A/N: Thanks for all the requests you guys! This chapter isn't actually one I was asked to do, but I promise to complete all the ones asked, or that will be asked, in due time. This takes place in the third book when Luce goes back in time. I THINK it was 1854, but can't quite remember (I only skimmed) but will correct it when I actually get around to buying the book. Also, I know this one is even longer than the last one, but bear with me. I will explain this chapter in more detail at the bottom.
Name: Eighteen Fifty-four
Rating: T
Number: IV
The night was cool, sharply green grass brushing the air as a dark breeze passed over the estate. The leaves were beginning to grow back along the naked branches, the flowers blooming with the pre-summer temperament. But as beautiful and peaceful as his surrounding was, it paled in comparison to the glaring eyes of the woman in front of him, her dark hair cascading down her shoulders in frozen waves- Annabelle.
"What are you doing here?" She asked with little more than distaste, but an obvious contained fury.
He paused for a moment, evaluating the situation before offering a small shrug keeping his gaze steady to counteract his calm gesture. He didn't like Annabelle, and he had no problem letting those feelings be known. "To watch over the girl," he said simply.
Her eyes ran from his shoes over his body to meet his gaze once more, "and how do you expect to do that? By washing her floors?" She spat.
"It's not a good time, Ro," another voice said, surprising them both. "Your skin may not be black, but is too dark for these times. Lucinda is better with me, here, now."
He turned around, shoulders rolling back and his neck cracking as her voice sent fire through his veins. "I've been in worse situations before, Arriane."
The starched collar of her dress felt constricting as she watched her old friend look at her with those striking eyes. "You don't have to do everything Cam tells you," she said softly, "Daniel will be here soon, and there is nothing he can do to stop it."
"Cam doesn't control me, Ari," he muttered, looking at her. But regardless of the casualness he had put in his voice, the air remained thick. The tension straining. He could feel Annabelle behind him, seething.
"Leave," Annabelle interrupted them, nails digging into her palm as she struggled to contain her growing rage.
The silence lasted for longer than it should have, the tension sitting heavily on everyone's skin. Finally: "I am here for a purpose, I can't just leave."
"If it is to fuck my sister again, then I suggest you get out of here before I kill you. "
"Annabelle!" Ari tried, but Roland cut her off, shaking his head.
"It's been sixty years," he replied quickly, not glancing at Arriane, "I am here for Lucinda."
"And yet, every time you show up with that pretense, you end up-"
"It's all right, Annabelle, " Ari cut in, putting up her hand in a soft gesture, but her voice was filled with enough dignity to make the other woman shut up, "let him stay"
Annabelle glanced at Arriane, her face white and eyes fiery, "But Arr- he broke your heart!"
A look passed between Roland and Arriane, the breeze claiming the cool night air, "it's okay," she said finally, "I broke his first."
So, the way I look at their relationship is this: they might (still unsure about that) have tried being together once or twice, but it never works out. But although they can't ever really be an item, they are still together in that they are a type of friends with benefits that manage to be in love with one another though are quick to deny it. They are more friends who know they are together but are not a couple. And they usually fight and end things for years before reconciling. Or maybe they don't ever reconcile but become amicable and involved during peaceful times among the Fallen. Does that make sense? I guess it is up to you to decide for now, but I will get more specific in further chapters. But the idea is that they aren't "together" but are. So, good luck figuring out whateverthefuck I just said.
Reviews are love.
-Lollipop