Amor Fati

Resolve

Elena watched the young man in-front of her as his hand slid into his pocket with a puzzled look, a gift for her ? from Charles ? what could it be ?

Charles smiled as he looked at her « Now! Now Elena! Close your eyes! »

« Close my eyes? who will guarantee that you won't be playing any more games on me while I do so? » Elena said with narrow eyes glaring at Charles.

« Aaah...you have so little faith in your future husband. All right, I swear on my honour as a British Earl that I'll pull no more pranks! » Charles responded playfully.

« Your honour as an Earl? not that reassuring...» Elena commented with an arched eye brow as she closed her eyes.

Charles took Elena's left hand in his as he carefully brought the velvet small box out of his pocket, upon opening it, the diamond on the white golden ring shone beautifully to the room's bright light like a white flower that just bloomed under a full moon, "what a pure glow"Charles thought as he gently slid it into Elena's ring finger.

Looking at the ring in his betrothed's finger Charles smiled, it fitted perfectly as if it was made just for her.

Elena finally opened her eyes when the man released her hand, she lifted it up to her face looking at the ring in awe, the girl just couldn't hide her admiration «It's...beautiful... very beautiful. »

« Yes, isn't it ? it's a family heirloom that has been passed from generation to generation to every first Lady in the family...you are the next Lady Grey my love » Charles said looking into Elena's eyes.

The girl looked at the young man for a moment before to avert her gaze. She clenched her left hand firmly against her chest as she felt her heart get squeezed « The next Lady Grey...? »

Charles couldn't decipher the faraway look in Elena's eyes. The more he looked at her the further she seemed to drift away from him. Slowly, an unidentifiable unpleasant feeling started taking over the young man till he couldn't think of anything any more...

The next thing Charles saw was Elena's big amber eyes staring right at his silver ones in surprise, looking down he realized that he was holding the girl's hand firmly in his as he brought her closer to him.

What in the world is wrong with him? Charles mentally cursed himself as he tried to hide his embarrassment. He quickly drew a large smile on his face as he brought Elena's hand up to his lips, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles he looked her in the eyes before to say « Did you know the word "diamond" comes from the ancient Greek "adámas" that means "unalterable" and "unbreakable" ? Aren't these just the perfect words to describe the bond between us my love? »

Elena smiled back looking Grey in the eye « Oh yes, and it also means "I overpower", "I tame" and "I subdue", doesn't it?... I find it quite unfair that women are the only ones that get diamond rings in an engagement! How about I get you one too my dear? »

Charles looked at her with wide open eyes, her response took him aback. What on earth should he do with this woman? so defiant! can't she just sit still and accept becoming his ? he didn't know either he wanted to bite that sharp tongue or kiss that little noisy mouth of hers till she suffocates. The only thing he knew was that he should leave this room as soon as possible before he does something he regrets. He had his fair share of weird feelings and desires for today.

« Thank you for the generous offer but I must decline » Charles said as he released the girl's hand, giving her one last grin before to head towards the door.

« I'll come pick you up later when all the guests are present, we'll have to follow the boring formalities and give them the long-awaited speech to announce our engagement officially, so... later love »