Saving My Duke

chapter two

i spent mindless days walking around the manor, drinking tea with fae and reading books on medicine. i want to study up so when the time comes, i can save my love. i learnt a few things about the art of medicine, and i even started my own medicinal herb garden. no matter how steep the path to my victory is, i can't let anything happen to those who i will love, so i must endure the pain a little while longer. currently, i have the memories of our wedding, and my childhood too. our souls are binding together and eventually i will be lady persephone from the past, future and present.

pain plagues me as i cry, holding onto the lifeless memory of my love. my screams fill the manor, maids gathered round stood there in shock, watching me break down. his cold soul freezes my body by the touch, but the never ending waterfall of sorrow in my soul does not falter.
"no, no!!" my cries of pain and sorrow circulate like a curse, everyone struck with the depressing truth that nothing, absolutely nothing, is forever.
"no..."
and our love was not an exception to this rule.

i wake up to the familiar scent of blood, the red bitter taste still burning my tounge.
ah, i must've regained a memory.
suddenly the dream of last night floods into my mind, and my eyes shake. the whole room morphs into darkness, and i begin to cry.
"lady sephia?" faes shocked voice rings in my ears as she stands there, terrified.
"fae i-" i sob, and suddenly she abruptly holds onto both of my hands. "happy birthday sephia. are you sure you're well?" she sighs, her eyes saddening.
"fae i'm fine, really." i smile reassuringly at her, and her face slightly softens.
"just help me clean up." i mutter, looking around at the red stains over my bed sheets and pillow.

i stand over the sink, throwing up. that memory, will it really happen? can i let it happen?
for some reason the loss of blood has made my body very weak, a little movement could seriously hurt me. i haven't ate properly in a while, and i'm getting skinnier lately.
i don't really care though, i was always rather frail due to my mothers bad dieting on me and fathers constant abuse.
like a shard of ice that can smash any moment.
i continue to stare into the mirror as i wash my hands with the soap fae bought at the market for me.

today,
today is the day of the banquet, and my birthday. today is the day i meet the man i have been wanting to meet for a while. i hope he's as charming as my memories perceive him.
i hope i have prepared as much as possible, i remember the banquet as if it were yesterday. so, i should handle this swiftly.
if i am correct, i will see his parents at the wine table. i must take a break on the balcony, and there i will meet him, my darling. the love will be inevitable, so i mustn't fight it.
i wash my face, hunched over the sink.
i really hope i look pretty today.

fae gently brushes my hair, as i'm soaking my feet in a pail of rose water.
"so, my lady, are you excited to meet your future husband?"
ah, future husband. i forgot we aren't actually married yet, because it feels like we are due to my memories.
"yes, i'm happy with the idea"
fae smiles, styling my hair now.
"shall i paint your nails?" fae questions,
"ofcourse, a light white will do." i grin.

the banquet hall is full of familiar faces, from recent parties i have attended. i try to keep my reputation well, due to my parents being a huge influence on high society. i'm wearing a pale lilac dress, with floral accents on the tassel. this dress is different from the shabby dress, red and tacky, that i wore in my last life. mother forced me to wear something that compliments her red aura. but today, i refused. i'm going to face certain hell at home, but it has to be done. i want to make a good impression on my love. i have to admit, i have been excited to meet my husband. well, my soon to be husband.
from my desire for him, id assume he'd be rather handsome.
i keep my eyes down at the floor. my hands are cupped, holding a blue purse, to go with my eyes. my hair is styled in a loose bun with crystals threaded throughout.