I did it! I did not take 6 mounts to a year this time!
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Chapter 31
I could feel the disapproving look Newt was giving me.
I was entranced by the green and purple that now stained the middle of my face. There was a slight red tint in my eyes where blood vessels had burst.
It wasn't too awful. The healing oil had kept the swelling at bay so my nose wasn't twice its size. I garnered a sense of pride from the blemish.
"Roan you need to stop touching it. You'll only make it worse."
The chastising tone in Newts voice reminded me of my mother.
"Oh, don't pester me. I am actually quite pleased with it. Think about it, how many queens get crowned with a battle scar?"
My spirits were high and I couldn't help but feel a wave of excitement. For the first time in my life, I would have real freedom, actual freedom to do what I wanted. Yes, it was terrifying that a nation would now be in my charge but at the same time I could actually leave the castle without having to ask for permission.
I spun giddily to face Newt.
"Today I am going the be crowned Queen and my first order of business will be to leave this castle for the day because no one can stop me." I said approaching him with a childish delight, I climbed on the bed where Newt still rested. "And then I am going to light the hallways, and then I will remove all the extra curtains and then-"
"What is it with you and this palace? Are we not good enough for you?" Newt was smirking as he talked and his hands were crossed behind his head.
I was kneeling and rested on my heals as I spread my arms.
"After that, I will sell the curtains and use the money to feed the poor and then I will get rid of the whipping pole and I will-"
"Do you plan on consulting me about these changes?" Newt asked, sitting up.
"Oh no you'll be too busy dealing with all the boring things. I'd hate to waste your valuable time."
"Oh really? I'm sure I can carve out some time to discuss these matters."
I shook my head "There is no need. I think I can hand handle it."
Newt's eyes were lit with amusement as we stared at each other, basking in the teasing we had enjoyed.
"Well, your highness, soon to be majesty, none of this will be possible if you don't get dressed."
I rolled my eyes "I don't understand why we have to throw such a big party. I wish we could just get it over with."
"The purse bearer and you will get along. My mother and Lord Bass are always at each other's throats over her spending."
I put a hand on my chest and feigned dignity "I have my own money for parties, I am not sure if you are aware but my mother is rather rich"
"Love, why do you think I married you?"
I gasped and lightly shoved Newt as he laughed.
"Here I was thinking it was for my looks." I joked.
"That's just an added benefit but I'm a pragmatist. And as such, you need to get in the bath. The water must have cooled off by now." Newt said
I scoffed and poked Newt in the ribs. "You sound just like my mother."
Newt caught my hand before I could jab him again.
"And you sound like a child," He said, with my hand still trapped in his, he took his turn in jabbing my ribs. In backing away, I almost slid off the bed.
"Roan! Your nose! You cant fall!" Newt turned serious and pulled me forward.
"Oh Newt you really are my mother. I'm fine!" I said, scooting fully off the bed.
I guess he did have a point. I needed to bathe. It would be a hassle without Agnes. Sonya pulled my hair too harshly and she never got the water to soap ratio correct. Agnes had only been gone a week but I already contemplated sending for her.
My bath was quick, as I had waited too long and the water had lost the majority of its heat. Newt didn't need to know that bit however.
Lately, every week, we had, had an event that needed a lengthy preparation. Frankly, it was rather annoying. I had noticed some of my hair had started to fall off. It had been pulled, pressed, tightened, and coiffed far too often the past month.
Only Agnes knew how to braid my hair the way I liked it. Oh Agnes, why did she have to be gone for so long?
I couldn't help but wonder about Teresa. Whether she was healing and how marriage with Thomas was going. None of those things could possibly be simple to deal with. At the least, she was far away from the prying eyes of the court. On her return, they would face plenty of inquiries and busybodies but at least they had time to prepare.
Minho had been asking around but nothing had come of his investigation. I was ready and willing to wait however. Drawing and quartering only required a culprit and four horses.
This palace had a problem with violence towards women. The dark and curtained hallways became grounds for opportunity. There was also an attitude of women being simple decorations. This would not be the case under my rule. A rush of excitement took over me at the prospect of finally having the power to do things.
My thoughts were interrupted by Sonya's voice.
"My lady, the maid from last night is here to see you."
I was barely in my corset while Sonya had been fixing my hair. I grabbed the closest robe I could find and sat on the vanity stool with my back to the mirror.
