Yay another sweet entry, can't wait for more 
The Short Stories of Miss.SunFlower
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Miss.SunFlower
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Since when did Paul look at her quite like that? Deirdre wondered as they sat around the fire talking, everyone. She’d hope he’d sit beside her, but across from her, with the fire between them, was fine, too.
He was happy to see her, of course. And his reaction the last time she’d returned had been quite the opposite… so maybe that played into why the completely almost childishly happy smiles were directed to her all night.
She didn’t MIND it of course. It was a charming smile, more than charming, and always had been. She’d loved anytime she could get it out of him, which didn’t take much. But just the idea now that her, being there, was enough to have him grin at her like an idiot was immensely flattering. It reminded her of her previous wish for a man to send her such a smile – as it had come true. Though smiles from a suitor and from an old friend were two different things entirely.
As she answered another massive amount of questions from her friends, she thought about what he’d told her privately. Joyce, Joyce had turned him down. That was a surprise, but not compared to the surprise of his reaction. He was so calm – she could never be like that, she found herself admiring that quality. Still, it upset her to think of him rejected, alone.
But Paul didn’t look rejected at all, when he was smiling at her as he was, blue eyes glowing in the fire, holding hers longer than normal as the questions continued. As well as answers of what she, herself, had missed.
Keith was sitting a little to her left, Ruth practically in his lap, and was grinning while telling about some things that Deirdre quite think called for smiling.
“So… you actually let those- those gypsies go?” She asked at one point of the explanation. Unable to believe a lot of what happened, but that was the main thing for her. The one thing that didn’t shock her was what had shocked everyone else, it seemed; that the charming blonde lad was in fact the charming thief. But now that things were cleared up and happy, no one was tense about the subject, not even him.
His grin widened, “Aye, they’ve done a few things worth prison, but I couldn’t let them be jailed for the one thing that WASN’T their fault, you know.”
“You’re too kind.”
“And I figure you wouldn’t be?” Ruth asked, with the slightest bit of sarcasm.
Deirdre didn’t have to think about that, after it was said, “Okay, you’re right. I wouldn’t be able to either.”
Everyone let out content laughter after that. She loved this feeling of home, again. But, again, it would only make it harder to leave. She met Paul’s eyes, sending him the message in her head. And he only sent her that infectious smile of his, easing her for the time.
“So,” She added awkwardly, glancing away from her friend’s face, “What happened after that?”
Keith shrugged, “I was, rightfully, jailed, but not for long. George decided he knew me and trusted me enough. And besides, I think Ruth had been pestering him about it.” He sent a wink to the girl closest to him, who giggled.
“Alright, I was badgering him a good deal… but do you think I want my fiancé in jail any more than a week?”
He simply laughed and kissed her cheek, while Deirdre digested that information. Fiancé? Ruth and Keith had gotten engaged. Before she could stop herself she glanced at Paul – and here she thought she’d return to find him the cheerful husband-to-be. She wondered how he was doing with all of this.
She kept her tone bright though, “Well, here is something I did not know! Keith! Ruth! Congratulations! That’s so absolutely perfect, the two of you together!”
They both laughed and gratefully accepted the congratulations.
“You’ll be staying until the wedding, of course.”
She paused, as those words struck her heart. Would she? She didn’t know. But, oh Lord, did she want to! This was just the thing to ease her heart about leaving. She’d never witnessed a wedding of anyone in the village but could only imagine what a joyous celebration must accompany it. Oh how she was suddenly filled with desire to be there. To laugh and dance and spend time with all the people she loved.
“Well, I’d certainly love to! When is it?”
Ruth grinned at the idea of her being present, “Four days from tomorrow.” She said in a giddy tone.
Four… days…
No… oh Lord, why then? Why then?
But why did this have to be a decision for her. This was an event with the people she loved against a ball with no one she cared about present.
No one but Julianne, to whom she promised her attendance… and her unknown, to whom she longed to meet more with every passing day.
Oh why then? Why did she ever have to leave!? Why?
“Deirdre?” Joyce asked tentatively when no answer came.
Oh, how on earth was she supposed to tell these girls she would not be able to come. She avoided their eyes, and met Paul’s again – he looked wholly sympathetic. She remembered she had told him earlier when she was leaving. He knew then what she was missing. He didn’t look happy about it, but he looked understanding.
Tears sprang to her eyes before she could stop them, and with that she sprang to her feet.
“I’m sorry.” She said softly, “I’m- um… I need to- I’m still tired, I had a long journey.” She was still looking at Paul, “I’ll talk to you all tomorrow.”
“Goodnight Deirdre.” Everyone responded, a little confused. That was better than hurt though. But she’d have to tell them eventually. The tears spilt over and she turned quickly to the now-guest home she stayed in.
She hadn’t felt Paul get up, but he was beside her. His hand on her arm, she turned to him and saw his attempt at a smile, “I’m sorry.” He said gently.
Tears now flowing freely she shook her head, “There is nothing to be sorry for. I’m just pitying myself. No mater how often I am here, I only want more.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that.”
Deirdre didn’t want to keep going on about it, though doing so right then was making her feel so much better inside; getting it out. But not now, not with the other friends within hearing distance. She brought herself on tiptoes to kiss her friend on the cheek.
“I know, thank you. Goodnight Paul.”
With that she entered her old house, and proceeded to cry herself to sleep.
He was happy to see her, of course. And his reaction the last time she’d returned had been quite the opposite… so maybe that played into why the completely almost childishly happy smiles were directed to her all night.
She didn’t MIND it of course. It was a charming smile, more than charming, and always had been. She’d loved anytime she could get it out of him, which didn’t take much. But just the idea now that her, being there, was enough to have him grin at her like an idiot was immensely flattering. It reminded her of her previous wish for a man to send her such a smile – as it had come true. Though smiles from a suitor and from an old friend were two different things entirely.
As she answered another massive amount of questions from her friends, she thought about what he’d told her privately. Joyce, Joyce had turned him down. That was a surprise, but not compared to the surprise of his reaction. He was so calm – she could never be like that, she found herself admiring that quality. Still, it upset her to think of him rejected, alone.
But Paul didn’t look rejected at all, when he was smiling at her as he was, blue eyes glowing in the fire, holding hers longer than normal as the questions continued. As well as answers of what she, herself, had missed.
Keith was sitting a little to her left, Ruth practically in his lap, and was grinning while telling about some things that Deirdre quite think called for smiling.
“So… you actually let those- those gypsies go?” She asked at one point of the explanation. Unable to believe a lot of what happened, but that was the main thing for her. The one thing that didn’t shock her was what had shocked everyone else, it seemed; that the charming blonde lad was in fact the charming thief. But now that things were cleared up and happy, no one was tense about the subject, not even him.
His grin widened, “Aye, they’ve done a few things worth prison, but I couldn’t let them be jailed for the one thing that WASN’T their fault, you know.”
“You’re too kind.”
“And I figure you wouldn’t be?” Ruth asked, with the slightest bit of sarcasm.
Deirdre didn’t have to think about that, after it was said, “Okay, you’re right. I wouldn’t be able to either.”
Everyone let out content laughter after that. She loved this feeling of home, again. But, again, it would only make it harder to leave. She met Paul’s eyes, sending him the message in her head. And he only sent her that infectious smile of his, easing her for the time.
“So,” She added awkwardly, glancing away from her friend’s face, “What happened after that?”
Keith shrugged, “I was, rightfully, jailed, but not for long. George decided he knew me and trusted me enough. And besides, I think Ruth had been pestering him about it.” He sent a wink to the girl closest to him, who giggled.
