The King's Artist

Ch 45: Importance

So here's another chapter because I don't wanna study or do homework at the moment :P but it's a short one...

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For a long time, Adelaide merely stared at the flames burning in her fireplace. Roland remained asleep, curled at her side, snoring softly. She occasionally glanced down at him, her heart soft at the sight of his hand fisted into her clothes as if to ensure she stayed beside him. Absentmindedly, she began stroking his hair, the sensation nearly as relaxing for her as it was for him.

The events of the past few hours were a steady reminder as they trailed through her mind, repeating hundreds of times over.

Hugh Livingston and Fortune Dixon's protest to the idea of raising Roland had come as a surprise. As had their dissatisfaction with her and her 'twin sister' staying at the castle. Adelaide's face burned with shame as she recalled their expressions of distaste and irritation directed at her.

Of course, though, their protests were met with good reason. Adelaide didn't do much around the estate. She wasn't apart of the war efforts, she didn't try to help with choirs either. Every day she lived without an objective, merely trailing after Henry. Things weren't any better when she was a girl, either. She wasn't married to anyone significant, nor was she anyone's precious relative. She was simply a girl who had interjected herself into higher society believing that she could stay there without question.

Henry's lack of insight into the matter was frustrating, too.

As always, he was insistent with her making her own decisions and living with the consequences. And though she usually liked that about him, she resented him for it right now.

And then there was Kayden.

Even now her heart raced a thousand miles when she remembered the sensation of his hand on her cheek. His fingers had been heavily calloused but they were gentle, and his palm was warm and comforting against her skin. The sincerity in his eyes had her shivering, her breath hitching.

Things would be a lot easier had she fallen in love with him instead.

With a strong shake of her head, Adelaide stood. She gathered Roland into her arms, took a deep, shaky breath, and left to find the only person who could help her.

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"I knew you were too pretty to be a boy," was all Charity said later once Adelaide had finished speaking. The two girls stared at one another for a long, quiet minute, assessing one another without judgment. Charity eventually smiled and looked at the young boy residing in Adelaide's arms with a gentle expression.

"I know what I'm asking is a lot," whispered Adelaide.

"It certainly is," Charity responded quietly, extending a hand to brush the hair from Roland's face. His eyes drifted open and closed slightly at the touch before he smiled and snuggled closed to Adelaide. "But, I'll do it. As your friend, I'll do it."

Adelaide hung her head shamefully, unable to make eye contact with Charity as she spoke.

"Are you sure?" Adelaide's words were barely louder than a whisper. "You don't have to. This is my mess, after all. I can find another way." 

"If you had a better plan, Adelaide, you would have done it already," Charity said laughing under her breath. Unable to deny her statement, Adelaide sighed and looked up Charity. She was surprised to find the other girl's gaze strong and unwavering, not a shred of doubt, hesitation, or regret anywhere to be seen. "You've made your decision and I've made mine. Now it's time for both of us to live with them."