"Ester, Ester, Ester," Parisa mumbled the name over and over again, tasting each letter as they tumbled off her tongue and through her lips. She molded it in her mouth, looking for anything that would trigger a sign of familiarity. Nothing came to mind.
The voice, Ester, had grown quiet after revealing its name to her and, despite Parisa trying to reach out over the last day, she hadn't gotten anything in return. Ester was gone, though Parisa knew not entirely. It may not be responding, but it was certainly around. She could feel it lurking in the corner of her mind, like a shadow creeping and waiting.
Parisa blew out a long sigh and walked over to the window in her room. It had finally stopped snowing and the sun had even shown it's face. It was a first since she'd arrived at the estate. The outside world looked gorgeous and she pursued her lips. Ever since her sneak out to the kitchens the night she ran into lord Alexei, she hadn't attempted to go out again. Now, it seemed as if the sun were mocking her. The most she could do was open the window and let in the chilly air, something that often eased her worries. Even with the baron not visiting thanks to lord Alexei being her, she was always wondering when he'd make his appearance again. Of course, she worried about the baroness and the young lady Maria, too, though Parisa doubted they'd willing seek her out if she didn't do anything.
Parisa perched on the windowsill and pushed open her window.
"It's best to stay silent for now." she said, closing her eyes and leaning back. A soft breeze rustled her silvery strands and a delicate smile curled the corners of her mouth.
- Yes,
She thought.
- This is nice.
Birds chirped in the trees. Branches rustled. There was the distant conversation of the employees as they worked around the grounds. This moment was perfect.
"Back in the window, I see."
Parisa opened her eyes and startled from the window when they came into contact with large dark brown ones. She flinched, her soles pounding too hard against the tile flooring. From his perch atop the horse, Benjamin chuckled and leaned through the open window.
"I apologize for startling you, Parisa." he said, though he didn't look the least bit apologetic. Parisa placed a hand over heart heart, the thudding berating her ribcage. She collected herself, eyes darting between Kuro and the young lord. She'd embarrassed herself enough times in front of Benjamin. She didn't want to do it again.
"My lord," she said, rolling her shoulders back and stepping closer to the window. Kuro snorted and shook his head. "What bring you here?" Parisa reached out, placing her palm against his snout.
"My friend here was missing you."
Guilt wove its way through Parisa's chest, though she didn't have anything to feel guilty for. It was the baroness' order that kept her restricted to her room, nothing else. She bit down on her bottom lip.
"I apologize, my lord." she had nothing to say beyond. She was sure her punishment was already known to Benjamin. It would be stranger if he didn't know. As she pet the black horse, she could feel Benjamin's eyes boring holes into the top of her head. She shifted her feet beneath her.
"Well," he said, drawing the word out and pulling Parisa's gaze upward. He was grinning a Cheshire's grin like she'd seen Xavier do the day before. "If you're so sorry, Parisa, you could make it up to me."
Parisa furrowed her brown and pulled her hand back. Make it up to him?
"How, my lord?" The moment the words left her mouth she pulled her hand close to her chest and took a step back. Was Benjamin finally showing his true colors? Colors similar to his father? Benjamin noticed and his smile faltered. The light in his eyes dimmed.
"Come for a ride with me." he said, his voice soft and gentle as if he were speaking to an injured animal. Parisa's eyes darted between the horse and Benjamin.
"I-I don't know how to ride."
"You don't need to."
"I don't have permission."
"I'm granting it."
"But I-"
"Come with me." It was a request, not a command. Had anyone ever requested something for her that didn't have to do with her body? She couldn't remember. She looked to the door behind her. "You'll be safe." A promise.
A request.
And a promie.
The sun seemed to shine bright outside, hitting the snow just right and making it shimmering and glisten like it was a white sky with millions of diamonds. She hadn't been outside in so long. It called to her and she yearned for it. What would happen to her, though, if the baroness caught wind of her outing. Could Benjamin really keep her safe.
"Come on, please?" Benjamin asked, as if seeing the war waged in her mind. He ducked his head and looked at her. It was endearing and she could feel the tips of her ears heating at the picture he painted. Parisa sighed.
"Alright, but just for a few moments." She grabbed her jacket and scarf. "I can't be gone long or Xavier and Cordelia will worry."
Benjamin placed a hand over his heart. "I swear I'll have you back before anyone is the wise to our little escape." He held out his hand, palm up and Parisa slid hers into it, the warmth sending a jolt through her body. Callouses brushed against her smooth skin and the heat that was only in the tips of her ears traveled down.
Benjamin helped her through the window and onto the horse. She sat in front of him, his chest pressed close to her back. His body heat leaked through her coat, warming her skin. The sensation tightened a part of her lower stomach and she shifted in her seat. It didn't help when Benjamin stooped his head and whispered in her ear, his breath caressing her ear and cheek.
"Are you read, my lady?"
Parisa gulped and nodded.