The stranger blinked slowly. "You're not?"
There was a hidden question in that statement:then who are you?
But that was a question I could not answer. Partly because of my lack of memories, but also because I did not want to reveal the truth of my burden. I did not know if he would believe me if I told him I was human by night and stone gargoyle by day, cursed to live this way for all eternity.
The stranger waited patiently for my answer, which I mentally scorned myself for. How could I make him wait so long? I wrenched myself away from my inner turmoil and focused all my attention on him.
"I live here on the castle grounds, but I am not a guard," I said.
His eyes widened and he bowed. "Oh! You're a royal? I'm so sorry, I should've known better, since you're dressed so nicely."
An odd sensation bubbled up in my chest where it emerged as laughter. Even more so than my voice, I was unused to hearing my own laugh.
"I do not believe I am a royal," I said, for what royal would suffer a curse such as mine? "But I thank you for your kind compliment. The fabric draped across my body was not my choice, so I am pleased to hear it suits you."
Something akin to amusement fluttered across the stranger's face.
"Sorry for assuming then," he said with a smile that sent arrows to my heart. "If you're not a guard or royal, who are you?" He blushed and hurriedly added, "Where are my manners? I'm sorry for being so forward. You don't have to answer any of my silly questions."
I shook my head, surprised by his humility. "I beg of you, do not prostrate yourself for me. I am no one of great importance."It is you who possesses importance, I wanted to say, but I did not. "Please speak to me as an equal, or lesser. For my identity is a spectre of which I am left only scraps, like the ones clothing this body."
Amusement bloomed on his face. Perhaps he found my way of speaking odd. But the stranger listened closely to my every word, which endeared me to him further. Throughout my whole speech he looked into my eyes that he could not even see. But it was the thought that counted. He was trying to make eye contact, to forge a connection. No one else had ever done that.
He smiled wider and let out a soft puff of laughter. "You've got an interesting way of speaking. Has anyone ever told you that?"
"No one has ever told me anything," I said. "People do not speak to me."
"They don't?"
"You are the only soul who has ever engaged me in conversation."
It was dark, but by lamplight I witnessed the pink shade in his cheeks grow deeper. "Oh. But why? You're so nice and easy to talk to."
Another arrow stabbed my heart. What was this power the stranger held? With every compliment he threw at me, I grew weaker to his charms.
"I do not know," I admitted. "I assume my frightening appearance is a factor."
"But you don't look scary at all. I mean…" He looked me up and down, then smiled. "You do look a bit like you're dressed for a funeral, but I wouldn't call it frightening."
My own lips quirked in response. "Then you would be the only one. For each of my other attempts at conversation have only ended poorly. You are the exception."
He flashed me a modest smile before gasping and offering a hand. "I'm sorry, I'm usually not this rude. I haven't even introduced myself. I'm Florian."
I was relieved that at the very least I knew my own name, otherwise I would have nothing to offer in return. "My name is Devereaux."
His outstretched hand triggered social instincts buried deep within my psyche. I shook his hand, shocked at the differences. His hand was small and tan, and mine large and ghastly pale. I resembled a ghost in comparison to him.
But he made no such remark. Florian clasped my hand and shook it once. Afterwards, I felt the lack of his warm skin pressed against me like an ache in my chest.
"Ah, it's really late," Florian murmured, glancing up at the black sky. "I should leave now if I want to get home before sunrise…"
I did not want him to leave, but it was selfish to want him to stay here forever. Yet I could not help but ask, "Will you return?"
"Do you want me to?" Florian asked, looking pleasantly surprised.
"Yes."
His smile lit up his eyes. "Then yes, I will. I only wish the castle was closer to the orphanage."
