Ageless

The first of many

The engagement was set in stone, various servants were in and out of the manor like ants, although she was no queen. When it came time to chose the flowers, they had set many before her. Lilies, Violeta, Gerber Daisies, Roses, and Birds of Paradise filled the den wall to wall.

In a matter of time all but the sample of roses had been replaced by Scarlet flora. She enjoyed being in this room with the roses, it reminded her of the old clutter of Time Fix. She glanced down at the rock upon her finger and slid it past her knuckle, rolling it between her thumb and her index finger before staring into the clear stone.

"He is a good man, strong for his country." She reassured herself, "any girl would die to be in my shoes.."

She slipped it back onto her finger and let out a sigh. The ring was a perfect fit, none of the flowers were wilted, but the untainted white dress seemed to mock her. Like the ring, it was made and fit to perfection, but she had a feeling it was wrong. The small white frills of the skirt gave her the same cold gaze as the people around her, impatient and demanding.

Soon enough she was called out of her rose-scented paradise and called into reality, testing cakes and fine wines. The General was strong willed, sneaking scotch between wines whilst brandy was downed between cakes.

Once that was over he lead her by hand to the gardens behind his manor, taking her through the maze of cobblestone until they reached the fountain. For the first time, he was drunk enough to loosen up.

"You know, Lilly, even the war could not give a man the fear which wedlock brings." He bowed his head and kissed the rock.

"I am content." She stared ahead, only meeting his eyes after he brought up his head.

"I have gotten you a gift." He smirked and reached into his back pocket, pulling out a chain of white gold before tapping the glass face of her watch. "That old thing won't do for the wedding, I thought maybe you might trade it for this for night of our wedding."

She jerked her hands away from his own and covered the watch with her palm. "I could never. This watch.."

"Is not suited for the wrist of my maiden," he took her hand again and rubbed his thumb over its face. "I know I am not the man you fell in love with before, but I do love you, Lilly."

"Is it you that loves me or the brandy, Joseph?" She huffed and brushed his hand away from her treasure.

"You will wear this the night of our wedding, Lilly." He stood upright, his gaze hardening as he tugged her other hand forwards to fasten the white chain onto her naked wrist. "I will not have that unholy trinket distracting my bride."

"''Tis mine and mine alone, I will govern my own property as you will govern yours." She tapped at one of the many metals that lined his chest.

He scoffed and let go of her hand, "you will obey me like a good wife. Now get your rest." With that he marched on towards the golden glass doors of the grand hall, slipping inside to inspect the fine details.

She lowered herself to the edge of the fountain and looked into the dreary faces painted on the flowers of the garden. Her thumb softly rubbed the face of the watch as she looked into its reflection.

"By this night next week I will be married..and you will be gone, Wesley." She looked to her reflection in the fountain, wishing to see some sign which shows this world might be false. For her dreams to be reality, it would be heaven. She searched all about her reflection, but could not find what she was looking for.

Her entire being reminded her of the day she lost her entire world, but she was strong. Lilly stood up, her heels clicked against the cobblestone as she went back inside to her room.