“Alright, I was badgering him a good deal… but do you think I want my fiancé in jail any more than a week?”
He simply laughed and kissed her cheek, while Deirdre digested that information. Fiancé? Ruth and Keith had gotten engaged. Before she could stop herself she glanced at Paul – and here she thought she’d return to find him the cheerful husband-to-be. She wondered how he was doing with all of this.
She kept her tone bright though, “Well, here is something I did not know! Keith! Ruth! Congratulations! That’s so absolutely perfect, the two of you together!”
They both laughed and gratefully accepted the congratulations.
“You’ll be staying until the wedding, of course.”
She paused, as those words struck her heart. Would she? She didn’t know. But, oh Lord, did she want to! This was just the thing to ease her heart about leaving. She’d never witnessed a wedding of anyone in the village but could only imagine what a joyous celebration must accompany it. Oh how she was suddenly filled with desire to be there. To laugh and dance and spend time with all the people she loved.
“Well, I’d certainly love to! When is it?”
Ruth grinned at the idea of her being present, “Four days from tomorrow.” She said in a giddy tone.
Four… days…
No… oh Lord, why then? Why then?
But why did this have to be a decision for her. This was an event with the people she loved against a ball with no one she cared about present.
No one but Julianne, to whom she promised her attendance… and her unknown, to whom she longed to meet more with every passing day.
Oh why then? Why did she ever have to leave!? Why?
“Deirdre?” Joyce asked tentatively when no answer came.
Oh, how on earth was she supposed to tell these girls she would not be able to come. She avoided their eyes, and met Paul’s again – he looked wholly sympathetic. She remembered she had told him earlier when she was leaving. He knew then what she was missing. He didn’t look happy about it, but he looked understanding.
Tears sprang to her eyes before she could stop them, and with that she sprang to her feet.
“I’m sorry.” She said softly, “I’m- um… I need to- I’m still tired, I had a long journey.” She was still looking at Paul, “I’ll talk to you all tomorrow.”
“Goodnight Deirdre.” Everyone responded, a little confused. That was better than hurt though. But she’d have to tell them eventually. The tears spilt over and she turned quickly to the now-guest home she stayed in.
She hadn’t felt Paul get up, but he was beside her. His hand on her arm, she turned to him and saw his attempt at a smile, “I’m sorry.” He said gently.
Tears now flowing freely she shook her head, “There is nothing to be sorry for. I’m just pitying myself. No mater how often I am here, I only want more.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that.”
Deirdre didn’t want to keep going on about it, though doing so right then was making her feel so much better inside; getting it out. But not now, not with the other friends within hearing distance. She brought herself on tiptoes to kiss her friend on the cheek.
“I know, thank you. Goodnight Paul.”
With that she entered her old house, and proceeded to cry herself to sleep.
Shadow_Kitty
New member
And no matter how much I read your story I still want more.
Soo.. MORE?
Soo.. MORE?
Miss.SunFlower
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There was a pattern to Deirdre’s emotions, and Paul had learned it within her first day back. He was never sure what set it off but what followed always went the same way, every time.
The sudden disappearance of her cheer in a conversation, even as later she tried to pull a fake smile, it was always apparent. She’d go silent, clearly thinking about something she’d rather not, and when brought out of that she would either change the subject or, more often, find an excuse to get away. Only to return hours later, eyes rimmed with red.
Paul hated it. Watching her so clearly agonized with the idea of leaving the place she was so fond of. He could never imagine leaving the village he called his home, he couldn’t begin to know how she felt in her position.
He hated not knowing what set off her depression, it made conversation hard. He knew she needed to talk, about anything. Sobbing alone was obviously doing nothing, and the idea was heartbreaking to him. But he would set off on what he thought was a particularly safe topic and suddenly he’d said something and it all started off again.
The evening before her leaving day Paul didn’t appear to be able to say anything right, though he was trying, and she was doing very well.
Finally it appeared he’d crossed some line he had yet to find and her already worn out heart couldn’t take it, she stood and he silently cursed himself.
“I’m sorry.” He said softly before she could excuse herself.
“Nothing to apologize for. It is not your fault.”
“I said something that upset you,” He said seriously. He didn’t want her to leave.
“That still isn’t your fault, you didn’t do it on purpose.” She sounded better, and he was ready to relax, but she tensed herself again, “I need to go.”
“Don’t.” Paul said it before he could stop himself. She smiled.
“I won’t be gone long, alight? I just- just need time.” She said nothing more and left him sitting there, feeling stupid.
He considered finding her when she was in one of these moods, when she was crying and angry and upset. He wasn’t sure if that would help her or hurt her, but it was something he desperately wanted to try. Although, seeing her at her worst was not something to look forward to.
But it was torture enough as was, and he supposed it may have to be a little worse for it to get better. Waiting a few seconds, he got up to follow his friend.
She wasn’t in her house. Or the guesthouse she stayed in, he corrected himself. However it had been HER house 5 years ago. Paul could see how spending time in there would not ease her in any way. But where else could she go to be alone.
And then, and maybe he’d gone crazy, but he heard soft singing. The voice was high and pure, even from far away, and the tune, while particularly sad, was one he remembered from when he was younger, when they were younger.
He followed it into the forest behind the village.
Deirdre had just slumped to her knees in the tiniest clearing of the forest, when she came within sight. Having finished her song she just sat there – he wasn’t sure if she was crying or not. He didn’t want to say anything yet.
“I would sing to the trees – when I was little.” She said softly when he was about ready to pretend he’d never come to begin with. She knew he was there.
Paul blinked, “I never heard you.”
“That was the idea.”
He laughed a little and stepped closer to her. “You have a stunning voice, I don’t know why you didn’t want anyone to hear.”
“I guess I was an insecure child.” She said, her voice a bit lighter at that.
“And now?”
He heard her sigh, “This place used to calm me, I needed that now.”
“You need to talk, too, Deirdre.” He sighed like her, “I can hardly bear it as is, watching you silently hurting, as you are. I can hardly imagine how you have not sought someone out to talk to.” His voice dropped, “Even just to cry to.”
Deirdre laughed at that, actually, “And you want to be my shoulder to cry on? Really, Paul – how DID Joyce resist you?”
She was teasing but the words brought about that confounding skip of a heartbeat. He shrugged, despite knowing she couldn’t see it.
There was some silence before she finally spoke up, “I really would so rather stay here forever.”
“I know that. And we all wish you could to.” He closed his eyes, and then opened them as a thought came to him, “and why can’t you?”
She glanced over her shoulder at him. In the evening light her face didn’t LOOK tear stained. That was good. “I’m the king’s ward. Do you think I can just leave?”
He shrugged again. “You are 28, how long does he have you under this ward?”
“When I am wed.” She replied mater-of-fact.
“Can you not just tell the king you wish to leave his protection?” He wasn’t giving up, “It’s not like you have no where to go to, he knows you would be happy here. Can you not at least ask?”
“I’m not brave enough.” She said, softer.
Now Paul laughed, unable to help himself. With that he stepped to be right in front of her and watched her raise her eyebrows at the laughter, “Not brave enough? Deirdre, you are the girl who persuaded me into dueling you with real swords when you were 10. Who grinned when I very nearly killed you and only laughed at my apologies.”
She beamed at him, “You remember that…”
“You scared me half to death!”
Now she laughed, with him, “It had me scared too, of course, I was better at hiding it, though.”
