Years have gone by, each minute dragging on longer than the next. Time would go by effortlessly as I looked out the dulled glass of the window. Moss slowly overtook it with each passing day. I blindly sat there for years. Some days I never slept. A childish hope dwelled inside of me, searching for family, friends, or foe to come for me. Only no one ever came to the old mansion hidden in the forest, except for him.

 That day, I'd had about enough of being locked away in the abandoned mansion I grew to call home. I was neither a prisoner nor a guest in the mansion. More of a presence that he just happened upon and was neither waiting for me to leave nor begging for me to stay. He made that very clear to me the day I woke up, and he saw me conscious, but I was still bound inside. It wasn't safe in the woods for pretty young ladies, especially me. Which made no sense because I knew many defensive spells. What he meant by me being especially unsafe to roam the woods, I am not sure. I only stayed because I felt something when we met that night, not just fear, but something mysterious called out to me when we locked eyes. I cannot really explain it. What I felt when we first met mixed with fear and regret, but I know it was not love, nor was it lust. Maybe it was just pure curiosity. I am uncertain. I just knew that when I saw him, he held a white glow to him that made me feel safe and the feeling can't be explain away. Yet he cared enough to keep me safe was apparent. Even if his words said otherwise, his actions would always betray him... he was pretty fond of me, and it upset him to no end.

He had come that morning, earlier than usual, to read to me like he always did. His voice filled the room like sirens calling to their male targets. I thought nothing of it at first and listened quietly, letting the story play out in my mind's eye, but that day the walls closed in on me. I could feel myself losing my breath with each second I sat there, and I needed to escape even just for a moment.

No one was looking for me. They more than likely figured I had died, so there was no need for me to hide anymore. Even my family had forgotten me... I understand why, though. They'd no choice. Despite that, I didn't ask for any of it to happen. At least they could have pretended to care, even just a little. So why was my life the way it was now? Because of some stupid amulet... and book? My reflection in the window stared back at me as I fought back tears.

"I have done nothing wrong and yet I am treated like a criminal. I didn't ask for this... My only dream was to live a normal life like everyone else."

I sat forward a bit before I stood up from my seat and walked over to the table he set up with tea, fruit, and bite sized cakes. Maybe this was why he always came to me, to make sure I ate. I peeked over at him. His eyes focused on his book and his soft voice still filled the room. No reaction to my words. That may have been a blessing, though. Or at least I thought.

Reading the last word from the sentence he had started, his eyes peered at me from over the book. His stare gave me a sign of how my interruption had annoyed him. He seemed to enjoy the stories he read to me more than I did. His eye softened as they met with mine and he let out a sigh.

"No one asks for their destiny, child. Understand that the events that take place, both past and present, are determined before you were born."

I picked up a berry and placed it in my mouth. It was rare to get a response out of him. He mostly read to me, then we'd eat, and he'd leave right before it was time for me to go to sleep. Grabbing a few more berries, I glanced at him. It was plausible that I could convince him to let me walk around the grounds. With him as my guide, it would have been fine. There seemed to be no real danger lingering about. He could just be paranoid. I've been staring out the windows for years. Nothing noteworthy ever happened.

"Why do you always read to me? Aren't there any other activities we could do besides stay in this dark and depressing room? Perhaps we could go for a walk? One maid mentioned that you're growing a new rosebush in the garden. Maybe you could show it to me?"

Another sigh as his emotionless face stared back at me.

"I read to you so it can help free your mind from unessential thoughts and no, we cannot go out for a walk. Besides, that bush is not due to bloom any flowers yet. It would be pointless to show you."

I did not wish to give up, my stubbornness wouldn't allow me to. If I weren't a prisoner or guest, it shouldn't have mattered if I stepped one foot out the door. Or that gate, or even into the forest. But I respected him. I was also afraid of the craves that hide in the trees. I would have died all those years ago if not for him. His approval would have not mattered if he weren't my savior.

"Oh, come on, why not?"

"I have bad knees.."

"You do not have bad knees."

"I'm no spring chicken either, child."

"You aren't that old. I guess you to be at least ten years my senior. That is not old enough to claim bad knees."

"Have a bad back as well..."

"You walk fine."

"Are you sure? Maybe I'm good at hiding my pain."

Rolling my eyes, I threw up my hands and shook my head as I looked up towards the ceiling. It was not yet the day for an adventure. Surely, he couldn't keep me trapped forever in the flashy cage he made for me. One day, I would venture back out into the world and feel the soil beneath my feet. I stood at the beautiful, decorated table and stared at the food neatly displayed on it. The cook must have worked hard on it. Maybe I could convince the maids to help me sneak out for a moment.

"Forget it..."

He nodded his head.

"It's forgotten."