I am so sorry it took so long for another chapter to be released. Long story short...life. LOL I just want to say thank you to all the new followers of the story and to everyone who has favorited the story. Thank you so much to all the people who have left comments. I appreciate it so much. A huge thank you to Jill Robi from fanGirlNovel/The Living Richonne on Tumblr, who actually recommended my story during an interview with USA Today. I was so moved. I was shocked. Thank you. Please check out her works on here as well under the name, Scarlet Ibis.
2016/08/17/denny-s-bryce-richonne-fanfic-recs-the-walking-dead-jill-robi-interview/
So yea. Please, comments, questions and criticisms I welcome them all.
"It's Lord Richard Grimes, ma'am."
Michonne skank back into her sit. "Thank you Marie. What room?"
"The sitting room, ma'am."
Michonne nodded, smiling at Marie as she left her alone again. Michonne felt her heart pound faster and a pulsing, throbbing sensation seemed to take over her entire being.
Why does he unnerve me so? Michonne thought to herself. I barely know him. Michonne placed her book on the table beside her as she stood, smoothing invisible wrinkles from her dress. Michonne took a deep breath.
"You're so beautiful." Michonne shook her head slightly, trying to shake the memory away of Rick's declaration in Henri's office earlier.
He couldn't be trusted any more than then she could trust the Rovias. Rick was there with Paul putting in an offer for Henri's business. Surely he had to know what that would mean for The Kingdom. Well I am going to find out. Michonne thought to herself as she walked out of the room.
XXXXXXX
Rick stood in the Moreau family sitting room. It was a large room decorated with elegant wood or wicker furniture, a plush turquoise area rug housed a white, wicker settee with turquoise cushions. White wicker arm chairs adorned with turquoise pillows, and a wooden table with a vase of white flowers Rick didn't recognize. The floor was made of a shiny dark wood and the walls were painted a dark shade of sea blue, with hand drawn and painted vines in sea green going up and down the walls.
Bay windows ran the length of one wall, filling the room with warm sunlight, looking out into what appeared to be a garden, mountains in the distance. In the back of the room, over a large white marble fireplace, hung a portrait in an elegant gilded frame. It was a family portrait. There was a large man with long black hair in dreadlocks, dressed in a white bush jacket and simple white pants. In front of him stood a young boy, perhaps about 10, dressed just like his father, standing straight and proud. Sitting beside the tall man was a beautiful woman dressed also in white, white fabric draped elegantly about her, her shoulders bare. Her hair covered in a white scarf. In her arms, seated on her lap was a smiling little girl, she looked about 3, dressed in white like her mom. A crown of white flowers adorned her curls.
Rick noticed the eyes of the little girl immediately. It was Michonne. Rick smiled to himself as he took in the rest of the portrait, in the background was the white mansion and surrounding land, The Kingdom. Rick looked away from the painting, still facing the fireplace, but not looking at anything in particular, lost in his thoughts. That's how Michonne found him when she entered the sitting room. Michonne closed the door and Rick looked up then, their eyes locked.
"Good afternoon, Michonne." Rick said softly, bowing his head slightly.
"Good afternoon, Ric-Lord Grimes." Michonne said, remembering she was angry with him, rising her head a little higher.
Rick gave her a small smile. "I understand you may be less than pleased with me."
"I barely know you, Lord Grimes. Why would I be less than pleased with you?" Michonne said standing straighter.
Rick took a deep breath but he was undeterred by her obvious displeasure with him. He was determined to make this right. He slowly walked toward her.
"Paul explained it to me, after our business meeting, about the harbors. I didn't know." Rick said stopping his stride, standing in the middle of the room. He looked back at the painting.
"I do know how much this land means to you, to your family." Rick said, turning back to Michonne.
"Do you, Rick?" Michonne asked softly, relaxing a little now that she knew he hadn't been aware of Paul's intentions. "Because the Rovias want my land. They don't want to work with me or my family. They want my home. My father worked hard to buy this land acre by acre. My mother designed this house, most of the art work hung is painted by my mother." Michonne touched the wall nearest her. "My mother hand painted the walls in this room."
