┃ Aurelia Echethier's POV ┃
I embroidered a brown coarse sheet of paper laid in front of me with a feather pen. It is the days of quiet poetry forming in my soul as if it calls to the spring flowers that will soon blossom. Winter will cease soon, an icy serenade, a coolness to bring out the warmth within. Yet, in my anticipation, why has Sabina haven't sent me any of her replies back?
I have been in love with only two things. Once with an opposite and once with a mirror. It would have been so neat for one to follow the other, but like many things in life, they came close together. And though both were the things I treasure the most, one brought joy and the other pain.
To the one I give myself to, I place my all in their hands. I give them the power to save me or destroy me. Nevertheless, even if whom I chose wished me gone, I wouldn't raise a hand in defense.
I have been a fool — a complete fool. When I first met Sabina, she looked at me with beastly eyes and like she's going to devour me whole. Or maybe because the first time I met her, we were both told to do a project which I completely forgot about that she got mad at me.
"Don't make lousy excuses that you're in training. I too have my own responsibilities but it doesn't mean that it will be an excuse for me to be a burden to someone else," she wrinkled her nose and I thought it was cute.
"Calm down, My Lady," Damn, explaining to women can really be hard," If maybe we can talk this through. I was really busy. I promise to make it up to you in our next project, no need to be annoyed this early in the morning." I flashed a friendly smile to change her mood.
"I'm already annoyed and it is all thanks to you," she pointed at me," Dammit, why do they really have to partner me up with someone so carefree and useless. I'm going to talk to Madame Celine, maybe she can help me switch with someone else."
"Mind your words, My Lady," I raised the tone of my voice to intimidate Sabina but her eyes blazed in fiery anger," A marquess shouldn't say those things!"
"Who are you to tell me what I should and shouldn't too," she rolled her eyes," God, I hate you. You're the most annoying lady knight ever. Leave me alone."
Sabina started to walk away but I ran to keep up with her. Of course, you hate me or I'm just really too attractive to handle... she can't even look me in the eyes, "A title I am proud to bear. Fine, if that's what you want. I would rather you only come to me when you have exhausted all of your other options, My Lady."
I loved to see her hate me but there's nothing more that makes me even happier when we share gazes across the room and she acts like she didn't do that on purpose. Her little frowns when we walk past each other in the hallways or seeing her pout in the mere mention of my name.
I loved to see her hate me, however, I also wondered how delighting it would feel to watch this dear hater of mine adoring my presence.
It was ridiculous because even though there are times that I wanted to see her wrinkled nose and frowning eyebrows... I also wanted to see her smile because of me. And regardless of how she sees Aurelia Echetier — whether as that annoying lady knight or her sheer source of happiness — all I wanted to be was in her mind all day long, the reason for her sleepless nights.
Get a hold of yourself, I thought. The overbearing and hopeless aspirations of mine were growing wild. I wish she knew about it, how much it haunts me in my sleep, and how much I wanted to see her beg for my forgiveness for doing so.
Yet, no matter how I see it, it will never be her fault. It's not Sabina's fault she doesn't feel the same way or that she can't tame these stupid feelings I've held for so long.
Although, when my Father punished me for being an ass of a daughter, I didn't know if I should curse at myself or applaud in cheerfulness — not when I was told that I'll be protecting Sabina. Little by little, I hoped that I could finally get inside the cold doors of the good Marquess' heart.
"You don't have to conceal all the regret to yourself. You shed blood in order to save me. How can I fear someone who strongly dared to be my protector?" she stroked my cheeks along the traces of my tears, soothing all the pain away.
The Marquess praised me, that was all I can think of. In the meantime, I also imagined... the girl who really hated me so much, is there a chance that she'll see me as her equal, her lover?
A million ideas came into my mind, one mistake can taint the way Sabina looks at me but other than that, her tempting lips... would I have died peacefully when I haven't got a taste of it?
Our first was smooth, delicate... risky. Moving slowly as it traced all of my vulnerable places, it felt like a brush of heat in the winter and I will forever cherish that moment. Her eyes gleamed in excitement. I was never a person too dense, I was always observant of what people think of me.
Trembling. Breathless. Weak. I knew it wasn't how she pictured it. It's supposed to be easy. Comparable to lulling to sleep. This is hard. She doesn't want to know this madness. The chaos in her chest. Her eyes betrayed her. It's all over. I can tell.
Was it a miracle from the divine grace or a calling from hell? Whatever it is, I'm willing to burn for this love and greet the gates of the abyss just to feel this love demolish me again and again.
A warm burst of air greeted me upon opening the door. A group of unfamiliar faces turned in my direction when they heard my arrival.
"Madame Echethier, you arrived!" the shopkeeper, Sebastian, let out a wide grin as I walked to the counter," You came just in the time. I just finished flourishing the order you've been requesting from me."