“You’d be good at hiding it in front of his highness too.” He said simply.
The smile faltered again, and he knew, for the second time that day, his words had her in her sequence of tears again. “Paul…” She began softly.
Unable to bear it, he crouched down and brought her into his arms, where she broke into crying, “I want to,” She whispered, “I really do.”
“Shhhh…” Was all he could reply with, holding her against his chest, unable to control how his heart stopped and sped up at the feeling it gave him.
At that moment, he hated himself. But it was too late.
He was days out of one heartbreak and was now holding another against him, murmuring silly words of consolation. Against all reason in him, he’d fallen in love with the one girl who he knew couldn’t return it.
The sudden disappearance of her cheer in a conversation, even as later she tried to pull a fake smile, it was always apparent. She’d go silent, clearly thinking about something she’d rather not, and when brought out of that she would either change the subject or, more often, find an excuse to get away. Only to return hours later, eyes rimmed with red.
Paul hated it. Watching her so clearly agonized with the idea of leaving the place she was so fond of. He could never imagine leaving the village he called his home, he couldn’t begin to know how she felt in her position.
He hated not knowing what set off her depression, it made conversation hard. He knew she needed to talk, about anything. Sobbing alone was obviously doing nothing, and the idea was heartbreaking to him. But he would set off on what he thought was a particularly safe topic and suddenly he’d said something and it all started off again.
The evening before her leaving day Paul didn’t appear to be able to say anything right, though he was trying, and she was doing very well.
Finally it appeared he’d crossed some line he had yet to find and her already worn out heart couldn’t take it, she stood and he silently cursed himself.
“I’m sorry.” He said softly before she could excuse herself.
“Nothing to apologize for. It is not your fault.”
“I said something that upset you,” He said seriously. He didn’t want her to leave.
“That still isn’t your fault, you didn’t do it on purpose.” She sounded better, and he was ready to relax, but she tensed herself again, “I need to go.”
“Don’t.” Paul said it before he could stop himself. She smiled.
“I won’t be gone long, alight? I just- just need time.” She said nothing more and left him sitting there, feeling stupid.
He considered finding her when she was in one of these moods, when she was crying and angry and upset. He wasn’t sure if that would help her or hurt her, but it was something he desperately wanted to try. Although, seeing her at her worst was not something to look forward to.
But it was torture enough as was, and he supposed it may have to be a little worse for it to get better. Waiting a few seconds, he got up to follow his friend.
She wasn’t in her house. Or the guesthouse she stayed in, he corrected himself. However it had been HER house 5 years ago. Paul could see how spending time in there would not ease her in any way. But where else could she go to be alone.
And then, and maybe he’d gone crazy, but he heard soft singing. The voice was high and pure, even from far away, and the tune, while particularly sad, was one he remembered from when he was younger, when they were younger.
He followed it into the forest behind the village.
Deirdre had just slumped to her knees in the tiniest clearing of the forest, when she came within sight. Having finished her song she just sat there – he wasn’t sure if she was crying or not. He didn’t want to say anything yet.
“I would sing to the trees – when I was little.” She said softly when he was about ready to pretend he’d never come to begin with. She knew he was there.
Paul blinked, “I never heard you.”
“That was the idea.”
He laughed a little and stepped closer to her. “You have a stunning voice, I don’t know why you didn’t want anyone to hear.”
“I guess I was an insecure child.” She said, her voice a bit lighter at that.
“And now?”
He heard her sigh, “This place used to calm me, I needed that now.”
“You need to talk, too, Deirdre.” He sighed like her, “I can hardly bear it as is, watching you silently hurting, as you are. I can hardly imagine how you have not sought someone out to talk to.” His voice dropped, “Even just to cry to.”
Deirdre laughed at that, actually, “And you want to be my shoulder to cry on? Really, Paul – how DID Joyce resist you?”
She was teasing but the words brought about that confounding skip of a heartbeat. He shrugged, despite knowing she couldn’t see it.
There was some silence before she finally spoke up, “I really would so rather stay here forever.”
“I know that. And we all wish you could to.” He closed his eyes, and then opened them as a thought came to him, “and why can’t you?”
She glanced over her shoulder at him. In the evening light her face didn’t LOOK tear stained. That was good. “I’m the king’s ward. Do you think I can just leave?”
He shrugged again. “You are 28, how long does he have you under this ward?”
“When I am wed.” She replied mater-of-fact.
“Can you not just tell the king you wish to leave his protection?” He wasn’t giving up, “It’s not like you have no where to go to, he knows you would be happy here. Can you not at least ask?”
“I’m not brave enough.” She said, softer.
Now Paul laughed, unable to help himself. With that he stepped to be right in front of her and watched her raise her eyebrows at the laughter, “Not brave enough? Deirdre, you are the girl who persuaded me into dueling you with real swords when you were 10. Who grinned when I very nearly killed you and only laughed at my apologies.”
She beamed at him, “You remember that…”
“You scared me half to death!”
Now she laughed, with him, “It had me scared too, of course, I was better at hiding it, though.”
“You’d be good at hiding it in front of his highness too.” He said simply.
The smile faltered again, and he knew, for the second time that day, his words had her in her sequence of tears again. “Paul…” She began softly.
Unable to bear it, he crouched down and brought her into his arms, where she broke into crying, “I want to,” She whispered, “I really do.”
“Shhhh…” Was all he could reply with, holding her against his chest, unable to control how his heart stopped and sped up at the feeling it gave him.
At that moment, he hated himself. But it was too late.
He was days out of one heartbreak and was now holding another against him, murmuring silly words of consolation. Against all reason in him, he’d fallen in love with the one girl who he knew couldn’t return it.
Shadow_Kitty
New member
MAGGIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE! You're doing it again!
Miss.SunFlower
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craaaaap I made you cry AGAIN!? XD
Shadow_Kitty
New member
Almost. Next couple of post probably will.
Miss.SunFlower
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This one might... and this is also a plot twist. and my last one right now.... I'm writing the next one atm...
Deirdre liked this feeling, more than she really wanted to admit to herself. She liked the feeling of Paul holding her against him softly reminding her that was going to be okay, for that’s all he could tell her.
She had slowly stopped crying, having worn herself out, but she continued to let him keep his arms around her, like a shelter. He was in no hurry to let her go, and she found she didn’t want him to. It was like the world would be worse when he lifted his embrace from her. She didn’t want that, and so she laid her head against him, showing her contentment with their current position.
He shifted slightly, as though making himself more comfortable. They’d be this way a while, speaking or silent. Deirdre was happy for that.
She mulled over his words about telling the king she wished to live on her own. He was kind, but he would try and talk her out of it, she knew. In the end, not wanting to argue, she’d give in. And she’d stay in the cold world of court. It brought tears back to her.
Paul felt her stiffen it seemed, he began to gently rock her, laying his head on her hair. Now her heart pounded at the affection in his touch. Affection she’d always felt around him, but suddenly felt it differently. But still so good – so wonderful to have someone nearly carrying her. She did begin to cry again.
She didn’t know how long she cried, then stopped then started up again, and so on. But she knew she would never feel better than she did right then. She did not think she would be the same when she eventually had to leave his embrace, and could no longer hear his own heartbeat, or the ineffectual words he told her to calm her falling tears.
“I think I’m alright, now.” She finally whispered. Hating to say the words.
Paul didn’t move much, just shifted a little again, “I’m glad I could be here.” He replied, his voiced sounded a little rougher, but just as kind.
“Thank you so much.”
