Light of Dead Stars

Chapter 1- Broken Vow

“Well I can tell you, there is only one love. If any person claims to have loved twice in all their life—they have not loved at all.”

-Lang Leav

 

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Francis was woken up by the cold breeze that entered the room, he noticed that the fire has gone out and the window is slightly ajar. He closed the window hurriedly and goes back to bed, his feet feeling cold. He lies down to the exact same spot to feel the warmth and wraps his body with a blanket, but even the blanket is not enough, he longs for Mary’s warmth, he misses her body beside him. It has been like this since Mary went back to her old room and they started sleeping on separate chambers, but their chambers is just one of the many things that they don’t share anymore, he rarely sees her in the castle and when he does see her, they talk for the very briefest moments in a very formal manner, Mary doesn’t even look him in the eyes and she seemed pained whenever she sees him. Francis thought that this is torture in its purest form, seeing the woman he loves the most but not being able to touch her, it even make it worse that he knows that his presence alone causes her discomfort and pain, he wants to hug her and comfort her in every way he can, just like the old days, but it seems like the only way to do that is to stay away from her and keep his distance. He knows he already caused her too much pain, and he’s not going to force her to take him back, if the only way to protect Mary is to be apart from her, then he’ll be willing to just love her from afar. But he’s also not willing to give up their love just yet and so he will keep on trying for as long as he can.

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“Mary, there you are, I’ve been looking all over for you” Francis said as he approached Mary in the castle grounds

“what is it?” Mary said, barely looking at him

“nothing really, I—I just wanted to talk” Francis said, his voice quite cheerful

“it’s a lovely day, don’t you think? It’s the perfect weather for boating” Francis said as he stares at her, his voice trying to imply something

“would you like to go boating with me, Mary?” Francis added when Mary remained silent and doesn’t seem to acknowledge his presence

“uh—no, Francis”

“how about archery? When we were younger you said you wanted me to teach you, I wasn’t good at archery then but I can teach you now” Francis said, still not losing hope that he might make Mary do something with him today

“Francis I’m not really in the mood for that today” Mary said tiredly

“oh, we can go riding then, they said there’s a very good—“

“Francis stop this, stop acting like nothing’s change, we were supposed to have separate lives, remember? Well this is not living separate lives… give me some time, Francis” Mary said as she walks away, her voice sounding equally irritated, tired and hurt.

 

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*several months later*

 "What is this about Francis? I have to attend a meeting with my advisers, can this wait?" Mary said in a hurried voice

"I'm afraid not, Mary"