Story: Eternal Flame
Chapter: Spark To Flame
Author: Lady of Enchantment
Disclaimer: About the most originality that any writer can hope to achieve honestly is to steal with good judgment.
- Josh Billings
Warnings: Story contains use of mild language/lemon Spark to Flame
Spark to Flame
The inn bustles with activity as usual, filled with roughnecks who bustled about. None, but one pair of ruddy eyes, paid attention to a lone figure in the corner.
From what he could see, the mysterious 'man' couldn't be older than 16. His figure was petite, and the dark cloak that covered him made him look miniscule. It would be no problem to rob him, especially since he was already on his fifth pint of rum.
However, that wasn't the main thing. Money, in this situation was of little importance. What was important, was that brooch that was pinned to him.
On it was the insignia of a duke.
It wasn't often that a rebellious son of a duke wandered astray, but it happens, and they are often easy pickings. The money that will be offered for a tight lip and the return of a darling son was high, and his greedy mind was already planning on the use of such an extravagant sum.
"Ann, darling," he turned to his companion, "See that guy over there? Lure him into one of those bedrooms for me, will ya?"
"Dunno, Robby," she purred, eyeing the little fella, "He doesn't look like much man to me. It's not going to be much fun. How much you willing to pay?"
"One-tenths of what I earn from it. I don't have time to argue, darling, so run along."
She pursed her lip and did some thinking, "Very well."
Money was money, no matter how you get it and she knew that Robby never was wrong on those money 'matters.' Still, it really was no fun picking out a little kid. On the other hand, cute guys were hard to come by.
She heaved a sigh and slid into the booth next to him, giving him a look that clearly said that she was interested.
The boy, however, looked back with a look that said he was not.
Was it possible, she wondered, that hormones just haven't caught up with him yet? His gaze never once wandered below her neckline.
Before she could even open her mouth, he spoke, "If body language is too hard for you to understand, I'll tell it to you in a way only a deaf could not understand." He swung his head to look her directly in the eye, "I'm not interested in sharing a bed with a slut, and nor will I ever."
She wasn't sure which struck her the hardest, the boy's looks and status or the complete dismissal she had received. When he had turned to her, the first thing that had slammed into her was those clear blue eyes, ringed by golden strands of hair. His cloak hid the length, but she would have guessed that it was long. She had wanted to laugh. He was the prettiest boy she had ever seen.
"You never know until you give me a try," she shrugged, an action that caused her dress to slide down another inch, "Maybe you'll like it."
The upward slant of his eyebrows indicated his apprehension. However, he regarded her with a calculating glance.
"What do you say?" she whispered, leaning forward.
"Very well," he relented, standing up.
Smiling, she led the way toward the designated bedroom. Robbie and his men should be in there by now, hiding behind the curtains or under the bed.
Opening the door, she beckoned him inside, sliding the lock into place after him. She sauntered toward him, giggling a little. She could have her fun before he gets shipped off, couldn't she?
Before she could even get to an arm's length of him, she found herself frozen in place, staring down the silver length of a sword.
"How are you with girl on girl matters," he drawled.
"Um… not that good…" she stuttered, eyes darting around the room, searching for her rescuers.
"Then I should warn you…" reaching up with his free hand, he unclipped the brooch holding his cloak together and removed the hood. As the dark fabric floated to the floor, she saw that she had made a mistake. A big mistake.
In the place of a 'boy', was a woman. Her mouth fell open in shock.
"I know what you've been really trying to do," the mysterious woman commented idly, "I also know that we are not alone in here. You gave that away with those frequent looks around the room, as if you were searching for something. Someone like you should know this room in the dark. A young boy like me would have been left alone in a place like this, unless someone wanted something. My money, perhaps. Now," she went on calmly, "I'm giving you a choice. You can walk out this door right now, or you can stay in here and give me the chance to cut you in half."
Anne smiled nervously and backed toward the door. This had gone far beyond her control
As she made her retreat, the woman turned back to face the room, "You might as well come out and face me. Otherwise, I shall take my leave."
There was a stirring under the bed, and Robert emerged, followed closely by his two men.
"Who are you?" he demanded gruffly, "We don't get any duchesses here."
"I see why," she answered dryly, "Frankly, I'm not really a duchess; just a daughter of a duke."
The men shifted into a surrounding circle, weapons at the ready.
She took a glance at their resolved, greedy faces and drew her own weapon reluctantly, "I really wanted to avoid bloodshed, you know."
