Ch 3: Past
It was the year of 240 BC.
Iris was on her way to return back to her home when it started raining.
' Geez.. I should have returned back sooner. The distance between my home and the royal library is not that much. Guess I have to run... '
She was walking the alley drenched with water when someone shouted from the back.
" Mademoiselle " [ Unmarried ladies are called Mademoiselle. ]
When she turned back she saw a man with wavy blond hair and eyes which resembled sapphire stones. One of his ears had a long chained style earing.
" Pardon, do you want something Sir? ", she replied.
" If you do not mind, we can share this umbrella. " ' Oh my! With this drenched crimson and emareld eye, she is looking breathtaking. '
" But... I live beside the Canis lake"
" Do not hesitate. How can I let a lady walk around like this? Moreover I am going at that way only. "
" Then.. Thank you. "
She quickly stood beside him under the umbrella like a little rat and seeing this he let out a little laughter.
" Pardon me for the discourtesy for not introducing my name till now. I am Raphael de Oblio. "
She flustered as she heard the name. Who won't know the youngest son of Count de Oblio? In the kingdom of Euthanasia Count de Oblio, Grand Duke de Henchman , Duke de Frostwood, Count de Northel, Marquise de Rosewood held great power. Rumours had it that The Empress Anabelle wanted to marry off her daughter Helen to Raphael.
" I am Iris de Santania. " , she stuttered.
Santania was the house of Baron. It neither possessed riches nor power. They were only noble by name.
Afterwards while chatting, he got to know that she visited the library every wednesday and saturday.
Later when he returned back to his chambers, he couldn't help himself but get drenched in her thoughts. Whatever he did, eat, ride a horse or just take a simple bath, she was always in his mind. It was becoming so serious that he started having insomnia.
And then one night, when he could no more bear the insomnia he went to his balcony and while looking towards the moon he thought, ' Fuxk... I have to stop this.. If I just see her once more. Yes , I have to just see her then this fuxking insomnia will insomnia will go away. '
From that day onwards, he started visiting the library on wednesdays and saturdays just to steal a glance at her. At first he thought of only watching her from a distance but the more the time passed, the more his heart craved for her.
And then one day he gathered courage and presented himself in front of her with a rose.
" Mademoiselle will you please go out with me. "
In reply she just laughed, took the rose and ran away.
Poor Raphael could not understand if it was a rejection or not. He could not sleep that night. [ Alexa play Mr Lonely song ]
Two days after he made his mind to meet her. It was the time of night, Iris was sitting on a chair in her bed chambers, reading the noble " Romeo and Juliet." when suddenly she heard footsteps.
' Huh? Is it an intruder? ' She was afraid but still took the candel stand and went to the balcony.
" Romeo? " She blurted out when he found out that the intruder was actually Raphael.
' What ? Romeo? Is it her lover's name? '
" I am sorry, but I am not Romeo. " , he said with a drooped face. Then with a little pause he asked, " Is Romeo the name of your lover. " ' Please say no 😖'
Listening to his words she started laughing out loud. " It's cold outside, come and sit inside. "
As soon as she told him that he blurted out the name Romeo as she was reading the famous balcony part of the Romeo and Juliet novel, his face lighted up.
' Huh.. What a relief ' , he let out a sigh.
" And how can I have a lover when I am already going out with you. "
" What? " , his pale face flushed red
" Did not you proposed that day? "
" But you did not give a proper answer. "
" Well I also did not say no. Moreover I took your rose. "
" You really mean it? "
Instead of giving a reply, she chose to rely it with her lips.
When lips met together, both of them felt a warm sensation. It tasted like sweet cherries and felt like heaven. That day , taking the moon as a witness they pledged their love.
Iris knew Raphael went to library just for her. It was so obvious. Who reads a book upside down ? And every now and then she would catch him staring at her.
They were only fifteen years old at that time.
He was afraid of his father so he kept their love affair secret.
And just like that, five years passed by.
It was the day of imperial festival. Hands in hands they were watching the fireworks sitting beside a lake.
" I wished the time stopped by then.... " , before he could complete his sentence he gave out a sneeze.
Iris gave him her handkerchief. When she saw that handkerchief, he was shocked.
" This embroidery... "
" It is made by me. "
He then recalled the memories, when he was seven years old.
To be continued ~