“Deirdre, it’s nothing.” She knew he was smiling now, she pulled herself back a little to look at his eyes.
Which were stunning. The sun was set but a little light was still retained in the forest, a very dreaming blue glow around them, matching the deep brooding blue that was his eyes. She’d never truly noticed how absolutely soul-piercing those eyes were, especially as he looked at her the way he was.
He looked as though he wanted to say something, but instead he leaned and kissed her.
Deirdre wasn’t sure if he had meant for it to be short. A quick friendly kiss for comfort, maybe? She did know though, that he’d felt the same sudden spark she did at the touch of their lips, and found himself unable to pull away so soon. In fact, it caused him to deepen it more, bringing a hand from around her to cup her cheek, still wet from tears.
She liked this feeling too, and it terrified her. Here she was kissing her oldest friend, realizing inside that she had wanted this for longer than she had been aware. Probably before she had even left the village to begin with. But her absences, and appearances had only made the shift in feelings stronger, and only made her happier inside to be kiss him now.
He was making her lightheaded, his kiss was. She wondered if all she was thinking of was running through his mind as well. But, nothing made him pull away, and she could not find it in herself to end it either. But not even her lightheadedness kept her thoughts at bay for long.
Oh lord, she thought, I am a countess. I am the king’s ward, and while I love him – Paul, he is no one. She loved him, and she could never love him. And now she was kissing him, making him believe she could. She would only hurt him.
She pulled herself away finally, gasping for air after the kiss. She looked into the blue eyes that had only grown deeper, but glanced quickly away.
“Paul” She whispered, “I can’t – we can’t… do this.”
He looked understanding, ready to pull her back into another embrace to calm her. And while she longed for that, it would only cause more problems. He would try to talk her into going to the king, and she couldn’t find in her the courage to do that. Nothing would work out.
“You don’t get it.” She added as another reason she couldn’t be with him came to her mind, someone she hadn’t thought of all night. “I have-“ she could barely say it, “I have a suitor. Already. A lord who- who has been courting me for a while yet. And a few days ago, before I came here, I was certain that he- he is the one I have chosen. The lord I will marry.”
True, most of this she hadn’t thought of before saying, but it was true; her unknown had proven to be the most compassionate, kind man she had even begun to hope for when the idea had been sprung. If King Phil told her she had to choose a husband… and that he had to be noble, he would be her choice. Beyond any doubt.
That got through to Paul. Which was heartbreaking to see. But his voice was civil, though that really made it worse, “I see…” He said softly, dropping his arms from her. “I’m sorry I complicated that.”
Her heart felt as though a small tear had ripped in it, “Do- no- don’t please don’t be sorry. I- I-“ She couldn’t finish what she was saying as he stood up. Like she’d thought, Deirdre felt cold, lonely, without his arms around her.
“Goodnight Deirdre.” He said softly, and moved behind her to walk back.
The forest blurred with sudden tears and she found herself sobbing alone again.
Sometime later, in the now pitch darkness of night Deirdre found her way back her tiny old home. She loved and hated every relic of her old life. She wished she could stay, she wished she’d never came.
In no mood to sleep, but in no mood to sit and think she at last lit a small candle in her room.
To fall upon a single envelope laying on her bed.
She knew that handwriting, confused she opened it. As she read her mouth opened more and more, and she was grasping the handle of her candle so tightly for fear it would drop.
She blew it out quickly and went to find Paul.
The letter read,
“Dearest Deirdre,
I never meant to make you cry. I never did, for anything, but definitely over something like this. Then again, I never meant to fall in love with you. But it is too late for any of that, I suppose. And you will be going tomorrow. I wish you and your husband to be the best.
Do not feel guilt about anything, for that would hurt me most of all. I was the one who got carried away. Do not fear of breaking my heart, for wherever you are and
whomever your with, it will still, always, be yours.
With love,
Your Unknown”
Deirdre liked this feeling, more than she really wanted to admit to herself. She liked the feeling of Paul holding her against him softly reminding her that was going to be okay, for that’s all he could tell her.
She had slowly stopped crying, having worn herself out, but she continued to let him keep his arms around her, like a shelter. He was in no hurry to let her go, and she found she didn’t want him to. It was like the world would be worse when he lifted his embrace from her. She didn’t want that, and so she laid her head against him, showing her contentment with their current position.
He shifted slightly, as though making himself more comfortable. They’d be this way a while, speaking or silent. Deirdre was happy for that.
She mulled over his words about telling the king she wished to live on her own. He was kind, but he would try and talk her out of it, she knew. In the end, not wanting to argue, she’d give in. And she’d stay in the cold world of court. It brought tears back to her.
Paul felt her stiffen it seemed, he began to gently rock her, laying his head on her hair. Now her heart pounded at the affection in his touch. Affection she’d always felt around him, but suddenly felt it differently. But still so good – so wonderful to have someone nearly carrying her. She did begin to cry again.
She didn’t know how long she cried, then stopped then started up again, and so on. But she knew she would never feel better than she did right then. She did not think she would be the same when she eventually had to leave his embrace, and could no longer hear his own heartbeat, or the ineffectual words he told her to calm her falling tears.
“I think I’m alright, now.” She finally whispered. Hating to say the words.
Paul didn’t move much, just shifted a little again, “I’m glad I could be here.” He replied, his voiced sounded a little rougher, but just as kind.
“Thank you so much.”
“Deirdre, it’s nothing.” She knew he was smiling now, she pulled herself back a little to look at his eyes.
Which were stunning. The sun was set but a little light was still retained in the forest, a very dreaming blue glow around them, matching the deep brooding blue that was his eyes. She’d never truly noticed how absolutely soul-piercing those eyes were, especially as he looked at her the way he was.
He looked as though he wanted to say something, but instead he leaned and kissed her.
Deirdre wasn’t sure if he had meant for it to be short. A quick friendly kiss for comfort, maybe? She did know though, that he’d felt the same sudden spark she did at the touch of their lips, and found himself unable to pull away so soon. In fact, it caused him to deepen it more, bringing a hand from around her to cup her cheek, still wet from tears.
She liked this feeling too, and it terrified her. Here she was kissing her oldest friend, realizing inside that she had wanted this for longer than she had been aware. Probably before she had even left the village to begin with. But her absences, and appearances had only made the shift in feelings stronger, and only made her happier inside to be kiss him now.
He was making her lightheaded, his kiss was. She wondered if all she was thinking of was running through his mind as well. But, nothing made him pull away, and she could not find it in herself to end it either. But not even her lightheadedness kept her thoughts at bay for long.
Oh lord, she thought, I am a countess. I am the king’s ward, and while I love him – Paul, he is no one. She loved him, and she could never love him. And now she was kissing him, making him believe she could. She would only hurt him.
She pulled herself away finally, gasping for air after the kiss. She looked into the blue eyes that had only grown deeper, but glanced quickly away.
“Paul” She whispered, “I can’t – we can’t… do this.”
He looked understanding, ready to pull her back into another embrace to calm her. And while she longed for that, it would only cause more problems. He would try to talk her into going to the king, and she couldn’t find in her the courage to do that. Nothing would work out.
“You don’t get it.” She added as another reason she couldn’t be with him came to her mind, someone she hadn’t thought of all night. “I have-“ she could barely say it, “I have a suitor. Already. A lord who- who has been courting me for a while yet. And a few days ago, before I came here, I was certain that he- he is the one I have chosen. The lord I will marry.”