The maid was a slight girl, she couldn't be more than fifteen. Her eye was a dark purple and her lips were both ripped. Poor child.
"I would like to formally apologize for the lack of security in the palace. It is our duty to ensure that the servants who work here with us are protected. We have failed you in that regard. Which is why the crown would like to compensate your for our shortcomings. You will get a months wage added to your regular wage and we will be allowing you to travel home for the week and rest. At the end of the week, I would like to meet with you again and speak about your future aspirations. We do not have to be a servant our whole life if we do not want to." I said, I tried to give a normal smile but I had never been good at faking smiles.
"Your h-highness, I….I am very grateful. I do not know what to say. Whenever this is happens to a girl, we are sacked." The young maid was wringing her hands. "I for sure thought I would have been asked to leave."
I couldn't hide the displeasure I felt. "Sacked? Absolute nonsense. I will have to speak to the Palace head stewardess on this sacking business. No one should be sacked for such a thing. I want to assure as well that your attacker will face proper justice."
"My lady, he is one of the Androsian nobles. Wont that cause trouble?"
"That is beside the point. It's the principle that matters. Now if you excuse me darling, I have to finish getting ready for my coronation."
I felt giddy at the prospect of my freedom. A small part of me attempted to warn against excitement. The voice of reason was telling me that the freedom I yearned for was not going to come as easy as placing a crown on my head. Regardless, my naiveté took the forefront.
The last time I had stood behind the doors in front of me, I was getting married. Now I glanced at a nervous Newt next to me.
"Don't fret Newt." I said reaching for and squeezing his hand.
He turned to look at me, an anxious temperament radiating from his eyes.
"My whole life has been leading up to this moment. I can't believe it is finally here."
"You'll be great Newt. I can feel it." I said, giving his hand another squeeze.
Newt looked down at our intertwined hands, a small smile displaced his frown.
"Three months ago, I remember standing back here knowing I was marrying someone who hated me. Now," He lifted our hands, "I at least have the comfort of knowing I have a steady companion to share this crown with."
I felt myself internally scream. I did not know how to handle compliments.
Thankfully, I did not have to. The doors opened and Newt released my hand.
The sun was just as blinding as the last time but at least my shoe was not going to rip. I had taken extra precautions.
The walk seemed less daunting this time.
Once we reached the altar, Newt gave me his hand and helped me. I could have done it myself but it was the way things were done.
I would be lying if I said I paid attention to the procession. I was so lost in my thoughts and excitement I almost missed when we were asked to kneel.
I would go first since Newt was the main attraction.
The lead scholar brushed anointing oil on my forehead and on my hands. I watched him grab a small crown. At that point, I closed my eyes. Newts nervousness had decided to contaminate me. The weight of what was happening gave me the urge to vomit but I forced myself to remain in control.
The crown was heavy, made from the old metals. It squeezed my head with the weight of its significance.
I knew I was supposed to keep my head straight but out of the corner of my eye, I watched Newt.
The scholar ripped the front of this shirt and poured oil down his chest. He used the rest of the oil on his head. Newts crown was much bigger than mine was and it had more jewels.
As soon as the scholar backed away the hall exploded.
"Long live the king! Long live the king! Long live the king!"
Newt stood and faced the crowd. I couldn't stand until Newt allowed me too.
He needed to be "accepted by the court".
They needed to kneel before him. I heard shuffling and movement but once the hall quieted down. I felt Newts hand on my shoulder.
It hadn't occurred to me before but what if the nobility didn't accept my crowing? What if they didn't bow and kneel? What would happen to me then?
I stood and turned, attempting to hide my grimace.
Once I faced them, relief overflowed me. They were on their knees.
Their voices chanted harmoniously "Long Live the Queen, Long Live the Queen"
A part of me was so overflowed by emotion, I dissociated from the rest of the ceremony.
What on earth was I thinking this morning? There was nothing to be excited about. On the contrary, if I didn't do a good job, the masses would put my head on a stake. Or worse.
No one had really prepared me for this had they? I mean, yes there were lessons on diplomacy, geography, the markets, agriculture, but did they really expect me in my one and twenty to lead a nation. And what about Newt? He was too nice. It would never work. We would need to flee the country at once.
My panicked deliberations where stopped when I felt Newt's hand on my waist.
"Are you all right, love?"
I was startled by the fact that we were standing in front of a carriage. Everyone was waiting for me to climb on. I was such an idiot.
