The Lives

Adara (chapter I)

My bedroom is my haven, no one can trespass, except my one and only sister. A tower room overlooking the most magnificent garden, this is truly my own. "Adaraaaaaaaaaa!" whines my sister every time she wants something.

"What do you want now Abellone?" she doesn't even understand how privileged she is. She is the older sister that will rule the kingdom, while I will be married off to some creep for a treaty, that isn't even needed.

"I'm meeting my prince at the market in a few hours and you know how well that would go over with mom and dad."

"And?"

"Come with me, you can look around and shop and we can meet back up at the entrance at sunset." I'm surprised she actually thought this through, I guess that proves she actually loves this one.

"I guess, for my sister." I always give her what she wants, I guess I have a sister complex.

"Thank you soooooooo much! I love you Adara." Our conversation ended after she hugged me and went skipping out.

"I can never win against you, huh." Talking to myself, again. Since I have time till I cover for Abellone I might as well paint. That's all a really do, paint, read, and favors for Abellone. My life isn't that interesting, but my life is mine so I live it whatever way I can. Oh no, my mother is coming, I know the sound of everyone's footsteps, they're very different if you pay attention.

"Adara, sweetheart, there is someone I would like for you to meet." Said as she opens the door without knocking, like usual. Since Abellone is already engaged my mother has all the visiting princes meet me.

"Who is it this time, mother?" I always go along with her idiotic plans, but I have made it clear I shall not marry unless I choose.

"He is truly wonderful, a complete gentleman, and he has spectacular manners. Please just meet with him and be pleasant, you never know, this one might be different." Mother must really see this one as promising if she is going as far as trying to persuade me.

"As always I will meet with him, however it will probably end up the way it always does." The prince always leaves unsatisfied, I have above average looks but they can never look past that. Not one of them has asked what I like to do. They always just compliment me and undress me with their eyes.

"You never know, but thank you for always trying." She leaves fully pleased with herself. After the door shuts again I go to get changed into my favorite meeting garment, a simple violet colored long gown, fit for the Grecian princess I am.

"I wonder what this one will do?" I ask myself with amusement, they always try different ways of getting me to fall for them. None have had any success yet. If this one truly is different, let me see what he accomplishes.

Down stairs in the gardens I see the most indescribable man. My mother is next to him going on about how I take great care of the flowers. It is true, I love taking care of the flowers. They give me this sense of tranquility every time I enter the gardens. Perhaps that is why mother always has me meet them in the gardens?  

"Good afternoon." I greet them from across the room. They tend to not be fond of being surprised.

"Ah, this is my lovely daughter Adara. She will accompany you today. Please enjoy your visit." With that my mother leaves us to 'enjoy' ourselves.

"What would you like to see today?" most of them just look at my body and then make an excuse of wanting to see the market.

"Do you mind showing me the rest of this magnificent garden?" his voice was like velvet honey, the most soothing sound I have ever heard.

"You wish to see my garden?" no one not even the castle personal or my family likes to be in my garden. 

"Will you allow me the gift of seeing it?" he seems to be extremely curious about it, which is unusual.

"I would be delighted to show it to you." I think my smile might have actually become genuine for once.

After showing him the entire garden, per his request, it was time to cover for Abellone. I have to say I was surprised at how interested and attentive he was during the garden tour. He is actually decent company. I have to say that I actually didn't mind meeting this one.

"Umm...my sister and I have a trip to the market planned. If you would like you could accompany us, since it is still quite early for you to be leaving." I'm not sure why I just invited him to accompany me. I have never invited any of the others to do anything.

"That would be lovely, thank you for inviting me." He smiles at me as we enter the foyer to meet my sister. He has an amazing smile that could thaw even the most frozen of hearts. After meeting Abellone and getting to the market she immediately disappears.

"There she goes." I say on a sigh. I look over at my companion for this afternoon. Maybe this will be better than walking around alone. I feel a small smile start to appear on my face. It is quickly wiped away when a thought suddenly caught my attention. I stop walking and look over to the very handsome man who is looking at me confused.

"Is everything alright princess?" Oh my, hearing him call me my least favorite word doesn't make me as annoyed as it usually did. I wonder why? It still annoys me though. I shake my head and look directly into his eyes.

"No actually, I don't know your name." Apparently he found my comment funny because he smiled and laughed the sexiest laugh I have ever heard, deep and sensual.

"Is that all?" He was still chuckling. I simply pursed my lips and nod.

"Alright then princess. My name is Alastair." Alastair, an interesting name for an interesting man. We continue walking around the market. We still have plenty of time till sunset.

"Well Alastair, could you please not call me princess? I do have a name you know." I absolutely hated being called princess, just because I am a princess doesn't mean you can't call me by my name.

"I know and it is a beautiful name, however I find it interesting how you get annoyed by being called princess." He smirks at me. I mean he SMIRKED at me, the nerve. I pout and glare at him at the same time, don't ask me how I managed to do both.

"Well I don't find it interesting at all and how did you know it annoys me?"  Nobody ever notices the subtle changes in my mood, well except Abellone.

"It's fairly obvious, you show your emotions through your eyes." I never knew that, no one really looks me in the eyes. Hmm...suddenly my attention is caught by the most beautiful bracelet I have ever seen. It was a thin silver band that was engraved to look like lace and was embedded with different colored gems shaped like stars. I have a weakness for stars.

"Would you like that princess?" I hadn't noticed I had stopped to look at it.

"No..." I shook my head and started walking again. To distract him I asked, "Would you like to look at the ocean?" I turn my head to see him giving me a smile that screamed he was up to something. What is he hiding? Before I could ask he grabs my hand and leads me towards the cliffs near the port. The view was breath taking, the deep blue of the ocean combined with the orange, yellow, red, and pink of the setting sun, along with the stars blinking into view. 

"Beautiful." I muttered under my breath. I have never seen anything so amazing. That's when I noticed that Alastair still had a hold of my hand. I didn't say anything because the warmth of his hand wasn't something I minded, in fact I dare say I enjoyed it.