True, most of this she hadn’t thought of before saying, but it was true; her unknown had proven to be the most compassionate, kind man she had even begun to hope for when the idea had been sprung. If King Phil told her she had to choose a husband… and that he had to be noble, he would be her choice. Beyond any doubt.
That got through to Paul. Which was heartbreaking to see. But his voice was civil, though that really made it worse, “I see…” He said softly, dropping his arms from her. “I’m sorry I complicated that.”
Her heart felt as though a small tear had ripped in it, “Do- no- don’t please don’t be sorry. I- I-“ She couldn’t finish what she was saying as he stood up. Like she’d thought, Deirdre felt cold, lonely, without his arms around her.
“Goodnight Deirdre.” He said softly, and moved behind her to walk back.
The forest blurred with sudden tears and she found herself sobbing alone again.
Sometime later, in the now pitch darkness of night Deirdre found her way back her tiny old home. She loved and hated every relic of her old life. She wished she could stay, she wished she’d never came.
In no mood to sleep, but in no mood to sit and think she at last lit a small candle in her room.
To fall upon a single envelope laying on her bed.
She knew that handwriting, confused she opened it. As she read her mouth opened more and more, and she was grasping the handle of her candle so tightly for fear it would drop.
She blew it out quickly and went to find Paul.
The letter read,
“Dearest Deirdre,
I never meant to make you cry. I never did, for anything, but definitely over something like this. Then again, I never meant to fall in love with you. But it is too late for any of that, I suppose. And you will be going tomorrow. I wish you and your husband to be the best.
Do not feel guilt about anything, for that would hurt me most of all. I was the one who got carried away. Do not fear of breaking my heart, for wherever you are and
whomever your with, it will still, always, be yours.
With love,
Your Unknown”
Shadow_Kitty
New member
......Wow, no I'm not crying... I feel like I should be. Instead I feel just, really numb...
It is true that there is pretty much no emotion your stories cannot evoke in me
It is true that there is pretty much no emotion your stories cannot evoke in me
Miss.SunFlower
New member
What had he been thinking? That thought and many similar were all that were in Paul’s head as he sat in his own house. He knew somewhere in the back of his head, that is was basically pitch black in there, but no where in him could he find the incentive to light a candle.
He shouldn’t have written that letter to her, as it accomplished nothing. It probably only made her cry again. He seemed to be very good at making the beautiful girl cry. Just perfect.
He shouldn’t have kissed her either, that was his main mistake. However, of course, during the long moments of it’s occurrence he had never been so happy to have done something in his life. And she had kissed him back. That was a feeling that would never leave him no matter how he would try.
Which is why he shouldn’t have done it to begin with.
She was going to get married. That was another thought that struck him nearly speechless. To who? A noble. She HATED court. And everyone that was a part of it. He knew this, she’d TOLD him this in the letters they had shared. God, those letters would be torment for the rest of his life most likely.
And now Paul had ruined that a bit too, hadn’t he? The Unknown title he held in their letter conversations was now gone. Maybe if he hadn’t done that, he could have still wrote her long after this marriage, though he wasn’t sure he could handle that.
When he’d first begun writing Deirdre, he had had no inclination to be an anonymous writer for her. But when it came to light that she couldn’t get his signature anyways, the idea grew on him. There were things he could say to her more when he knew she didn’t know who he was. Nothing particularly profound things, at the beginning, but it was just easier. And she seemed comfortable with it too. The letter friendship was as easy as the friendship of their youth. He’d looked forward to continuing them for some time.
Stupid of him, stupid to have kissed her and ruined everything. Stupid of him to fall in love with her when he knew he couldn’t have her and then stupidly show it and depress her. She had kissed him back, so it was clear she had strong feelings for him too. But she knew as well as he did nothing would ever happen. And she already had a lord she must have had feelings for too.
Yes, Paul thought miserably, he had just about ruined everything for the two of them.
God, it was so hard, though. It shouldn’t have been so hard. Joyce had rejected him only days earlier. But Paul had not moped in darkness for long hours after the fact. He tried to play in his heads the words that had kept him going. Joyce wasn’t the one for him, and neither was Deirdre. There was someone else for him.
But Paul didn’t WANT someone else, he realized. Whether they were ‘the one’ or not in his life, he didn’t want anyone, he couldn’t IMAGINE wanting anyone, but Deirdre.
And this was where he was in his thoughts when a small sound caught his ear. It was his door opening, just the softest sound. He almost thought he’d lost his mind. Even more so when he thought of who may have just entered. He was completely crazy.
He turned to the door, though that did nothing at all. There was absolutely no light in the room now, he could barely make out that someone WAS standing there, figuring out who it was would be impossible. But he couldn’t help entertaining his pure inanity right then.
“Deirdre…”
“Shhh.” Deirdre’s voice came out of the darkness causing his heart to beat quite unnaturally fast. Her voiced catered a million emotions in it. None incredibly happy. What on earth had she found him to say.
He tried again, his voice stiff still “You should be in bed you have to go tomo-“
“Paul, I told you to shush.”
He shut up, waiting.
After a pause she made a sound like a soft laugh, “When I returned after- well, when I returned to my room – I found a little letter.” Paul braced himself for her comment on that. He wasn’t sure he was ready for whatever was going to come. “It was from my suitor.”
She was talking about a different letter? Not his?
Staying quiet he let her continue, “It was a letter from my suitor, yes. But this was confusing. How was my suitor writing me here… and how was it that he knew exactly what had happened moments ago, and was apologizing for it.”
Paul’s mouth dropped at what she was saying as she spoke. Was she – was she possibly saying what he could only imagine she was? She thought the letter from him was one from her suitor, which meant the entire time they’d wrote she had thought him a lord.
And he was the lord she wanted to marry.
He was the man Deirdre wanted to marry.
Unable to stay silent after digesting that information he began again, “Deirdre…” Of course, then he knew of nothing to say.
She cut in, and he let her, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Why didn’t I mention the letters to you?” He asked and heard the sound of her nod, “I’m not sure. I might have at one point. But somewhere in mind my head I’d come up with the thought that you knew. Though, that’s impossible.” He quieted his voice a tad, “Also, I guess, writing you as Your Unknown was kind of like a dream. I suppose talking about it aloud would mean waking up. Remembering that you are nobility and I’m not.” He sighed, “But I guess I had to wake up eventually.”
More silence as he waited for Deirdre to comprehend what he’d said, probably confirming everything for her.
“Paul…” She whispered at last, “Paul, I love you. And you have no idea how happy I am to know that the man I love here is the same man I love in those beautiful, beautiful letters.” She sniffed then, crying again. But smiling.
He sighed, again “It doesn’t do anything though,” His voice was a mix of relief and happiness and leftover depression, “I still- I still can’t have you. I could stand knowing that Joyce wasn’t for me, you know that. But I don’t know if I can stand knowing that I love you and that I can’t.”
The floor creaked and he imagined her stepping nearer to him, and he was suddenly aware that, for not being able to see a thing, she was rather close. “Paul, that doesn’t matter to me. I love you.” She repeated.
This from the person who had broken their first kiss because ‘they couldn’t do this’. But this was also his Deirdre, when she set her heart on something completely, or in this case someone, she would never be deterred.
Giving up on any argument he reached to where he only assumed she was. Despite the lack of light he was able to find her arm he pulled her to him. Their lips found each other’s with little difficulty either. Paul couldn’t help it, he kissed her like she was oxygen he had been deprived of for the longest period of time. And rejoiced in her putting just as much passion behind her side as well.