Taking her hand from the wall, Michonne walked to Rick, closing the distance between them. Looking deep into his eyes. "The peace treaty that was signed between the British and Jamaicans, I believe in it. I would be happy to work with the Rovias but this land is priceless. It will remain in Moreau ownership."
Rick gazed back deeply into Michonne's brown eyes where he could see the deep sparks and fiery of determination. "I am not going to let anyone take your home from you."
"No Rick. I am not going to let anyone take my home from me." Michonne said quietly, but sternly, continuing to stare into his eyes.
Rick reached his hand out then, grasping a hand that hung by her side, bring it forth to cup in his hands. He gazed down at their hands and Michonne's own eyes followed his gaze. Looking again into her eyes.
"I want to help you." Rick simply said.
Michonne allowed Rick to hold her hand, completely taken aback him. It was the sincerity in his tone and the look in his eyes. Michonne remembered feeling this the night she met Rick. Michonne thought back to Noah's words yesterday in the stables, "He could have been dangerous." Just like that night near the beach, Michonne had felt she could trust him, she believed him when he said he wasn't a threat to her.
Michonne couldn't look at Rick anymore, she turned away from him and pulled her hand from his hold. She turned her back to him, trying to hide just how moved she was by his words. Michonne was incredibly moved by his gesture, even if she didn't fully believe he could help her, not that that would prevent him from trying. Michonne believed him.
I trust him. Michonne thought to herself, bringing one hand to her chest, willing her heart to stop racing.
"Are you still cross with me?' Rick asked. His eyes never leaving Michonne's form, the skin on his hands still alive with the memory of her hand in his. Rick prayed that she would forgive him and before she turned away, while looking deep into her eyes and her into his, he felt that same feeling that seemed to be exclusively reserved for them only. That feeling that bonded them more than two strangers should be.
Michonne shook her head, turning back to face Rick. "No, I really appreciate what you said, Rick."
Rick smiled at Michonne. Michonne smiled back.
Rick glanced away for a moment before bring his eyes back to Michonne, those blue eyes sparkling playfully. "I came here also to inquire upon my pineapple. I won it fair and square."
Michonne laughed. "I gave it to Noah. I am quite certain he has eaten it already."
Rick laughed as well. "Oh well, I can buy one once they're perfectly ripe."
"Nonsense, I owe you one." Michonne smiled, as she walked past Rick to the bay windows. She took a sit and gestured for Rick to join her. Rick sat beside her and the two exchanged shy smiles.
"So Rick, did you have any ideas as to how you can help me keep my home?" Michonne asked suddenly serious.
"I do. We can go back to the original agreements you were working on, I reviewed them. What you drafted was amazing but the Rovias seem to be very focused on owning your land."
"Oh you don't say." Michonne said sighing, a sad smile on her face.
"That's not going to happen." Rick said smiling at her, his head tilting. Once Michonne smiled happily at him, he sat up straight again. "I am going to show it be will more valuable to have you as partners in business then not at all."
"How?" Michonne asked, increasingly impressed with Rick.
"Well for one I need to, paint them a picture so to speak of how valuable your land is. Even with the other farmers they work with and the land they own, The Kingdom's goods are superior and companies they distribute to will want better product. So I do an appraisal of everything…from the farms to the laborers to even the soil." Rick said, his hands moving excitedly. "Even if they aren't convinced with that there is no denying that partnering with you increases the amount goods they can offer and introduces them to new buyers who need goods to sell."
"Well will you be the one doing the appraisals?" Michonne asked
"I can't think of anyone else who would be better suited. It may take weeks, perhaps even a month to really get a proper appraisal of The Kingdom." Rick said, breaking eye contact for moment before, praying he wasn't turning red before looking back at Michonne.
Michonne nodded, as she looked at his slightly reddening face. "I like that idea. I would like the same courtesy, of course, to appraise Hilltop Inc." She asked.
"Of course, it's only fair." Rick said
"You've really thought about this a lot haven't you?" Michonne asked, looking at him with a mixture wonder and confusion.
