He returns my intensity. I feel complete in his arms, with his love. I have wondered if I am distracted by the physical, or if there is a stronger connection. Then I remember the generosity and protection he has shown me. He has been a friend, listening to my concerns. That is who I want by my side. I only hope he is also patient as I try to prepare for the responsibility of being his wife.
He pulls away, trailing another line of kisses to my ear. "Learn quickly. I need to call you mine."
"What if I am already yours?" I say the words without reservation, matching his earnest. He pulls away to look me in the eyes, wonder brimming in them. "I already said I love you." I remind him at his shock.
He tightens his arms around me, pulling me back in, and nestles his face into my neck. He doesn't respond with words, instead using his tight embrace to hold me as his.
We cuddle like this for several minutes before I remember that I am starving.
"We should eat this feast you have prepared." I remind Étienne. He lets me go, and I slide out of the nest of his legs.
"As you wish my love." The speed of the addition of a pet name pleasantly surprises me. To put on a show, I dramatically roll my eyes, but a broad smile is plastered to my face.
"You are adorable." He counters my act with his admiring words. He plays with my hair, tucking a loose curl behind my ear.
"And you are handsome." I offer my own praise before beginning to eat the meal on my discarded plate.
He chuckles and serves some food for himself. We chat, laugh and eat under the warm sun. I feel comfortable and free with him. I wonder at his openness. He tells me about many facets of himself, everything from his favorite childhood hiding spot to his favorite story to darker topics of war and his father. He answers any question that takes my fancy, patiently explaining his thoughts and desires. I give him the time to pose his own queries, but he keeps his to basic questions, focusing on my childhood, and ambitions.
The afternoon passes in this ambiance of intimacy until we must leave to make it home before dark. During this time, we have moved to the shade of a tree. Étienne's back is against a sturdy trunk while I have used his thighs as a pillow.
"I don't want to leave. Why don't we just camp here tonight?" I ask, only half in jest.
Étienne continues to play with the hair he has pulled out of the braids but laughs. I know I am being scandalous with my words, and netting my hair be exposed, but I reveal in the safety I have with Étienne. "Camille, don't tempt me." He warns.
I give him a coquettish grin, pushing myself up on my elbows to meet his lips with mine for a chaste peck. "Today has been a dream. Thank you."
"Before we leave, we should ensure we will be together no matter what." He caresses my head, which is back on his lap.
"You believe in that wise tale?"
"What Is the harm in drinking fresh spring water?" A giggle escapes my mouth at his contradictory words.
"Well I want you forever, so let's go." I jump up and hold out my hand for him to take. Without hesitation he grasps my hand and follows me up. He surprises me by not letting go, instead using his grasp on my hand to pull me close to his chest.
"Forever is our vow." He embraces me, expressing his care through the contact we share, and his hope-filled words.
"Let's go then." I prompt. He lets me take the lead, dragging him behind me towards the fall. I climb up the lush green side of the hill towards the top and source of the spring. I hike my skirt higher than modesty allows, exposing my ankles and calves. Yet it is necessary to ensure that I don't trip on the hem and tumble down the hill. The back hem of the skirt levitates, as its weight is reduced. I turn back to find Étienne holding it up to help me. I smile at the simple gesture.
"According to legend, to seal the spell we must give each other the water." I explain when we reach our destination. The spring is bright before us, bubbling with pure, clear water. Étienne drops my skirt as I squat at the springs edge. He crouched next to me. "Do you trust me?"
"Of course." His face scrunches in offense at the question I pose.
"Then follow my lead." I instruct. I cup my hands and dip them into the cool liquid drawing it up as best I can. I bring my dripping hands to my lips, filling my mouth with the clear liquid. This technically isn't part of the rite, but I want to see his reaction.
With my mouth full of the enchanted water I press my lips to his. I slip my tongue between his lips, opening his mouth to share our promise. He opens his mouth, without taking his eyes from mine, piercing into my heart.
"Your turn." Étienne claims once he has swallowed. He copies me, filling his cupped hands to bring to his lips. The liquid is cold and refreshing as it rolls down my throat after he passes it into my mouth. When I have swallowed, I pull away with a smile.
"There, now I have to be your Marquess." I proclaim.
"Was there ever a question?" He demands. I give a little shrug
"Come, let's go home." He grabs my hand and leads me to Bernard and Elene.