"Quite all right, your majesty." I said, taking his hand and finally getting on the carriage.
It was an open carriage so I couldn't put my head between my knees and scream into my skirts like I desired to. I would just have to smile and pinch myself. We needed to take to the streets and face the crowds. It was tradition for the masses to also give their blessing to the new king. I wondered what would happen if they rejected the crown, I had to ask Newt if that had happened before.
My pinching ritual was interrupted when Newt took my hand in his.
"Stop that now Ronnie. All will be well."
My body froze when Newt lifted my knuckles to his lips and pressed a small kiss.
It was as if my soul left my body. The color that had left my face due to nerves returned and stained my face in the dark tint of red wine.
Well this was just stupendous. My heart would not be able to handle so much excitement. First being proclaimed the sovereign ruler of a nation and now this.
I would not know what to do with myself if this kept up.
Once Newt let my hand go, I noticed his ears had turned bright red and he turned his face from mine.
I probably needed to say something.
"You know, this tradition of having you parade in front of the people with your shirt ripped open is rather odd." I said, "Back home, all they do is wave from a balcony."
Newt turned towards me, some confidence returning, "I understand the parade but I agree, I don't get the whole having my chest out in the open bit."
"Lucky for you all you have to do is change your shirt. I have to change my whole wardrobe. Apparently, I need a coronation dress and a dress for the ball later tonight. Let me tell you, when I have control of the purse strings we will not be wasting so much on fabrics."
Newt laughed "The nobility shall have fun with you. My mother indulges them, I can't wait to see what you have planned."
The carriage jolted forward and headed off toward the palace gates. There was a strong breeze, it was still the very beginning of spring, and the sun was shinning but winter had still not released its grip on the skyline.
I noticed Newt shiver. How could he not? The man was exposed.
"Your majesty seems cold. I can ask for a blanket if you would like. I can pretend its for me."
"I appreciate the sentiment, love, but I need to look regal for the people. You and I are the crown now, we must look the part."
He did have a point. Once we left the castle gates, a squadron of knighted horses surrounded the perimeter of the carriage. A safety precaution, I would assume.
There was a crowd of cheering people, they all blended into one throng, the carriage was going at a steady but almost rushed pace. They probably did not want the new king out in the open for long. Losing Newt so soon after the coronation would leave a shaky throne at best.
I could see many white handkerchiefs being waved in the air.
A great sense of relief overcame me when I heard the crowd began the chant I'd be longing to hear.
"Long live the king, Long live the king, Long live the king,"
They had accepted Newt, our heads would remain off stakes for at least today.
"I am freezing," Newt said, climbing of the carriage, he held out his hand to help me out and the rushed us inside.
"With the chill today, one would think winter hadn't ended" Newt said rubbing his hands together.
"I think it had more to do with you being exposed but we need to get dressed. The sooner we get start the festivities the sooner they are over."
A maid approached Newt and I with warm cups of cider but before we could even sip them an odious intrusion made its ways through the hall.
"Your majesty, it is of the greatest import I speak with you." Andros was stomping his way towards us. An array of dignitaries behind him.
"The former princess has incarcerated one of my greatest and most trusted advisors. I demand he is released at once."
How dare he not use my formal title? This would not do, if I did not demand respect from men like him now, I would never receive it from anyone else.
I handed my cider back to the maid.
"What you mean to say is that the current Queen imprisoned a depraved man for forcing himself on young girl. And not only that, he attacked me and my guards. How on earth do you expect for us to simply ignore such offenses?"
Andros scoffed "Is this how you plan to rule your majesty? By letting your wife do all the talking, your father would have never allowed such disrespect."
Before I could say anything else, Newt put his arm in front of me and took a step forward.
"My wife is as capable as I am. Any matters of import can be discussed with both of us. To you it might seem an offense to allow such liberty but to do otherwise would be borderline moronic. Now the man not only assaulted one of our maids but he also laid hands on my wife. If the former was not enough the latter will definitely ensure he does not see the light of the day. If you would like to further discuss the matter, I suggest you make a formal appeal, tomorrow, at the moment my wife and I have a celebration to attend."
With that, Newt walked past the infuriated King and I knew better then to not follow.
A part of me, a rather large part of me, felt a sinew of appeal towards Newt in the moment. I didn't know why but I rather enjoyed seeing him angry. It made me want to obey his every kingly command.