"Since the night we met." Rick said softly, looking at Michonne holding her gaze intently.
"Why?" Michonne asked, the word spoken breathlessly as she could feel her heart begin to race again. "Would you do this for anyone else?"
Michonne knew the answer but Rick began to answer anyway. Then a knock at the door startled them both and Michonne's grandmother entered the room. Rick and Michonne stood immediately.
"Michonne supper is ready. It's your favorite..." Jacqui started to say, pausing once her eyes laid on Rick. Michonne and Rick moved quickly to stand in front of her.
"Oh granny, this is Lord Richard Grimes, he is a mediator in our business dealings with the Rovias." Michonne said, nervously smoothing down her wrinkle-less dress. Turning to Rick she introduced her granny, "and this my grandmother Jacqueline Delacroix."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Delacroix. Please call me Rick." Rick stated stepping forward and bowing slightly.
Jacqui's eyes swept over Rick from his feet to the top of his head. Michonne knew her granny was deciding if she wanted to give her time to the English man. Then her granny turned to look at Michonne, her eyes narrowed at her grandchild before turning back to Rick.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Rick. You can call me Jacqui." she said, smiling at Rick. Rick and Michonne visibly relaxed. "How are the negotiations going? Jacqui asked, still looking at Rick.
Rick looked to Michonne, who gave a small nod and smile, before he turned back to Jacqui. "We want nothing more than to work together. I believe we'll accomplish that." Rick said, looking the elder woman in the eyes.
Jacqui nodded. "Well then I assume all this business talk must make you all quite hungry. Please join us for supper." She asked with a smile.
"Oh no granny, Rick has to-" Michonne began to say but Rick spoke up faster.
"I would be delighted to dine with your family this evening." Rick said interrupting Michonne, a wide smile on his face, his eyes shining bright. He smiled at Jacqui and then gave the smile to Michonne, who looked like she wanted to burst out laughing while simultaneously looking uneasy.
"Come on now, Michonne. Don't keep your father waiting." Jacqui said as she left the two alone once again in the sitting room.
"Yes granny." Michonne called after her. Michonne then grabbed Rick's arm. Rick looked down at her. "Please doesn't mention that you were in the Royal Guard."
"Why?" Rick asked, a puzzled expression his face.
"Just please don't mention it." Michonne said, sighing, exasperated.
"I don't want to lie to your family." Rick stated.
"You can talk about something else but please don't mention it." Michonne stated sternly, as she moved passed him and walked out of the room.
Rick frowned but followed close behind her to the dining hall.
XXXXXXX
The dining hall was a large, airy room. It had floor to ceiling windows where sunlight poured through, but the rays of the sun were filtered through curtains thin enough to see the stars at night but thick enough to keep the sunlight from being too harsh. Elegant candelabras adorned the walls between each window, candles waiting to be lit in the golden holders.
Patio doors lead to a veranda where parties could take place adjacent the dining hall. Guests could go out into the night, see the stars and feel the warm tropical breeze. Just beyond the sheltered veranda was the Moreau's private beach.
On the ceiling a huge, golden chandelier hung high. The room was painted in a champagne color that captured the sunlight which made the room glow. It was all highlighted perfectly by the rich, warm brown woods that comprised the floor and dining table. The dining table was accented with a white table runner trimmed in gold, it ran the length of the table with a gold candelabra placed in the center.
At the end of the table, Rick, Michonne, and Jacqui assembled for dinner. "Please Rick, sit here." Jacqui said gesturing toward a chair next to one at the head of the table. "Ezekiel likes to be seated next to his guests."
Rick smiled at the elder woman while internally he panicked. Once again he had rushed into something without fully considering what it meant. I'm about to meet Michonne's father. Please let me make a good impression, Rick thought to himself.
Jacqui went back into the kitchen to see about the meal. Michonne was seated across from him. She lay her napkin in her lap and looked over at him. No clear expression on her face but Rick decided that perhaps she was nervous. Rick smiled at her trying to reassure her. Michonne smiled back, her eyes bright, her skin glowing as the light of the fading sun filled the room illuminating her perfectly. The realization that he would endure any potential social discomfort to be near her hit him harder than any punch he had ever taken.
