Chapter Three
1357 Words
"What are you doing?" I asked curiously hugging my sides in an attempt to warm up. "Building a fire," he said while gathering dry twigs and stones.
"Okay but why?" I said yawning and leaning against Phillipe.
"Cause you're cold." He replied while flicking the stones against each other. He wasn't wrong though, because I felt my hands shaking furiously. I nodded and waited for him to start the fire up.
Sitting down and staring into the fire, listening peacefully to the crackling sounds the wood makes when the flames lick them. It's peaceful in a chaotic way I guess. I gently scrape my hands along the sleeves of my dress and allow the warmth of the fire to spread through my body.
"You're different..." he slowly drew out and that statement captured my attention. I let out a low chuckle and drew my knees hugging them to my chest and resting my head on them.
"I know."
"So why did you enter the fight?" He asked me, his soft voice filtering the quiet forest.
I kept quiet for a while. Why did I enter the fight? The question kept running through my mind and I could only find one answer.
But I couldn't tell a random stranger that... Right?
"Ro?" He asked me softly while leaning over. "Huh? Oh sorry, guess I got a bit caught in my thoughts."
"Seems like that" he chuckled.
"I- I uhm entered the fight because I wanted to put some of our wonderful male population in their place. To show them that girls can be just as good as boys and that they don't have to follow what society says. And also I like kicking butt" I grinned and it was partially the truth, I love to defy the rules of society, and give people something to talk about.
He whistled lowly and allowed the golden flames to dance around in his eyes, making them twinkle slightly.
"You sure are something else, Ro."
I made a bow gesture and waved him off "Why thank you, kind sir, I try!"
Luca kept quiet for a while and I was enjoying the silence, he is doing good so far if I had to rate his personality.
Maybe he was one of the good guys? I don't know, but for now, I liked keeping my mouth shut and enjoying the hot flames warming up my skin.
A couple of minutes passed but he suddenly cleared his throat.
"But you do know it is preposterous though. Girls aren't built for doing these tasks you know. I guess girls are supposed to care and listen to their husbands and obey. Learn about politeness and finesse, what dress to wear, and to nurture their children. Women in general belong in a kitchen.
Girls are made to carry children and obey and love men." He suddenly said and I felt myself go rigid. I hated the fact that men thought they were entitled to everything, thinking that women are supposed to listen and hang on to every word they say. I keep trying to prove that girls don't have to be saved by someone, you can save yourself.
Safe to say that I was shocked and my mouth hung open, he was doing so good and yet he had to open up his idiotic little mouth and speak.
I balled my hands into fists and pushed my nails into the palms, I do this when I try to calm down.
"I think it's enough to talk for one day I'm heading home, Aunt Marie is probably worried sick," I said trying to calm myself down and standing up.
"Let me walk you home." He offered and stood up as well.
"No thank you, I can walk myself." I gritted my teeth and flung the saddle over the back of my horse. Tightening the girth and slipped into my saddle.
"Ro wait when can I see you again." He asked.
I turned around and said "Wonderful meeting you Luca." Dripping every word with sarcasm. Making a beeline and dodging trees and mossy trunks I thought about what I am going to face when I get home. Cringing at the punishment I was going to receive I wished time would still for a while, just enough so that I could leave everything behind and start new, fresh.
It only took a couple of minutes, 15 at the most, when I saw the front porch of the large manor. My aunt takes great Pride in this particular building, even though it was my parent's hard work that got them here. She feeds off their legacy and success, but I would never dare tell her that. Sneaking Phillipe back into the stables I quietly walked past the garden. It held the most important memories, ones where I used to dance around and skip along the sweet fragrance of Lavender and Jasmine while my mom played her violin. She was the best at music, honestly, she could play almost any instrument you could give her. I think that was one of the reasons my dad fell in love with her, because of her passions.
My mom planted rows and rows of luscious flowers with soft fragrances that reminded me of summer. It was her favorite pastime, she would spend hours reading or playing music in the garden. I remembered rushing underneath the vines that grew messily on top of the little gazebo, sprouting pink little buds every spring and hiding from my teacher.
I felt the corners if my lips turn up slightly when I thought of these memories I treasured deeply. Suddenly a hand yanked me into the little Wendy House where all of the equipment was stored.
"Where were you? Lady Marie is going to sack us all! You don't understand how reckless you are being, I could lose my job!" Lily, the maid said.
I rolled my eyes "Oh hush Lily, no one is losing their jobs, you are hired on my parent's account and as long as I am here, you are staying. And the old hag already knows where I was, in fact, she witnessed me fight! Lily, it was amazing, feeling the rush of adrenalin coursing through my veins as I battled my opponent. It was-" Lily cut my gushing short and shrieked in her usual shrill voice "I do not care about the feelings you feel when you are doing those unlady-like events, I do care about what you are going to wear tonight! Oh dear goodness we have a lot to do in such little time!"
Her hands flew to her cheeks and she looked anxious.
What is she talking about? What's happening 'tonight'? Am I officially kicked out? That would make leaving so much easier, as though I knew Aunt Marie would never pass up the chance of making my life miserable. "Lily, what in heaven's name are you talking about?" I take her hand gently and shake it a bit. Even though Lily worries too much, she is my friend and I intend to keep her company. I enjoy talking to someone around here, it's comforting.
"Oh, dear Lady Marie hasn't told you yet? Oh well, I suppose I should inform you that tonight the Lady is going to host a banquet and will be looking at suitors." She rushed over her words so quickly it took time to sink in.
"Oh no! She can't marry Alice off! She's still so young, she has a lot to learn and she is only thirteen Lily! I won't allow the old witch to marry her daughter away, I simply would not stand for it!" I huffed furiously. How could she send her own little girl away, Alice is still young she has a bit of her life and she must enjoy it while she can, because at fourteen... that's when her training starts. And it drains you emotionally and physically.
Lily looked at me as if I was mad and suddenly burst out laughing. "She's not looking at suitors for Alice, Rosa!"
"Then who is she looking suitors for?" I crossed my arms.
"You."
- Writer
