Love's Curse Ch. 14

"How can they be more dangerous? True roses have thorns but still..." she trailed off, waiting for him to explain.

"These Lilandra, are no ordinary roses. These are Night Roses. They say to gaze upon one of these living flowers is to have your very soul ripped from within you, and to touch it's perilous thorns is to experience a death worse than a thousand blades slicing at your skin."

"If they are dead they hold no power but if I were to look at them now I would die?" Lilandra shuddered at the thought.

"No, to touch their thorns you would die. To look at them would most likely shatter your mind into a thousand glinting shards of insanity. Strangely enough they do not seem to affect me."

"Oh!" she squeaked and kept her gaze on his face though for some strange reason she wanted to stare at the flowers for a long time.

Beast opened his jaws gradually, displaying row upon row of razor sharp needle like fangs. A long, low rumble was heard from his throat growing slowly louder until it could be distinguished, oddly enough as a yawn.

"My lord are you tired?"

He shook his head slightly and ruffled his wings, "No more than usual, the scent of the roses occasionally causes me to yawn. I find it rather soothing."

"It makes me," she faltered to a halt. The memory and feelings she had felt when her night lover, Aries, had come stealing into her room was awakened by the scent of the roses wafting into her nose. "You are right, maybe we should go back."

"If you so desire that, but I thought that you wanted to see the roses properly?" He raised an eyebrow for a moment, his piercing eyes holding an inquiring twinkle to them, masking the usual savage murderous glint that normally resided there.

"Oh that is right. You do have other plants than these beauties here. Yes, I would like to see the others please." Unconsciously her hand snaked out and caressed the petals, though her gaze was elsewhere.

Immediately his vice like grip clamped around her wrist, jerking it back from the petals. "I shall have to make a note to bring the manacles next time."

She cried out more from surprise than pain. The word manacles made her blanch. "No, please, Beast, I am sorry."

"Not to keep your prisoner Lilandra." He released her hand from his soft, yet unyielding grip. "It's so you don't end up accidentally maiming, poisoning, terrifying or killing yourself."

"Yes, Beast." She looked down at her feet, afraid of making another mistake. The ease she had started to feel around him in the greenhouse was evaporating.

He lightly patted her on the shoulder and chuckled softly. "Do not worry Lilandra, Lynn himself has to wear a breathing mask when he is working in here."

"I see." It mollified her somewhat to know she could at least breathe without having to wear a mask. "The other flowers, milord," she quietly reminded him.

"Ah yes, of course, this way, these others are...slightly less dangerous than the ones we have seen so far. Just remember to keep your hands in your pockets."

She looked down at her skirt and then at him. She didn't have pockets. Instead she shyly put her hand in his paw and waited for him to lead the way. His claws gently wrapped around her hand, engulfing them in its warmth, quietly leading the way further into the greenhouse. His breathing was slow and regular, enjoying this quiet, peaceful moment between the two of them.

She had not felt such inner quiet since her mother had died. Her mother always had that effect on others. No matter how mean her father could be, he had seemed to lose his rage whenever around her mother. She let Beast take her to the other flowers, which she ogled and oohed over. Several hours passed and reluctantly she mentioned it to him. "I've had a wonderful time. But it is getting near evening. Lynn will have my head if I keep you out here much longer.

Glancing for a moment at the darkening sky he nodded in agreement, his change would be upon them if they were careless. "You are right young one, let us head back before the cold night meets Lynn's fiery temper and causes a hurricane." He chuckled softly for a moment at the image of that, turning and guiding her back towards the entrance of the Greenhouses.

Her steps slowed near the black roses, the urge to touch breathing along her skin.

Aries felt the tug as she slowed and knew that it would be dangerous to bring her back here again. "Lilandra? Remember what will happen if I am late in returning you to his care."

"Yes, Lynn's ire." She shook off the feeling and hurried her steps. They made it back inside where a scowling Lynn met them. "You're late. Thankfully I kept dinner warm. Miss Lilandra, if you will go change, I will bring you down for dinner."

Meekly she bowed her head. "Yes Lynn." She hesitated, her shy gaze going to Beast before she let go of his paw and followed the hall to her room. She was surprised Lynn was allowing her to do so alone but she supposed the new trust had to start somewhere.