He pulled out a small box from one of the drawers, placing it right in front of me. As Sebastian unsealed the top, I was in awe when the necklace welcomed me with an enormous spark from its carved bejewels. It had a pendant of fleur-de-lis, having diamonds engraved on the sides and a ruby on the middle.
It amused me, Sebastian did well on this project, it looked like how I just imagined it to be.
"It's... amazing. It's an excellent work, Signore," even the people who lined beside me were struck by its beauty.
"Of course, Madame. It's handmade by yours truly, I am happy that you liked it as much as I enjoyed making it. It was really challenging... I'm pretty sure whoever you're giving it too, will treasure it forever," he smiled. I'm sure she will, everything I gave her made her happy.
It was when I left the store when one of my subordinates came to me running. I placed the jewelry box in my leather satchel to secure it for a while.
"What's going on? I'm on my break," I told him right before a group of men from a distance entered the gates of the shipping port. They weren't exactly knights either, none of them wore familiar seals from nearby Kingdoms," Assemble your group and protect the harbor. Leave the exit open for the Earl."
"Yes, Madame!" he nodded before leaving.
I started to run. To where that might be, I didn't know. But I knew I needed to get out of here and escort the Earl of Nethilor out of this place before those group of criminals knew he was here. The earl has been handling a major arrangement with merchants from across another country, his protection is the top priority.
I bolted toward the front door of the inn, where the Earl was sitting casually on the couch, reading a book.
"Oh, Aurelia!" I grabbed him by the arm.
"There's no time to spare, My Lord. Someone's out there finding you, we have to get out of here as soon as possible."
Without a warning, I pulled the Earl outside of the lodge where another group of knights was out there waiting for us. He seemed astounded as we entered a secret passage behind the walls of the harbor, it was one of the few hidden breakthroughs mentioned in the maps of our entire kingdom. Just any moment from now, other people would've found out about this.
We were greeted by towering trees and spikey plants. Branches were snapping underneath the smell of evergreens. The sting of branches hitting one's face, the taste of the air — we were hardly standing just to avoid these. As expected, we heard noises coming nearby and the neighing of horses.
"Ready your swords and arrows, Knights," our senior commanded. One gigantic step, the crackling sounds of leaves were made, and an arrow came running down — hitting a tree where we stood close.
"Over there!" we heard someone yell and before we knew it, we were in it for a big fight. They jumped down of their horses, unleashing their weapons.
The sword fight is supposed to bring a sense of chivalry and fair play, yet that is the stuff of the bards' tales and legend. Here, there are no gentlemen, only long knives slitting each other's throats.
Before I knew it, my arms swayed in directions I've been practicing before. Thrusting severely into the seemingly impenetrable armors of the enemies. Vicious but careful, hoping I don't hit any of my allies.
With my sword still raised, the actual attack is a hard kick to the opponent's liver, groin, bladder, or midsection. I made an attempt to deliver a follow-up strike on the momentarily staggered opponent. In the middle of the vigorous battle, my eyes stumbled upon our senior who was lying on the ground, blood-shedding across his forehead.
"Sir!" I ran into him, covering his open wound with a piece of cloth.
"Now, now, Aurelia. There is no time. The Earl is hiding behind that tree," he pointed out," While the others are preoccupied, go take him somewhere far from here and make sure he'll go home safely. Alright?"
Even if it was against my will, I didn't entertain second thoughts and hurriedly ran into My Lord's hiding place. He was docking under a bush before I pulled him to me," We have to go, My Lord." Scared, the Earl lifted his head before taking my hand.
Embracing his coat, the Earl faced me," Who are they? Why are they after me?"
"I'm not sure, My Lord... I reckoned they must've heard about your arrival in the shipping port that's why they came. It's better that we leave as early as possible as we do not know what they want from us," a man streamed into our direction — ah shit," My Lord!"
I pushed the Earl to the side, blocking the man's attack with my sword," Impressive. Haven't met a lady knight elsewhere. Perhaps, we could go on a date when circumstances were different?" He winked.
"Fuck off," distracted, I kicked his knee which stumbled him on the ground. This I took advantage of the chance to shove my sword on his chest, a large amount of blood gushed outside of my opponent's mouth.
"Bloody... hell," the Earl muttered. Bloody, it is.
All I wanted was to come home to Sabina, but today was something beyond what I have imagined. Spring was to come three days soon. Whether I've been 'receiving' unsend letters or she forgot to make one, I wonder what she was up to now...
I reached out my hand to the Earl," Let's go, My Lord."
He was about to accept it until it was too late for me to hear him call my name," Aurelia!" A sneaky arrow was fired and the target was no other than me.
The timing was but timid and momentarily, the baffling feeling left my body and all there was is numbness as the sound of armored knees hit the dirt. It was like an awakening like you've been called out to wake up from that severe coma that deprived you for ages.
Then suddenly you're down and all movement stops like a jammed container. You're still screaming but now it's different. It's because of the pain and when you try to get up, your legs won't move.
