Veiled Love

9

Rosetta 

⅋ 

Louis

- -

Rosetta

I sat down in front of the crackling fire of the fireplace, my eyes gazing into the orange and blue flames. I hadn't felt this comfortable and free in a long time. I knew I should probably be more guarded around Lou, considering he is a wanted man. I still don't know why he is wanted, and he doesn't even seem dangerous, but I love this rebellious feeling and the other emotion I can't quite pinpoint that he brings out in me. It hasn't even been three days since I met him, but I feel... How can I say this? Attracted? No. I chuckled to myself. That isn't the right word. I suppose I just like the way he carries himself. He's so grumpy all the time, like he's trying to maintain a brave facade, but there's something about him, something about the way his eyes peer into mine that is unsettling yet fascinating. I can see a mixture of coldness, hatred perhaps, and fondness, loyalty... Loyal to what I am not sure, but I have this urge to find out. I have never been so intrigued by a person before.

I let out a soft sigh and close my eyes. It was getting late, and soon, I would have to go back to the castle. I didn't want to go back. I didn't want to see their faces...Any of their faces. I should probably replace my maid. I need a chance to properly talk to my mother. But I've been shut out by everyone for so long. I've always told myself to be strong, to figure things out on my own, to be independent, useful, resourceful. A princess who isn't just known for being trapped and weeping inside her room all day. But I've never found the courage. It's like I've completely given up, letting the strings be pulled for me instead of pulling them myself.

"What's on your mind, Princess?" Lou's voice was blunt and deep, as straightforward as usual. I relaxed, letting out a sigh and feeling the warmth of the fireplace embrace me. At this moment I felt comfortable. It was different though, different to the comfort I would feel around Livia. There's a strange comfort in being around someone you barely know. With strangers, there's no history, no expectations, no walls built up over years. Sometimes, it's easier to find solace in their unfamiliarity than with the people who claim to know you best... Yeah... Maybe that's it...A comfort I had always yearned for.

Yearned... Yearned for...

 I shivered slightly, feeling his gaze on me. Slowly, I opened my eyes, sensing his presence beside me.

"Rosetta." Finally, my gaze fell on him. As soon as my eyes landed on his, he quickly looked away. I watched as he brought his hands close to the fireplace to warm them up. I wish I could read his mind right now, find out who he is, find out about his secrets. The flickering light casts shadows across his face, and I could see the tension etched into his features. He is so shut off from me, so guarded. I know there's so much he's probably keeping from me, layers of pain and mystery hidden behind those cold eyes. I longed to break through his defenses, to understand the person beneath his tough and bitter mask.

In a trance like state, I remained silent, my thoughts drifting back to him. His cloak was off. I could see how tense he was through the fabric of the jacket I gave him. I had never seen him relaxed since we got here. His hair was tousled from the wind, small smudges of soot on his hands and face... Like Livia. Livia...

"Princess, if you keep looking at me like that... I might start to believe you've fallen for my charm," Lou said dryly, a hint of sarcasm lacing his words, which finally snapped me out of my thoughts.

I blinked at him, feeling a flush of heat rise to my cheeks. "Don't be ridiculous," I finally replied, looking away and back into the fire. I could feel his gaze on me again, and my cheeks flushed even more from embarrassment. I hadn't meant to stare. "I just got lost in thought... Sorry."