Not Just A Pretense

Chapter 4 - Secrets

Edward's POV

A week later

She's the one. She's perfect. Her eyes sparkle like the stars, and her smile can take my breath away. I cannot help but wonder where she has been all my life. Our first meeting had been so wonderful. Even when she fell, I found it endearing. I was able to take her into my arms and share a tender moment with her. My heart pines for her, and I find myself enamored.

"Sire," Louis says as he enters my office with a tea tray. "You sent for me?"

"Yes, I need you to do something for me." I lower my papers and motion for him to take a seat. "I need you to find out what happened between Duchess Arielle and the second son of Lord Bartley," I say as he seats himself across from me. "I intend on seeing her again, however, the notion that something sinister transpired between the two has not left me since meeting her."

"Of course, sir," he nods. "I can find out right away. Is there anything else you require?"

"Now that you mention it, I would also be interested to know why she retired to the countryside and ceased communication for so long only to return to the city." I sighed heavily.

"Of course, your highness." He bowed as he stood and left the room.

I'm anxious to hear what he discovers on this mission. Part of me is worried that the news he brings will be negative, and I will have to terminate the possibility of a relationship with Arielle. However, the information could prove to be sensitive in that something terrible may have happened. One does not simply stop socialization for months for no reason.

I pray to whatever deity will listen that it was all simply a misunderstanding and nothing bad ever happened to (or was caused by) her.

Arielle's POV

It started four years ago. He waltzed into my life and swept me into an illusion that was shattered after a little over a year. After so long, I'm still cutting myself on the broken pieces. It's taken so much courage just to move back to the city. Now, with the prince showing interest in me, I'm not sure I can ever go back to the way things were before.

I sigh as my aunt enters the library where I have taken refuge. I've been hiding in here since my date with Prince Edward a week ago. My aunt is the eccentric sort, so I know she'd only pester me with questions if she got the chance.

"Arielle," she begins, "don't think I haven't noticed you've been avoiding me this last week. I'm highly disappointed. If your afternoon with his highness did not go as planned, then we can repair any damage that happened. Nothing is too complicated to be fixed."

"Auntie, the afternoon didn't go bad. It was fantastic. It was so much better than I was expecting." I sigh.

She seemed shocked for a moment before showing a confused expression. "Then...why are you hiding in here? Tell me everything!"

"Well, we started by taking tea in the drawing room before strolling through the garden. I almost made a fool of myself when I tripped, but he caught me. We recited Shakespeare and Tennyson. I found out that he enjoys opera and the ballet, and unlike most men, he actually listened." I shake my head. "It was something out of a fairytale."

"Then why do you seem so sad?" My aunt questioned. I wasn't really sure how to tell her, but I knew I had to try.

"Because, my dear aunt, it was a good date, and he wants to ask me to dinner soon." I finally looked at her. "I'm scared of him. He's got power to hurt me and I can't do anything about it."

"Honey," she sits beside me and takes my hand. "I know how terrifying being vulnerable can be. However, if you do go on an outing with him again, there will be an escort. You will never be truly alone with him." She squeezes my hand in reassurance.

"I know that, but it's still terrifying."

She nods. "A dear friend of mine heard some news from the palace, and I'd like to warn you that the prince is interested in finding out more about the events leading up to your stay in the countryside."

A cold chill runs through me. If he starts asking about the incident, he's bound to find out. If he finds out, then he'll want nothing to do with me. Or worse, he'll take advantage of what happened. I've been running from the truth for so long, I can hardly believe it is returning. After everything I've been through, I'm not sure I can handle living through it again. It's taken me so long to heal, and I feel like all the wounds would reopen if the truth of my disgrace was found out. There seemed to be only one option open to me. If the prince discovered what happened three years ago, I would need help. Especially if things turned unpleasant.

"I believe we may need to contact Alfred." I sigh as my aunt nods and pulls out her phone.

I would like to sincerely apologize for being so late with this update. It's been a really rough month. Anyway, I hope you enjoy! Please let me know if you have any questions/comments/concerns!