When you stop screaming and look up, the sky is dark and you can't hear the slashing of swords anymore, only the sound of someone moaning softly. It takes a few moments before you realize it's yourself.
For a moment I realized, everything is not enough. No matter how hard I convince myself that I'd be content with just a taste of her lips — it was all a lie.
I've been a fool for lying about what satisfied me because I know can never beg for more. A lifetime with Sabina was a reckless wish. I didn't want it, I reassured myself. But deep down, I still do. I will always do.
And to my least consciousness, I didn't know what was more frightening — to die in the arms of a lover or to endure the pain alone, regretting desperately that maybe if I would've gone home sooner... this wouldn't have happened at all.
I reflected on my mortal life, knowing that it would all be gone. Was reincarnation a thing? Or an ideology created by people who couldn't accept their death, hoping that the next time around... things would be better for them?
Although I didn't get to accomplish what I wanted to do, I hope someday I'll feel less broken about it. In the next passing seconds, I reminisced her face, every detail, as my visions start to blur.
I am pleased to have been given the chance to love you in this lifetime, Sabina...
[ ADDITIONAL POINT OF VIEW ]
┃ Author's POV ┃
The marquess glanced at the clock, in every tick-tock sound it made. Someone please come and save her, she thought desperately. Draped in a classically strapless gown of pale grey embroidered silk, this lady was in a gloomy aura, unlike other brides.
She hummed quietly to herself, glancing around the room — like waiting for someone who'll magically appear.
Where was Aurelia? Sabina was occupied with countless nagging from her mother but she never failed to send those letters that Aurelia asked for.
Sabina couldn't decipher to be in this horrid situation. And far from Aurelia's other journeys, this one hit different... last night, she just had a terrifying dream that the shores pulled Aurelia away from her. Regardless of how the waves kept coming back, her lover wasn't there anymore.
There was something she ought to do. There's still time left and everyone else was in the church, waiting for her. A wedding was of no good without the bethroted. Of course, all she has to do... was to get rid of the bride. But not exactly kill herself, silly!
Cluttering her wardrobe, Sabina was surprised when someone came to the door barging it open. It was her maidservant, Tylene, who looked nothing but pale and had just come from a mind-numbing crying session. Was she going to kill her? Perhaps not, but this girl was holding several envelopes in her hand.
Tylene proceeded to run into Sabina and embraced the Marquess tightly. She sniffled in between words, kneeling in front of her.
"I'm sorry... My Lady... I'm sorry," she pleaded for forgiveness, her master never understood why," I'm sorry... I didn't give you Madame Echethier's letters... I was afraid that if I did, you'd follow her and the wedding would be abrupted. Then, the archduke will continue firing other workers and my parents would lose their jobs —"
Sabina couldn't care any less. It was not a time to self-pity or to punish a servant for this.
"I knew you always liked each other and I knew marriage was not something you desired. Yet, I was selfish, I forgot about where I stood in your life... my service should've been loyal to you but I failed. Forgive me, My Lady," I patted her back as I slowly retrieve the envelope from her hand.
"Now, now, Tylene. No need to feel bad about yourself, what's important is you have given this to me right before everything was too late," she carefully took off the seal before her maidservant stopped her from doing so.
Tylene moved closer to Sabina," There's no time to read all these, My Lady. I have read it for you and Aurelia said she bought a cottage far from the Nethilor's. She was hoping that right before mid-spring, you'd be there to expect her arrival."
"What?" confused as it may sound, Sabina knew what was going on. She had to run away.
"I have told my younger brother — a carriage will be waiting for us in the backyard of the mansion," she explained," We have to move now before the Palace Knights arrive here to fetch you. When this goes smoothly, you'll arrive safe and sound in the location Madame Echethier mentioned."
Sabina nodded. She took a cloak from her wardrobe and secured right into its place. The servants were but afew and some hardly did their job, it wasn't that difficult to run downstairs towards the backyard. Right on its very spot, was a mini caravan that awaited for its passengers.
Tylene carefully fixed the hood of her lady's coat as she wipes her tears. The Marquess knew that leaving this house might be the most rebellious thing she'll do but it'll feel better than living a life of what didn't want.
"I'm sorry, My lady," Tylene weeped," I can't come with you... I might have to deal with your parents' wrath before I can guarantee seeing you again. Madame Echetier promised she'll take in my family as her servants... please take good care of them."
"Alright, I will... but as soon as they let you go, come to my place, Tylene," Sabina hugged her maidservant," Until then, I will be waiting for your Madame to come home..."
The dear Marquess of Nethilor entered the carriage, as Tylene closed the door behind her. In a shudder, it started to move as she gazed at her home for 19 years, bidding it farewell. Sabina couldn't feel any more excited than to greet Aurelia and eat dinner with her lover.
Poor girl, if only there was actually someone who'd come home for her.