Renisannce Romance

The End of an Affair

    Saphirra woke up to a knock on her door.  "Saphirra?" her sister called.  She wrapped the blanket around her and walked to the door.  Her sister eyed her attire and walked in the room.  She pursed her lips and nodded towards the balcony.  Saphirra put her nightgown over her head and walked out to meet her sister.  She stared off into the distance and felt Avianna's eyes on her.  

    "So you have made your choice then?  I am assuming by the man in your bed and your lack of clothing you have given yourself to him.  What are you going to do sister?"  She sighed and felt her body relax.  "i did make a choice and this disregards that choice entirely.  I decided last night not to go to him and he showed up on my balcony.  When I saw him I lost all control and couldn't turn him away.  He wanted to know me in a way no man has ever known me and I wanted this with him.  I don't know what I'm going to do.  I truly have no thoughts on how to handle this."

    Avianna looked at her with pity in her eyes, "I suppose you could have worse problems than to be loved by two men.  Maybe he can be your lover, do you think Christopher will allow it?"  "Our parents did not set the precedent of cheating for us Sister.  Christopher says he would, but I cannot do that to him, it would destroy him. He needs a wife that's fully committed to him, not in bed with another man."  They both turned as they heard a yawn behind them and Rhett sat up in the bed.

    Avianna's eyes widened as her eyes raked over his fit physique.  "I see the attraction Sister," she whispered.  Rhett looked at them with a sleepy smile, "Good morning Your Highnesses." He stood up and began to put his shirt on and button it.  Saphirra bit her lip looking at his morning hair.  "Good morning Sir.  Saphirra, I will see you shortly," Avianna left with a smile and blushing cheeks as she walked out and closed the door.  

    Saphirra walked over to the bed as he sat down beside her and kissed her forehead.  "Thank you for allowing me to experience what it's like to love you Princess.  If this is all I ever receive in life, I will feel complete."  She smiled at him, "I'm happy you came Rhett, I wish it could be like this forever."  He pulled back looking at her questioningly as a knock came on the door.  "You are a popular lady this morning."  "Darling? Are you awake?" Christopher called from the door.

    Saphirra looked at Rhett with fear in her eyes and pushed him out onto the balcony.  "Stay here until he is gone."  She opened the door, "Good morning Christopher!  What brings you by so early?"  "Unfortuately my dear I have to return home to deal with some important matters.  My mother has fallen ill and I need to be with her and help my father."  "Oh no! Would you like me to accompany you?"  "No, I need you to stay here and plan the wedding.  I want to come back and marry you right away so I was considering asking if we could  be married within the month."  She looked at him wide eyed, it was not uncommon for couples to marry quickly, but royal weddings took some planning.  "Of course, I will meet with the staff and begin preparations today."  

    He smiled and kissed her cheek, "Thank you darling.  I wanted my mother to be at our wedding, you know how she adores you.  I do not know with her health how long she has so I am confident we can do this faster for her."  "Absolutely I will send word to you so you will know when to arrive."  "Wonderful now please get dressed I would like to have breakfast with you before I travel back."  "I will be down in a moment."  She stood on her tip toes to kiss him before closing the door.  

She heard the balcony door open slowly behind her and Rhett walk in the room.  "You're still going to marry him? After last night?  After knowing where your heart lies you would still choose him?"  She looked at him with tear filled eyes, "Rhett, it is not so simple.  I do love him, though it is a different kind of love, he is my dearest friend.  He is a prince and I am to be queen, he is an excellent choice to have by my side.  I have to follow through with this commitment.  I'm only sorry I allowed you to become so close to me, it was not a wise decision knowing I was already betrothed, but I do love you and I couldn't resist having you even if I do not get to keep you as mine."

    He stared at her, betrayal written all over his face, "I do not deserve this Saphirra and neither do you.  You know you love me so leave all this, leave it and we will start our lives together.  We never have to look back, Avianna will take over and you will have the freedom you desire."  She shook her head and looked at the floor, "I am so sorry my love.  I want that with you I truly do, but I cannot leave him.  I have to marry him Rhett and I wanted to tell you this last night before you came here. I do not regret what's happened, I only pray you can move forward and I haven't broken your heart."  He had a look of anger as he tilted her chin up to look into his eyes, "The only way you have broken me is by choosing to leave me.  I am selfish and do not want you with another man, you are mine and you always will be.  I take comfort in knowing that you will love me always, but your choice is made.  I cannot force your hand.  Goodbye Princess."  He kissed her forehead as she felt tears streaming down her cheeks.  He looked into her eyes and kissed her tears before walking to the door and leaving after looking back one more time as if asking her to follow.  After a few seconds he closed the door and Saphirra felt into the floor in a puddle of tears.