Maxence the Living Painting: Prequel Part Two (complete)

The days leading up to Baldassar and Madelena arriving had me at wits’ end. I could only seem to be myself when I was working with my students and keeping myself busy. Even being with Haydee, I found myself distracted by worry.

“Surely these people cannot be as bad as you are making them seem.” Haydee was working at a canvas she still had not allowed me to look upon. “You never talk about them, you merely seethe at the slightest mention.”

I sank back into the chair, my legs stretched out before me as my body slouched low. “They do not deserve conversation.”

“My, my, how dramatic you are.” Haydee’s fingers were yet again smeared with paint. Her smock was a work of art itself where she wiped her fingers clean upon it. “Can I at least have a warning about them? What should I prepare myself for?”

“If we are to be lucky, you will not have to cross them.” I looked up at the ceiling, gazing across the beams and then down to the window. “I do not want them in my study, nor do I want them near my students. All they do is reach for pockets. My poor mother is already bewitched and I do not know how to reach her.”

“That is not what I asked for.” She wiped her fingers off before she approached me. “You told me once that this Madelena has tried to seduce you. Tell me,” she knelt at my side. “has she?”

“Of course not!” I scoffed, then sat up a bit. “True, she is comely. But I only ever got as far as her visage before I realized that’s only as deep as she goes.”

Haydee rested her cheek on my knee. “What an advanced specimen you are.” Her tone was thick with sarcasm. 

I stroked the top of her head, grazing my fingers down her scalp to the back of her neck. “I know she is as sharp as she is lovely. There is something that lingers behind the beauty of her countenance, something always ticking, always one step ahead. She plays the seductress because she knows men’s hearts better than most.”

“Is she a witch?” Haydee lifted her head. “Because then all we have to do is throw her into a lake.”

I met her kiss as she crawled into my lap. “I do not think witches are so easy to trick.” I cupped her cheek in my hand and scraped away the paint smeared there. “Nor do I believe in any of those stories on how to catch them.” I kissed her again as her palm pressed over my heart.

“Just in case,” Haydee said with a smile, “I place my protection over your heart.” She pressed her lips to my temple. “With this, no one shall ever reach it, no matter what underhanded dealings they may try.”

I held her hand against my heart and closed my eyes. “Are you sure you are not a witch?”

She pulled back, smiling down at me as her long hair cascaded around us. “Fairly certain,” she shrugged. “It is merely something my father taught me when I was young.” Then she traced a cross over my heart and kissed her fingertip. “This seals it.”

I took her finger and kissed the tip. “How will I know if it is working?”

Haydee opened up my shirt and poked hard at my chest.

“Ow!” I started laughing as I captured her wrist. “What on earth are you doing?”

The laugh that left her lips was the purest sound in the world. “Testing to see if it works. But who knows, it could be your bones working this time.”

I sighed as she pressed her forehead to mine. “Never leave my side,” I whispered to her. “That is how I know it will work.”

“I will try my hardest, my love.” She rested her head on my shoulder and snuggled her warm body against mine. “I will try.”

I took my ring from my finger and placed it on Haydee’s paint-spattered one. “You protected me, now let me do the same.”

Haydee sat up and looked at the ring I had placed on her hand. Clutching it close to her chest, she gazed up at me with wide eyes.

“This will assure that you will not have to try, but simply be.” I took hold of her hands. “Be mine forever, Haydee - and I will be yours.”

“Maxence,” she choked. “The ring is too big,” she laughed.

I chuckled and kissed her. “A placeholder then, until I can get you a ring that is worthy of your beautiful hand.” I kissed her knuckles. “Keep it with you, always. Let it be my heart, so that it is forever protected by your hand.”

Haydee beamed at the ring, then at me again. “Are you certain you trust me?”

I stroked her hair away from her face. “You’re the only thing I do trust.”

Far too soon, Baldassar and Madelena arrived. The day they came, the weather appeared to predict them. The sky was dark and clouded, even at noon. The air was chilled and seemed to cut into me like a knife. A dreary haze hung over everything. 

I was forced to greet them by mother’s side, standing there like a statue while she excitedly awaited them. She rushed forward before their carriage came to a complete stop. As Baldassar and Madelena stepped down, a chill swept through my body.

“Welcome, welcome,” my mother cried. “I am so glad you have finally arrived.” She took hold of Baldassar’s hands and squeezed them tight.

Madelena smiled towards me, her eyes even blacker than I remembered. As she caught my gaze, her wrap fell from her shoulder, revealing the plunging neckline of her gown. I quickly averted my gaze and turned my attention to helping get their horses into the stalls.