Jacqui came back from the kitchen announcing that supper would be served soon and took a sit next to Michonne.
"Mmmm, I can smell it." Michonne smiled, her eyes closed as she inhaled deeply.
Rick could smell it too. "It smells divine indeed, Ms. Jacqui." Rick said "May I ask what dish you have prepared?"
Jacqui smiled at the young English foreigner. "Well it's- "
"Ackee!" Ezekiel's voice boomed through the room. "Rice and beans I bet." Rick observed the large, tall man as he entered the room. He looked nearly the same as in the portrait hanging in the sitting room but his once long, dark dreads were even longer now, thick, silver and white. He also had a few lines around his eyes and mouth. Ezekiel walked with an ornate cane, carved using many types of wood, formed into the shapes of exotic animals.
"Ah, your nose is too good my son." Jacqui said laughing as Ezekiel reached her first and kissed her cheek.
"Yea, me always had a good nose for food." He replied before moving over to his daughter.
"Hello papa." Michonne said, a big smile on her face as she leaned over to accept her father's kiss on her cheek.
"Hello, my beautiful baby girl." Ezekiel said kissing Michonne's cheek soundly. Michonne beamed up at her father as he made his way around the table to Rick, who stood up immediately.
"Good evening, Mr. Moreau, I am Lord Richard Grimes, but please do call me Rick." Rick said, holding his hand out. Ezekiel momentarily observed Rick for a moment before reaching for his in hand in chaste, firm shake.
"Ezekiel Moreau as you well know" He turned and gestured towards Rick's chair. "Please have a sit."
Once the men were seated the meal of sautéed ackee with roasted vegetables and rice and beans was served. Other staff members quietly lit the candles around the room and on the table as the sun finally began to descend below the horizon.
A few bites in and everyone oohed and awed over the dish, including Rick who had never experienced flavors like this before. Rick greatly enjoyed new cuisines when he traveled with the Royal Guard. The entire table praised Jacqui for the meal.
"French and Jamaican cuisine go well together, no?" Jacqui said with laugh. "The ackee was cooked in a little truffle oil I brought from France and some lovely herbs from Provence."
"It's not just the food that mixes well between France and Jamaica." Ezekiel said, his laughter filling the whole room. Michonne just shook her head at her father. Rick looked perplexed. Ezekiel explained. "My wife, Jekesai, bless her soul, was born and raised in France." Jacqui nodded sadly at Rick before continuing her dinner.
"I still don't know what she saw in a…quashie like me." Ezekiel said softly, looking away, starring into nothing. Michonne reached over and squeezed his hand gently and he was brought back from where he drifted.
"You look so much like your mother." Rick said suddenly watching the exchange between father and daughter. Ezekiel's head turned to Rick sharply and Michonne simply looked up at him in surprise.
"The portrait in the sitting room..." Rick said quickly, trailing off as Ezekiel nodded.
"Yes, I commissioned the painting once this house was finally completed." Ezekiel said, turning his head away from Rick to take a bite of his meal.
"Your home is magnificent. The architect is truly gifted." Rick said, glancing at Michonne as she smiled at him, smiling to himself as he continued his meal.
"Ah, my Jekesai had the vision for this place. A brilliant artist that woman, she did nearly all the art in this place." Ezekiel said, smiling, as he reminisced about his wife. "Oh but everything had to be in perfect order before we could live here."
"Where did you all reside if not here?" Rick asked
"Ah well, my little family stayed in Port Antonio for a while but Jekesai didn't think it was a good place for a small boy to grow up." Ezekiel's eyes grew sad for a moment and he swallowed hard. "So we moved into a cottage a few miles away from here. Once this house was finished we moved in here, I suppose we forgot about the cottage, it's deep amongst the trees, near the mountains. We can't make it farm land."
"I don't remember that." Michonne said, frowning.
"Well you were just a baby. While we were at that cabin your mama found out you were on the way. We didn't think we would be blessed with more children but, of course, God had other plans." Ezekiel said, looking at his daughter, a smile on his face.