Lynn waited until Lilandra was gone before scolding Aries. "Milord, you must be more aware of the time. There are only five hours left in the day. If you wish to woo her some more you must allow more time to do so. Come, I must clean you up and take you to the dining room before bringing down your lady."

"My apologies Lynn, the greenhouses were especially enchanting today. You should take some small bandages with you also, some of the flowers were a little too...aromatic for her to handle today." He sighed for a moment as he watched her leave, wondering if she could really be the one to break his curse. "She is a rare specimen Lynn. Never before have I met someone so fragile yet strong inside."

"She is more than what she appears and I'm sorry for misjudging her as well. I will take the bandages once I have you in the bath. And Aries, try to eat neatly." Lynn opened the door to let Aries in. "Enjoy the bath sire."

He ducked his head a moment to enter the room and nodded in response before he stumbled slightly, clutching his ribs and gasping. The change was upon him once again, it's due time shifting with the seasons elongating nights.

"I will make sure she comes down in an hour to have that dinner with you. I also managed to get one of the villagers who is not as afraid as the others to come play some music."

Aries nodded once more, slowly rising from the floor and wincing as the last remnants of the toxins of the greenhouse escaped his system. "Why do I suddenly have the urge to mate with a daffodil Lynn? Have you been cross-breeding the greenhouses again?"

"No sir, but maybe it has something to do with Miss Lilandra going in there with you."

Aries tilted his head to the side thinking. "Perhaps, perhaps. We shall have to see what other things develop in the mean time. Thank you Lynn, I appreciate your help tonight, as always."

"You will always have it. Now go soak. I'll meet you in forty-five minutes." Lynn bowed and headed for Lilandra's room.

* * *

Lilandra was in her room trying to decide what to wear. Never had she this nervous. She felt different and she didn't know why.

Lynn moved silently through the hallways, noting which areas would need a once over with a duster as he neared his destination. Lightly he rapped on her door, waiting on her reply as he spoke. "Miss Lilandra? Are you decent?"

"Yes, Lynn please come in." She had laid two dresses on the bed. One was a brilliant emerald green and the other a shade of blue close to that of the ocean. Either would enhance her eyes and compliment her skin.

The door swung open and Lynn stepped in, smiling as he closed the door behind him. He gently placed the tray with the bandages on a side table. "How was your trip to the greenhouses? My master was most pleased to have spent time with you this evening."

"The flowers were beautiful. I did not know so many were that deadly but I am aware now and will be careful. He was so nice to me and saved my life." She looked down at her hands, only then noticing the cuts and scrapes. "Oh, I didn't see those before."

Lynn nodded and hid a slight smile at her only noticing now. "The master would like to offer his apologies. He usually has me there to pinch our guests out of their daydreams. Allow me to treat them so they don't get infected."

Absently nodding she sat down at the table, her mind going back to the black roses. "Has he always liked the black roses?"

He began his work as he spoke with her, his smile widening as he remembered Aries cultivating them. "Oh yes, it has always been his dream to grow such fascinating plants. Beauty that holds such terrifying consequences. Not even the serpents of old dared to go near them and they were the most brutal fearless warriors one could ever encounter."

"Lynn, I know you might think me silly but I, I think the flowers were talking to me." She blushed.

He swiftly did up the bandages on her arms so they would not be too noticeable. "That my lady I can certainly believe. I am not sure how but I think that somehow we have a forest nymph lurking in there somewhere."

"I've heard of those. Mother talked about them once, in a story she told me at bedtime. But the one she talked about lived in water." The dress that she finally chose would not interfere with the bandages. "I need your help. I have two dresses to choose from."

"Ah yes, Water Nymphs, I think the master has only met one, unfortunately he was mad with hunger from 2 weeks without food and tried to eat her, they don't let him come close to them now." He slowly stood and walked over to the dresses to admire them, "They both looking stunning, it will be quiet difficult to choose which would be best."

"Does he prefer one color over another?" She really wanted to please him. He had been so kind to her and she had truly enjoyed spending time with him.

