"Don't you just love these occasions, Miss Relena?" Dorothy asked as she opened her fan. Relena cringed as her frenemy smiled. She and Sylvia Noventa were her usual companions at such affairs.
"Miss Dorothy, you have been around me often enough to know the answer to that."
"Oh, but, Miss Relena," Sylvia smiled. "There's so much intrigue and excitement. Just wait until I tell you my exhilarating tidbit!"
"No fair! I get to tell her mine first, Miss Sylvia." Dorothy tapped the other woman with her fan. "Afterall, it was I that helped you with yours."
"So you say, my dear." Sylvia waved her off and Relena prepared herself for something either strange or shocking.
"I have recently taken an exotic Arabian lover!" Dorothy proclaimed in a voice just loud enough for the three of them to hear. "The most exotic element is that he is fair-skinned with the softest blond hair!" Relena felt her cheeks heat.
"That's nothing, my dear! I have taken up with an acrobat from the local circus!" Silvia smiled like the cat that ate the canary. "He's tall with muscles that ripple when he moves! And he is very flexible." If Relena's face was hot before it turned into a sheer blaze! She fanned herself even faster.
"You've taken lovers?" The very idea made her blush. "But that isn't… I mean… it isn't appropriate."
"Oh, pishtosh!" Dorothy grinned. "Who cares what is appropriate. It is our lives. And besides, no one ever need know."
"Yet you stand here telling me."
"Because we know you are not the type to gossip, my dear." Sylvia scoffed.
"And with the rumor I have heard, you may well consider taking a lover yourself!" Dorothy added. Relena felt her stomach drop at the older woman's implication.
"What do you mean?"
"A little birdie told me that Archie has asked your father for the right to court you." Relena felt panic rise in her throat. "As the governor's daughter you would be quite the catch for him."
"My father would never force me to-"
"I heard that he was quite pleased with the match."
Archibald Alington III was one of upper society's most influential and eligible young bachelors. He was also one of the most conceited bullies who constantly reminded anyone who would listen that he was the son of a Duke. Relena had never given him the time of day.
"Trust me, my dear, taking a lover is a far better choice than only knowing that bore for the rest of your life." Relena couldn't breath. Between the scandalous implications and the news of her impending engagement…
"Excuse me, ladies. I-I need some fresh air." Relena slipped on her mask and made her way out to the rose garden.
She couldn't do it. She could not marry a man she didn't love, let alone one that she despised! She felt her chest tighten and her breathing come out in short gasps. As soon as she made it to the doors, she ran. She ran and ran until she was so deep in the rose garden that she no longer knew where she was. She stopped, throwing her back against one of the marble pillars as her mind continued to reel.
Angry shouts and gunfire broke through the silence of the garden. Relena looked around as the unmistakable sound of foliage crashing told of someone's approach. She never should have left the party but-
He crashed into her clearing, dark and mysterious as the night itself. Clothed all in black from his blouse to his leather breeches. Unruly dark hair dangled dangerously over his brow and chiseled face, and his eyes… Two deep blue orbs stared intensely at her, wide with alarm before narrowing. He regarded her, eyes roaming her up and down, but-she suspected-merely for observation. Still, the intensity of his gaze brought heat to her cheeks.
He made no move to get closer but merely continued to regard her. She did not know what to say or to do.
"This way! We've got him for sure!" His eyes widened again and as his pursuers neared, he stepped toward her. She was quickly reminded of the pillar behind her as he closed the distance between them, leaned down and covered her lips with his.
Her body lit on fire as every nerve came alive. As if on their own, her arms wound around his neck. He pressed himself closer and deepened the kiss. He smelled of gunpowder and pine and she found herself almost intoxicated by him. The men that were chasing him passed by after briefly noticing the sight of the presumed lovers.
When they had clearly gone, the stranger pulled back, leaving both of them breathless. Her fingers flew to her lips as he remained pressed against her.
"You… you should be safe now…" she managed to say. "If, um... if you continue west, there is a row of hedges that will continue to cover your escape." His eyes widened, brows pitched together in confusion.
"Why help me?" He asked, his voice as soft baritone. She didn't know. She had no idea who he was or why they were chasing him… but something about him… something in his kiss told her he was worth it.
"Because if even one of us can escape their fate this night, then it will not be a complete loss." His eyes widened, narrowed, and then cleared as they met hers.
"And what is your dreaded fate?"
"It matters not."
"You saved my life." He stated. "Perhaps I can return the favor?" She shivered at the thrill that shot through her at his tone.
"I am to be promised to a man I despise for political gain." She stated. "A far less dangerous fate than yours but one of misery nonetheless." He reached up and brushed stray hairs behind her ear.
"Come with me." His proposal was as sudden as it was foolish. She shook her head.
"I can't." He frowned. "It simply isn't done."
"But it will be." He caressed her cheek. "I will return for you soon. That is a promise."
"But why-" he kissed her again and she returned it with equal passion. It was crazy; unheard of. She couldn't possibly… but as the thrill of his touch continued to overtake her, she knew the truth of what she wanted.
He broke the kiss and left her standing In the rose garden with the promise of an unknown future with her mysterious new lover.