Not your Romeo and Juliet

f i v e

The book Matilda was reading contained a withered rose Romeo had given me on our first date.

And it also had a love note written by him after our consequent dates which he stupidly signed off by his name.

He's an idiot.

"Matilda, try to understand. We love each other." I try to explain.

"That's not love. You both are seeing each other amidst the hatred between our families. You are lying to your family." She says.

"Love is not a sin. Our hearts are moulded into one. We cannot live without each other." I try to convince her.

"He is using you, Juliet. You are getting trapped. And I won't allow you to get yourself involved with him." She finalises.

"I request you not to inform mother and father about it. Please, Matilda." I request.

"So that you can get away with the betrayal? I would rather not. They need to know what their perfect daughter is engaged in behind their backs." She adds.

"Please Matilda. They'll punish me for this. Please keep it hidden." I plead.

She takes a deep breath. "Just because you rejected the proposal I asked you to, I'm keeping this affair a secret. But you should expect some consequences. I won't let this matter slip." She warns.

I sigh with relief.

.
.
.

"So our affair is no longer a secret to your sister?" Romeo asks.

"It is not." I confirm.

"But she has warned you for consequences even though she has pledged secrecy?" He raises his brows.

"Yes."

"What do we do now, Juliet?"

"You come up with a plan."

"And I thought I heard you say you were wise among us." He scoffs.

"This matter is not a joke, Romeo. We might get banished from visiting each other." I say seriously.

"If loving you is a sin, I accept the punishment." He says with utter sincerity.

"And if losing you is the risk, I'm willing to resist my affection." I reply.

"How about you find out about what your sister plans to know with this knowledge?" He shifts the topic of our conversation.

"I'll keep an eye on her."

"I suppose my lady is tired today. We should probably skip our training today." He smiles.

"Perhaps."

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Antonio and Matilda are children of Uncle Cynthius and Aunt Achillia. Uncle Cynthius is the second head of the family, my parents being the first one. My father is the eldest among three siblings.

Aunt Levona is the youngest amongst them. She is married to a very successful trader, Lord Benevolent. Their son is my brother, Tybalt. They usually travel for trading purposes and hence Tybalt was sent to live in the Capulet mansion for his education. Rosaline followed him.

Upon closely looking at our family hierarchy, I'm the only daughter of the head of the Capulet.

And this situation is extremely likeable for my getting chosen to present myself before the Prince, as his bride.

Upon hearing the news, I hurry to meet Matilda in the sewing room. Quickly scanning through the room, I spot her and pull her aside to talk privately.

"You suggested my name for the proposal to THE PRINCE!" I accuse her.

"I did. Isn't it better than your getting caught in an affair with a Montague?" She smiles.

"Why did you do that when you know very well I love him?" I glare at her.

"As I said before, that is not love. It is just teenage escapade. By marrying the Prince, you have the potential to become future Queen. That is an even better offer than Romeo." She justifies herself .

"You don't have to worry about me. My marriage with Romeo can end all the past conflict between each other's families. That is even better." I retort.

"I'm thinking about you, Juliet. It's for your future."

"I don't wish to become the Queen. I just want..... I just wa-want love." I answer.

"The Prince will love you more, dear Juliet. Won't it be great if we connect ourselves with the royal bloodline? We can be more than nobles. And most importantly, you get to be the tier." She emphasises.

"Well if you so wanted our families to connect, why didn't you enroll your name for the idea. Oh yes! Why would you? You've got yourself a man already. You just wish to ruin my life!" I accuse her openly, no longer being able to control my anger.

"You were always perceived as the better daughter! And you have kept such a heinous secret from our family. I'm doing the right thing. You are just a liar. I'm several times better than you! Wonder what will happen when Uncle and Aunt finds out about your affair. How will you explain to them?" She yells at me.

"Be locked with your title of the better daughter. I don't care about it anymore. I just want freedom." I snap back.

"Freedom is an illusion." She says. "For those who are too weak to achieve something and don't wish to take the blame for the failure. There is no such thing as freedom, because it's notion is defined by the perceiver. You will be unstoppable when you become the Queen. That is power. That is freedom."

Having nothing to criticize her words, I just give her my most disgusting look and return back to my chambers.

My maid meets me midway and informs me that I'm summoned by my father.

"So you've heard the news of your marriage proposal? Matilda suggested it and I couldn't let down such an incredible idea. I've sent our proposal for Prince Esculas. He's got plenty of those eversince the rumours of him looking for a bride has travelled the land. But he won't be able to reject ours. We are the best among noblemen. He will surely see you within two days." My father says.

Before I can oppose him, my mother chirps from behind.

"God wishes for the best of his devotee. I was angry at you for rejecting so many great proposals consecutively. But now I'm no longer angry at you, beloved Juliet. Now you've got the best opportunity. " She hugs me tightly.

I'm unable to oppose them now. Not when they are so happy. I don't get that leniency.

The expected call from the court comes shortly. The Prince wishes to meet me in two days.

I need to inform this to Romeo.