“Oh, Maxence, do not worry over such things!” my mother protested. “Let’s get them inside. They must be horribly exhausted.” She took Baldassar’s elbow. “I will show Master Barbachollo to his quarters. So why don’t you make sure Madelena gets comfortable as well?”

“I would love that.” Madelena sidled up to me, taking my arm with both hands. “I have missed you ever so much, my Maxence.” She pressed against my side. “This will give us a chance to catch up and be uninterrupted.”

Baldassar smiled at me. “My dear Madelena has been so excited to see you again. I too have missed you, my favorite.” His smile set my teeth on edge. “But I will get you to myself again shortly.”

I took Madelena to her room, opening the door for her. As she stepped inside, she looked back at me with a fox-like grin. “Come in.”

“No,” I answered quickly. “You are probably tired. Go ahead and get some rest, Madelena. We can talk together later.”

Madelena stepped back outside her door. “Nonsense. I feel as exuberant as a puppy.” Her eyes lingered over me. “And looking at your handsome visage does wonders for my blood.”

I took a step back from her and put my hand out before me in case she decided to lunge. “You do not have to force yourself on my account.”

Madelena grabbed my hand and brought it forward, pressing it just above her breast. “Don’t you feel that?”

I was shocked by how strong she was. “No,” I half-yelped, trying to keep myself calm.

“My heart.” Madelena sighed. “It’s going so fast. You’re the only one who does this to me, Maxence.”

I managed to recover my hand. “Yes, well, perhaps some rest will help with that.”

Madelena’s tongue glided over her lips. “Perhaps something else will help as well,” she purred. “Something that will make me want to rest.”

I huffed and stiffened my shoulders. “Madelena, I do not appreciate this kind of candor in my home. Back when I was a student under your father, I would tolerate it. But here, I must please ask you to behave decently, if only for my mother’s sake.”

Madelena’s smile faded, and a scowl curled her upper lip. “Your mother is my father’s problem.” She stepped towards me until my back was against the wall. “You are mine.” She placed her hand on my groin and began to rub. “Do as your mother asks, and be a good host. Comfort me.”

I pushed her away from me. “Do not touch me in such a way!”

Madelena smirked. “Is there something else you prefer then?” She licked her lips. “Or perhaps someone has stuck their fingers in the honeypot first?” 

I grimaced down at her. “At least you’re not trying to hide your intent for my family. I can respect honesty.”

“It isn’t family I want,” Madelena sighed. “It is wealth, it is comfort.” She dragged her hands down her chest, groping her own breasts. “Comfort in all its forms.”

I clenched my fists tight. “You will get nothing from me. You may have my mother fooled, but I have seen right through you and your father since the day I met you.”

“You don’t see everything,” Madelena taunted. “Soon, it won’t even matter.” She turned to go back into her room, then stopped and looked back at me. “I’ll have what I want.”

I quickly walked away, but when I went to find my mother, I heard moaning from her room. She was crying out in rapture and I could hear Baldassar’s growling. I was beyond disgusted, but not surprised at all.

I left for the study, where I intended to paint. As I walked in, I saw Haydee at work on her father’s unfinished canvas.

“Did the witch arrive safely?” She was standing on a ladder so she could reach the top of the canvas. Once she saw me, her smile faded away. Climbing down from the ladder, she ran into my arms and held me.

“Are you okay? You look terrible.” She cupped my cheeks, smearing cold paint onto my skin.

“She touched me, and I was overwhelmed.” I leaned into her hand. “And my mother is currently in bed with that monster.”

Haydee furrowed her brow. “Maxence.” I knew she had nothing to say. How could anyone be anything but speechless at a moment like this?

“I was joking about witches before,” she said, “but now I am unsure.” She kissed me sweetly and gazed into my eyes. “Tell me, what can I do to comfort you?”

“Nothing,” I whispered. “Just exist.”

Haydee smiled, then took my hand. “Come here,” she beckoned. “I have something I want to show you now.”

She led me to the back of the studio, where there was a canvas covered by cloth that she quickly removed. “I finished it,” she said. She stood before the portrait, gazing up at it lovingly. “What do you think?”

How she was able to paint like a god, I would never understand. I had seen the works of Masters, of men considered deities in their time, men who would live longer than I ever could, and she bested them all.

“I do not recognize myself,” I whispered. “Is this truly how you see me? Is this person even real in this world?”

Haydee took my hand again. “Every day, it got a little more beautiful,” she whispered. “Because every day, I fall a little more in love with you. It’s not perfect, because the real you is so much better than I could ever hope to paint.” She squeezed my hand tight. “Do you love it?”

“More than I could ever hope to express,” I whispered breathlessly.