"I believe he has a penchant for blue, although it is sometimes hard to tell with the state he comes home in. One would think brown and red were his favorites. But yes, I'm firm in my belief that blue is his favorite."

She had been leaning more toward the blue herself. There was something about the silk dress that made her feel all warm inside. "I will wear the blue then. How much time before dinner?"

"Dinner will be ready in around 30 minutes, I have prepared a feast which I hope is to both your likings."

"Thirty minutes! That's all! Out, out, I have to hurry!" Thirty minutes was barely time to get the dress on and fix her hair. She fretted as she urged Lynn toward the door.

"Of course, of course. I will...see if the master requires any help bathing..." The rest of his sentence was cut off as the door closed behind him. He couldn't help but smile at the situation, everything seemed to be going perfectly now.

In a flurry she got dressed and then spent the remaining time brushing and fixing her hair. She had more questions to ask Beast and now that fear was not souring her emotions, she was curious and wanted to know more. Patiently she sat and waited for Lynn to come back for her.

At the 30 minute mark there was another sharp rap on the door, the scent of glorious, well cooked food wafted under the door. "Miss Lilandra? Are you ready?" Lynn waited patiently on her reply.

"Yes, I'm ready." She smoothed her hands down her dress, took a deep breath and opened the door. Her hair was neatly braided and a flush stained her cheeks.

Lynn almost gasped in surprise at the vision of beauty before him and felt a grin form on his face. "My goodness Lilandra, you look absolutely stunning this evening! If the master does not notice I will swear he must have gone blind."

She blushed a bright pink and fidgeted. "Thank you, Lynn." Her eyes dropped to the floor as she took his arm and let him take her to where Beast waited.

He couldn't help but smile more at her shyness, glad Aries finally had someone who could relax around him, even if it did take a near death experience to find her. He guided her along to a small dining hall, the room alight with candles and the scent of lavender as they entered.

"Oh, oh my!" She stared at sight before her, mesmerized at the candles and inhaling the scent. She felt tears in her eyes but managed to hold them back. They were tears of happiness.

Lynn smiled once more as he guided her gently towards her chair at the table, it's elegant wooden face was laden with trays of hidden foods and decanters of strange and exotic wines. "I am glad that you are happy with the layout Miss Lilandra, the master designed it himself."

"He did?" She was awed. She hadn't known Beast had such fine taste. Her mouth watered. True the food she had eaten here had been better than that of the fare at home but this, this was even grander than anything she'd ever experienced. "Where is he?" Curiously she looked around.

"The master is currently grooming himself in his chambers, he wished to rid himself of the scent of the days labors before he came to dinner. He can become rather...aromatic after a day's work. He should be here in a few minutes." He pulled the chair out for her, allowing her to sit as he pushed it in, unconsciously wiping a speck of dust from the top of the shining veneered wood.

"No one, and I mean no one, has ever cooked me such a feast as this. How do I eat it all? Oh my!" She became flustered.

He could not help but let out a small chuckle at her astonishment. "Do not worry. With the master no feast lasts till the morning. Do not feel embarrassed if you are not able to eat much. It is more of a challenge to get anything at all before he reaches this end of the table."

"Lynn!" Lilandra giggled as she imagined Beast eating everything in sight. "At least he won't be hungry for a while," she replied, a smile on her face.

"I hope not. I do not think I could manage to cook this much every night. If you will excuse me I shall check to see if he is ready yet." He quietly turned and headed through the large doors once again, closing them behind him. It took Lynn a few minutes to make it to his Master's room. He knew that by now Aries had changed back to his beast form. He was going to check to make sure that his master's fur was clean and free of tangles. He also needed to remind him to watch his behavior and eating manners around Lilandra.

Aries was standing under the great fountain like shower that was in the rear of his chambers. It's original size would have been grand and superior for a normal human, in his beast form however, it was only of moderate size for his frame. He stepped out of the shower just in time for Lynn to enter and get drenched as he shook himself dry. "Ah, good evening Lynn, how is Lilandra?"

Lynn sighed. "She is seated and waiting. The musician will be here in five minutes. You must hurry milord."

"The food is ready and your lady is waiting, please be gentle."

