Chapter 4 - Interwoven Intimations
431 Words
Chapter 4 - Interwoven Intimations
In days following the ball, Ella's mood remained buoyant thanks to secret trysts with Jenna in secluded nooks of the stables or gardens during stolen moments. As she assisted with wedding preparations, her hands flew light and heart sang freely within though propriety demanded sobriety without.
Richard noticed Ella's change yet misread signs, believing her affections for him had strengthened. His attentions grew cloying as the date neared, showering Ella with gifts, outings and public displays meant to showcase their bond. More than ever she yearned escape to simple solace of Jenna's arms and gentle understanding.
One sunny morn, Ella commissioned floral arrangements under guise of overseeing vendors. On winding path to gardens she chanced upon Jenna amongst rosebushes, hair aglow like woven sunlight as she pruned with practiced care. At Ella's approach she paused, granting a smile meant for her lover alone that set Ella's soul aflame.
Under watchful gaze of garden statues, their hands joined fleetingly as Ella bent to admire blooms, lips brushing delicately behind cover of foliage. Revived, Ella excused herself, hearts nearly bursting from this brief yet sustaining intimacy. All afternoon Tasks passed in haze of remembered caresses till dusk freed her to secret assignation along willowed riverbanks.
Under graceful bowers veiling lovers from prying eyes, Jenna embraced her fully. They spoke naught, for words were paltry compared passion of lips and wandering hands reaffirming bonds forged deeper with each fleeting contact. Lost in thralldom of senses, hours fled unnoticed till darkness blanketed land like protective shield. With reluctance they parted, gazing upon each other as moonglow limned silhouettes.
In following nights haunting melodies of secret encounters played through mind and dreams, buoying Ella's strength for last wedding duties. Cakes were sampled, dresses fitted to perfection yet beneath flourished deeper blooming of passion denied voice.
On eve of nuptials, Richard halted Ella, claiming a bard's performance for their farewell as unmarried souls. Though music mainly doted their supposed joys to come, melancholy strings wove wafting intimations of another's yearning threaded throughout. Tears stung Ella's eyes unbidden yet none saw meaning in her tears but she and one who understood her heart alone.
That night Ellen tossed fitfully, torn souls entwining in dreams of salvation or condemnation as final day loomed, choices to be made and die cast at long last. Come dawn light, would truth out or vows be sealed in name of duty alone? Heart and head at war, only dawn could solve riddle clamoring in her breast as first birds' calls rent shadows of long night.
,
Kwentista
@2023
- Writer
