Color of Roses

Rejection

Chapter 14

"I can't accept your proposal," I say with confidence. I can't marry someone I don't love, no matter how selfish I appear.

Weston stands up, his hands firmly pressed against the dining table. "Why not? As your ally, we can be two of the strongest countries. What if Stein invades your kingdom and you've no men or money to defend yourself? You need us."

"We stand fine on our own, Sir Weston," I reply hiding my anger. "I believe you are the one who needs our aid. We are not scared of Stein."

"You stupid girl!" He reaches towards me but Alyn quickly steps between us. "I suggest you don't lay a finger on her."

Weston steps back nearly knocking over his cup. "You have till noon to pack up your things and leave. You will regret your choice," he says and angrily leaves the room followed by his wife. His son is nowhere to be seen.

Alyn and Giles follow me back to my room. Giles talks the entire time. "I hope you have a good reason to deny him. You saw how angry he was, who knows what he'll do next."

"We'll be fine, Giles," Alyn responds. "He's a coward. He's terrified of Stein and was using Aria as a means to sleep soundly at night."

"Still, I feel Lord Weston will retaliate and Wysteria will no longer be at peace," Giles says with a sigh. He excuses himself to pack up his things. Alyn kneels beside me and helps fold some of my scattered clothes. My hands are shaking and I try to fight back the tears. "I have to fix this," I say quietly.

Alyn stops folding and watches me. "What do you mean?"

"I have to accept his proposal. I'm being selfish. I have to put Wysteria first."

I start to stand but Alyn grabs my wrist. "You denied him for a reason. Don't feel guilty just because Giles doesn't agree with you."

"But he's right! Wysteria could be in danger because of me." The tears start to fall and I quickly wipe them away. Alyn pulls me close to him and I'm stunned by his sudden embrace.

"I'm glad you're being selfish, Aria." His hand rests gently on my cheek and I gaze up at his red eyes.

"Alyn, I want you," I mutter. His eyes grow wide for a second and he looks away. "I can't be your prince, Aria. I'm sorry," he says softly. "I can't give up my knighthood."

My heart aches at his rejection and I push him away. Was I not worth more than his knighthood? I close my eyes and open my mouth, "I want to be alone for a few minutes." I stand up and pace to the window.

I listen for the door but Alyn remains in the room. I hear his armor shift and I turn to find him messing with his neck. "Alyn-" I start to say but he cuts me off.

"Lift up your hair and turn around."

I start to argue but he interrupts me. I do as he says and I feel his hands place something warm around my neck. My fingers brush against something soft and metallic resting on my breastbone. I lift up a golden chain connected to a small ruby rose.

"Alyn!" I gasp at the beautiful necklace.

"It was my mother's," he says eyeing the rose resting on my chest. "I want you to have it. I can't give up my knighthood because I wouldn't be able to guard those close to me. Giving you this necklace is my way of letting you know that I'll protect you. I won't lose someone I love again."

What did he mean by 'again'? I gaze up into his eyes and my heart strains against my chest. He was so handsome and so dedicated to being a knight that I had no choice but to accept his reasons to rejecting an off to be king of Wysteria.

"Thank you, Alyn," I say quietly. I feel his hand rest against my cheek once again and I close my eyes as his lips meet mine. I hold back the tears, knowing that this may be the last time I'll be able to kiss Alyn.

His lips linger on mine for a few minutes before pulling away. "We best get going. I'll wait outside the door till you're done."

I nod as Alyn leaves my room and I continue folding my belongings. I feel the warmth of the necklace against my breastbone giving me a peaceful feeling. I clip my suitcase closed and lift it up and exit my room. Alyn grabs my luggage and carries it with ease to the carriage waiting out front by the gates.

I climb inside feeling grateful to leave this place. I lean my head against the side of the carriage, averting Giles' lingering eyes. We reach the lake after a few hours and I'm happy knowing I'm almost home. The sun sits high in the sky and the guards search the area in case Laurelia's men followed us.

Alyn and Giles talk a few feet away near the carriage and I sneak away to explore the area surrounding the lake. I feel someone behind me and turn in hopes of hearing a scolding from Alyn but find one of my servants instead.

"You shouldn't wander away, m'lady," he says.

"I'll return in a minute," I say and continue walking but something covers my face. Before I can react a strong smell fills my nose and before I know it I've collapsed into darkness.