The thought stopped me in my tracks. I shook my head lightly and blinked repeatedly. The stress of the day was getting to me.
Newt looked over his shoulder "Are you coming Roan?"
I jolted into movement and followed the quick paces of Newt. He was walking rather fast.
Once we were out of the hallways and in our chambers, Newt began his tirade.
"The pure nerve of the man," I couldn't help but watch in silence as Newt tore off his over coat, "He presumes that we will just bend to his every wish and command. My mother and uncle might have but we will not" Newt pointed at me and gave me a stern look, I simply nodded in agreement.
I pressed my lips tightly together as Newt discarded his ripped shirt on the ground and headed for the items that had been laid out for him.
"First we have to function with half of our staff to keep them safe, then we have to adjust all of the meals to ease his stomach, God forbid he eats something different than everyone else, and we have to make room for half of his court, and still! After all the poor manners and lack of decorum, he acts the victim."
Newt was buttoning his cuffs, too incensed by the whole ordeal, to notice that I had not moved from the door.
"Tomorrow we will deal with him accordingly. And he better regard us both with the respect we deserve, you were crowned as regnant not consort. He might belittle women in his palace but he certainly will not in mine."
It was too much to bear. I was starting to become frustrated, the pit of nerves had become the pit of wanting. Wanting what?, I did not know but not having it was becoming a tad torturous.
Something was changing within myself, the evolution had been sped forward by Newts current state, I needed some air or I was going to make a fool of myself.
However one rarely received the relief they needed in this palace.
Sonya opened the door behind me and startled me.
"Oh your high-, I mean majesty, my apologies, I did not know you were here already."
I moved to the side and let Sonya in.
She was carrying a heavy box. It was I presumed my dress for the evening. Sonya placed it on the bed and began to pull out my cage for the night.
"Oh drats, I forgot your chemise, your majesty. I shall return shortly."
"Oh no there is no need! We can just use the chemise I have on." I said, moving to block the door. I did not want to be left alone with Newt.
Sonya looked at me perplexed.
"My apologies, your majesty, but your chemise at the moment has sleeves that are far too long. The chemise I need was made specifically for this dress."
With my lips still pressed together, I slowly shuffled away from the entrance.
I closed my eyes as I shut the door behind Sonya.
Newt was staring at me with curiosity, by now he must have noticed how odd I was acting.
"Everything all right love?", He asked, steeping closer to where I was.
"Oh yes! Just dandy, I too am…rather angry… and,and…" I forced a smile and slunk slowly away from Newt.
"You know I really should get out of this dress… I'd hate to give Sonya extra work." I said, heading towards the bathroom.
"Oh very well. Well I can help you with your corset if you would like."
"No! I mean… there is no need. We only need to change out the chemise and dress." I said, my forced smiled straining.
Before I gave myself away anymore, I rushed in to the adjoining bathroom.
I shut the door firmly behind me and leaned my head against it.
I knew what this was. I'd felt it before.
I must have been about fifteen. Thomas and I went through a horse riding phase. Every morning we would explore the mountain side but when we came back…a particular stable hand would help us brush down the horses. I still remembered what he looked like, he was two years older, he had light brown hair and freckles too match. I used to watch him tend to the horses from my window. Eventually I outgrew the infatuation but I still recognized the feelings that came along with it.
I would to outgrow these as well. I had a shared a room with Newt for nearly four months. It had to be proximity. I would come to my senses soon. All I had to do was make sure the temporary struggle remained a silent secret. I would rather throw myself off the palace walls then have anyone know.
After splashing some freezing water on my face and pinching myself once or twice, I exited the bathroom ready to feign decorum.
Sonya was back and she was smoothing out the creases on my gown. Newt was sitting on my vanity wiping the oil off himself, he stilled hadn't fully buttoned his shirt. I would have to ignore him.
"All right Sonya let's get this over with"
Balls were starting to annoy me, even if this one was in my honor.
They were so tedious. I was actively avoiding Newt and Teresa wasn't here. Minho was off who knows where.
I was not going to stand by myself in a crowded ballroom. It was stifling.
Newt was the center of attention, no one would notice if I was gone,
Without drawing too much attention to myself, I slowly and carefully slinked out of the ball room.
I was eager to walk to the gardens. Yes, it was chilly but my gown was made out of a heavy fabric.
It was a pale powdery blue with silver embellishments. It had capped sleeves that were joined to a slim cape. I rather liked it.
