions? And that's when he first saw her. The most beautiful woman he'd ever laid eyes on.
The carousel was sitting on the window seal, and she laid peacefully on her bed, sleeping.
He took in her rose scented smell, sniffing around in an attempt to find who else lived with her, but nothing else gave him an indication that there were more humans in the house.
He studied her delicate alabaster features as the moon shined through the open window.
The sleeping beauty, turned, giving him her back and pulling a blanket that had seen better days closer to her chin.
The musical carousel abruptly stopped. The center mirrors, closed in, exposing a delicately painted midsection with flowers and balloons.
He noticed the inanimate horses, each carefully carved and painted, with manes so grand as if wafting in an unseen breeze. Their large darting eyes surely looked more alive in motion, possibly causing unsuspecting onlookers to give them a second look.
A cold breeze blew through the window sending the sheer curtains flowing in the air. And the woman moved, yet again. He quickly dipped off to the side, almost not soon enough as she moved the carousel and closed the window. He waited a few minutes before daring his ascent back into the sky.
Who was she? He didn't know. But there was something about her that pulled him to her. He needed to know more.
Gustavo was busier than he'd anticipated, and Bella was thankful for this. It gave her the needed window to set her plans quickly into motion.