Ezekiel then turned to Rick. "So, Rick, you are employed by the Rovias?" he asked, taking a bite of his dinner.
"No sir, my family's business has merged with the Rovias international sector." Rick paused to take a sip from his water. "My task is to be more of a mediator in our negotiations. Michonne and I will work on an agreement that benefits us our businesses."
"My daughter drew up a marvelous contract, it would've benefitted us all and they rejected it. I suppose if it comes from one of their own it will make a difference." Ezekiel said as he sat back in his chair, wiping his mouth, his tone less than friendly.
"Yes, well I quite liked Michonne's original contract but perhaps, you may be correct." Rick admitted, sitting back, wiping his own mouth. "I will need to spend some time with Michonne and have her show me the operations here, truly enlighten them why simply partnering with you would be better for their business, better than owning your land."
Ezekiel began to scowl at the mention of his land being sold but before he could speak Michonne spoke.
"I think its's a splendid idea."
Rick looked at Michonne, who was looking at him, she gave him a smile. "Papa, I don't mind. Rick will make arrangements that I am allowed the same courtesy at Hilltop." Michonne touched his hand, her tone lowered slightly. "Please don't get upset, papa."
Ezekiel patted his daughter's hand but continued to stare at Rick. "Rick," his tone friendly again. "What did you do before you came here?"
Michonne reached for her glass and as she took a long sip, she made eye contact with Rick; her eyes sending a warning not to mention his time in the Royal Guard.
"Well," Rick stammered, clearing his throat "I went into business with my father after my education. Not long ago I was engaged but she fell in love with my best friend. I suppose they fell in love with one another." Rick could feel Michonne's eyes on him but he gave his attentions to Ezekiel. "Recently I spent most of my time getting over heartache."
"Oh no, that's sad." Ms. Jacqui said, standing up. "My dessert will cheer you right up. It's a tropical fruit and coconut compote." A servant came forward to collect her plate.
"It sounds delightful, Ms. Jacqui, thank you." Rick said, giving the elder woman a smile and nod. Jacqui smiled back and headed into the kitchen to check on her dessert.
"I am very sorry to hear that." Ezekiel said to Rick before looking down at the simple gold band on left hand.
"Thank you, sir. The ache has dulled considerably-" Rick began to say
"However the pain will always be there." Ezekiel finished.
For a moment there was silence. Then Ezekiel stood and Rick stood as well. The two shook hands, "It was nice to meet you, Rick, I am hoping for good things in this business arrangement.'
"As do I, sir." Rick said
"Papa, aren't you going to have some dessert?" Michonne asked as her father leaned over to kiss her cheek.
"No, no baby girl. I need to rest." Ezekiel said. Michonne nodded and giving his hand a squeeze. Michonne watched as he exited the room. A servant came forward to remove his plate and Michonne could see that he had barely eaten much of his dinner.
The tropical fruit and coconut compote was truly amazing. Rick praised it so much to the delight of Jacqui he earned himself an invitation to dinner for tomorrow night to try Jacqui's newest desert, a Jamaican twist on crème brûlée. Jacqui went off to the kitchen leaving Rick and Michonne alone again. It was getting later in the evening and Rick knew he should head back to Hilltop but he wasn't ready.
"I saw from the window in the sitting room a garden, I thought perhaps you wouldn't mind showing it to me." Rick asked. He expected Michonne would reject the idea, night had settled in and he really should be leaving.
"I would love too." Michonne said with a smile, standing.
XXXXXXXXX
Rick and Michonne walked quietly down a path in the garden. It was simply extravagant. The stone pathway to the lush, neatly trimmed grass, and the flowers, it seemed every flower that grew on the island, grew in their garden.
"This place is spectacular." Rick said, holding up a little lantern as he looked around.
"My mama's idea. When mama was a child, granny and grandpa would take their family on trips to the French countryside. Granny would be hired to cook for the wealthy families. They had beautiful homes and amazing gardens. Mama wanted one here and papa made sure she had it." Michonne said
The garden was easily double the size of the one he had created for his country home, the home he had intended to be his and Lori's. Thinking of the empty country house made him sigh. Michonne glanced over at him.