"Well then, you should have never tell us who you are."
"Careful now. Don't let that brain go to your head."
"It's already in my head."
"Is it now? Why don't you show me?"
Things were finally beginning to look his way. In a mere month, he'll be rich, powerful, and rid of that insufferable attitude he has to put up with. But for now, he mused, as he stared down at his rebellious daughter, he'll enjoy their last battle of wits, "Remember the last time I caught you on your little outing to the city?"
"Yeah," Serena deadpanned back, "My ass is still stinging like a hornet's nest. In fact, it's still as red as your face… and that's saying something."
"I won't have you beaten this time. However, I have just had an interesting discussion with Duke Apollo. As it was, he wants our two families to unite. His-"
"No," Serena snapped, guessing instantly the road he was taking.
He ignored her outburst, "-son of twenty-six is still a bachelor, and quite ready to take on a wife. Your wedding is to take place in a month. You leave tomorrow."
"I'm twenty! There is no snowball chance in hell that you can still dictate my life!"
The duke stared smugly at her, leaning close, "Ever been to Hell? It could very well snow there. You may be twenty, but should I kick you out into the streets, you would have no way to live."
"I can earn my living-"
"By doing what? Who would take pity on a beautiful girl like you and just take you in? You would be raped and brought to live the life of a prostitute the second you step outside my gates without my protection."
"I have gone outside before. I know how to fight," her teeth gritted as she stared straight at her father.
"You will forever live your life fighting off the male population? Day after day? You will be overpowered in your exhaustion. Then what?"
"I would rather die than follow your orders," Serena insisted sharply and her hands formed fists at her side.
"Would you really?" he grinned mockingly, boring his eyes straight through hers.
"As it is," he continued smoothly, "Do I care? Either way, I shall be rid of you. I have no immediate use of money, so whether you die or live is completely up to you. You can kill your husband after your marriage however you like, and you'll never have to see me again, hmm?"
She hesitated, weighing the idea over in her mind. Killing her husband would be a bit far-fetched and she was not so bold. Still, she knew she was a strong-headed woman. Ruling a husband should not be a problem. At least, not a husband from the London population, anyway.
"Very well," she relented, "Have Luna pack my bags. However," she turned around sharply to face him, "This isn't done between us. My mother's estate will rightfully belong to me, even if I have to kill you for it. With a husband behind me, you are not going to be duke for much longer."
"Not this husband, dear Serenity."
She ignored him, slamming the door behind her.
Malachite Princeton stared across the table with a gaze that focused on nothing in particular, a muscle in his cheek twitching despite the stony set of his face, "A odd thing happened yesterday," he said at last, eyes darting to a man sitting casually to his side, watching the wineglass sparkle in the darkness of the room.
"Did some lady elope with a beggar?" he seemed amused as he took a sip and leaned back, "Funny to think that has never yet happened."
"No," Malachite answered bluntly, "Read the paper. It's on the cover page."
"This had better be good, Princeton." Quickly, he scanned the page, pausing in surprise now and then. Finally he placed it down and twisted to face his friend, "You're not serious," he stated. He leaned back and stared thoughtfully at the far wall, "A Rose Maiden?"
"Dubbed so with the black rose she left behind."
He nodded absently, "Cliché. She's most likely a rebellious servant of some duke. That must have been where she had received the cloak from."
Sensing the disgusted tone in his friend, Malachite changed topics, "The duke of Moonhaven accepted your offer of marriage."
"Did he?" he asked mockingly, "I had only sent my offer earlier this day. He does not waste time." His eyes shifted toward the silent Malachite and studied him. His lips twitched in a mockery of a smile, "Go on and ask. I know what's on your mind."
He hesitated, then strove on, "Why the sudden decision to marry? I had thought that you had no intention of being shackled."
"Ah… yes, I had previously thought that way, haven't I? It's a marriage of convenience, dear Malachite. The duke of Moonhaven has an unbelievable amount of wealth and power at his disposal. I simply picked the best and gave my offer. Wives could be handled."
"Well, it's just that I've heard rumors about this particular lady…"
Darien waved him off, casting him an odd look, "I'm surprised at you, Malachite. You know as well as me that rumors are never true. What has gotten into you?"
The man opened his mouth to reply, but thinking better of it, closed it again. Darien's right, he decided.
Rumors are never true.
End Chapter 1
Author's chitchat:
After I finish editing this story, I'm never going to even think about doing this again. But, hey… here's the first chapter.