Old Scars - 3

It was done, the device was completed and I anxiously walked through the streets of the town, holding the box tightly to my side. Waiting, anxiously, for the gasp of surprise that would come from my betrothed.

For the surprise that I would spring upon him.

Yet as I did so I felt a slight breeze through the streets. It fluttered my hood, revealing my golden eyes to the world, to the coughs that echoed through the streets.

Caught by some sort of sickness.

I turned my head, looking around as I furthered my step, escaping the depths of the streets and into the alleyways.

Through shortcut after shortcut, walking as fast as I could over to the mansion where he waited for me.

Where Gabriel was.

If I didn't have a hood on right now the smile on my face would have been disturbing, but I did and because of that I was able to hide my emotions as I opened the door and strode through the halls of the manor.

"Is it done?" Mother asked, looking to the box at my side.

"Yes, it is." 

"Good, make sure that he is up to standard, it would be a disgrace for your husband to be anything but the top scorer."

With that tidbit of encouragement she fluttered off, to countless documents. The eyebags under her heavy makeup showing the effort that she put in.

And one day that would be me, hurrying after document after document, surveying land after land. And approving request after request.

Just thinking of it gave me a headache.

But that wouldn't be a reality for many years. Mother was still in the prime of her life and with her power it would be another hundred before she even began showing signs of aging.

I opened the door, alerting Gabriel of my presence.

"Welcome back." He smiled, giving me that sweet smile of his to mine.

I could practically swoon, I was so lucky to grab him before another did, before he was taken into the academy.

Where noble boys were taken like fresh slabs of meat. I would assume so at least, there weren't many - seeing as 95 percent of the classes are girls and even with that you could go your entire career without seeing one.

As I did.

That was why I had to assume so. From stories told of noble girls hounding after one boy or another.

I sighed, sitting down next to him and taking his hand in mine. Letting the shaking appendage rest upon my own.

"Here" I spoke, placing his other hand over the necklace I had made.

The box was already open and with curling fingers he explored the enchanted metal. Through the loops of small chains, all down to the small gem hanging upon the burrow that held both ends together.

"What… is this?" He asked slowly, speaking with caution.

"An artifact, it will help with your academy work."

He took it gently in his hand. Feeling the mastercraft of work that it was.

"This must have been expensive… so expensive, are you sure?"

He looked into my eyes with a certain clarity that I barely saw of him. But I still nodded, humming an affirmation. And with it, I took the jewel from his hand and placed it over his neck. Letting the metal touch upon his bare skin.

Watching as he beamed at me. His smile as bright as the star in the sky, warming my soul as the star would my body. 

"But…" He asked, hesitantly towards me, "What exactly does it do?" 

I smiled, "It was originally intended to work well in the field, where light may be deadly. But it wasn't needed and was never produced because those that could read those letters usually had enough power to see through the dark."

He nodded and I took another breath.

"But because it was being developed we, the Lauragne family, were able to acquire the blueprints and complete it so that you can read the books that need to be read, along with the test papers."

"Oh…" He looked downcast, "So this isn't a gift, but a practical tool."

"Ah" I hurriedly sang, "NO, it is a gift, I… I just wanted to give you something useful… and… and… this too." I held out the book I had purchased earlier, letting his finger ghost along the cover of the book.

"Is… is it to your liking." He nodded, almost entranced.

"Yes."

With that I beamed too, happy that my gift was appreciated. But there was something else I wanted, watching those lips.

"Then can I have my own gift?" I asked, licking my lips in nervousness, I had been saving myself for my to be, but to have him so close in my grasp.

It…

It was too much. And so at the very least I wanted to get my just desserts. A kiss if I could.

He nodded, almost anticipating my needs. 

I leaned down, his eyes closed as he turned his head up to mine. And I felt those soft lips lock against mine. Inexperienced but so was I.

We would learn with time. But for now that chaste kiss would be enough.

"Then… can I have some…" He trailed off, looking at the book, his fingers playing against the title.

I smiled and nodded, only realizing after I did so that he couldn't see me.

"Of course, call for the servants if you need anything and enjoy yourself."

"I will."

With that I left the room, gently closing the door and smiling as I did so. Making sure to not disturb Gabriel at all.

"So~" 

"AH-" I practically yelled, covering my mouth at the last moment. "Mom, don't do that!" 

"Hehe~ I couldn't help myself. You two are so cute. Way too cute~"

I sighed, slapping my head as I walked with mother, following her whims and going where she wanted.

Wherever that was.

And so ended the afternoon. A gift given; received and held in importance by the taker. All as I walked through the manor, sword in hand, sparring with mother. Taking out frustrations and misgivings that I had of the situation.

That I could not proclaim loudly, that Gabriel was my husband. That he was a great man, and how proud of his ability I was.

That I could not brag to the other ladies of how great my husband was. Not for three years at the very least.