"Of course I will be gentle Lynn, aren't I always? Besides it is dinner we are having not some kind of mating ritual. Calm yourself Lynn, it is only a meal." He chuckled as he flicked the last of the water from his wings while walking to the door. "Wish me luck dear friend, I think I may need it this night."

"Yes, much luck to you and to the lady. I will go and make sure the musician has arrived." Lynn followed behind Aries and once they were in the hallway he went in a different direction. This was all very exciting and good fortune indeed.

Aries took a long slow deep breath, trying to quell the butterflies that were rising in his stomach, a lot was riding on this dinner, more than he liked to admit. If he made a mistake it could be disastrous. He reached forth with his two great clawed hands, clasping the handles gently and slowly pushed the two large decorated doors open, immediately drawing in a great breath of the succulent meats upon the table. Lynn had gone all out this night. He paused as he took in the great beauty of Lilandra seated at the table and felt his heart groan within himself. "Oh my lady Lilandra, you look absolutely ravishing this night."

"Beast!" She hastily came to her feet, her cheeks a rosy pink. She had been daydreaming about how this dinner would go. "Oh!" She moved from her seat and dropped into a curtsy. She was overwhelmed by everything--the feast, her clothes and the beast who looked very different, less terrifying and more approachable. Even his claws did not appear as lethal. And his words, they stirred feelings in her that she had begun to have but didn't quite understand. No one had looked at her the way he was looking at her now as if she was the most precious thing in the world.

He in turn bowed low before her, showing her the same respect that she was showing him. As he rose he smiled as best he could, his fangs glinting in the light. "I am glad to see that you are not too badly effected by our little trip into the greenhouses Lilandra, I was a little concerned that Lynn would have skinned me alive for the marks I gave you."

"I hardly noticed them. He bandaged them."

"Good. I would prefer you did not become sick due to my actions." He smiled once more, approaching her and gently taking her hands in his, looking deep into her eyes. "I am glad that you are here this night, it has been a long time since I have had company that is not terrified of me."

"I." She stopped and thought on his words. It was true. She wasn't scared of him like she was when she first had come to him. "You are scary when you are angry but most of the time it is because I've done something foolish."

"But you are learning and growing wiser each day. I have not seen someone overcome their fears as quickly as you have. You are truly amazing Lilandra." He felt his mouth watering with the scents of the meal and his stomach begin to growl. "I think perhaps we should begin, or my stomach may chew its way out of me to feed itself."

"Oh dear! Um, no we don't want that." She stepped back from him and hurried to her seat and sat. Her own stomach chose to growl at that moment and she laughed nervously.

A soft chuckle came from him as he sat down across from her and watched her for a moment. "It seems I am not the only ravenous beast here. Now, let us enjoy this marvelous meal before it grows cold. Lynn makes such exquisite meals indeed."

Lilandra began to eat. At first she didn't talk because she wasn't sure what to say.

He lifted some of the pans from the large serving plates and took in the smell of each. "Ah wondrous indeed. So tell me Lilandra, if I may ask, what events brought about your situation with your family? I don't believe I have asked what happened to your mother?"

Lilandra froze in the middle of taking a bite. A flash of sorrow crossed her face before she shook herself and answered his question. "My mother died a few years ago. She was a kind, gentle woman. She was the only one who could tolerate father. She did her best to make sure my brothers turned out differently from father but father's ways were too strong. My brothers didn't want to be gentlemen. They wanted to be like father, rutting with whomever and being lazy. Mother got sick one day and within a few months she died. By that time both of my brothers were married. Father waited one week before making me the house slave. My sisters-in-law did nothing." Her voice conveyed the deep bitterness she had experienced during those times.

"I am sorry to hear of such things, I remember a time long ago when such acts would have been dealt with swiftly...alas that time is long gone. But even through all the suffering you put up with, you are still strong and open minded. I am glad you survived such torment."

"My only escape was the forest. Nothing bothered me there during the day. Of course that's what led to the scars on my back. I lost track of time and father beat me. Everything went from bad to worse from that day on. Then I was brought to town and met you. You scared me a little but I was so happy to be away from my family that I didn't care if you were going to kill me or not."