Baron Sean visits Charlene
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The Estate of Duke Walterus,
Town of Crimsonton
Kingdom of Velicia,
Dawn of Morning,
The Tenth Day of the Month of November,
Thirty Third Year of the Reign of King Jesse Crestings
~
Miss Charlene walked to the lounge and found Baron Sean seated there, reading some book whilst waiting for her. He wasn't particularly one she enjoyed the company of, for he dominated most her conversations and oft had strong opinions, as opposed to Knight Erion, who was a great listener.
The golden haired damsel sat across the man and gave him a smile, before greeting, "Hello". She was determined to have him feel like he was only an option and there were better men she enjoyed the company of.
"Good morning, Char", the baron's son smiled as he closed the book and placed it aside, devoting his attention to her. "You look lovely as a sunrise this morning", he complimented.
"Why thank you. I didn't expect I would, since I barely slept well last night", she sighed, flipping her long cascading hair behind her shoulder.
"You must get yourself some good rest, by all means. It is imperative", Baron Sean responded, his face full of concern.
"Hmm", she hummed, frustrated that it was difficult to get him to talk about her feelings. "Well, it isn't like I could help that I was sleepless", the damsel huffed, showing her disinterest.
"Oh what happened?", the man asked, confused.
"I've just been having dreams and thoughts rolling through my head", Charlene shook her head, before stretching her arms.
"What thoughts? Did something happen?" Sean asked, his face drawn into a frown.
She was satisfied that he was finally asking the things she wanted to answer. "Well, I met Prince Rayzenn yesterday, and he was very kind and interested in me. And just when I was with him, Cryspus appeared and started screaming at me like I was the one who spread tales of him being in love with me and I was so traumatised by that", she said, taking a long sniff.
"I received word that he was ceaselessly pursuing you after his wedding, but I did not realise it was this true", Baron Sean said, seeming baffled.
"Well, of course it was true. I knew he was always in love with me, but I never let word of it out. I merely confided in Knight Erion, because he is always so understanding and helps me when I tell him something. But now, someone must have spilt word about it and he came at me for that after everything I did", the damsel was in the pangs of frustration as she spoke.
She paid note, however, to the fact that Sean disliked her loving mention of Erion. The two men had equally pursued her, but she had always preferred the knight's company for how compatible they were.
"I see. That is highly disrespectful of the man. And it is further, very menial of Erion to be spreading what you had confided in him in secret", the man said, leaning back and folding his arms.
"I don't find Erion to blame. He always does what he prefers is in my best interest", the damsel of golden hair contended, like she did not mind his opinions.
The man clenched his jaws in response, and said nothing.
"But while Cryspus was saying that, the Crown Prince stepped in and aggressively told him off. Like, he got protective of me and roared the man away", Charlene laughed, her voice growing high pitched, like she was reminiscing.
"I see", Baron Sean responded. "In all honesty, I'm glad his Highness defended you. Any man would have, to be fair. I would have chewed Duke Cryspus' head off, despite nobility. It refreshing to hear that the prince feels the same way about a woman", he finished.
His words dampened the beautiful damsel's mood, for he said it in a generalised context, as though the prince could have done it for anyone and not because he had any particular liking towards her.
"I do not believe he would simply do that if some maid was getting lashed out. He visited me this week, merely for interest", she said, clearing her throat.
"That's flattering indeed", the baron responded, nonchalantly.
Charlene knew that getting him jealous was not going to work as smoothly. And so she decided to give up. "So what brings you here to see me?"
"About the Book Association of course", Sean smiled. "Have you finished the book recommended for this week, my dear?"
There was a string of irritation that dashed across her nerves when he addressed her endearingly. "I am almost finished with it. And don't call me that, it's unnerving", she said flatly.
"What?" the man seemed put off. "I thought you said you liked it?"
Charlene folded her arms and said, "Not anymore. It feels inappropriate. And I probably said that because you insisted."
She could see his frustration springing up before he nodded and said, "You've been acting very aloof lately. And despite everything I try to keep our relationship smooth, you keep avoiding me."
"I don't understand what you are talking about. You're acting like we're closer than we are", she huffed.
"What about everything we built up together? What about all the efforts I put in to make your dreams come true?" he said, sounding frantic.
"It isn't like I did nothing but sit back and watch", she snapped back.
"No, no, I would never dare say that. But if it hadn't been through my personal contacts, you wouldn't have been able to access the Imperial Castle's Library for our Book Club's reports", he retorted.
"Well, fetching the relationships is not a problem. I am maintaining it to this day, by paying frequent visits and personally submitting at the Castle, although I could simply send it through an envoy", she said, her voice growing.
Baron Sean fell silent. Then, he said, "I understand that you have changed. You gave me so many promises for a future together and so much hope that you do love me, right after your engagement broke. But now you are completely different. I do not know what it is, but I will help you and I will make you realise all the love you hold for me and for our relationship, Charlene. Good day."
With that said, the man rose from his place and walked out the lounge.
~