I returned home that evening, my mood saved thanks to Haydee once again. As I went inside, I find Baldassar sitting before the fire and drinking wine. Everything felt uncomfortably quiet and still as I stood there.

“Where is my mother?” I asked, trying to remain calm.

“Your mother is resting.” Baldassar set his goblet aside. “Let her be for now.” He gestured for me to come to him. “Let’s talk, young Maxence. I have so missed your presence back home.”

I stepped closer, but I remained nearer to the fireplace than by his side. “Is that why you are here?” I asked. “Or is there something else you are after, Baldassar?”

“Why so suspicious?” He chuckled. “You have been my favorite student. I only wish to see how well you are doing.” He rose from his seat. “My daughter has missed you as well. She has been extremely lonely without you, Maxence.”

“I find that very hard to believe.” I avoided looking into his eyes. “Your daughter has always been the kind to never fall short on company.”

Baldassar’s hand clapped down on my shoulder. “Tomorrow, I would like to see your new study, your students, everything.”

“It is small yet, Baldassar.” I stepped out of his grasp. “There is not much to see at this moment, but I am happy with what I have all the same.”

“But that is the whole reason I am here!” Baldassar bore down on me again, closing the gap between us. “That, and making my child happy.”

I swallowed the painful lump in my throat. “Baldassar, you do not need to act with me. You have my mother bewitched, but I will not fall for your charms.”

Baldassar grabbed hold of my arm, gripping it tightly in his strong fist. “Strongheaded as always, young Maxence. It is the only thing about you I do not understand.”

“Let go of me.” Where Madelena had been strangely strong, Baldassar was even more so. I couldn’t even get his arm to budge from me.

“Other than that, you are perfect in every way.” He pulled me closer. “What is it you want, Maxence? What is it that has your mind so occupied?”

I finally escaped his grasp and, looking up at him, I felt even more unease than before. His smile was wicked. I could place how it could be so vile, but there was something rotten about it. I stepped away from him and went back towards my chambers.

As I walked into my room, I heard a soft breath from the bed. Pulling back the canopy, I saw Madelena lying there, naked. She propped herself up on her elbows and smiled up at me. 

“You’ve finally come home.” Her red hair fell over her shoulder. 

“Get out,” I snarled at her. 

Madelena smirked, arching her brow. “Oh, don’t worry about a thing.” She giggled and lay back, stroking her hand down her torso. “No one will bother us at all. I made sure of that.”

“I don’t-” I gritted my teeth. “Get out! Please! I beg of you, get out of here!”

Madelena sat up with a huff. “Why do you not want me?”

I tore at my hair and shook my hands at her. “I just don’t! I really just don’t!”

Madelena stood up, her eyes narrowed at me as if trying to read my thoughts. “Alright then,” she sniffed. “I will leave you be.” She came closer and and held up a finger. “But, I only ask for one thing.”

“What would that be?” I growled.

“One kiss,” Madelena purred. “So that I may know what I am missing.”

“No,  I-” I gritted my teeth. “Fine, just one. That is all you will get from me, ever!”

Madelena giggled as she wrapped her arms around me. “For now.” She pressed her lips to mine. I struggled against her, trying to give her nothing. But she kept chasing after me, taking a kiss from my lips that should have belonged to Haydee.

“Enough!” I pushed Madelena away. “That is enough for you. And it is all-” I suddenly felt nauseous to my core. I stumbled backwards and grabbed the wall for support. “What’s happening to me?”

Madelena followed after me as I stumbled backwards, smiling and laughing the entire time.

“What have you done?” I retched and fell, quickly picking myself up. “What have you done?” I screamed at her. I snatched up a porcelain figurine from the table and tossed it at her.

The figurine remained suspended in midair before Madelena. She raised her hand, and the object melted away before my very eyes.

I kept stumbling backwards to find the door, yet it was nowhere within my reach. I didn’t know what she had done to me. I felt horribly sick, and my vision seemed to be distorting. As I looked at Madelena, her hair grew longer and turned white. White horns appeared as a crown around her head. Even her skin became like snow. Her black eyes peered back at me as her mouth split into a horrible grin.

“What have you done to me, Madelena?” My voice was cracking between dry heaves. I fell onto my back, looking up to see the devil Madelena as she lay down upon me. “What have you done?” My voice faded to nothing as everything turned to black.

When I awoke, I smelled smoke and incense. There were loud voices all around me and laying beside me was Madelena. She touched my bare chest as her black eyes stared into me. I couldn’t move my body. I was trapped within myself.

