A Collection of Historical Short Stories

Pearl Cove: A Story of Divided Lovers

No one could describe the feeling that washed over you when you were in Pearl Cove. The deep pool of crystal water was surrounded by a curtain of weeping willows. The leaves hung low, almost as if they were yearning for your touch. Nonetheless, you would continue swimming. I loved this cove. It was the only place I had to myself. I would journey a mile through the woods and brush just for the few hours of solace that the cove provided.

Just like any other day I escaped my bustling home and scurried off to the cove. Nowhere in my abode could I find a quiet corner. There was always a crying sibling or demanding parent hiding somewhere. As I reached the glassy waters of the pond I slipped my toes beneath the surface to test the water. It was crisp and inviting. I unfastened the buttons surrounding my bodice and slipped off my gown. It lay in the soil while I ventured into the deep water. Weeds tickled the soles of my feet as I dared to swim farther into the cove. My mind went blank, my breath became shallow. As my eyes closed I let myself shift onto my back, floating on the top of the water.

Time went by almost too fast at Pearl Cove. I spent so much time here my fingers became pruned. After I realized how long I had been floating, I lifted my head to say my goodbyes. When my eyes were fully opened I saw a figure in the distance. Through the feathers of the willow trees I noticed a horse. All my time here and I had never noticed wild horses living around before. Upon a deeper look I saw a saddle atop the horse's back. Panic filled my body as I waded back to the shore.

The hairs on my neck stood straight. Who was here, who had been watching me? I observed every corner of the cove, but it was too hard to see if anyone was through the leaves. As I dressed myself I heard a clearing of the throat off in the distance. Behind my back was a pair of green eyes peering at me from next to the horse. I wondered how long he had been there.

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God she was so beautiful. I had only stopped by to let my horse take a drink before we traveled on to a neighboring kingdom. She had gotten me so distracted I hadn't even realized how long I had been there. It's almost like this small lake put a trance over me. That wasn't the only thing. When I arrived here, there was a girl floating in the pool wearing nothing but a white under dress. The thin fabric clung to her body exposing every curve. It kept her modest while doing justice to her astounding figure.

She must have seen me. Why else would she have left the water with such panic in her eyes. She dressed quickly without missing a beat. I wish I would have said something to her at this moment. I am too much of a coward to proclaim anything to her. It's not like we could ever be together. From her clothing she looks like a village girl. My father would label her a peasant, though no "peasant" could possess such beauty. After this moment I must forget about her no matter how much I long to remember.

Oh God. She found me. My eyes looked up to meet her gorgeous oaky, chocolate orbs.

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My body froze. What was I supposed to do? All I could make out was a furrowed brow and a wisp of jet black hair that hung above his forehead. He had seen me in my undergarments. If anyone caught wind of this I would be ruined. My mother told me I was the hope to get this family out of poverty. My beauty would save us; the only thing I had to do was stay pure until marriage. So who was the young man who's presence threatened all of that?

My urge to know his identity could not hold back. I stomped my way over to his direction, not knowing what would happen next. I approached him, my mouth felt dry and I didn't know what to say. His daring eyes glowed with curiosity. I begged he would say something, but not a word came out of his mouth.

"You were watching me." I finally uttered.

"I was. I tried not to but.." his voice trailed off and his eyes left mine.