Subsistent Lies

I found poor Gabriella shaking with Blaine by her side. He saw me and departed, taking note of Gabriella for on

e last time. I tended to her, ignoring her stubborn protest until she broke down and cried. I sighed as I held her, rubbing her back for some means of comfort. If only it was Gabriel’s arms that I was holding instead of my sister’s. I cursed myself for thinking such an ill thought and escorted Gabriella to our chamber. Still, that night I thought of him, and it seems that he too stole my sleep from me. In the morning I left our room, seeing a weary Isabella and an annoyed Gabriella. “Where is mother?”

“She left earlier with Lady Jocelyn. She did not tell us of her matters.”

I nodded and looked toward my sisters. “In what mood is this. We meet our second and last suitors today.”

“A day of sadness, I am sure.” Gabriella muttered.

I looked toward her and sighed. “Do not think so. It will only be thus if you think so.”

“And should I not. I know many times when you have reconsidered.”

“Yes I have reconsidered it but not spoke of it aloud. You know how mother feels. Perhaps you should not think of Blaine and worry more on your next two suitors as well.”

Gabriella raised a brow and stomped a foot on the ground. “You talk like you are the only one who has escaped love.”

“Am I not. Isabella has Darius and you have Blaine.”

“And you have darling, annoying Gabriel.”

“I do not.” I turned from her to attend to the hearth.

“Tell me why your eyes are drained?”

“I am fatigued with tending to you last night is all.”

“You have not slept at all. You were up thinking of him.”

“Now you know my thoughts little sister.”

“You speak like you know mine.”

“Your eyes betray you, as well as Isabella’s.”

“Mother told me that before you came, she found you with Gabriel. Did the good Lord bid you farewell with a kiss.”

“You know that if that had happened, mother would not forgive me.”

“Still……”

“Do not presume on things that never happened. Now leave here, you must meet your suitor anyways.”

I turned from her and returned my eyes to the flames. “This conversation is not at an end. I will learn all there is to know of you and Gabriel in due time.”

“As I will learn of you and Blaine.”

I heard Gabriella hiss before leaving the room, slamming the door behind her. “She is angry because you are right.” Isabella said from behind me.

I smiled and turned to her. “You are right my baby sister. Tell me, do you feel better.”

“Better than last night. I do not know what overcame me. Darius was there though, and I must find him to thank him.”

“That you must. Perhaps the presence of him overpowered you and made you faint.” Isabella blushed before turning around and leaving the room. I looked to the flames one last time and then got up and headed to find my suitor as well.

*************

When I had reached the courtyard, I spotted my suitor talking to Gabriel. I gave slow breaths as I slowly walked to the two of them. “Lord Gabriel,” I bowed. “What brings you here?”

He smiled down at me and looked toward my suitor. “I speak to the Baron of his lands.”

I nodded as I looked toward the man. I must admit, if I wasn’t completely taken with Gabriel, I would have fallen for this Baron. He looked young, perhaps Gabriel’s age if not older. He had long black hair that tied back into a ponytail. His eyes were so black I felt I saw the hollows of hell myself. But his face was kind, and his smile even kinder. “Why do you speak of the Baron of his lands? What interest would that be of yours?”

“Nothing to worry yourself over, my lady.” The Baron told me.

“I’m sure you think that the lands are only known for men but I assure you I know more about the lands of Anevia than half your men, probably more than you.”

The Baron laughed at this as well as Gabriel.

“You are probably right, my lady. Are you ready? I have hitched two horses for us.”

I turned from him to Gabriel and nodded. “I am ready. Do we not eat breakfast this morn?”

“Nay, I have brought something to feast on.”

“A picnic then.”

“Aye, a picnic.”

“And what would your name be, dear Baron. If I’m to marry you then I should at least know of your name.”

He smiled again and nodded. “Aye, you must. It is Julian of Iscelly, but you may call me Julian.”

“An honor, I’m sure.” I nodded, trying to cover up my sarcastic tone.

Julian only nodded and offered his arm. “If you humor me as much as you do now, then I will not wait no longer for the horse ride.”

I looked at Gabriel again, hoping he would save me, but he only nodded. In defeat I narrowed my eyes at him and took Julian’s arm. “Then take me to the horses. I too, wait for this encounter.”

He smiled as he escorted me to the stables. Inside I was furious. How dare Gabriel tell me of his love and not even save me from my suitor? Maybe Gabriella was right, maybe he was just an annoying man. It wouldn’t surprise me.

The ride with Julian was pleasant, and I was almost sad to leave. He had entertained me with jokes and tales, and even played the lute for me. Surely if I was to choose a suitor, I would want it to be him. Still, thoughts of Gabriel haunted me and I cursed myself for it. After me and Julian bid farewell, I ran into him. “And how was your ride, my lady?” He smiled at me, his green eyes sparkling.

I narrowed my eyes and stalked past him. “Much better than your presence.” I muttered.

He quickly grabbed my hand and turned me to him. “What is this? You give me none of your pleasantries.”

“You do not save me from my suitors yet you tell of your love for me.”

“I can not do that to you. It would dishonor you as well as me.”

“Men and their honor. I try to understand it but it only betrays me. Now unhand me. I must seek my last suitor.”

His eyes softened and he pulled me closer to him. “Will you not look to me in love? Will you not at least tell me that you have no interest in the man?”

“I’d be lying if I told you this. I enjoyed Julian’s company and would not mind being suited as his wife.”

Gabriel’s eyes stared at me, before falling in the crick of my neck. “And do you enjoy the company of me? You would not want to be suited as my wife.”

I smiled at the feel of his mouth on my skin. “You know my feelings for you.”

He looked up from his place and into my eyes. “Do I?” He gave me a crooked smile and I blushed and looked away.

“You embarrass me.” He smiled and straightened his posture, holding me like he did the night of the ball.

“I embarrass you love only because you curse me.”

“I curse you. You wish me to be your wife and have not even called for my hand.”

“In good time, love, in good time.”

I opened my mouth to say something when I heard Calib’s voice. “You betray your kingdom by cuddling with the enemy.”

I quickly pushed myself from Gabriel but he only held me tighter. “Does she betray her kingdom by loving one who will love her right?”

He kissed my temple and started to rub my back. I shuddered at his touch and clung to him more. “You may have her hand but I have her heart.”

“Gabriel,” I pushed myself harder and released myself from him.

“You embarrass me more. Calib, what talk do you speak of his betrayal?”

"You speak to me now?” He asked, anger evident in his voice.

“You are still suited to see me, I must.” I answered the same venom in my voice. He raised one of his brows, but then smiled. “You do not know that the man that seeks your love is also the man that has declared war on Anevia.”

“You lie.” I said, looking at Gabriel. He was looking past my head and I shook him. “Tell me that he lies.”

He looked down at me, that look of seriousness that had won my heart, and softly touched my face. “Nay my love, he only speaks the truth.”

I quickly moved from him and shook my head. “Then my heart you no longer hold.”

I looked at him once more before fleeing. Seconds later Calib was at my side. “Do not weep for him.”

I looked at him and quickly wiped a tear. “I weep for no man that betrays me or Anevia.”

“But you were in his arms.” His voice still held the bitterness as before.

“Do not be alarmed. He only comforts me.”

“Aye, comfort.”

I sighed. “Do not be angered by it. T’was nothing.”

Calib looked at me and sighed. “If you lie, then you lie. Come, will you at least.”

I looked down at his hand then finally took it. “Only because my mother wills it Calib.” He smiled as we headed for the gardens.