Chapter 6

Kartik pulled me closer to him. We were sitting on my bed, me wrapped up in his arms. He occasionally kissed the top of my head, laying his head on top of mine. I know this was wrong. Every brain cell in my mind was screaming at me about the improperity of it all. Me, in the arms of a man I wasn't married to, while I was engaged to someone else. It was wrong, but I was tried of denying my heart of who it truly wants. Besides, everyone else was asleep and normally never woke before dawn, even then it was just the servants. So I was safe, until around nine.

I closed my eyes and leaned back into his chest. I could fall asleep in his arms. It just felt that natural.

I remember our time together, after he rescued me from the Rakshana. We met up with each other in the woods outside of Spence, often. I started to frequently take him into the realms with Ann, Felicity and me, since he was a member of the Order.

The Rakshana tried to find him ocassionally, and Kartik would always leave, so I guess this past time shouldn't have been different, but it was. He usually came back within a week or so, but he didn't this time, because the Rakshana had figured out we still kept in contact. Kartik knew this, so he lead them far away from here. The Rakshana should let Kartik move on, but I guess they held grudges for a long time.

"Gemma," Kartik whispered.

"Hmm?"

"You remember that night?"

My eyes opened, my brow furrowing in confusion. "Which one?"

"That night, in the woods, where we told each other how we truly felt."

I sighed dreamily. "Of course." It was as if it happened yesturday.

Ann, Felicity, Kartik, and I were walking up towards Spence, at the end of my second year. It was almost summer again, and we had just completed another meeting of the Order.

Ann and Felicity were ahead of Kartik and I, talking animatedly about something. Before I could catch up with them, Kartik spoke to me.

"Miss Doyle?"

I sighed in slight frustration. "How many times must I tell you, Kartik, to call me Gemma? We are friends."

"I know...Gemma."

I smiled, as I always did when he said my name, instead of my title, 'Miss Doyle'.

"I have to tell you something. Something I have been wanting to say for a long time, but never felt like I should."

I turned my head towards him. "You can tell me anything, Kartik. You know, we have no secrets amongst the Order."

"Well, this is of a personal nature."

"Oh?" I knew what was coming, I had been expecting it for a while now. And I was waiting for it with open arms.

"I..I." He stopped and reached out his arm, causing me to stop as well.

He softly, unsurely said. "I love you, Miss Doyle. Gemma. I have for over a year now."

I smiled unwillingly. It wasn't right for a English lady to be in love with an Indian. It was frowned upon. I knew that, but still I couldn't help how my heart felt.

I turned to him, walking closer. I looked up, and our eyes met. I took his hand. "I love you, too."

His shy expression gave way to one of joy, the happiest I have ever seen him.

"Really?"

I smiled as my answer.

He then leaned down and kissed me with more passion and love than ever. And I kissed with the same feeling, knowing that we were meant to be together.

I snapped back to reality. "Why do you ask?" I wondered.

His grip tighten. "Never forgot what I said that night."

"That you loved me?" I turned over, now laying on my side. "How could I?"

"Just promise me you won't forgot."

Confused as to his sudden weakness, I said, "I promise."

"Thank you."

"Your welcome."

After a silence fell upon us, I asked. "Kartik?"

"Hmm?" It sounded as if I took him away from a dream. "Are you ok?"

"Perfect. Why?"

"I don't know. You just seem...worried."

"I am. I am worried about the Rakshana finding me. And about you."

"You don't need to worry about me."

He pushed back my hair. "I know, but I do."

"Kartik?"

"Yes."

"Don't ever leave again."

"I won't."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

With that, I smiled and fell asleep.

"Rise and shine, Miss Doyle." I woke to the bright light blazing through my window.

"Looks like it is going to be another nice day."

I blinked a couple of more times, my eyes still adjusting to the light.

"Kartik?" I asked softly, almost to myself.

But the maid heard it. "Kartik? What an odd name. No ma'am, it is just me."

By then I fully recognized the voice. "Oh, sorry, Isabelle."

"Quite alright, Miss." She stepped away from the window, she just opened. "Now hurry and dress. Your grandmother is expecting you for breakfast."

"Okay."

With that, Isabelle left.

I sat up in my bed, wiping at my eyes. I observed the room and then looked to my right. It took me a moment to realize that Kartik left and that I was now under the covers.

I rose from the bed, the blanket covering me, and walked to the window. The yard was still the same, with it's vast landspace and ocassional plant, other than grass. My eyes travelled to the empty stables and I sighed. It was as if last night never happened.

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hey at least I didn't end it on a sweet Kartik and Gemma moment this time..will update soon. o and obviously I own the character Isabelle, just thought I write that in.