Protected By Love
Roslyn Barabelle ran across the field, breathing hard. She wanted-no needed-water. But, she couldn't risk getting caught. Especially not now. Not at this time.
Roslyn Barabelle. Weak Stranger. Her name described her recent state perfectly. She was but a weak stranger to all except her pursuers. Roslyn Barabelle. Used to be Rich and Elegant, Daughter and Heiress. She had everything. And it was all lost in one day. That faithful rainy late October day, Roslyn Barabelle lost everything she held dear, everything that she loved. That faithful day that rook place only months ago...
Nine Months Earlier
Roslyn sat at her desk, scratching furiously on the parchment before her with her quill. She was angry at her mother and father. How dare they set her up with Lord Yayauhqui? She rolled up the parchment, and called a maid to her. She gave the maid the letter and told her to deliver it to Yayauhqui Manor. Then, she sat and waited.
Lord Iorwerth was the most handsome and rich bachelor in England and was considered quite a catch for the ladies. With his deep green eyes and shaggy chestnut hair, he could easily be the most wanted man in Europe. He got everything he wanted, and this time his target affected her completely.
Iorwerth Yayauhqui was targeting Roslyn Barabelle. And he wasn't giving up on the curly haired blond. He made that clear at the Christmas Ball. He had announced to everyone that he wanted her hand in marriage. And she rejected. He left, red faced and angry, but Roslyn wasn't fazed at the time. In fact, she was quite happy with her choice.
Until now. He was angry, no furious, with her for humiliating him at the ball. He wanted revenge on her, and he knew exactly how to do it.
He'd spent countless hours in his cellar plotting on how to make her his. He didn't even eat or sleep for a few weeks, obsessed with making her suffer. He wanted to make her bright blue eyes lose their sparkle, and wanted to make her happy footsteps lose her bounce.
Iorwerth Yayauhqui wanted revenge. And he waited patiently for it. He watched and waited at the gates of Barabelle Manor every night, trying to catch bits and pieces of gossip. Gossip, such an amazing tool to use against someone. It helps you find out when someone is the most vulnerable and weak, stumbling and falling.
But the letter made him downright furious. She was so beautiful yet her words were harsh.
Dear Lord Yayauhqui,
I am writing to you to tell you to give up your act. I know you want me, but I will not go with a man who doesn't take neither anything nor anyone seriously. I have a serious outlook on life, unlike you. I believe in love, not lust; happiness, not emotionless; hardworking, not lazy and prude. You sir are never going to love me. It is quite obvious.
You think you are the best of the best, sir, but in truth you are not at all. I would rather never marry and become a nun than marry you. And believe it.
Sincerely,
Roslyn Barabelle
She infuriated him. It was all true. And he hated her for knowing the truth. He will have her hand in marriage, no matter what.
And Iorwerth Yayauhqui always gets what he wants.
Always.
And he never gives up. He turned back to his plan, working mercilessly.
His plan was perfect, it destroyed the Barabelle Family.
And now Roslyn Barabelle was on his Top Wanted List.
He wanted her.
No, he needed her.
She was his, and no one else's. He was going to hunt down Roslyn Barabelle even if it's the last thing he does. And he knew just how to do that.
He grinned wickedly, slightly scaring his butler.
Iorwerth Yayauhqui was the bloody handsome bachelor everyone wants. That is, everyone except Roslyn. She intrigued him, argued with him, and challenged him. He found this very alluring.
He leaned back, relaxing his body. He had a secret that no one can ever find out.
He loved Roslyn Barabelle. He loved her with all his heart.
But, he can't admit this to no one. It would ruin everything. He had every intention to make her fall for him. But, he had to get his revenge first, of course.
He slept, not noticing the dark silhouette at his window pane. If he did, he would've saw dull blue eyes look at him. He'd succeeded. He made her lose her shine and confidence.
Hate. Love. Protection. He offered her all theses things.
That's why she wasn't dead.
Protected By Love. By the one she hated, no absolutely loathed.
She never knew it would turn out this way. She never knew that he could be so cruel. She never knew, and she'll never know.
Her harsh screams broke out, and at last, Roslyn Barabelle was gone. She was no longer protected, but no longer in pain.
Iorwerth writhed in misery, his plan in pieces. His love was gone, truly leaving him alone. He was never going to let her go and leave him alone. Never.
The next month, newspapers went out, swiftly spreading the news throughout the country. The headlines were:
Iorwerth Yayauhqui Now Dead: Believed To Have Killed Himself To Join His Late Lover, Roslyn Barabelle!
Roslyn Barabelle, Iorwerth Yayauhqui.
They were both gone at last, beforehand going through pain and misery knowing they couldn't live a year without the other, remaining sworn enemies and soul-mates for all eternity.
Together, for now and always.
So, I hope you enjoyed the original.