I am dressed in a silk gown as I wait by the window.

It has been four months since Lucius began courting me, but I have always known that we will end up together.
I do not mind- Lucius is always well-dressed, polite, punctual….

Except today.

I bite my lip nervously; willing my hands not to twist a ringlet in anxiety.

And then he comes, tall and powerful, striding up the path, knocking at the font door.

"I apologize, my lady, for being late. Here, if you will- a gift."
From behind his back, he pulls a lovely Italian rose.