Cirice Forge doesn't know who she is. Other than a piece of paper with her name on it, she knows nothing about her time before she was dispersed into the foster system. Now, she bartends at a popular gentleman's club with plenty of ogling and still...
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Cirice let out a shaky breath, stumbling slightly. Papa came to her side but she shooed him away.
"Please, I just need a moment." Cirice insisted, rushing towards the open window. She leaped through it, her skirts catching on the frame. She jerked forward, ripping the fabric as she landed on the stone veranda.
It had begun to snow, the fluffy white flakes beginning to stick to the stone railing. Cirice placed her hands on the freezing stone, the cold climbing up her arms like claws. Her breath was shallow as she stared out at the garden maze before her. The full moon peeked through the clouds, painting the night in an eerie glow. The frigid air was painful in her lungs and bit into her exposed skin.
"Cirice," the voice was soft as a hand touched her shoulder. She whipped around to find Alex, his eyes worried. She shook her head, exhaling a puff of warm breath.
"Guess I just needed a real threat," she scoffed, tears brimming in her eyes. She watched as the servants scrambled to relight the candles and Papa was speaking from his throne. Someone pushed the window closed, keeping her from hearing what her father was saying.
"I can't go back in there. I can't face them, they think I'm a monster just like the Cardinal." Cirice said, his name unfamiliar on her lips. She shivered slightly as Alex glanced out at the garden.
"Come on, let's walk," he said gently, extending his hand. She eyed him for a moment.
"What about Margaery?" she asked softly, wiping her cheek. Alex snorted.
"To Hell Margaery," he whispered. Cirice shook her head and took his hand. They descended the stone steps and walked along a slick marble walk. Snow salted the hedges as they continued down and through an archway. Alex shrugged off his waistcoat and put it gingerly around her shoulders.
They turned left up ahead and came to a fountain. The murky water was iced over as Cirice took a seat on the edge. She rested her arms on her legs, the pose very unladylike for the dress she was wearing. Alex took a seat beside her wordlessly.
"I don't know what happened to me back there. It's like as soon as he mentioned my mom, something clicked." Cirice said, brow furrowed as she looked at her pristine hands. Alex took one in his own, his skin warm against hers. She ran her thumb over his knuckles.
"You know you don't have to protect me anymore. I'm home now--meaning your shoulder move was unnecessary." Cirice shot, eyeing him. Alex chuckled, dropping his eyes. Flecks of snow dotted his hair and lashes.
"I'm always going to want to protect you, regardless of your capabilities," he said softly, looking over at her. Cirice shook her head.
"It doesn't matter what you want. You will marry Margaery and you will have to be her protector, not mine." Cirice said pointedly. Alex's grip tightened slightly on her hand.
"And what do you want Cirice?" he asked, his voice soft and even. In the moonlight, his eyes shone in a way Cirice hadn't noticed before. His breath was warm on her face as he leaned in closer.
"I want," Cirice started softly as he moved closer. Mere centimeters separated their lips as she closed her eyes. He was going to kiss her and Cirice wanted it more than anything. She was going to kiss him. Except, Margaery flashed in her mind. Cirice pulled away, hugging her arms to herself. A pang of guilt washed over her as she pictured Margaery.
"I'm sorry, I can't." she breathed, tears streaming down her cheeks. Alex's brows furrowed as he opened his eyes and leaned back. Cirice weaseled her hand out of his grip and shot up.
"Is this about--"
"Alex, just take me inside, please. I'm cold and tired." Cirice said quickly, disappearing out of the courtyard. He jumped up and went to follow her, the marble slick. In her rush to get back, she stepped yet agian on the front of her dress. Cirice tumbled forward just as Alex came up behind her.
"Cirice!" he cried, rushing over and gently placing his hands on her shoulders. Cirice shrugged him off, wiping her hot tears with a cold, wet hand.
"I'm fine!" Cirice cried, pushing herself up and stumbling. He steadied her and she pulled off his coat, shoving it into his arms.
"I'm not having this conversation with you. Goodnight Alex." Circie said, her tone curt as she wandered out of the maze and back to the ballroom. Her chest ached as she fought not to glance back. She couldn't. If she did she'd break down and he would win.
