16 Chapter 16 - Pudding monster

With a box of pudding in my arms I had returned to our mansion, along with Victor and Edmund. It must've already been dinner time with how the sun set in the distance.

The royal guards who had escorted us on the carriage announced our arrival to the guards who, unlike last time, opened the doors widely.

That's right! Remember this face!

I immediately rushed upstairs in steps considered long for a one year old, taking no notice of the child that crept behind me until I came to my room door.

"Edmund. I need to be alone for a while", I turned to the startled boy who looked to his feet instantly, his face solemn as he silently replied.

"Okay..."

I wasn't sure what he was thinking at all. He had been extremely demure after father had left and didn't even say much to the Dukes ice cream.

Meh... I have things to do.

With a grin I waltzed into my bedroom, shutting the door behind me. In the centre of the room was a small table where I would sit and draw, maybe write some of the strange characters of this world. But today. Today I'd use it for something entirely different.

I placed the pudding schemingly on the table. And stepped ten steps back from the table.

Now I wait to see if he'll take bait...

I waited patiently... and waited patiently... and eventually... ten long minutes passed.

Where the hell is he?!

Why isn't this working?! Was the book wrong? Maybe he only likes the one the heroine makes? That would suck!

Wait... maybe...

I decided to take the pudding out of its container. It's smooth supple surface reflecting the candlelight, showing off its perfect texture. The scent of vanilla wafted around the room.

T-This should work, right?

To be honest, I was starting to get tempted by the small thing, but I should hold back. I'm an adult. I have restraint.

Sitting back with slight reluctance I waited again... five minutes passed... then ten... the fifteen... and when twenty full minutes did pass I gave an exasperated sigh.

My stomach rumbled... and with an irritated frown I stood.

"Ugh! Fine! Be like that! I just wanted to thank you for last time but you really are too stubborn, aren't you!" I stared at the pudding in resentment, imagining Ruby's clear eyes reflecting off of it. His black figure being caught as a grey silhouette against the surface

"Who are you speaking to?" A voice rung out from absolutely nowhere.

I flinched at the sudden voice and with wide, freaked out eyes answered.

"W-Who? W-wait- are you Ruby?" I shakily spoke, half scared that a monstrous figure would appear out of nowhere.

Wait.. don't tell me I wasn't imagining that reflection?

"I can't disclose that".

Yep. That's Ruby.

I gave a breath of relief.

"Yes. I wanted to thank you for last time. I bought you some sweets".

"No need. I'm just doing my job".

Ha... I heard that gulp!

"But then I'll just throw it away. Please eat or throw it away yourself".

"..."

The lack of answer was rather concerning. But I held strongly.

"It's really good you'll!"- my words were cut off by the sight of the boy sitting down by the table and lifting a spoon to poke at the soft sweet.

"What is it?" He asked without hesitation.

"Pudding". This kid moves crazy fast...

"Pudding?" He tilted his head with an unemotional face that somehow made him look adorable.

"Please try it". I was grinning so hard my cheeks hurt, but I couldn't help it.

I had done it! And so easily! I'm a genius!

While I internally screamed of joy. I forgot about another small problem and only realised it when a knock sounded against the oak door and a voice, childlike and innocent, spoke.

"Mallory", it was Edmund.

I though I got rid of him?

"Y-Yes Edmund?" I answered.

Ruby turned cautiously to the closed door, and with urgency I told him to continue eating.

No. No. Eat it. Eat it!

"Earlier, about what Victor said. I wanted to tell you that even if it's true, I'm glad you were born. So please don't cry alone in there", oh god this is so adorable, I wish the timing wasn't so shit!

"I-I'm not crying Edmund! I swear! I'm sleepy!" Please don't open the door! Please don't-.

The handle squeaked loudly, my thought halted as I turned my wide eyes in dread to where Ruby sat and just as I had feared he was gone.

The door opened.

He's gone... gone...

Tears gathered in my eyes.

"Mallory! Why are you on the floor? I knew you were crying!" He crouched down next to me, flinching when he caught the tearful glare on my face.

"I-It's all your fault!" I shouted childishly at him and started to sob.

He seemed to misunderstand and started to pat my back, holding me in an awkward half hug.

"I know. I know".

"Why?" I slumped back and held my head and naive Edmund continued to pat my back like a mother hen.

His behaviour was unexpected. But why now of all times?

Ugh... whatever... let's just start again...

"Why are you being so nice?" I asked after I had calmed down.

"Eh?" He hadn't expected that question and stared at me with a surprised face. He blinked and then with a frown looked away, "I don't know. You'r ugly and rude, but I can't help but..."

Woah... that's rich coming from you, brat...

"Want to help you. I think we're similar, Mallory", he gave me a pitiful smile, "bird of a feather flock together, don't they?"

No. No. You and Mallory are similar. Me and you? Not in the slightest.

I just smiled back softly in return. Guilt once again gripping the small heart in this frail body.

"But hey... wasn't there pudding on the table when I first came in?" He furrowed his brows and turned to the table where an empty platter sat.

Eh? Don't tell me?

My shoulder began to shake. And soon enough I was laughing my heart out.

Edmund gave a concerned stare, but that just made me laugh louder.

Oh god. Oh god! These kids are a handle!