"I am sorry about your fiancée." Michonne said "I was nearly engaged once."
Rick stopped walking. "What happened?" he asked, almost breathlessly, turning to look at her.
"He wanted a wife not a business partner." Michonne said, looking off in the distance, echoing the sentiment by Mike's father. "My heart was so broken at the time." She said looking back at Rick. "So I understand how you feel."
He sounds incredibly daft. Rick thought to himself
Rick smiled at Michonne as he started to walk the path again with Michonne falling step beside him. "Truthfully, Lori gave us both an incredible gift." It was Michonne's turn to stop walking.
"But you said you were heartbroken." Michonne said looking up at Rick, a warm breeze blew through her hair, swaying her dress.
"Well I may have over stated things but I was trying to find a way to not entirely lie to your family, per your orders not to mention my time in the Royal Guard. I am nothing if not a good solider." Rick said grinning at Michonne before his face went somber. "I do fear though I may have reminded him of his own heartbreak."
Michonne smiled sadly. "My papa knows a thing or two about heartbreak." Michonne said as she continued walking down the path. Rick fell in step next to her as their way down the stone path.
"I was supposed to marry Lori and I cared for her, but it wasn't love. Lori knew that and did something about it." Rick stopped to pick up a flower that the breeze must have separated from its home in the bushes. "I can't say I didn't think I was heartbroken." Rick paused to examine the flower before offering it to Michonne, who accepted it with a smile, inhaling the sweet floral scent. Rick smiled at her. "I was more frightened of figuring out what I wanted for my life."
"A life fraught with obligation instead of fulfilling one's own desires." Michonne said sadly, correctly assessing Rick's life, as her fingertips running along the stem of the flower. "Do you know what it is you want for your life now?"
"I had never thought about it before." Rick watched as Michonne arranged the flower in hair, smiling up at him, she was so beautiful under the night sky, the stars and moon light magnifying the natural glow of her skin. "Until recently." Rick finished his thought quietly, mesmerized by the woman in front of him.
Rick and Michonne reached a clearing in the garden, in the center was a tall stone fountain, its turquoise waters sparkling in the stars and moonlight. Around the fountains were elegantly sculpted stone benches where the two sat quietly, watching the glittering water, simply enjoying each others presence.
Rick took a deep breath then, exhaling slowly and turned to look at Michonne. "I am sorry about your mother?"
Michonne continued to watch the water. "I was five when she was killed and there is not a day that goes by where I don't think of her, wish I was more like her, and I pray I am making her proud."
"I have no uncertainty that your mother is very proud of you and with your work here." Rick said giving her hand a squeeze, lightly holding her hand in his. Michonne smiled at him, taking a deep breath as she looked back at the water in the fountains. Michonne braced herself for the question that she knew was coming. "Michonne, how was your mother killed?"
Michonne released the breath she had been holding she had known he would ask. "My mother was killed when the British tried to overtake Jamaica. The Royal Guard wanted to seize our property. My father was away in France on business and my brother was with him." As she spoke Michonne unknowingly gripped Rick's hand tighter. "They were gone two weeks when the British tried to claim the island. At first they tried to simply force their rules upon us, but many people resisted, and that's when things turned violent. The Royal Guard began to seize properties, they forced people to sign deals that stripped them of everything, put entire families into slavery, and they began to murder those who said no to them." Michonne paused, holding on to Rick who held on to her. "My mother was one of them."
XXXXXXXX
"Michonne, come now it's time for bed, baby girl."
The five-year-old looked away from her little wooden animals with a sad face. "Mama, I am not sleepy yet." She said yawning loudly, rubbing her eyes, her little dreadlocks swung about her head with the motion.
"Come on, I am going to rub your little head and tend to your hair, then it's bed time." Jekesai said holding her hand out for her child.
Michonne liked when her mama rubbed her head, sometimes she would gently twist her hair while she did it, and mama would hum a little song. Mama's hands are so soft and gentle. Michonne smiled to herself as she stood, yawning again, now looking forward to the soothing touch of her mama.
