An Ocean For Me To Drown: Bellarke One Shots

Lady in Waiting

"Lady Griffin," Roselyn said, entering my chambers. "It's time to dress, another suitor will be here this evening."

Sighing heavily, I nodded. I bathed, had my hair tended to, and dressed in my newest gown. It was deep blue silk, but a little smaller than my other gowns, causing more of my breasts to be seen, almost spilling out. But, there wasn't much to be done now.

For the last two months, since I aged into a woman, my family had entertained many suitors. All asked for my hand, promising me of their riches and fine houses, but I had accepted none of their efforts. Of course this did not please my mother by any means, but pleasantly, my father had understood. He understood that I didn't want to wed men who cared only for heirs and a pretty woman on their arms.

"Lady Griffin, if I may, I've heard that the suitor tonight is very handsome," Roselyn said. "He's closer to your age as well."

"Well, that would certain be a wonderful surprise, all suitors so far have been fifteen or more years my senior, save for that awful Collins. All of the other younger ones have been turned away before I had the chance to meet them."

"Perhaps they were too immature," she offered. "I heard one of the women in town speaking of Lord Blake. They all said he's swoon worthy," she giggled.

I smiled her as she stood before me. "How old are you now, dear Roselyn?"

"I've just turned sixteen this past winter," she happily answered.

"Two very short years and you'll be finding yourself a man as well," I beamed, knowing she could hardly wait to be married.

"Oh, I don't know about that," she chuckled. "But I certainly hope for it. Would you like me to announce you now, ma'am?"

"Yes, please. I'm ready." I smoothed my dress down as I heard Roselyn announce me at the base of the stairs. Without bothering to hold my breath, as I was sure to be disappointed again, I made my way to the staircase.

As I made my way down the staircase, I dared a glance at the bottom, and my step faltered. Roselyn had heard correctly, Lord Blake was more than handsome, he was heart stopping. His deeply can face was splattered with freckles. He was clean shaven, with rich dark hair was wavy and unruly, not finely combed and styled as every other man's. As I reached the bottom step, I struggled to regain my breath as he smiled, his brown eyes lighting up.

"My Lady," he greeted me.

"Lord Blake," I smiled.

"Clarke," my father spoke up. "Let us dine."

Thankfully, dinner was very pleasant. Lord Blake had a wonderful sense of humor, and he was very charming.

"This evening has been lovely," my mother said quietly as we followed the men to the sitting room. "Lord Blake is the only suitor you have shown any interest in."

Feeling the pink tinge on my cheeks, I smiled. "Yes, he's quite charming don't you think?"

"I thought Sir Collins was a remarkably charming young man," she answered, causing me to bite my tongue. Sir Finn Collins was a ridiculous man who had been so set on marrying me that he would follow me everywhere. He came to our home unannounced almost everyday. Dreadful man.

"If I may, Sir Griffin," Lord Blake started. "I would like to speak with your daughter in privacy. The French doors can be seen through, her reputation will remain."

"Alright," my father agreed, walking my mother out of the room and closing the doors.

"Lady Griffin, the tales of your beauty do not lie, but they are wrong. You are not just beautiful, you're stunning."

"Th-thank you, Lord," I smiled.

"May I ask you, how many suitors has your family entertained?"

"More than a dozen," I told him.

"Yet, you've turned them all away," he smiled. "Why is that?"

"I have no intention of marrying someone who is fifteen or more years my senior. Those men all promised me riches and heirs," I said. "But, they weren't for me."

"And what is for you, my Lady?"

"A husband that shares laughter with me. A husband that desires me not only for my face, but for my mind and heart as well. A husband that wants a wife, not just a bed mate and heirs."

"Your father has shown me your collection of books. You have had lots of learning, even teaching. You are most likely more intelligent than I," he smiled. "Your laugh at dinner this evening was music to my ears. I do not believe that I can go on without hearing it everyday. Lady Griffin, I am asking for your hand in marriage. I would like to be near you everyday until the wedding, learning about you. Hearing your melodic laughter."

My heart thundered in my chest at his words. My lips parted, words lost to me.

"I am wealthy, as well. My family has always been wealthy, my business always growing. I believe you and I would have an excellent marriage."

"I accept your proposal," I whispered.

"Truly?" He asked, smiling widely.

"Truly," I smiled, laughter bubbling over.

"We must tell your parents at once. We have a wedding to prepare for, and I plan to woo you. You'll be head over heels for me Lady Griffin," he said, his eyes bright and joyful.

Lord Blake had kept to his word. I was head over heels for him long before this morning. He had taken me to rode horses, to see plays, and the most wonderful walks. In mere weeks this man had and I had each learned all about the other. He made me laugh, and blush when he told me how wonderful my laugh was. He had won me over, heart and soul.

"Clarke, my beautiful wife," he kissed my lips that were still tingling from this morning. "Welcome home, my love." Bellamy lead me into his grand home, heading straight upstairs. "While I certainly believe that you need a full tour, I think the bedroom should be our first stop."

My breaths grew shallow as he opened the door to his room. His large bed was made with clean gray sheets, just between two large windows.

"Now," he whispered in my ear, kissing my neck. "This dress must go." Quickly, he very roughly undid the back of my dress, hopefully not tearing it. As it looked around my ankles, my body was heating. Bumps broke out across my flesh as his fingers slid up and down my back, softly.

He lifted me in his arms, laying my back into his bed. "And now, wife," he whispered against my flesh, bringing moans from my throat. "The real fun can begin."