LOST LOVE, LOST HOPE
With a rapidly-beating heart, I stood stiffly, willing the welling tears not to show. The edges of my long, ivory dress fluttered gently in the evening wind. My clenched hands rested on the grey stone of the balcony’s parapet, the rough grey stone against my smooth, pale hands, colours contrasting vividly.
The sun was setting over my kingdom. From where I was standing, it had cast a warm, golden glow over the lush lands of Farevale. At this time, everything seemed to peaceful, so quiet, so still. It had always been my favourite time to the day, but after this, I doubted that I would ever feel the same way again.
A sudden increase in the flurry of activity in the already bustling courtyard caught my attention. Unwillingly, I cast my gaze downward – and instantly froze. He was coming out of the vast double doors, striding with firm, strong strides towards his convoy of men, all atop tall, black horses, the scarlet banners waving proudly. He paused beside his steed, eyes roving over the courtyard, as though trying to search out someone in the crowd. He seemed not to find the person, and a shadow marred his otherwise perfect features – or was it merely my wishful thinking that willed it to be so?
He was Prince Anthony Corbière of Jevan; I was Princess Evelyn d'Escalles of Farevale. From the moment we had met three short months ago, I had felt inexplicably drawn to him – and him to me. Our friendship had slowly progressed into something more. It had been the best three months of my life. Every small action – the holding of lands, brushing of shoulder – had seemed so intimate. Then, out of the blue, our happy bubble was shattered. A messenger from his father had arrived, recalling him back to his kingdom. He was to be married. One arranged for him since birth.
I guess I had never really questioned how our relationship would progress. I did think about the possibility of marriage, but it would have been too rushed, too unadvised, too sudden. My heart broke when I first heard the news. We had been together for months, but he had never deigned to tell me this little tidbit. Not once! I felt used, betrayed. I had immediately left the room after shouting furiously at him. We had not seen each other or spoken to each other since.
As I tugged my mind out of the misty memories and focused once more, I felt a jolt shoot up my spine. He was looking up directly at me, and as I lowered my head, our eyes met for a fleeting moment. Less than a second, but more than words could ever say passed between us then. Infinite regret and sorrow in his, and perhaps, a hint of a plea within. In mine, I was certain, he would see nothing but anger, sadness and betrayal.
The moment passed as I forced myself to break away from his intense gaze, deliberately looking away. It was over. I wanted nothing more to do between us. My breath hitched in my chest as the clatter of hoofbeats and the jingling of the bits sounded. Loud at first, but soon faded away. I refused myself that last look, until I was sure that I heard nothing from below. Only then, did I cast my gaze downwards.
The courtyard was empty. They had gone. He had left me for a woman he barely knew.
And me? I was left with the shattered pieces of my heart, a gaping hole where the once vibrant organ once lay. Slowly, my legs folded under me as I crumpled to the ground, burying my hands in the soft material of my gown. The ends of my auburn hair brushed my face.
Only then, did I allow myself to weep for the love there could have been, and the future, that never was.
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Okay, so I wrote this in Chinese class when I was supposed to be paying attention >.< It wasn't my fault; she was too boring! I had this story swirling around in my head for days, irritating me to no end till I finally caved and wrote it down. Apparently, my sister said that it reminds her of Romeo and Juliet.
Comments and critiques are welcome! I don't really write human stuff very often... So I was wondering if it was okay?
Thanks(: