Love That Lived In The Next Life

20

The air sung in her ears of the local marketplace. Duke's carriage turned into an entire bazaar with different trinket like machines serving as customer service for eager patrons. Incoherent chatter rumbled around her. The sun shined bright down on the village square as a faceless sea of people walked around her. Caiden stared up at an erected fountain in the center of the square. The four traditional family crests stood stall on the tower themed fountain. A small smile trailed her face as she stared up at the Beneviento crest. A soft sigh escaped her lips.

"Wary traveler! How would you like to look through my shop? I was just looking for ways to pass the time and I think I have something that may be of use to you." The voice brought a tear to Caiden's eye as she turned around. Duke sat in his old-fashioned carriage. His body was somehow bigger and looked slightly withered by time. Caiden fully turned toward Duke in awe.

"Duke?"

"Caiden! How good to see you! I knew someday that we would meet again." His charismatic grin brought genuine joy to her face.

"How did you know?" Caiden asked with an amused smirk.

"Let's just say I've been around. My contacts on the other side of life are even more reliant than the ones I have here!" A jolly laugh shook his body. Caiden smiled fondly at her friend.

"I've missed you Duke," she said softly.

"I missed you too, Caiden."

"So," she said with a wave of her arm. "I see you've been busy since I've been gone. The marketplace has really turned into a money-making machine!"

"All in a day's work! The customer is always right after all. It's what keeps them coming back." Caiden chuckled as her eyes stared off into the crowd. "So, how long are you here for?"

"A week," she said softly. "Maybe longer if Mother Miranda has any part in it, but a week definitely."

"A week? My, my, that is a long time. How are Cameron and Daniella going to like that?" Caiden's brows shot up as her attention turned back to Duke. "What? I told you I had friends on the other side. Did you think I wouldn't inquire on an old friend if I could?" Caiden's shoulders sagged slightly as her smile relaxed.

"You are a great friend no matter the lifetime."

"Naturally," he chimed.

"Oh! Donna wanted to know if you had any chocolate to spare." Caiden's hands went to pockets and felt for her the sewn hidden pockets. Lei popped out and shined in the sunlight. She handed it toward Duke. Duke smiled as he took the lei and counted it.

"I'm sure I have something from my personal shop." His seat turned around like clockwork. The sounds of shuffling inside of the carriage was so loud that it slightly shook the cart. Duke turned around a moment later with a small, white paper wrapped box. "Would you believe that no one even buys from my carriage anymore? They rarely ever see the Duke behind the Duke's bazaar."

"A real travesty. Why don't they want to shop from your cart? It used to be the main attraction."

"A lot has changed since you left. My little robotic friends were much more charming. A real token after their creator." A frown tugged on the edges of Caiden's lips.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"As long as they have good customer service, I'll be alright with it."

"Do you ever stop by the manor? The greenhouse? For a change of scenery?" Duke's smile faltered slightly and trembled a touch. Caiden's brow lined with worry. The box was handed to her, and she took it with a gentle grasp.