She ran toward her mother, grasping her hand and giggling. "What's so funny, baby girl?" Jekesai said, looking down at her always happy child
"I was 'membering how you and papa would chase me and Andre would try to protect me." Michonne said, smiling up at her mama as they walked up the stairs and down the hallway to her room.
"Aww, you miss your papa and Andre huh, baby girl?"
"Yes, but I like when it's just us too mama."
Jekesai smiled down at her daughter. "I do too, baby girl."
Cuddled in her mama's arms Michonne began to drift off to sleep, her mother gently caressing her hair. Jekesai kissed her child's cheek. As Michonne fell deeper into her slumber she heard her mother whisper, "I love you, Michonne. You are my blessing from God."
Shouting and screaming awoke Michonne from her sleep. She was certain it was coming from outside. Michonne scrambled out of bed and ran to look out the balcony window. In the yard in front of her home, men were dressed in red and sat atop horses. Michonne frowned as she saw they were all looking toward the front door. Light spilled from the house and a familiar silhouette could be seen standing in the doorway. It was her mama. Oscar and Marie stood beside her.
Michonne could sense something was wrong. The urge to run toward her mama was strong.
Mama will be upset to see me out of bed. Michonne thought to herself. The thought kept her in her room, peering down at the scene below. A tall man dismounted his horse, an eye patch over one of his eyes, and a smile on his face as he approached the doorway.
Even though he smiled at her mama, Michonne could sense he wasn't nice. As they spoke in front of the house, Michonne watched as the man's smile began to fade. He was getting angrier, nearly in her mama's face as he shouted at her. Oscar made him step back. Yet her mama didn't move, she stood straight and tall speaking to the man.
Suddenly, he snatched his pistol from his holster and pointed it in her mama's face, angrily yelling. Gasping, Michonne turned from the window, running, throwing open the bedroom door and running as quickly as her legs would carry her down the hall. Reaching the steps, she grasped the banister and descended as fast as her little feet would move.
BAM!
Michonne reached the bottom of the stairs and watched in horror as her mama fell to the ground, blood splattering the walls. Oscar rushed forward to grab the man. Marie screamed in terror as her mama fell.
"Mama!" Michonne was on the ground by her mama. To Michonne she looked asleep although she was covered in blood, she looked almost peaceful. "Mama please wake up!" Michonne begged as sobs shook her little body. Slowly Jekesai's eyes opened for the last time, reaching her hand out she touched Michonne's cheek, smiling, and then her hand fell to her side, her eyes closed for good.
"Mama, please…please mama!" Michonne sobbed, gently shaking her mama.
Michonne didn't notice that the commotion had stopped as another Royal Guard came to collect his Commander from the front porch, horrified by his actions. Watching the little girl sob over the lifeless body of her mother seemed too even shock him. Though they had murdered with no mercy in the past, murdering a mother in front of her child was not common.
"Blake, this place is too far from the ports anyway." The young Royal Guard said, glancing around nervously as those who lived near the Kingdom came from their homes, hearing the gunshot, carrying whatever weapon at their disposable. The sobs of sorrow from the little girl loud and telling in what had transpired. "Let's go back…now."
The commander shoved Oscar off him, pointing the pistol in his face but the weapon now was empty of ammunition. Oscar, splattered in the blood of his kind employer, who was more like family, spoke finally. "Marie, take the child away. She has seen enough tonight." Oscar spoke quietly as he stepped closer to the commander.
XXXXXXXX
Another warm breeze rustled through the garden, it shook the leaves of the bushes and trees, made the water dance and ripple in the fountain. Rick held Michonne close to him, his fingers softly caressing her upper arm. Michonne rested her head on his chest, the sound of Rick's heartbeat soothing, the flickering light from the lantern caught her attention. Michonne pulled away from Rick, suddenly embarrassed by her actions, she knew they were improper.
"Thank you." She mumbled, wiping away the tears from her eyes.
