Evangeline, Kiss Me

At the field behind the Serenity Palace, the gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. Richard and Evangeline sat on a checkered picnic mat, a peaceful afternoon stretched out before them. The basket beside them contained a bottle of wine, small desserts, bread, and biscuits, all untouched except for the glass of wine in Richard's hand. He took a sip, the cool liquid a contrast to the warmth of the day.

Evangeline had taken off her hat, letting her hair catch the breeze as she stared out at the swan lake. Her eyes followed the baby swans trailing behind their mother, their small, delicate forms reflecting her contemplative mood. She sighed, the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her.

Richard broke the silence, his tone gentle yet probing. "So, you're going to train with him?"

Evangeline nodded, her eyes still on the lake. "Yes."

"Are you sure you'll be comfortable with that?" Richard's concern was evident in his voice as he glanced at her, searching for any sign of hesitation.

Evangeline turned to him, taking the glass from his hand and finishing the wine in a single swallow. She set the glass down with a firm clink, her gaze hardening. "Richard, I've told you already—I'll be fine. I have to bend to his orders, no matter how difficult it is. It's the only way I'll get what I want. Revenge. And later, a divorce." Her voice was cold, calculated, as though the words had been rehearsed countless times in her mind.

Richard frowned slightly, his brow furrowed in thought. "Revenge?" he echoed, his voice laced with concern. "You really think this is the only chance? To bend to him?"

Evangeline's lips pressed into a thin line as she nodded. "From the beginning of our marriage, I've been suspicious of his actions. Somehow, they always benefitted him. But this time is different. He'll teach me his own way of business that'll benefit me as well, and I'll use it against him. He's changing everything the family's business, politics. He's preparing to become the next Duke. While he studies nobility and family duties, I'll learn every detail. When I know enough, I'll finally be in a position to take what's mine, thanks to the political knowledge I got from grandma and father...." Her voice had a sharp, determined edge, though a flicker of something softer—perhaps regret—flashed across her face.

"You're quiet now," Richard remarked, breaking the silence. "What's on your mind?"

Evangeline took a deep breath, her eyes still on the serene scene before her. "Richard, you know... I've always known a few things about the family's business. The Viceroy duties, the dealings, and politics. It's not like I'm clueless."

Richard raised an eyebrow, his hand resting on the mat. "If you knew all this, why didn't you join Dominic from the start?" he asked, a note of genuine curiosity creeping into his tone.

Evangeline groaned, running a hand over her face in frustration. "I never wanted to help Dominic " she admitted, lowering her hand and meeting Richard's gaze. "I didn't expect to marry him, and everyone underestimated me. They saw me as spoiled, incapable of doing anything meaningful. So I backed off. They ignored me, and I let them." She sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping as the memories weighed her down.

Evangeline scoffed, running a hand through her hair, her expression turning bitter. "He's arrogant, manipulative, and everyone treats him like he's untouchable. I didn't expect to be betrothed to someone like him, and once I did... well, I didn't want to just fall into the role of the obedient wife helping her husband. I wanted something for myself. And honestly, they all looked down on me"

Richard's expression softened as he reached out, gently stroking her hair. His hand moved to caress her cheek, offering silent comfort. Evangeline leaned into his touch, drawing strength from his presence.

"I didn't have too many opportunities when I was young," she continued, her voice quieter now, tinged with the sadness of her past. "My grandmother tried to train me I managed to learn some things, but because I was mourning my parents death, I couldn't focus anymore. Grief overwhelmed me, and by the time passed by, her health was failing. I only held on to the knowledge she passed on." She paused, taking a deep breath, as if pushing the memories away.

"And now," she continued, "whatever Dominic's intentions are, I'll make them work for me. Politics and dealing with people are not the problem for me. The problem is that I hate being tied to a Brusward. I never wanted to be his wife." She shifted, resting her head on Richard's thighs, her arms folded across her chest. The defiance in her voice returned, sharper this time. "But we made a bet, and I can't just sit back and watch him win. When I'm done and have everything I need, I'll strip him of his title. I'll make him regret teaching me." A wicked smile curled her lips as she stared up at Richard, her mind already working through her plans.

Evangeline chuckled darkly. "I know. He'll be suspicious. But I'll play his game. I'll bend to his orders for now, make him believe I'm doing this for him, all the while learning what I need to know. And once I have everything... I'll make him regret teaching me and the benefits I got..."

Richard tilted his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "So, you're planning on beating Dominic at his own game?"

Evangeline's eyes sparkled with determination as she leaned back on her hands, the cool breeze tousling her hair. "It's the only way. When this is over, I'll divorce him and take control of everything he taught me. Dominic won't see it coming."

Richard looked down at her, his hand absentmindedly stroking her hair as he processed her words. He wasn't sure what to say—Evangeline's determination was as fierce as ever, but it was tainted with bitterness. The woman beside him had a heart full of ambition and a mind set on revenge, and as much as he cared for her, he knew this path wouldn't be easy.

Evangeline closed her eyes briefly, her thoughts drifting back to the early days of her marriage. Dominic had been doing everything at his will, a mystery she couldn't unravel. She had always sensed something off about him, but every time she thought she had a handle on things, he shifted the game. Now, though, she had a strategy, a plan that would tip the scales in her favor.

"When I win," she murmured softly, almost to herself, "Dominic will see what it's like to lose."

Richard couldn't help but smile, admiration flickering in his eyes. "You've always been clever, Evangeline. I knew you had a plan. But be careful. Dominic isn't the type to go down without a fight."

"I'm counting on it," Evangeline replied, her voice filled with quiet confidence. "He'll be busy becoming the next Duke, drowning himself in those books, while I quietly rise in the background. By the time he realizes what I've done, it'll be too late."

