The garden was her favorite place, an extension of her mother. A worn-down shed in the far corner filled with all the tools she said she needed but barely ever used. Here grew maple trees, the elm tree in the center being Marielle's favorite. It provided ample shade and was the perfect place to sit on sunny afternoons. It was all too familiar to her. The best path to reach the rose bush without stepping in wet grass, the perfect time of day to stop by for a nap, she knew it all. For the first time in a while, though someone new had come to see the garden. She hoped it would be his favorite place too.
There wasn't a lot to show right now though, the weather wasn't fit for much, and leaves began to litter the floor. She knew the housekeeper would bring this place back to life once the summer months started rolling around, but for now, it was far from its former glory. Stray thoughts pushed aside, she focused back on the person by her side
"This is it" she gestured vaguely. "We got a few flowers growing here and there but it's mostly bare for now, just your usual bushes."
Seren stepped into the grass and silently toured the place. His hands trailed over the waist-high bushes, the dew didn't bother him. The elm tree caught his eye first, then the lovely sitting area off to the side. He made his way to it, and she followed. The leaves danced around their feet as the wind picked up. There were two benches and a small tea table. She usually sat here when she needed to feel the sun, or when sitting inside ate away at her mind.
"Do you mind if we sit for a bit?" He asked.
"Of course not, I need a break too" she responded. She sat on a bench, and he sat next to her, the distance was small but noticeable. He closed his eyes, she noticed, and took in the wind, the smell of dirt, and the fresh air. She did the same. feeling isolated from the world for a moment, it was a great feeling, and she could tell he liked it too.
If she was alone, now would be the perfect time for a nap.
"Aren't you going to ask why I traveled here?" He broke the silence and was now looking at her.
She hesitated, "to be honest, my father already filled me in...sorry"
"No it's fine, that makes it easier for me" he laughed a little. "I didn't know I would see someone my age, but I hope you don't feel uncomfortable around me". She looked back at him.
She felt the opposite, to say the least. His presence brought a sense of comfort, maybe his soft personality calmed her soul unknowingly. He was a welcome change.
"Not at all. In fact, I hope you don't feel too uncomfortable, it's all new for you..." She trailed off, not wanting to tread into sensitive topics.
He smiled in response, his eyes conveyed understanding. They sat for a while, the silence felt a bit awkward.
The wind started to pick up, and Marielle decided it was a good time to hurry back inside, and for him to wind down in the comfort of his room. She needed a mental break too.
"I think its best we head back inside, you must be tired as well"
"yeah, I was thinking the same. I certainly missed resting on a bed after the long ride here", she let out a small laugh.
He got up, and she followed. He seemed to remember the way to his room, as they walked side by side. Their shoulders brushed occasionally, the first few times were followed by apologies, but they didn't bother after a while. She made sure to cover all the details of the house that she forgot about earlier, which made the walk back longer than expected. The finally reached his room, the door was ajar.
"Would you like me to come to get you when it's dinner time?" She asked, standing at the doorway.
"No, thank you," he walked over to his suitcase, his words lingered in the air. "...I appreciate your kindness today, I'll see you at dinner" he smiled, glancing back at her. She responded likewise and left, closing the door. She stood there for a second.
"I'll see you at dinner"
For some reason it made her heart sing, it was something she heard her father say a million times—but hearing it from his felt wildly different. She would have to somehow get used to this giddy feeling.
She walked off to her room feeling light as ever.
They sat at the dinner table, the clinking of forks and glass cups was background noise as her father chattered their ears off. He hadn't been able to brag about his accomplishments and hard work in a while, she had heard everything a hundred times over the past years, so they usually just talked about whatever came to mind. Today was different though. The same table, the same chairs, the same silverware, nothing stood out, except Seren who sat across from her. His presence made the dinner table lively, as he took great intrigue in her father's boasting. It was amusing to see him so expressive, compared to only the friendly smiles and laughs she had seen earlier in the day. He looked fresh now, a shower must have washed away all the fatigue the trip put on him. He didn't notice her stealing glances at him between every laugh. The way his eyes squinted when he laughed, his attentive position when her father was going off about some amazing endeavor, she took note of it all.
Dinner ended as quickly as it started, the table was cleared for a while and now they were winding down from the lively conversation. She didn't know when to get up, should she wait for the guest to excuse himself first? He didn't seem to be getting up anytime soon, but she was so tired. Her father had now sprung back onto the topic of his work.
"It is hard, but it is rewarding. I'm sure you'll get used to the endless paperwork" he chuckled as he took a sip of wine.
Realizing he was about to go on and on about work, Marielle understood this as the perfect time to leave.
"Well, I'll be off for the night then. Enjoy the rest of your conversation" she said to the both of them, not sure who to look at. They responded similarly and carried on with their discussion
She got up, pushed her chair in, and walked out the door, leaving them to it.
She was laying in bed now, it was a little past 11 pm. Her glasses were on the nightstand, the moonlight was enough to make out the details of her blanket. One hand by her side, one resting on her forehead. She felt a bit bad for him. Its only day one and her father had already begun talking about the work he would be expected to take on. It was probably for the best though. She wouldn't want to be a freeloader in someone else's home if she were in his place. Work was a good distraction, unfortunately.
Marielle let out a sigh and rolled over to her side. She was in anticipation of how things would be different tomorrow.
Hopefully the weather isn't too bad, she thought,
Maybe they could spend some more time in the garden.
He suddenly came into her life. Her home specifically. An orphaned boy with nothing left, except a newfound anger towards the royal family who ruined his parents' lives. Marielle didn't expect to gain so much from his presence, but living under the same roof with a boy, her romance-crazy heart couldn't have fallen harder. Life seems to be falling into place, but how does one choose between love and the desire for revenge? Follow their story as they come to learn more about the other, all while political turmoil threatens their relationship.
xxx
My first novel! I love heart wrenching romance so this is the result of my daydreaming. This story has a historical european ambience, so think your typical romance setting. I will do my best on this story, and I appreciate anyone who decides to stick around for a lil while. so uh, enjoy!
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