Pulling away for a little air he looked at her, and though it was blacker than midnight he felt right then that he could see her face in perfect quality. Eyes shining with tears and a soft smile on her lips.
He pulled her in for another kiss and did not look away from her for the rest of that night.
He shouldn’t have written that letter to her, as it accomplished nothing. It probably only made her cry again. He seemed to be very good at making the beautiful girl cry. Just perfect.
He shouldn’t have kissed her either, that was his main mistake. However, of course, during the long moments of it’s occurrence he had never been so happy to have done something in his life. And she had kissed him back. That was a feeling that would never leave him no matter how he would try.
Which is why he shouldn’t have done it to begin with.
She was going to get married. That was another thought that struck him nearly speechless. To who? A noble. She HATED court. And everyone that was a part of it. He knew this, she’d TOLD him this in the letters they had shared. God, those letters would be torment for the rest of his life most likely.
And now Paul had ruined that a bit too, hadn’t he? The Unknown title he held in their letter conversations was now gone. Maybe if he hadn’t done that, he could have still wrote her long after this marriage, though he wasn’t sure he could handle that.
When he’d first begun writing Deirdre, he had had no inclination to be an anonymous writer for her. But when it came to light that she couldn’t get his signature anyways, the idea grew on him. There were things he could say to her more when he knew she didn’t know who he was. Nothing particularly profound things, at the beginning, but it was just easier. And she seemed comfortable with it too. The letter friendship was as easy as the friendship of their youth. He’d looked forward to continuing them for some time.
Stupid of him, stupid to have kissed her and ruined everything. Stupid of him to fall in love with her when he knew he couldn’t have her and then stupidly show it and depress her. She had kissed him back, so it was clear she had strong feelings for him too. But she knew as well as he did nothing would ever happen. And she already had a lord she must have had feelings for too.
Yes, Paul thought miserably, he had just about ruined everything for the two of them.
God, it was so hard, though. It shouldn’t have been so hard. Joyce had rejected him only days earlier. But Paul had not moped in darkness for long hours after the fact. He tried to play in his heads the words that had kept him going. Joyce wasn’t the one for him, and neither was Deirdre. There was someone else for him.
But Paul didn’t WANT someone else, he realized. Whether they were ‘the one’ or not in his life, he didn’t want anyone, he couldn’t IMAGINE wanting anyone, but Deirdre.
And this was where he was in his thoughts when a small sound caught his ear. It was his door opening, just the softest sound. He almost thought he’d lost his mind. Even more so when he thought of who may have just entered. He was completely crazy.
He turned to the door, though that did nothing at all. There was absolutely no light in the room now, he could barely make out that someone WAS standing there, figuring out who it was would be impossible. But he couldn’t help entertaining his pure inanity right then.
“Deirdre…”
“Shhh.” Deirdre’s voice came out of the darkness causing his heart to beat quite unnaturally fast. Her voiced catered a million emotions in it. None incredibly happy. What on earth had she found him to say.
He tried again, his voice stiff still “You should be in bed you have to go tomo-“
“Paul, I told you to shush.”
He shut up, waiting.
After a pause she made a sound like a soft laugh, “When I returned after- well, when I returned to my room – I found a little letter.” Paul braced himself for her comment on that. He wasn’t sure he was ready for whatever was going to come. “It was from my suitor.”
She was talking about a different letter? Not his?
Staying quiet he let her continue, “It was a letter from my suitor, yes. But this was confusing. How was my suitor writing me here… and how was it that he knew exactly what had happened moments ago, and was apologizing for it.”
Paul’s mouth dropped at what she was saying as she spoke. Was she – was she possibly saying what he could only imagine she was? She thought the letter from him was one from her suitor, which meant the entire time they’d wrote she had thought him a lord.
And he was the lord she wanted to marry.
He was the man Deirdre wanted to marry.
Unable to stay silent after digesting that information he began again, “Deirdre…” Of course, then he knew of nothing to say.
She cut in, and he let her, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Why didn’t I mention the letters to you?” He asked and heard the sound of her nod, “I’m not sure. I might have at one point. But somewhere in mind my head I’d come up with the thought that you knew. Though, that’s impossible.” He quieted his voice a tad, “Also, I guess, writing you as Your Unknown was kind of like a dream. I suppose talking about it aloud would mean waking up. Remembering that you are nobility and I’m not.” He sighed, “But I guess I had to wake up eventually.”
More silence as he waited for Deirdre to comprehend what he’d said, probably confirming everything for her.
“Paul…” She whispered at last, “Paul, I love you. And you have no idea how happy I am to know that the man I love here is the same man I love in those beautiful, beautiful letters.” She sniffed then, crying again. But smiling.
He sighed, again “It doesn’t do anything though,” His voice was a mix of relief and happiness and leftover depression, “I still- I still can’t have you. I could stand knowing that Joyce wasn’t for me, you know that. But I don’t know if I can stand knowing that I love you and that I can’t.”
The floor creaked and he imagined her stepping nearer to him, and he was suddenly aware that, for not being able to see a thing, she was rather close. “Paul, that doesn’t matter to me. I love you.” She repeated.
This from the person who had broken their first kiss because ‘they couldn’t do this’. But this was also his Deirdre, when she set her heart on something completely, or in this case someone, she would never be deterred.
Giving up on any argument he reached to where he only assumed she was. Despite the lack of light he was able to find her arm he pulled her to him. Their lips found each other’s with little difficulty either. Paul couldn’t help it, he kissed her like she was oxygen he had been deprived of for the longest period of time. And rejoiced in her putting just as much passion behind her side as well.
Pulling away for a little air he looked at her, and though it was blacker than midnight he felt right then that he could see her face in perfect quality. Eyes shining with tears and a soft smile on her lips.
He pulled her in for another kiss and did not look away from her for the rest of that night.
Your love stories for Paul are always so adorable
Miss.SunFlower
New member
fluff. tis what I'm good at.
oh, you'll be coming up in my story in one of the next few updates. Possibly the very next one
Miss.SunFlower
New member
YAY!!!! *is excited*
Miss.SunFlower
New member
Deirdre was confused for a second waking up in her own thouse. When she clearly remembered ending the night in Paul’s. However groggy memories came back, including, very early in the morning, Paul carrying her back to her own house. She laughed and sleepily protested this action, and he murmured something about what would be thought of them exiting the same home that morning. She truly didn’t care much at all about that but was too sleepy to argue anymore.
So she awoke in her own home, remembering that she was to return to court that day, and that Ruth and Keith’s wedding was the day after. However, none of this could depress her. She had woken more brave and determined than she ever could have imagined being.
When it came to giving confidence kisses were far better than letters.
She smiled sadly though, when telling her friends she had to go back to court. But she couldn’t hide out here, though, after a few revelations she wouldn’t have minded doing that. Having the Countess Deirdre disappear again off the face of the court world.
But Julianne, the princess, was dear to her, and so was the King. No mater what they said, she would return here to stay forever, but she wanted to try and compromise with them first – and make it easy.
“Must you go? Surely his majesty would not bother you for a few days delay?” Ruth was begging, as Deirdre was mounting up for the returning ride.
“If there weren’t that blasted ball, I am sure he wouldn’t mind it at all.” She replied with a sigh.
“Are you really going to that ball?” Joyce added sadly.
A grin came to Deirdre’s face and she lowered her voice. “No.”
“Then why are you returning?”
