Beauty and A Beast

Part 2

Chidori had finished the second book that she was reading as she had spent her first week at the manor. She had gotten accustomed to cleaning and dusting in the daytime, only to be greeted with a warm bath and book by nightfall. She had not seen Master at all and even though she was aware that she was not to make contact with him, she thought it odd that he did not want to see who worked and lived in his manor for a month.

When she had finished her book, the clock had read seven thirty in the evening and even though she knew that she was forbid from going into the Library after dark, she really wanted that book that she placed on the small table. She forgot to grab it when she was dusting the blinds earlier.

If she grabbed the book quickly, she was sure that no one would know or mind. She would be quick about it.

Chidori was in her nightgown as she covered her shoulder up with a scarf and quietly made her way. She was led by the low light bulbs leading her down the hall and saw the door to the library before entering.

All was quiet and she knew that she was virtually the only one in the Manor beside Master. Chidori went for the book and saw it sitting right where she had left it. It was a Shakespeare romance and she picked up the book when she heard a groan.

She thought that it was possibly nothing until she heard it again louder and she knew that though her hearing was bad in one ear, she was wearing her hearing aid. She heard it again and thought that maybe the rumors of the Manor being haunted may have been true.

Quietly she followed the sound, and found a faint light from a crack in the door and realized that on the other side of the door was Master's study. Chidori heard the groan again and she peeked to see if maybe someone was hurt. She saw a dark figure as they were slightly hidden from her view. She was ready to make a sound when she saw the man's arm move.

Chidori paused when she watched and realized that the man seemed to be in pain and she strained to listen with her partially good ear. He groaned and she could partially see that he was rubbing something. She watched closely and felt her heartbeat double instantly as the man who had his side to her had long blonde hair that fell in loose strands across his back.

His arm was moving back and forth in front of him and she could see the side of his face, his eyes closed. She felt her cheeks rush with warmth when she saw that he was rubbing his manhood. She did not say anything as she was not sure if she should move or continue watching but this was the first that she had seen a man do this.

She had heard and seen brothel workers work, had read more erotic stories when she was curious but she could not believe her eyes when she was seeing it in person. Something inside of her sturred and she felt uncomfortable to the unfamiliar feeling as she watched the way his hand pumped up and down over his beautiful member. He let out a pained grunt as she watched something splurt out from the head of him and onto his desk.

Chidori's mouth opened and she used her hand to cover it and she swore that when she was out of her voyeuristic trance, she thought that he was looking at her from the corner of his eye and she moved away, grabbing her book as she left the room quickly and quietly as she entered.

When she had made it to her room, she was breathing heavily and quickly as her heartbeat threatened to beat out of her chest. But that unfamiliar feeling made Chidori feel odd as she felt an ache in her being. She cooled herself before she went to continue reading her book, putting her hearing aid box onto her night table.

Why does Master not want us to see him?

Chidori wrote to Edna who was prepping for Dinner as Chidori was making lunch. Edna made a deep breath as she said, "When Master was younger, he was in a house fire that killed his parents. He has been disfigured ever since. He refuses to let anyone see him in fear that they call him Monster once more."

She felt sad as she knew all too well what it was like to be outcasted by society. She was half Amerin and half  Regald. When the war was over and she was growing up, everyone had treated her differently thinking that her family were traitors and spies.

"Master was quite the handsome man, but the fire changed him completely." Edna explained to Chidori.

What does he look like?

Edna thought about it as she said, "If Master wants you to see him, you will. For now, focus on your tasks and you will be well compensated for your time here. This following week, do not and I repeat, do not disturb the master. He will have guests visiting."

Chidori brightened at the idea that she would be servicing more guests but Edna shot her down as she said, "The company you are thinking of is not for your young mind to understand." She explained.

I'm not a little girl. I'm twenty five. Marriageable age.

"Is there anyone willing to marry you?" Edna asked and Chidori only smiled sadly.

I'm afraid I will not find love in this lifetime.

Edna slapped her arm as she made a scolding sound. "There is always someone there for everyone, you just cannot give up." She said as she moved away to roast the dinner. She didn't believe the older woman who meant well but she knew that she was passed the age to be a young bride. She was getting older and no one wanted someone like her who did not speak nor could she hear well.

"Were you born with your disability?" She asked and Chidori paused in her work as she brought out her pad to write in. No. Some children once they had found out about my mother found it to be merrily to play with me. I believe there was no harm meant to be done. She explained but Edna knew the truth behind her words. Just as she had prejudged the young woman, so did others. They even as children, deliberately attacked her as a young child causing her to become permanently disfigured.

Chidori smiled on even though the scar that was hidden by her hair on her head ached and she used her hand to rub the rugged protruding skin that was a reminder that there was no way to change the way that she was. She tried to keep her hopes up but she knew.