Pulling my hood over my face trying to hide my identity. Walking down the street, passing the shops. I soon hear some commotion and the hairs on my neck stand up. I glace over to Drystan and another man on patrol. Some women stare and keep their distance, but others try to introduce themselves to this handsome man. He is being kind, but passive. The women retreat after they notice his strong dark presence.
As I watch from a distance, I can't help but to notice things. How he carries himself or the way his hair caresses his face. The way he rests his hand on his sword. I start to fall into a trance watching him from afar till I notice him look in my direction. I dart off, my face feeling flushed. Did he catch me watching him, I hope not. I leave the market as soon as possible and head out of the city's walls to the lake.
There is a spot on the lake I enjoy going to. It is a little secluded with a large willow tree near the lake. I hike up my dress and climb the tree to rest on a low hanging branch. I am sure others come here, it is a beautiful spot to melt away or just to think. I need to with everything that has been going on in these last few days and what my future holds. As I take a seat, I look out across the lake. The sun shining across the water making it look like ripples of fire dancing across the surface. The snow-capped mountains standing strong in the distance. The Sun is gently caressing my face, warming my soul. With book in hand, I start to read. Cool breeze dances across my skin and a soft song from birds in the distance. I get lost into the book and I start to notice alarming similarities between me and woman in the book.
"I thought that was you." Drystan says, alarming me and falling out the tree landing into his arms, face to face. My face gets red and flail out of his arms.
"You shouldn't sneak up on people." I say adjusting the bottom of my dress, exposing my legs.
"You shouldn't leave yourself so exposed." He replies as I catch him staring.
"The monsters don't come near this place, so I'm not worried. I can handle myself thank you." I protest.
"Those aren't the monsters I was referring to."
"Ah yes, either way I can hand…"
"Handle yourself. I know." Drystan says interrupting me.
"Was there something you needed Sir Mage Knight?" I asked unamused.
"It's Your Grace." He exclaims.
"What?" I asked with confusion.
He steps closer and leans in "It's Your Grace. You should address me as such." There was almost a growl in his tone. Sent a chill down my spine and skin turning hot.
"W-was there something you needed Y-Your Grace? My voice shakes as I try to get my bearings and my ears get flushed. I am getting worked up by the littlest things he does. I've only seen him a couple of times now, this is getting out of hand.
"Do you remember me My Lady? He asks.
"Not at first, I didn't. Not till Zander spoke to me about you. I remember you used to be small, unsmiling, and rigid. You and Zander would try to pick on me. That didn't work out in your favor as I recall. You were just my brother's friend." I say walking over to pick up my cloak by the trunk of the tree. I pick it up and turn around to meet him face to with me. I a step back with my back pressed against the tree.
"Do you find me small still?" He asked. I tried to slide away but he blocked me in with his arm. "Answer me."
"Your Grace, this is inappropriate. People will see, I don't need my reputation to be sullied." I need to get away from him.
"Let them, you're to be my wife, it doesn't matter what they think. Do you still think I am small?" he pressured.
"N-No." I answer looking down at my feet as he towers over me. I feel myself shrinking with his intimidation.
"What do you think of me now? Still just your brother's friend?" He asks while lifting my chin, so our eyes meet. "Mhmm?" he leans in "Answer me My Lady."
"I-I…" My body is trembling and turning to fire. I close my eyes The words can not come out. I can't even breathe. I am actually terrified for the first time in my life. Before I could even speak another word, I feel his hot soft lips against mine. I snap open my eyes and tried to fight it but no use. I start to give in, and he presses against me, lifting my legs around his waist. With each kiss getting deeper and firmer, my hands slide up and around his neck. I'm sure he can feel my heart beating out of my chest. I want more of him, I need all of him.
"Ahem! General Regalshade, The King is wanting to speak with you." A castle messenger approaches.
Startled, Drystan sets me back down and shields me from the messenger. He lets out a soft growl and glares at the messenger "I'll be there shortly." If looks could kill. Turns his attention back towards me and the look in his eyes soften, kissing me one more time. "I have to go now. We'll continue another time." He adds.
I couldn't speak. I just nod, and he walks away. Falling to my knees, the taste of his breath still lingers on my lips. My body still trembling as it craves more. I feel like I am already losing myself, this won't do. I need to get ahold of myself, or I'll lose myself completely.
I get back up and dust myself off, gathering my things to head back. As soon as I enter the house I hear mom speaking to someone and the scent of flowers fills my nose. My stomach sinks.
"Thea, come here! You need to see this!" Mother says. Her voice filled with excitement. I head to the common room. Every step I take feels heavier and heavier, the sound of my shoes echoing down the hall. Slowly peeking in the doorway, hoping he's not there.
"Girl, what are you doing? Get in here." Mother pressures.
"What is all this?" I ask with a sense of relief knowing he's not there.
"Gifts from all your suitors!" She exclaims.
"Why would I even get anything? Am I not to marry Sir..I mean His Grace Drystan Regalshade?" I question.
"It's not bad to keep a possible backup deary." Mother says boastful. Then her attention goes to my father as he enters the room carrying flowers and a small box. "What do you have there your grace?'
"It is a gift for Thea…" He says while noticing the room filled with flowers already. "These are from Drystan." He adds, handing me the flowers and the small box.
"Oh?" I say with confusion, " I'll just open it at another time."
"No, open it now!" At this point I think Mother was a lot more excited than I was. Of course she was, she was getting what she wanted for me.
I take a seat and on my lap is this small box, a little larger than my hand, wrapped in decorative paper with a red silk ribbon. Just by the paper and ribbon alone, this isn't something an average knight could afford. I slowly untie the ribbon and unfold the paper. There, on my lap, sits this box made of Blackwood with beautiful silver-colored accents. This wood only grows in a remote part of the forest, where it is said to be protected by cursed dryads. If you were able to get Blackwood without killing a dryad, you'd be given entry to the Fallen Forest. How did Drystan get this wood?
I tilt back the top of the box and there is a handwritten letter. I grab the letter and underneath, sitting on this blue velvet fabric is a hair pin. I just sit there looking at it in awe. It is silver, no, it's platinum, with diamonds and blue sapphires laid throughout the piece.
"Oh, that must have cost him a small fortune make!" Mother says with a twinkle in her eye, "Has to be custom made!"
I read the letter in my hand, "For the star to wear on our wedding day. Sincerely, Drystan.". I am in shock.
"He'll make a fine husband." Father adds. "He'll treat you well."
"May I be excused?" I ask while getting up and leaving without an answer. I haven't even put the letter or the box down.
"What about the other gifts?" Mother shouts from the room, sounding concern.
I walk to my room in a daze. I plop down at my vanity, staring at this little box. Is reality really starting to sink in? Am I just dreaming? I pinch myself and to much surprise, this is not a dream. I need to clear my head. I swiftly get up to change into my training clothes and head out back. I can not let myself get weak or lose sight of my dream. I must focus on what's important to me.