The ballroom led out to a balcony that overlooked the grounds. You had to walk down a long but wide staircase to reach them.
Once I reached them, I noticed the ground was wet. It must have rained at one point. I wonder how I missed it. The garden was a mere skeleton for budding plants. Miniature lemon green leaves were barely starting to sprout.
I took a deep breath, I missed the fresh air. The palace was so restricting and closed off. I had been ignoring how much I missed home, I did not want to deal with the emotions.
My deliberations were cut short by a male voice.
"Your majesty, I'm sure you are not out here on your own."
I turned to see Lord Benjamin strolling towards me with two glasses in his hand.
Had he followed me?
"Oh I just needed some fresh air is all." I said, "Balls can be rather stuffy."
The Lord handed me on of the glasses and I took it out of politeness.
"Quite indeed. They can become rather boring but this is your coronation ball. I would assume you and the king would be celebrating together."
I couldn't help but narrow my eyes.
"Oh my husband is a much better dancer than I am. I never took to it." I said.
Mother had told me to never drink from a glass that I did not pour myself.
I was not about to make an exception for Lord Benjamin. He seemed perfectly normal but I was not going to risk it.
"My future wife to be rather enjoys dancing," A twinge of anger sparked in my chest.
I couldn't help the words that burst from my mouth.
" I do not like your bride to be ." I said, I wanted to take back the words but at the same time I was rather satisfied. I was now Queen, I could say what I wanted.
Lord Benjamin let out a laugh "I gathered as much, you do not hide your displeasure well your majesty. She can be a tad frivolous but she is a good match. If I am quite honest, the only reason I asked for her hand, was to relieve the import duties from the south of the kingdom on my economic prospects."
Ah, there was the reason.
"Yes of course, they will not ask one of their own for an import tariff. So odd how this kingdom divides the north and south so." I said, swirling the glass in my hand.
"Oh it's just a way for the crown to limit the power of the nobility. I've nothing against it as long as I can still make a profit." Lord Benjamin took a sip of his drink but his eyes were firmly planted on the glass in my hand. He smirked.
"I was told Moidecci's were extremely distrusting of accepting food and drink. I see they were right."
My eyes widened and I felt my ears turn red. "Oh well… you know… its just a family tradition my mother made a point of passing along."
Lord Benjamin glanced me up and down and I couldn't help but feel like I was being interviewed for something.
"I've always wondered your majesty…and only indulge if you would like, we all believed my darling Isabelle would surely marry the King and out of the blue your engagement was announced. Do you happen to know why that was?"
The Lord was still smiling, a kind smile, meant to mask his real intentions. His eyes gave nothing away but I knew better As a Moidecci, I knew when I was being manipulated.
"Oh yes that little tidbit. The Queen mother and regent wanted to make sure whoever married their heir was prepared to take the throne. Lady Isabelle has received no such training and simply speaking my bloodline is far more pure than hers"
I was not sure as if that was the truth, since in reality no one had ever told me why, but it seemed like a strong lie.
"Those are two very practical reasons. I guess marriage is rarely about love."
"Quite right, now I really must find my husband. We agreed to at least dance once and if we don't you know how the court will talk."
Lord Benjamin complied and we both headed back towards the ballroom. Our conversation consisted on the weather and the recovering garden. Trite topics to keep things civil.
One we entered the ball room, my ears ringed from the roar of the conversation and music.
I missed the calmness of the gardens, if only Lord Benjamin hadn't ruined it.
The court was dancing and having a jolly time, good for them. Someone should enjoy the night. I scanned the crowd and nearly jumped out my skin when Newt seemed to manifest before me.
"I've been looking all over for you, love. I want to dance." Newt took my hand and started to lightly drag me towards the dance floor.
I couldn't come up with an excuse quick enough and I found myself in Newts arms waiting for the small band of musicians to finish turning their music pages.
As long as I didn't think of my steps, I could dance. If I tried counting my steps I would be stepping on toes.
" Were you in the gardens? Your smell like rain." Newt asked. He was looking at me but I kept my eyes on his shoulder.
"I was. I needed fresh air. I'm getting rather tired of ball after ball." I said.
There were two ways a pair might dance. A husband was allowed to hold his wife by the waist instead of her ribs. An unmarried pair would never dream of placing hands were it was not appropriate.
Every single time I had danced with Newt, married or not, his hand had been just underneath my shoulder blade but tonight, his hand was on my waist.
