Adele
Adele
Jack gazed sullenly through the frosted windowpane and watched the raindrops fall like the tears of angels upon the freshly tilled soil of the fields. He took a deep breath, and then another. So many things he had taken for granted, before she had entered his life. Now, every little aspect of his existence seemed to be imbued with a higher purpose.
He turned back to her. She sat in the armchair across the room, her eyes fixed on the dancing tendrils of the fire. Its flickering light cast shadows across her porcelain features. He moved a few meters to the desk, and then slumped against it. �Well then?� he began, trying in vain to inject a trace of apathy in his voice.
She did not remove her gaze from the fireplace. �I have already told you how it must be,� she replied softly. Her voice held regret, but also firm resolve.
�You know how I feel toward the notion of arranged marriages,� Jack gritted, attempting to hold fast to his civility, and his temper.
She turned to him then, a faint smile upon her face. �My dear cousin,� she teased, wicked humor creeping into the words as she spoke, �a casual observer might mark you as jealous.�
Jack�s face flushed, and he fought to regain his composure. The memory of that afternoon still pervaded his thoughts. She had been so vulnerable then, a sweet and innocent girl of sixteen. The sunset had sparkled upon the water, bathing the coastline in a warm golden glow. Their kiss had been unintentional, yet uniquely tender, and the moon�s rise had given way to�
He turned his attention back to her, struggling to conceal his reaction to the memories of that evening. Her impish grin gave him cause to believe that his efforts were for naught. He cleared his throat and began again.
�Lord Vandemar has a reputation for indiscretion,� he essayed.
His thrust was parried with a slow blink and another glowing smile from Adele. �Lord Vandemar�s reputation is only debated among the denizens of the local taverns. I would not have presumed that you would fall in with such ilk, Jack.�
Jack gripped the edges of the desk, frustration building. �I only look out for your best interests, Adele.�
Adele rose from the armchair, sauntering toward her cousin with the grace of a catamount�grace that had been well learned since childhood. She was well bred, and countless layers of civility cloaked her feelings. Adele�s true emotions were elusive, but Jack knew where to look. Her eyes bespoke caution, but Jack would hear none of it.
�Your uncle looks out for my interests as well, cousin,� Adele murmured. She stood before him, the back of her soft, pale hand caressing his stubbled cheek.
Jack arched an eyebrow. �He has investigated Lord Vandemar�s history as I have?�
Adele turned away from him, dropping her arm to her side. �This conversation is as pointless now as it was the last time we spoke. My father has already arranged��
�Damn your father!� Jack spat.
Adele spun swiftly, hand raised. The blow stung Jack�s cheek, and he looked at the ornate rug at his feet as he rubbed the side of his face. Adele turned on her heel and headed for the door. Jack took two long strides and grabbed her arm.
�Release me at once!� she demanded, trying to jerk away from him.
Jack held fast to her forearm, pulling her back to the desk. �Please, cousin,� Jack pleaded. �Don�t do this!�
Adele struggled no longer, and Jack released her. She stood before him, tears welling in her eyes, and he parted his dry lips to speak the words that echoed within his heart�s every beat.
�Since we were children, my love for you has been unwavering. I have always been the one at your side. I have run to your defense in times of need.�
�You were always my knight,� Adele agreed, smiling through her tears.
�And now,� Jack continued, grasping her hands in his and squeezing them tightly, �There is a danger from which I cannot rescue you. The tides of fate take you from me, and I rail in vain against them. Please, Adele. Do not let this marriage tear us asunder.�
Adele sniffed, and a teardrop fell from her cheek, splashing upon Jack�s hand. �Oaths have been taken,� she sighed. �Bargains have been made. The wedding must take place, by sunset tomorrow.�
Her eyes slowly climbed up to meet his, and it cut him in twain to see the pain that was awash in her azure eyes. �I am sorry, Jack.�
She turned away from him and walked toward the door, shoulders stooped with grief. Jack called her name once more, and she turned.
�Know that I would die for you,� he pleaded.
She shook her head, smiling sadly. �Live instead, cousin. Live for yourself.�
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