Living Painting (preview)

“Maxence!” I cry at the painting. “Maxence!” I shake the canvas, but I am not sure what I should expect. I sniffle filled with dread I could not help him. “What can I do?” I whimper. “How can I possibly help you? Why won’t you let me?” I stare at the painting, his face is still turned by his eye is glancing towards me. Those beautiful golden eyes had already enchanted me.

“Maxence,” I whisper to him. I touch the painting and can feel his silky hair. “Don’t let go just yet,” I then kiss the canvas right as there is a knock at my door. 

I answer it and my mother stares at me. “My goodness,” she touches my cheek, wiping away charcoal. “Did you fall into your supplies?” She smirks.

“Oh uh...kind of,” I gasp. 

“You have a package,” she snickers at me. “I haven’t seen you look this way since your father fell asleep playing hide and seek.”

I scoff and take the package from her. “Want a picture?” I ask her.

“Kind of,” she snorts. “Get a shower, sweetie before the paint stains.” She kisses my forehead and leaves with a loud laugh.

I huff and go back inside. I see the package is from my friend who painted with wine and coffee. Inside there is a book about unexplained mysteries. That was strange, neither one of us cared for such things. I flipped through the book and I stop dead in my tracks. It’s the painting of Maxence. The heading for the chapter is: “The Missing Prince”. 

Maxence was the youngest son of a French nobleman, he was called the prince because of his beautiful appearance. He was also a talented artist and poet whose talents were sought out by nobles and royals alike. During his travels, it was rumored he had gotten the daughter of a very rich and powerful nobel pregnant. The man had Maxence arrested, but all the while, Maxence argued his innocence.