Duchess of Hope

Almost Time

~~~~~Rebecca~~~~~~

                Since the night her family reminded her of her responsibilities, Rebecca had remained in her room, determined to stay as far away from the reality of her situation as possible. Unfortunately, that reminder came to her every day, as maids that had were told to force-feed her if they had to. Now that food was in her belly–at least more than there was–there were no more fainting spells, but she ended up retching the rest of it up. Rebecca’s body was rejecting it, and despite Aaron sending the Palace doctor, there had been no sign of recovery. Not that she thought there would be with even the best of doctors in the world.

                Preparations proceeded without regard to her health. Her parents had tried, at first, to include her in the planning, but she never offered her opinion, just gave vague answers. They had stopped trying after a week but continued to pressure her about her future husband until she was sick of hearing his name. Sebastian had distanced himself because of her father’s words, so she truly felt more alone now than ever. She did not blame him for it, but she wished to see him again. After the Royal Tailor made the adjustments to her wedding attire, she found herself alone for the rest of the day.

                Then night fell. Rebecca gazed unseeing out the window into the darkness of the night. It felt as though it matched the thoughts and feelings of her heart. Turning her gaze from that view to her desk where her knife lay, she considered several things at that moment. The closer the day got, the more the thought of taking her life seemed appealing. Would it feel like a release? Maybe she could watch over her family from the other side and be happy that way. But then her thoughts turned to Sebastian at that moment and a knock sounded on her door. She recognized that firm but quiet sound as the one person she missed.

“Hey, it’s me.” His familiar voice made her heart skip a beat as he walked over to where she sat. “You look much better physically, but I know this is rough. I brought you a treat.”

                In his hand was some sweets from the marketplace. They had enjoyed these sweets when they were children and suddenly Rebecca found herself transported back to that time. Smiling softly, she took one piece from his hand, unwrapped it, and popped it in her mouth. With the familiar sweet taste on her tongue, she gave him the first genuine smile she wore in a while. It felt like years passed since she last saw him, and while she was happy to see him again, it hurt. She kept wishing things would go back to the way they used to be. Placing a hand on his wrist, she met his gaze.

“Where were you?” The question came unbidden, the thought swirling in the back of her mind for days on end. “I… missed you.”

“I have been a little busy with work.” He replied, causing her brow to quirk. “It’s my belief that your parents hope you will respond better to your marriage if I am separated from you. From your eyes, though, I know that’s not the case.”

“Prince Aaron came to visit last week. He seemed to believe that my ailment was temporary.” Rebecca continued, looking down. “I did nothing to confirm or deny that. Even if I told him I did not wish to marry, it would only make mother and father angry with me, and I doubt he would take no for an answer. All he did that day was to continue his comparisons of me and Princess Evangeline.”

~~~~~Sebastian~~~~~

                Her eyes were still void of life, even though her mood had brightened some since he gave her some of their childhood sweets. Sebastian despised that this was what remained of her. Closing his eyes, he kneeled in front of her on one knee. He wanted to save her from this life her family forced her to lead. To tuck her away someplace safe that no one could touch her. He wanted to bind her to himself, to keep her away from all these people that keep hurting her. Prince Aaron, her parents, even the servants felt jealous over the supposed happy marriage. It was a selfish desire, but it was his desire. Opening his eyes, he met her curious gaze.

“You seem to have something on your mind.” She ventured, her fingertips brushing the black hair on his forehead. “It’s not like you to remain so quiet.”

“Just thinking about the future,” Sebastian replied but immediately regretted it when her expression froze. “Tomorrow, to be exact.”

“I… see,” Rebecca said, turning her gaze back out the window, her hazel eyes saddened. “What happens tomorrow?”

“Your father gave me permission to take you out around town.” He continued when her eyes snapped to him. “The knowledge of your wedding surrounds you all over the house. Might I be your escort tomorrow, instead of Prince Aaron?”

                A genuine smile lifted the corners of her lips then, causing his heart to race in his chest. It had been a while since he had seen her smile quite like that, and it was the smile he fell in love with all those years ago. His eyes narrowed in affection as he met her gaze, bringing out a smile of his own. For tomorrow, he would have to show her the best time. Tucking that promise away, he grabbed her hand and pressed a small kiss to the pale flesh. Meeting her gaze, he rose slowly and smiled. She needed tomorrow. It would be the last time she saw the Palace town before he took her away.

“I actually feel excited about tomorrow, then.” Her response was exactly as he had hoped. “No reminders of my wedding?”

“Not from me.” He countered, hoping to be helpful. “And I plan to take you places that are quiet, so hopefully, not from anyone else either.”

“Wonderful!” He could feel her glee in the air as she clapped her hands together. “I am looking forward to it.”

                Even though it WAS to help her mood, it was also to test the routes they could take as they left the town. That was the plan, and tomorrow was the only day her father had allowed. Going over the places they were to visit along the way, he smiled softly at the tiny light that had reentered her eyes. The least he could do was make it an enjoyable day for her. Taking out a tiny box from his robes, he passed it to her. Another part of the route testing… Rebecca had to leave without being recognized, so this disguise was necessary.

“What’s this?” She asked, turning the package over. “A gift besides the sweets?”

“Yes. I was hoping to convince you to wear it tomorrow.” Sebastian said, grabbing her hands with his. “I thought it would look lovely with your robes for our outing.”

“Of course, I would be happy to wear it for you,” Rebecca replied, taking the veil from the box. “Oh, my…”

                He handpicked the veil to match any outfit she wore tomorrow. Sebastian felt pride well within him at how carefully she was handling the garment he had picked out by himself. The route he planned out would make it so she would come into contact with very few people, and showed some rich scenery he knew she had not seen before, despite how long she lived here. The other nobility could call Rebecca simple, but Sebastian knew what she loved and was more than willing to give that to her, especially since he loved that side of her. She was a good girl, one that deserved all the happiness in the world. Sebastian may not give her all the riches, but he can free her from her responsibilities.