Death Changed My Opinion Of You

Chapter Two

Luke stepped into the dining area and found that there was a seat that had been saved for him, right in between Yanna and Hara.

He excused himself for being late and greeted them all with a polite bow. As they ate, Yan and Duke Augustine conversed about how the new merchants would need a safer route through the Monhelm river.

"We simply can't have that bridge stay in a state of disrepair! Your horse almost fell in the water when you crossed it, Duke!"

Yan stated, clearly in distress.
Duke Augustine calmed him down and spoke in a reassuring tone.

"You're right. It has been neglected for far too long. I will ask the King if he will allow my men will begin repairs immediately, that the merchants may be able to sell their wares in Kalna."

They continued chatting. Luke paid them no mind, focusing on his omelette. Just then, he caught Yanna looking at him with what looked like...desire?

They're competing for me, after all. I suppose I should expect this kind of behavior.

Luke finished eating, and cleaned up his crumbs. He left the plate in the diamond sink, excused himself, and left the dining area.

Yanna quickly finished and followed behind, while Hara didn't seem interested at all. Yanna followed Luke all the way to the garden, where bougainvillea, tulips, roses, lilies, and other various flowers covered the grass, swaying in the wind.

Luke walked to the central observatory and looked out at the beautiful scene. Just then, he felt a light tap on his shoulder.

"Sir Luke, I brought you a gift. A token, if you will."

Luke arched an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Go on, Lady Yanna."

Yanna reached into her skirt pocket and took out a small wooden box, lined with silver. She opened it, and inside was a beautiful ruby, carved into a shiny crescent moon.

A ruby...

In Kalna, gems had their own special meanings. A sapphire was hatred. An emerald was friendship. A topaz was acquaintance, a diamond was marriage, and a ruby...was love.

Will history really repeat itself?

"Lady Yanna, you do know what a ruby signifies, correct?"

Yanna nodded her head innocently, her cheeks as red as the ruby she was holding.

"I-I do, yes... Even if this may be a passing infatuation, I want you to know that I like you for who you are on the inside."

Those words softened his heart considerably. This was one of the reasons why they had been lovers in the past; Yanna always knew what to say, how to say it, and when to say it.

And she certainly still had that ability, even at the young age of nine years old. She had been raised well, there was no doubt about that.

Luke took the crescent ruby and smiled.

"Thank you, Lady Yanna. I appreciate the token of love you have given me. I promise to cherish it, whether we become enemies or husband and wife."

Yanna's cheeks burned brighter and she smiled. She leaned in, gave Luke a quick peck on the lips, and hurried out of the observatory.

Luke gasped as he felt her lips against his skin, touching the spot where he had been kissed. He smiled.

If she's still my lover in this life, I wouldn't mind at all.

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HARA'S POV

Hara walked around the Schuyler manor, appreciating the Duke's fine taste in embroidery and jewelry.