Madelena rose from my side, her naked form towering over me as she stood. As she did, I saw a wetness dripping down her inner thigh. I wanted to scream and thrash, but I was still held in a stillness that was suffocating.

Madelena smiled at me. She started to chuckle, and the sound grew into into deep, powerful laughter. She threw her head back, cackling down at me and my predicament.

“You could have had everything. All you needed to do was just give in. Now your fate is sealed.” She waved her hand and my head turned. All around me, I saw men and women bowing low, chanting something dark and horrible. Baldassar was standing at the rear, right before Haydee’s painting of me.

As Baldassar turned, I saw his eyes were black like Madelena’s, and white horns curved from the back of his head. He walked forward, stepping over the praying figures. “You would have been perfect, Maxence. You could have led us. Instead, you listened to the trite lessons of a foolish man.” He looked me over scornfully and, with a wave of his hand, lifted me to my feet.

“Beauty, skill, and riches, you had it all. Too bad you had a mind.” He tossed me through the air, throwing me at the foot of the painting. “Did no one explain to you that ignorance is bliss?!” he roared, and the dark prayers of those at his feet grew louder and louder.

“Your work could have inspired millions, future generations!” Baldassar motioned to Haydee’s painting. “You could have moved the future into our hands with your work!”

He didn’t know I did not paint it. He didn’t know about Haydee. That was good.

Baldassar lifted me up again. “I could have blessed you.”

“My heart is protected,” I cried out at last. “It will never be yours.”

Baldassar placed his hand around my throat. “I never needed it.” There was a loud pop, and a sudden darkness again.

When I awoke, I saw a sliver of light thrown across the floor. In that light, I was Haydee weeping. She sobbed into her palms, letting out a wretched scream.

“Haydee, what’s wrong?” I called to her. “Haydee?” I tried to reach for her, but I found I was trapped. I tried to fight against what was holding me back, yet I did not budge. “Haydee! I am here! Haydee! Look at me! Haydee!”

Haydee sobbed for hours, never once looking at me, until finally she stared up from the floor. I held my breath in anticipation, waiting for her to come close. She rose from the ground and rubbed at her tear-streaked face. She stood before me and placed her hand on my face, but I could feel it.

“Haydee, please,” I gasped breathlessly. “I am here! I swear I am! You have to see it.”

Haydee moved away from me again, and placed a cloth over me.

“Haydee, no!” I screamed.  I banged against the barrier, trying to reach her. I started to sob, growing weak, falling to my knees. “Haydee, I am here!”

For a while, the world was dark. I was trapped somewhere, unable to reach my love. I was not sure how long it is, but soon, a light appeared behind me. Turning, I saw a world appearing. Brushstrokes turned into plants and trees, and a castle formed on the horizon. A I stepped towards it, I saw it is my Master’s unfinished painting, and with it, the new life Haydee was breathing into it. 

“It cannot be,” I whispered. I looked down at my hands, then at the new world around me. “I am trapped here.”

I rushed back to where I came as the cloth was removed. I gazed down upon Haydee, her and saw her appearance had changed. She looked tired and pale, unlike the hardworking girl I once knew.

“Haydee! I am here!” I cried to her. 

Every time I saw her, she changed. Bit by bit, she became older. Her house filled with students. I saw many grow and learn under her care. Works of art were hung around me, and the world behind me grew bigger every day.

Eventually, the world stopped growing. The room became empty. Everything went dark. I realized my Haydee was gone. 

I grew into the world she created, the world of paint and imagination that was started by her father. Here, I could at least lose myself, but I was trapped, a prisoner. 

I was not sure how long everything was dark. I had lost all sense of time. It felt as if there was no escape. Madelena and Baldassar had made sure I would suffer for not helping them in their plans. My poor mother - did she suffer too, or was she unaware?

Then, one day, there was light. As I gazed out into the world, it was much changed. Then I saw her, my Haydee. She was young and bright again, painting away and going about her life. For the longest time, I watched her, and eventually I smiled again. I laid my hand over my heart, knowing she had kept her promise to protect it.

Then Haydee saw me too.

Bit by bit, I was able to reach out to her, and soon, I was able to touch her. I felt her hand in mine, and then, she was before me. Actually before me.

“Are you alright?” I gasped, trying to bite back my excitement and joy.

Haydee looked up at me, her eyes full of wonder and awe. She scrambled forward, and I reached down to offer her my hand. 

“Where am I?” Her eyes and head darted around like a hummingbird’s. “What’s going on?”

“Hush, hush, my love,” I knelt down before her, taking both her hands in mine. As she looked at me, her eyes wide and wild, I felt I could almost cry. “You’re safe. Don’t be afraid.” After all this time, my heart was still hers.