"You don't have to thank me, Michonne." Rick said reaching again for her hand, rubbing his thumb against the back of her hand. I understand now why you didn't want your father to know about my service. I knew of the atrocities committed by the Royal Guard regimes in the past and I am so terribly sorry it didn't occur to me…to…"
"I want to promise you that my regime never committed acts like that and I would never…" Rick said his voice trembling, his eyes searching hers.
"Rick it's alright. I know. My father is still angry and so a lot of others here. Mama wouldn't want me to be that way." Michonne looked away from Rick, watched his thumb caress the skin of her hand, the sensation sending shivers all through her. "Anger can make you dull-witted and without your wit you do things that could get you killed."
Michonne pulled her hand from Rick's hand and took a deep breath. "Well when did you want to begin your appraisal of the property?" She asked turning to look in Rick's eyes.
Rick starred at the extraordinary woman in front him. "I was hoping to start tomorrow." Rick said
Michonne nodded and stood from the bench. "Perfect. Breakfast is at 8:00 am."
Rick stood as well, giving Michonne a nod. "I look forward to it."
XXXXX
Rick returned to the Hilltop and found that the men were still awake in the billiard room, having cigars and brandy. The elder men had been at it for quite some time and were fairly inebriated when Rick found them. Gregory Rovia was in the midst of telling a story from he and Rick's father days in the Royal Guard. "…I will tell you, get one of those women on their backs and the squealing never stops." Gregory said laughing, loudly, Lord Grimes joining him.
"Honestly father, that's abhorrent." Paul said, placing his brandy down on the table beside him.
"Ah you would think that wouldn't you my son?" Gregory said, sneering at his son, slurring his words. "If it wasn't for your sister I doubt I would be a grandfather."
Paul eyes shifted downward as his father laughed loudly, drinking more brandy. Paul looked up spotting Rick in the doorway. "Oh Rick, you're back. How were the negotiations?"
Before Rick could answer his father spoke up. "It's a little late isn't son? Why did it take so long?" Andrew Grimes inquired, quite intoxicated himself.
Again Rick was interrupted but this time by Gregory Rovia. "Ah that little dark skinned jezebel kept you well entertained is that it?" Gregory said laughing.
"Father, please…" Paul sighed
"I suggest you watch your tongue before you speak ill of Ms. Moreau in my presence. Any woman for that matter." Rick spoke the words quietly, menacingly, their implied threat having a sobering effect on Gregory.
"I can…say what I want…" Gregory began to speak before trailing off, silenced by the cold look in Rick's blue eyes.
Paul cleared his throat. "So how was…" beginning to speak but was interrupted again by Rick.
Rick took a step toward the elder Rovia. "I need to know why Mic-Ms. Moreau dislikes you." Rick said. "What did you say to her?" The chill in Rick's calm voice sending shivers down Gregory's spine.
The elder Rovia looked to his friend, Lord Grimes. However, Lord Grimes was staring at his only child in shock, he had never seen his normally obedient and even-tempered son behave this way. Gregory turned back to Rick, his jaw set, blue eyes boring into Gregory's. Rick made to take another step toward Gregory, when Paul stood up and cleared his throat louder.
"Rick, please. It's late and they're drunk."
Rick tore his eyes away from Gregory, turning to Paul he spoke. "I want you to know that the Moreaus have no intention of selling their land and there will be no more talk of it. They are not opposed to forming a merger with Hilltop, as you know. To properly ensure each of us gets a fair deal I will be spending some time at the Kingdom, looking into their operations for a better appraisal."
Rick paused looking at each man in the room before his eyes settled on Gregory. "Ms. Moreau wants the same courtesy of assessing the Hilltop operations. Your presence is not required when she is here. Is that understood?" Rick asked. Gregory continued to stare at Rick in shock.
"It's understood." Paul said "My father will not be present during any of Ms. Moreau's visits. I will personally show her anything she needs to see."
Rick gave Gregory one last glare before turning toward Paul. Rick gave a nod of his head. "Well then father, gentleman, my work at The kingdom begins bright and early, I am going to bed now."
Rick walked toward the door of the billiard room, turning back to the other men in the room, and with a nod of his head to the whole room. "Goodnight." Rick said.