A Rose For A Rose

Chapter 2

Summer had only started and I had been toted around to six events. I was starting to resent the season. The marks on my back from the corset were driving me mad, and I was starting to loathe the smell of lavender that Lissa's maid used when doing our hair.

Tonight's event I decided to skip on, instead opting to stay home. I was tired and feeling overwhelmed by the crowds and bluster. I got dressed in an ordinary gown and let my hair down, requesting that Pipa, Lissa's second maid, accompany me into town.

There was a shop just on the edge of the square that sold paints and supplies, something that I took pleasure in. Some liked books, music, and botany, but I preferred to paint. Pipa waited outside while I went in, the store being small, to begin with.

I browsed through the colours, my fingers brushing against the shelf as I walked. The shop had a distinct smell of pine and varnish, the smell being familiar. It reminded me of my mother. She liked to paint as well, and when we weren't in the company of others, she always had paint on the edges of her fingers.

"Fancy seeing you here," a voice said behind me. I turned and bowed my head respectfully.

"Your Grace," I said.

Dimitri smiled and stepped closer, there was still a respectful distance between us, but it was closer.

"I believe we agreed to address ourselves differently in like company," he said. I smirked and plucked a bottle of pain off the shelf, examining it carefully.

"I believe we did," I replied with amusement.

"Are you a painter, Rose?" Dimitri asked, leaning his head over to look at the bottle.

"I am. Are you?"

Dimitri shrugged. "I've been known to hold a brush. Did you receive my rose?"

I smiled and put the bottle back on the shelf, unsatisfied with the colour. "I did. It was lovely."

I reached up to grab a different bottle but fell short, my finger just brushing the bottle. Another hand stretched up and took the bottle off the shelf, his fingers brushing against mine as he did. I looked up at him when he handed the bottle to me, glancing at the bottle.

"The rose was so lovely that I hope to recreate it," I said quietly, "But I should inform you that I have not entered society."

"You haven't?"

I shook my head. "No. My parents aren't here to introduce me; Andre is unable because of the difference in our title. I don't want to lead you to believe that I am available. I should have said something when we met."

There was a softness in his eyes and an even softer smile on his lips. "Just because you aren't available doesn't mean I don't enjoy your company."

I bit my lip to hide my smile. "You've been in my company once."

"You made a lasting impression."

I laughed and shook my head, walking with him towards the counter to pay. I picked up a few new brushes as I went and set them on the counter. We were both silent as I paid, the void of discussion oddly comforting. When I took my purchase and stepped outside, Pipa was standing where I left her, a knowing look on her face.

"Is it just you and your maid?"

"Yes. We walked. I enjoy the evening breeze. It's a nice respite from the parties and the dresses."

"May I walk you home? Of course, if your maid is agreeable," Dimitri asked, turning to address Pipa. She glanced at me and I nodded, taking his arm as we walked. I glanced at Pipa and gave her a reassuring smile before turning to face forward again.