NB: This chapter is one of the more poignant one for me. There were cute moments and then there were sad and hopeful moments. Someone also asked if a simple bite would suffice for transforming Rose - of course, it shouldn't be that simple! That's what makes this relationship even more fragile and worth pursuing.
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Chapter 8 -Journey to the Southern Lands.
Rose wasn't surprised when she woke up to find her bed cold and empty; the sheets a twisted mess around her as evidence of their love making.
Feeling slightly sulky at being abandoned once again, she threw the covers aside and headed towards her window to pull back the curtains. Rose had no idea what time it was, but by the growl of her stomach, she'd say it was time for breakfast.
As the morning sunlight bathed her room in its welcoming glow, Rose caught sight of a breakfast tray placed neatly on a table near her dresser; a single rose placed in a jar by the side. Thinking that Nahia had prepared it, she picked up the glass of juice and saw a piece of paper stuck to the bottom.
Eat up. Meet me at the cherry tree at noon.
Rose laughed as she tucked the scrap of love letter in her drawer. Even in his attempt at being romantic, Etienne couldn't help being imperious in his demands.
Still, she appreciated the gesture, lifting a fork of eggs to her lips. If this was what being in love with the Lord of the West was like, then she would savour it while it lasted. By the end of the moon cycle, he would belong to someone else.
Those were the thoughts occupying her when she dressed to meet him. She had chosen a dark long dress made of lace, the see-through material a stark contrast to the creamy white of her skin. Without buttons or ribbons for easy removal, Rose was hoping to keep the dress on for as long as possible - a feat seeing how hot her skin burned just by being beside him.
Satisfied with her reflection, Rose then tied Wind Eternal to the side of her sash and headed to the cherry tree.
Lord Etienne Arceneaux stood under the grand blooms, his head up into the cloud of pink. Dressed in complete white, Rose thought he looked like an angel with the silvery white of his hair flowing effortlessly in the wind.
"Someday this magnificent tree will die." He made no move to look at her, keeping his eyes up as the cherry blossoms swayed with the wind.
Rose didn't know what to say. Was that a silent reminder of her mortality?
"Then I suppose... it's the time you spend before that matter." Although for them, the days were growing increasingly limited.
As though hearing her thoughts, he finally turned to look down at her, the deep red gash on his cheek made prominent by the complete whiteness of his attire. "What would Rose like to do today with Lord Etienne?"
Her first response was to blush. It was a strange habit of his - using the third person -but when he did so, he was granting her a concession: a day to do whatever she wanted, with no objections.
That was how he often had flowers weaved into his hair when she was a child or become an involuntary chaperone to satisfy her silly antics in the markets.
"There is a spring market at Cove Viridian on the weekend. I would like to go there again."
He raised an eyebrow at her. Rose was expecting a rejection but to her surprise, he simply slipped a hand in hers and nodded.
Rose had suggested taking horses and without complaint, he mounted one even when she knew he preferred Alduin or walking. So when he got off and started to walk alongside his horse halfway through, Rose had to know.
"Have I made a choice that displeases you?" she asked, coming to a trot beside him.
Etienne grunted. Fine, she would find out the answer herself! She didn't have much time to mull over the mystery for they were soon at the entrance of the town. Dismounting, she then patted the horses and let them roam freely. Loyal to their master, the horses only required a whistle to return.
Slipping her hand into his, Rose could not be happier as she felt his fingers tightened slightly over hers. They stopped by a few shops on the periphery, smelling herbs and tasting peaches.
"I was thinking that maybe I could start growing flowers and selling them here," said Rose. "What do you think?"
His eyes bore down on hers lazily. To an outsider, his impassive face might suggest annoyance but Rose had memorised every line and every crease on his face to know that he was giving her a look that she could only described as -happy.
"My gardens are yours to do as you please."
Rose didn't have the heart to tell him she planned to grow them here. There wouldn't be a place for her in his castle once he claimed the throne with his bride. Instead, she smiled, hoping he wouldn't see the sadness behind them.
"Come," he said after awhile. "There is something in the market centre that you like."
Trusting his sense of smell, she followed his lead into the heart of the bustling town. She caught sight of the cart immediately.
"Pastries!"
Rose paid Etienne no attention as she carefully selected the ones she would like to eat then and take home. Nahia still had a bit of trouble making this treat in particular. Perhaps it had something to do with the unique way humans kneaded the dough -more patience and less strength than a Vampire.
When she was satisfied with her selection, Rose took a few coins and was about to give it to the shop owner when she realised the stunned look on his face. He didn't even look when she dropped the money onto his palm.
"Where to next?" asked Etienne, clutching her hand once more. Rose stood on tiptoes trying to find a sausage cart - that was when she realised the many pair of eyes focused on her.
Though he held his chin up in his usual manner of arrogance, Rose could see that Etienne paid no heed to the amount of attention being thrown her way. She didn't understand. Why were they only looking at her and not at him? It wasn't like they've never seen her around before.
Miria and Drake had roamed these same streets with her -not a single weird look or whisper then; but now, every corner they turned, people made a path for them; eyes curious as they glossed over her.
"You carry my scent. It confuses them," said Etienne, not bothering to lower his voice. Rose was sure that now, the humans who had not noticed were currently looking at her with renewed interest.
Feeling her cheeks burning, Rose pulled her hands away and walked quickly in front of him. Making sure that it was a human vendor, she finally stopped in front of a stall selling honey.
"Ah, Lady Rose! I was wondering when I'd see you again."
Rose didn't remember his name, but she smiled, having seen him many times in the market running errands with his family.
"How are the children?"
"Couldn't be better. My eldest helped to pot that honey you're holding. His first trip down the hive."
Rose vaguely remembered Drake pointing out a nest of bee Changelings living close to the woods at the edge of the town.
"Then I suppose I have to try it," said Rose beaming at the proud father as she passed him a few coins. Dropping the pot into the small pouch she had slung over her shoulders, Rose continued walking, only to feel the familiar bristle of touch and the scent of her keeper.
"I see you've bought more wicked things to consume in bed." To a stranger, the tone of his voice would have made it sound like a reprimand but Rose knew better.
"Honey is good medicine. We are not wasting it."
The Pureblood simply bent his head into her tresses, nipping at the lobe of her ear. "Of course. I would never waste a drop."
Rose had to squeeze her thighs together to stop the impending arousal. Ever since sharing skin privileges, Etienne had been ravenous; just being beside her sparked a wild need to claim her. Following the line of his eyes, she saw the dark alley way and knew he thought of taking her again.
"Stop it! Everybody is looking," she pleaded.
Still, he ignored her; pressing a kiss to the sensitive spot just behind her ear. "They're not complaining." Another kiss. "If they dare, I'll kill them."