“I care for his majesty, and his daughter. They do not deserve the worry of not knowing where I am or what has happened to me. I am returning to request that I am taken out of the King’s ward, and would then be free to go and stay wherever I chose.” She took a breath, “If he does not agree to my request, I will disown my title as countess, and therefore will no longer be in his protection either.”
Damian, who had joined in the goodbyes, as had everyone, spoke up, “You can do that?”
She shrugged, “I suppose I can. Would never have tried. I would rather not as well. Like I said, I care for the Royal family, it would be nice to end on the nicest way possible.”
“But you would still defy them and come here even if doesn’t end nicely.” Ruth asked softly.
“I would.”
With that she grinned, along with her fiancé. Both found this answer acceptable.
She said her final goodbyes to each of them, before they dispersed, leaving only her love.
Now that there were less people around he walked closer to her, he walked up, and smiled at her, resting a hand on her knee lovingly. Never had someone’s touch made her so happy as his.
This was the first she’d spoken to him since the events that had felt so much like a dream to her. That the man she’d fallen in love with throughout her childhood and her few visits home was the same writer of the letters, that she had also fallen in love with. That two men close to her heart were one. That she did not have to choose between them. She could not have wished for something like this.
Knowing that he loved her as he did, knowing that she had him to return to was the only thing giving her courage to do what she was. He was her support, he always would be.
“You sure you want to do this?” Paul asked her gently, grinning though.
“I have never been more sure of something in my life. I wish I had done this sooner.”
The smile grew, “If you had, I would have never written you and well, who knows what would have happened between us.”
She laughed, and awkwardly leaned down to kiss him. “I love you,” She said softly, as she broke off, “I don’t think I could live being separated from you, even before, this.”
He shook his head, “But you’re willing to throw away a title and nobility for this?” He gestured around him.
“Not this - you.” She glanced at what he gestured, “And this too, of course.” He opened his mouth to protest again and she shushed him, “Paul, I never belonged in the world of titles and nobility. You know this better than anyone. My life is here.”
He smiled again, and pulled her down for another kiss, “Then I can only wish you the best with this, I hope when I see you again, you will not have lost anything…”
She giggled, pulling away again, and kicking her horse forward, “Anything I lose I would be willing to lose a hundred times over to be with you. I will see you soon, my love!” And with that she was off.
So she awoke in her own home, remembering that she was to return to court that day, and that Ruth and Keith’s wedding was the day after. However, none of this could depress her. She had woken more brave and determined than she ever could have imagined being.
When it came to giving confidence kisses were far better than letters.
She smiled sadly though, when telling her friends she had to go back to court. But she couldn’t hide out here, though, after a few revelations she wouldn’t have minded doing that. Having the Countess Deirdre disappear again off the face of the court world.
But Julianne, the princess, was dear to her, and so was the King. No mater what they said, she would return here to stay forever, but she wanted to try and compromise with them first – and make it easy.
“Must you go? Surely his majesty would not bother you for a few days delay?” Ruth was begging, as Deirdre was mounting up for the returning ride.
“If there weren’t that blasted ball, I am sure he wouldn’t mind it at all.” She replied with a sigh.
“Are you really going to that ball?” Joyce added sadly.
A grin came to Deirdre’s face and she lowered her voice. “No.”
“Then why are you returning?”
“I care for his majesty, and his daughter. They do not deserve the worry of not knowing where I am or what has happened to me. I am returning to request that I am taken out of the King’s ward, and would then be free to go and stay wherever I chose.” She took a breath, “If he does not agree to my request, I will disown my title as countess, and therefore will no longer be in his protection either.”
Damian, who had joined in the goodbyes, as had everyone, spoke up, “You can do that?”
She shrugged, “I suppose I can. Would never have tried. I would rather not as well. Like I said, I care for the Royal family, it would be nice to end on the nicest way possible.”
“But you would still defy them and come here even if doesn’t end nicely.” Ruth asked softly.
“I would.”
With that she grinned, along with her fiancé. Both found this answer acceptable.
She said her final goodbyes to each of them, before they dispersed, leaving only her love.
Now that there were less people around he walked closer to her, he walked up, and smiled at her, resting a hand on her knee lovingly. Never had someone’s touch made her so happy as his.
This was the first she’d spoken to him since the events that had felt so much like a dream to her. That the man she’d fallen in love with throughout her childhood and her few visits home was the same writer of the letters, that she had also fallen in love with. That two men close to her heart were one. That she did not have to choose between them. She could not have wished for something like this.
Knowing that he loved her as he did, knowing that she had him to return to was the only thing giving her courage to do what she was. He was her support, he always would be.
“You sure you want to do this?” Paul asked her gently, grinning though.
“I have never been more sure of something in my life. I wish I had done this sooner.”
The smile grew, “If you had, I would have never written you and well, who knows what would have happened between us.”
She laughed, and awkwardly leaned down to kiss him. “I love you,” She said softly, as she broke off, “I don’t think I could live being separated from you, even before, this.”
He shook his head, “But you’re willing to throw away a title and nobility for this?” He gestured around him.
“Not this - you.” She glanced at what he gestured, “And this too, of course.” He opened his mouth to protest again and she shushed him, “Paul, I never belonged in the world of titles and nobility. You know this better than anyone. My life is here.”
He smiled again, and pulled her down for another kiss, “Then I can only wish you the best with this, I hope when I see you again, you will not have lost anything…”
She giggled, pulling away again, and kicking her horse forward, “Anything I lose I would be willing to lose a hundred times over to be with you. I will see you soon, my love!” And with that she was off.
aww, very sweet
Miss.SunFlower
New member
“And you are happy, then?” Paul overheard the stunning princess Julianne ask his even more stunning bride-to-be the morning she came to visit. He hadn’t known what to think of Deirdre inviting her highness to the wedding of two commoners. Well, a commoner a Countess. But she was there.
He didn’t mean to eavesdrop on her pulling his love aside, it had just happened. Deirdre had told her that the king had, though after some attempts at persuasion, had smoothly let her out of his protection and ward. He was too kind, and, well, it appeared he had expected it. She kept a title of Countess, she was no longer part of court life, but could return anytime she wished with no problem. She told him she would, just to visit the princess.
For, the princess it seemed, was not so happy to let Deirdre go.
“She tells me I am her only true friend.” Deirdre confessed to him, when he asked about inviting royalty to their wedding, “She’s also sulky because some mysterious lord she’d fallen in love with after two meetings has disappeared of the face of the earth. Not that I am surprised.” She rolled her eyes, “She does not wish for me to leave.”
“I hate splitting you in half like this.” He said quietly, and felt her finger touch his lips. She never let him say such things.
“In half, Paul? Everything I love is here. I can spare a few visits with my Royal lovely sister, knowing that it’s my one price to stay with you the rest of my days.”
God, he couldn’t resist it when she spoke that way. He pulled her to him and kissed her warmly again, to which, she responded, as always, with more passion than he thought she could contain. As always, she pulled back first. “I best go greet her then.” She winked, “We have to time to catch up with this after the wedding.”
Which was enough to content himself for a while.
Now, listening, he heard her laugh gently, “Oh, I am not entirely happy yet. I am not yet wed.”
“I mean you’re happy here? In this place, forever?”
“Julianne, my dear, I have told you a number of times… I am happier here than I could be anywhere.” A silence, “Oh don’t – Don’t think that means I don’t care – you were the only thing that made court life bearable!”
A quiet laugh from the princess, “It’ll be so lonely without you, you realize.”
“I do… I will visit, I will write.” Deirdre sighed, “You have to content yourself with knowing I have found so much happiness here, and that I will not be completely happy until you do too.”