Richard's eyes darkened with understanding, and he nodded. "Just remember, you don't have to do this alone."

Evangeline squeezed his hand briefly, then pulled away, her gaze returning to the swan lake. "I know. But for now, this is something I need to do on my own."

"If that's what you want, I won't stop you," Richard said softly, his fingers gently stroking Evangeline's hair. His touch was tender, but there was a hint of sadness in his voice. "But you know I'll be bored during the day without you around..."

Evangeline chuckled, her eyes locking with his. "I'll visit you at night, don't worry. The weather's nice today—perfect for a picnic," she replied, her voice light, though the weight of their earlier conversation lingered in the air. She shifted, lifting her head from his thighs and sitting up. A playful glint danced in her eyes as she caressed his cheek.

"Mmmm... you're so pretty, Richard," she teased, running her fingers through his hair. "Your hair's getting longer."

Richard scoffed, a mixture of amusement and mild irritation crossing his features. He took her hand from his cheek, shaking his head. "You said that when you humiliated that jeweler's girl... I don't like being called 'pretty.' I'm not a woman. Most men don't like that. Well, except for Dominic. He's the only one who wears 'pretty' like a crown because of his beauty is captivating, and everyone knows it." His tone was light, but the mention of Dominic made Evangeline pout in irritation.

"Ugh, didn't I tell you not to bring him up?" she huffed, crossing her arms in frustration. Even though Richard had a point, it wasn't something she wanted to hear right now.

Richard smirked and shrugged, his green eyes catching the sunlight and making him look even more attractive. "Don't call me 'pretty,' Evangeline," he warned, a mischievous edge in his voice. "Or else..."

Evangeline raised an eyebrow, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Or else what?"

"Or else I'll grow a beard," Richard replied, his voice filled with mock seriousness. "And I won't shave it off."

Evangeline gasped in exaggerated horror just as Richard playfully grabbed her cheek. "Ow! What the—?" she yelped, scolding him with a fiery glare. "How dare you?!"

Without missing a beat, she retaliated by pulling on a lock of his brown hair. Richard winced, his hand instantly releasing her cheek. "Ow! Evangeline!" he groaned, shaking his head in mock disappointment as he ran a hand through his tousled hair.

"You know," Richard continued, rubbing his sore scalp with a playful grin, "I've touched every inch of you—except for anything intimate, of course. So, since when did your cheeks become off-limits?"

Evangeline narrowed her eyes, tilting her head and rubbing her cheek where he had grabbed her. "What's with you today? You're being... cute." Her tone softened as she blinked at him with feigned innocence. "Do you really feel that upset about being called 'pretty'?"

Richard scoffed again, this time with a more neutral expression, trying to maintain his usual composure. "Who are you calling 'cute'?"

In one swift motion, he grabbed her by the waist and lifted her effortlessly, placing her on his thighs as if she weighed nothing. Evangeline let out a small, surprised gasp as their eyes locked, the closeness between them suddenly electric.

"I'm older than you," Richard murmured, his voice dropping to a low, teasing tone as his eyes met hers.

Evangeline's breath hitched, and for a moment, all the teasing and banter faded into something more intense. She could feel the warmth of his hands at her waist, the way he looked at her with that mixture of affection and challenge. The playful mood lingered, but there was an undeniable tension beneath it now.

"Older or not," she whispered, her lips curving into a sly smile, "you still look cute when you pout."

Richard narrowed his eyes, but a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Careful, Evangeline... You're starting to sound like you're flirting."

"And if I am?" she asked, leaning in just a little closer, their noses almost touching.

For a moment, the world seemed to stand still around them. The wind gently ruffled the leaves, the distant sound of baby swans splashing in the lake barely reaching their ears. Both of them knew the boundaries they had drawn for themselves, but today, on this quiet afternoon, those boundaries felt a little more blurred.

Evangeline sneered playfully at Richard. "Hmmph... What does age have to do with being cute? Also..." She leaned toward him, her lips nearly brushing against his. "We won't be able to do this anymore. If you grow a beard, it'll be prickly, and I hate it when things spoil my best moments. Whose loss will it be then?"

Her words made Richard slump his head low, a chuckle escaping his lips. "This girl is hilarious. So, a man can't grow a beard anymore?" he thought, shaking his head slightly before raising it again to meet her gaze.

"Evangeline... kiss me," he said, his voice low and inviting. He reached out, gently grasping her waist and pulling her closer. The warmth of her body against his stirred something within him, but as their lips were almost touching, Evangeline paused, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

"I'm afraid I can't do that," she replied, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You do it yourself. I'm your lady, and you serve me. Kindly do the honors."

Richard's heart raced at her words. With a smirk, he tightened his grip on her waist and pulled her closer still, his breath mingling with hers. "Oh, is that how it works?" he teased, holding her chin gently with his fingers.

Before she could respond, Richard closed the distance, capturing her lips with his. The kiss was soft at first, tentative, as if both were testing the waters. Evangeline's surprise melted into delight, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.

As their lips moved together, the world around them faded, leaving just the two of them—caught in a moment that felt both electric and tender. Richard could feel her warmth, her heartbeat synchronizing with his as they lost themselves in the kiss. Evangeline pulled him even closer, relishing the intimacy that enveloped them.

Finally, they broke apart, both breathless, their foreheads resting against each other. Richard chuckled softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind Evangeline's ear. "You know, I think I could get used to this," he said, his eyes sparkling with affection.

Evangeline grinned, her cheeks flushed. "Only if you promise to keep that beard away,"She replied her tone being yet earnest