Red

The Day I Lost My Modesty

I looked down at my hands that were nervously fidgeting in my lap. I could not be sure why I was so afraid. Levi had already to call him by his Christian name, I had already flung myself into his arms, cried in front of him, and most humiliating, emptied the contents of my stomach while he stroked my hair. I'm not entirely sure how I could possibly embarrass myself any further.

"How are you feeling, Red?" His deep baritone voice was somehow soothing, making me look up at him.

"Red?" I placed a small smile on my lips and raised an eyebrow.

"Well, it seems fitting, do you not think so? That beautiful red hair is striking in comparison to anyone else in any room." He gave me a genuine smile.

"You think I'm beautiful, my Prince?" I said, slightly perturbed at the idea that someone as high ranking as the Prince could find me appealing.

"I said that your hair is beautiful, I said nothing about your appearance as a whole." Levi said, looking out the window.

I blushed a deep scarlet and threw my eyes back into my lap. Until, I heard a loud laugh.

"See, Red is the perfect name for you, even your cheeks acknowledge that it is your name now." Levi said, with a twinkle in his eye.

I glared at him humorously, "You, Sir, are a brute of a man." And I crossed my arms over my chest.

I noticed his eyes flicker towards my chest, and started to blush again, putting my hands back down into my lap, as a lady should.

"And yet, when you are angered, you are even more beautiful still." He smiled with a wink.

"So you admit it? You think I am beautiful?" I tilted my head with a smile.

"No, but I must confess to thinking that you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. Plus you have such a sparkling personality to match it. You are as beautiful inside as you are on the outside." He took my hand and lay a light kiss on my knuckles.

I blushed again and turned my face to the window, suddenly remembering the reason we were in the carriage. 

Guilt washed over me. Here I was, shamelessly flirting with the Prince Levi, while my poor auntie was at Doc Jenkin's house, probably sobbing her darling heart out, all alone. And my beloved uncle was laying in a bed, lifeless. His skin turned grey. His chest still.

A tear fell out of my right eye and traced down my cheek, leaving a wet trail down my face, then dripping off my jaw onto my dress.

"I apologize, my Lady, I should not be attempting to court you without consent, and especially when you are facing such a horrible situation. That was very callous of me." He pulled out a gold box. "I am told that chocolate can help make you feel better during such hardships, would you like to try one?" He opened the box and presented me with rows of differently shaped chocolates. 

"Thank you, Levi. I have never tried chocolate before." I selected one that had brown and white swirls mixed together and bite off a piece. The sweet flavor invaded my mouth. It melted slowly on my tongue. I couldn't help the moan that left my throat. "That is amazing."

I looked toward Levi and saw an unknown expression on his face. He tried to speak, but his voice was hoarse, so he cleared his throat as he closed the box.

"Then you must keep the box, share it with your auntie." He tried to hand me the box.

"No, Levi, they are your chocolates. I know that chocolates are imported from overseas. I couldn't possibly take them from you." I pushed them back towards him.

He smiled and shook his head, "Nonsense, I have many more boxes at home, I would be honored if you would take this box." He looked at me, pleading with his eyes.

"Then, thank you. I shall share them with my auntie. I am sure it will help make her feel better." I accepted the box and put it on my lap, smiling up at him.

The carriage rolled down to a stop in front of Doc Jenkin's house. A sense of familiarity and dread pooled in my lower stomach. But this time I knew what was inside. 

The stairs were lowered by the footman and Levi gracefully stepped out. He picked up my suitcase and handed it to the butler that came to the door. Then he turned back to me and offered his hand to help me out of the carriage. I shakily took it and stepped down to the ground, straightening my dress once I was steady.

I turned to the butler, Reginald, and said in the steadiest voice I could muster, "Where is my auntie?"

"She is in the sunroom, my Lady. May I show you to her?" He bowed his head to me.

"Please do, thank you." I nodded.

Levi offered me his arm, and we followed Reginald to where auntie was sitting, still in her blood stained gown from the ball. 

Auntie's face was still red and she was clutching uncle's handkerchief to her face. 

"Auntie?" I said softly, not wanting to startle her.

But, she was clearly so lost in thought, that my voice sent her jumping and turning to look at me.

"Oh! Oh, my darling. You're here. I was so afraid about where you were!" She rushed up to me and bundled me into her arms. "I love you so much, darling." she sobbed into my shoulder.

"Everything will be fine, auntie. We have each other." I said, soothingly.

She ripped herself from my arms and spun away toward the window, "How? How will everything be fine? I haven't worked in over twenty years! Your uncle provided everything for us! And now I don't even have enough savings to provide him a decent burial!' She shrieked, then crumpled into a ball on the floor.

I ran to her and with Levi's help, planted her into the sofa nearby. I took a seat next to her. 

"We will find a way, auntie. We always do. Remember when uncle broke his arm and couldn't work? I babysat for the Jetson's children. I will find other children to babysit, I will find a way to provide for us." I stroked her hair. 

"And, if I may be so bold, I would be honored if you would allow me to take care of the burial arrangements." Levi announced lightly.

Auntie looked up, as if noticing him for the first time. She took in his tailored suit and the crest on his pocket. 

"My Prince!" She bowed her head, shaking. "I apologize for my outburst in front of you. It was unbecoming of me."

"Please, my Lady, no such apology is required. You have just gone through a terribly traumatic event. It is to be expected. However, my offer still stands. In addition, I will ensure that your kitchen remains full and your horses fed."

Auntie's brows creased in confusion. "But, I cannot repay you, my Prince. Why would you do that for us?"

Levi stood tall to his full height, "Because, my Lady, I could never let the woman I intend to court, go without whatever she needs."