A proper unmarried couple kept enough distance so that no accidental brushing would occur.
Newt was throwing all propriety out the window. Yes we were married but still we were not married like that. We had faked our entire wedding night.
During turns, I felt my chest come dangerously close to Newts.
"I saw you talking to Lord Benjamin." Newt said, in the tone he only reserved for the lord.
"Oh yes he wanted to ask me the reasoning behind our marriage." I said, I was trying my best to not lean into Newt. In the proximity, I could smell his distinct scent and it was distracting me from dancing.
"You told him its because we are madly in love right?" He said with a small laugh.
"Of course I did, why on earth would I say otherwise?" I quipped back. I finally met Newts eyes and I couldn't help but stare into them. There was a lighthearted mirth in them I wanted to partake in.
In the moment, I felt my body soften and I finally relaxed into Newts arms.
Newt drew me closer and my breath hitched. Neither of us spoke but we did not brake eye contact.
A magnetic tension started to grow in the small space between Newt and I. My knees started to turn wobbly.
Newt opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by the sound of crashing doors and loud exclamations.
My head snapped to the entrance of the ball room.
A disheveled knight held the entire courts attention. The musician's had quit their playing and hushed conversations turned to silence.
Antonietta stepped forward and addressed the knight.
"What is the meaning of this?" Her voice was tense with anger.
"Your h-highness, I-I King Andros has amassed his forces outside the city gates. General Galileo and his son General Gally were taken prisoner. We must move everyone to our vaults. Constable Minho has taken charge. I've been sent to send warning and call the rest of the men to ready themselves."
The chaos that ensued could not be understated.
It took various attempts but once the crowd managed to lower their voices enough, Newt and Antonietta sprang into action.
"Newt you lead this group to the vaults though the garden. I will take care of the servants, I know the passageways better than you do." The mother and son duo split after a brief hug and raced off.
Newt looked at me, his eyes full of determination. "We need to get the women and elderly to the vaults. My uncle will lead the men." I nodded my head. "I know the way, you make sure no one stays behind."
I didn't want to separate from Newt but I knew I had to do my duty. With a pounding heart, I watched Newt take to the front of the room.
Once we split, Newt with the help of some servants began to usher the ladies out of to the gardens.
I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Sonya looking at me with tears in her eyes.
"No need to fret Sonya. All will be well." I said, grasping her hand.
"Oh I really do hope so your majesty."
It did not take long for the ballroom to be emptied. I did my best to keep the back of the crowd from growing impatient. Thankfully Sonya and some valets aided me in keeping the exit from turning into a stamped.
The walk in the dark was rushed and full of panicked voices. It only took about ten minutes for us to reach a dry marble fountain. I pushed my way to the front. I watched as Newt and a valet moved some dials and after some grunting they were able to move the plate to the side. A tunnel appeared. I watched a servant begin to light the torches as he went down the dark vault.
I met eyes with Newt and could not help but lurch towards him.
"How many forces did Andros bring with him?" I asked, Newt looked down at me and gave me a small smile.
He cupped my face with one hand and rubbed his thumb on my cheek.
"I do not know love but do not fret. We have the upper hand. They still haven't breached the city gates."
I leaned into his hand. My pride be damned, who knew how this would end.
The moment was interrupted by a flustered valet.
"Your majesties, everyone has entered the vault."
I pulled away from Newt and watched the valet exchange a nervous look between Newt and I. Newt gave the valet a small nod; I began to grow confused at the exchange.
Newt grabbed me by both my arms.
"Roan, I know you are not going to agree or like this but you are going to go in there, all right love?"
I furrowed my brow "Yes, I know."
Newt lightly lead me into the vault while he still grasped my arms. He stopped before the steps, I might have tripped otherwise since my back was still turned towards the entrance.
I stepped down the first step and stared up at Newt.
I watched Newt lean forward and kiss the top of my forehead. The kiss was not as rushed as the last one, he pressed down firmly while he squeezed my arms.
Realization hit me moments too late.
The valet moved quickly and wrapped himself around me. I didn't want to thrash too much in fear we would both fall down the stairs.
Helplessly, I watched as Newt began to push the fountain cover. The moonlight fading as he shoved the marble piece along.
"Newt! Newt! You cant do this Newt! Ne-"
My voice was cut off with the final grinding of the marble settling into place. Separating me from the only person I did not want to be without.