“Do you think I shall ever be?”
“… Are you still pining after that dark mystery man?”
“Can you blame me!? Well, you never saw him.”
More laughter, “I suppose I did not. But your heart will heal, and you will find happiness. It wasn’t long ago I was certain to spend a miserable life alone. And you see me now. Please do not be hurt, I brought you hear for celebration – ow!”
“Sorry sorry, you’re ready though.” It was then Paul realized that the girls were dressing for the wedding – which he himself needed to prepare for. Funny how he lost track of time there.
Before he could sneak away, the door opened and the princess stepped out. Not expecting to see him she raised her blonde eyebrows. She didn’t look happy with him. He was stealing her sister away. Of course she didn’t.
“You best stay with her for as long as there is breath in you.” She whispered softly, “I have never seen her so happy, and it is the only thing keeping me going. You hurt her and-“
He chuckled, embarrassed that he was laughing at the princess, but she was quite amusing in her protectiveness. Reminding him in a way of the sisters Ruth and Joyce and similar protective friendships. “Don’t worry, your highness, I would not dream of hurting her, as long as there is breath in me. She cares about you a great deal as well, you should know. I expect she’ll come visit more often than you think.”
“She loves it here too much.”
Paul laughed a bit more, “She loves being with those who she loves. And she loves you as well. She will not leave you alone so easily.”
The door opened again, and both turned to see Deirdre in a white gown similar to the one she had returned in weeks and weeks prior, when all this really began. Her dark hair was still laces with ribbons and pearls but wasn’t braided for once, flowing in waves down past her shoulders. For once her gorgeous appearance did not disgruntle Paul. She loved him, she was his.
“Are you finished talking about me?” She beamed between the two of them, but Paul could see a touch of nervousness in her eyes. “Really – both of you must work on your subtlety.”
Her highness caught Deirdre’s tension too it appeared. She lay a hand on Paul’s shoulder; the most friendly gesture from a Royal he’d ever imagined receiving. “Oh I am making sure your fiancé is not getting cold feet, you understand?”
She laughed now, “Oh I do indeed. And…?” She winked up at him, and he returned it.
Julianne actually giggled, “Warm as a fire.” And added her wink into the mix.
It appeared any fears about him meeting the approval of her highness, Princess Julianne, ended with that. She linked arms with him and tugged him away from his love.
“Come!” She was laughing, “You are going to be late to your own wedding, sir. And that’s not to be had! You will have plenty of time with her later, now off!” She dropped his arm and shoved him a little in the proper direction.
So with no worries in the world and nothing but happiness in everyone present, he did one thing he’d never thought he’d do. He married a countess, someone so high above him. But she loved him and had been willing to give up another life for him… She was, without any doubt in either’s mind the one he was meant to be with. And in the celebration that followed Paul didn’t think he could have ever been happier in his life.
The End.
He didn’t mean to eavesdrop on her pulling his love aside, it had just happened. Deirdre had told her that the king had, though after some attempts at persuasion, had smoothly let her out of his protection and ward. He was too kind, and, well, it appeared he had expected it. She kept a title of Countess, she was no longer part of court life, but could return anytime she wished with no problem. She told him she would, just to visit the princess.
For, the princess it seemed, was not so happy to let Deirdre go.
“She tells me I am her only true friend.” Deirdre confessed to him, when he asked about inviting royalty to their wedding, “She’s also sulky because some mysterious lord she’d fallen in love with after two meetings has disappeared of the face of the earth. Not that I am surprised.” She rolled her eyes, “She does not wish for me to leave.”
“I hate splitting you in half like this.” He said quietly, and felt her finger touch his lips. She never let him say such things.
“In half, Paul? Everything I love is here. I can spare a few visits with my Royal lovely sister, knowing that it’s my one price to stay with you the rest of my days.”
God, he couldn’t resist it when she spoke that way. He pulled her to him and kissed her warmly again, to which, she responded, as always, with more passion than he thought she could contain. As always, she pulled back first. “I best go greet her then.” She winked, “We have to time to catch up with this after the wedding.”
Which was enough to content himself for a while.
Now, listening, he heard her laugh gently, “Oh, I am not entirely happy yet. I am not yet wed.”
“I mean you’re happy here? In this place, forever?”
“Julianne, my dear, I have told you a number of times… I am happier here than I could be anywhere.” A silence, “Oh don’t – Don’t think that means I don’t care – you were the only thing that made court life bearable!”
A quiet laugh from the princess, “It’ll be so lonely without you, you realize.”
“I do… I will visit, I will write.” Deirdre sighed, “You have to content yourself with knowing I have found so much happiness here, and that I will not be completely happy until you do too.”
“Do you think I shall ever be?”
“… Are you still pining after that dark mystery man?”
“Can you blame me!? Well, you never saw him.”
More laughter, “I suppose I did not. But your heart will heal, and you will find happiness. It wasn’t long ago I was certain to spend a miserable life alone. And you see me now. Please do not be hurt, I brought you hear for celebration – ow!”
“Sorry sorry, you’re ready though.” It was then Paul realized that the girls were dressing for the wedding – which he himself needed to prepare for. Funny how he lost track of time there.
Before he could sneak away, the door opened and the princess stepped out. Not expecting to see him she raised her blonde eyebrows. She didn’t look happy with him. He was stealing her sister away. Of course she didn’t.
“You best stay with her for as long as there is breath in you.” She whispered softly, “I have never seen her so happy, and it is the only thing keeping me going. You hurt her and-“
He chuckled, embarrassed that he was laughing at the princess, but she was quite amusing in her protectiveness. Reminding him in a way of the sisters Ruth and Joyce and similar protective friendships. “Don’t worry, your highness, I would not dream of hurting her, as long as there is breath in me. She cares about you a great deal as well, you should know. I expect she’ll come visit more often than you think.”
“She loves it here too much.”
Paul laughed a bit more, “She loves being with those who she loves. And she loves you as well. She will not leave you alone so easily.”
The door opened again, and both turned to see Deirdre in a white gown similar to the one she had returned in weeks and weeks prior, when all this really began. Her dark hair was still laces with ribbons and pearls but wasn’t braided for once, flowing in waves down past her shoulders. For once her gorgeous appearance did not disgruntle Paul. She loved him, she was his.
“Are you finished talking about me?” She beamed between the two of them, but Paul could see a touch of nervousness in her eyes. “Really – both of you must work on your subtlety.”
Her highness caught Deirdre’s tension too it appeared. She lay a hand on Paul’s shoulder; the most friendly gesture from a Royal he’d ever imagined receiving. “Oh I am making sure your fiancé is not getting cold feet, you understand?”
She laughed now, “Oh I do indeed. And…?” She winked up at him, and he returned it.
Julianne actually giggled, “Warm as a fire.” And added her wink into the mix.
It appeared any fears about him meeting the approval of her highness, Princess Julianne, ended with that. She linked arms with him and tugged him away from his love.
“Come!” She was laughing, “You are going to be late to your own wedding, sir. And that’s not to be had! You will have plenty of time with her later, now off!” She dropped his arm and shoved him a little in the proper direction.
So with no worries in the world and nothing but happiness in everyone present, he did one thing he’d never thought he’d do. He married a countess, someone so high above him. But she loved him and had been willing to give up another life for him… She was, without any doubt in either’s mind the one he was meant to be with. And in the celebration that followed Paul didn’t think he could have ever been happier in his life.
The End.
Yaaaaaay! *claps and does happy dance* so sweet