Kingsley's Bride

Chapter 14: Journey of Hearts

I stood by my wardrobe, folding my simple dresses and placing them in the worn leather trunk. As my fingers brushed over the delicate fabric, I couldn't help but recall Dr. Josephus Sinclair's expression when I had asked for a holiday. His brow had furrowed in that peculiar way it does when he's deep in thought, and for a moment, I feared he would deny my request. It wasn't until I unfolded the entire story about my sister Meredith, the urgency and the pain, that his stern expression softened. With a reluctant nod, he had granted me the leave. Julian, my piano teacher, had been much easier. With a warm smile, he wished me safe travels and a swift reunion with my sister.

I hesitated over my jewelry box, running my fingers over the ornate clasps. No, I decided. I wanted to travel like a normal person, without the weight of precious metals and gemstones. I packed only the essentials, leaving behind the trappings of my status.

Eliza glanced at the open trunk and the simple dresses inside. "You're planning to travel lightly, I see."

"Yes," I nodded. "I don't want to draw any unnecessary attention to myself."

"Wise decision, milady," Eliza said approvingly. "Is there anything else you need?"

I was about to respond when a sudden burst of laughter and shouting drew my attention to the balcony. Curiosity piqued, I hurried over and peered over the edge. Below, a group of children were playing a game, their faces alight with mischief. One boy had managed to tie the ends of a girl's braids to the handles of a wheelbarrow, and she was now trying to chase after him while dragging the cumbersome contraption behind her. The sight made me laugh out loud, a joyous sound that echoed through the courtyard.

"What's so amusing, milady?" Eliza asked, joining me at the balcony.

"Look at that poor girl," I said, pointing. "She's trying to catch that boy with a wheelbarrow tied to her hair!"

Eliza chuckled, her laughter blending with mine. "Children do the silliest things."

As my laughter subsided, my eyes fell on Darius, standing directly below my balcony, gazing up at me with an amused smile. The late afternoon sun bathed the garden in a soft, golden glow, casting long shadows and illuminating Darius in a halo of warm light. He looked incredibly handsome in his attire—a tailored dark suit that accentuated his tall, lean frame, a crisp white shirt. His stubble added a rugged charm to his chiseled features, and the sunlight highlighted the sharp angles of his jawline and the depth of his dark eyes.

My laughter ceased abruptly, replaced by a rush of shyness. His eyes held mine with an intensity I had never seen before, a smoldering look that sent a shiver down my spine. My heart fluttered wildly, my breath catching as a warmth spread through me. The air between us seemed to crackle with unspoken tension, a magnetic pull that made it hard to look away from his penetrating gaze.

What is happening to me?

I quickly retreated inside, my heart pounding. I could feel Eliza's questioning eyes on me, though she remained silent, allowing me to wrestle with these unfamiliar and overwhelming emotions.

Moments later, I watched from the doorway as Mr. Ralph carried my trunk to the waiting carriage. Darius stood nearby, his presence commanding and yet, somehow softer than usual.

 I was leaving the estate and Darius behind for the first time since our marriage.

"It will take about a day's journey to reach the coast from the city center," Mr. Ralph had informed me. The realization of the distance and the separation made my heart ache slightly.

As I approached the carriage, a heavy silence settled between Darius and me. He looked at me, his eyes searching for words.

"Take care of yourself, Scarlett. I... I still think you should take a bodyguard," his voice uncharacteristically low and hesitant.

His concern touched me in a way I hadn't expected. He continued, his tone almost pleading, "I don't like the idea of you traveling alone. It's not safe. And... I will worry."

His words, so unlike his usual detached demeanor, left me speechless. I could only nod, unable to muster a response. 

I glanced around and saw the house help, Eliza, and Mr. Ralph staring at Darius with surprise in their eyes. I never quite understood why they were always so astonished whenever he spoke kindly to me.

I hesitated at the door, the silence between us heavy with unspoken words and palpable tension. Darius stepped closer, the sunlight catching the subtle flecks of gold in his eyes. "Scarlett," he began, his voice unusually gentle, "take care of yourself. I wish you didn't have to go alone."

His concern touched me, and I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. "I will, My lord."

He reached out, his hand warm and steady as he helped me into the carriage. The brief contact sent a jolt of electricity through me, and I felt my cheeks flush. His fingers lingered on mine for a heartbeat longer than necessary, the touch both comforting and charged with a silent yearning.

"If you need anything, anything at all, send word," he said, his voice low and intimate, almost a whisper meant just for me.

I looked up at him, the longing in his eyes making my heart ache. "Thank you, my lord," I whispered, my voice barely audible, feeling a strange mix of vulnerability and desire.

His eyes met mine, a flicker of desperation in their depths. The sight made my heart skip a beat. 

Why was this happening? When we married, Darius had made it clear he wanted nothing to do with me.

"I will back soon," I told him and he smiled at me letting of of my hand and I took a seat while Mr Ralph entered the carriage and sat right before me. 

As the carriage started to move, I turned to catch one last glimpse of Darius. He stood there, looking a bit desperate, his eyes never leaving mine. The intensity of his gaze made my heart skip a beat. I leaned back, a confusing blend of emotions swirling within me. The journey ahead was filled with uncertainty, but one thing was clear: something had shifted between us.