Chapter 3-(Amanthe POV)-The Insufferable Fools

DO NOT REDISTRIBUTE. Thank you.


My Friend Pedar,
This insufferable, fool of a man I know as my father will one day drive me to the brink of insanity. I mentioned before that the man he brought me was far more an ingrate than I am patient, but I believe that my thinking before may be less truthful now. Trust it or not, Pedar, I do not like him in the least, but just yesterday, he said "Thank you" to me. The day before, he finally revealed his name as Markos. Perhaps he's beginning to think better of my kind. It's just as well . . . any more curses and angry mutters and I may have had to poison him.
Don't laugh-I would have. You know how I despise loud noises and angry shouts. This Markos is the very definition of noisome. He is perhaps the most annoying being I have ever come across. I've already informed you that he's a complete ingrate, but it is madly aggravating how he never even manages to lower his tones!
Despite these facts, Cosmas feels that our "budding romance" is beginning to bloom, though slowly. I nearly vomit when he smiles condescendingly whilst looking at me. Last night, he smiled so much I put herbs in his food that caused his bowel movements to become frequent and very plentiful-am I making you blush, Pedar? I suppose I am, since you're the type to blush at such impropriety. At any rate, it was a small amount, but I think Cosmas knows the cause.

My quill paused on the parchment. All of what I'd written to my friend was sadly true to every meaning. But everything I wrote, or so Pedar said, seemed to have double meanings. When I'd once written that Cosmas had not brought me any companions as of late, he inquired if I had finally taken an interest in men. He read far too much into my literal phrases. I stared at my bold, quick scrawl. Could he be thinking by now that I was beginning to-I shuddered-love this abominable man? Markos may be handsome, but in no way was he attractive to the likes of me. He was noisy, irrational, ungrateful, and always ready to explode with a curse.
I shrugged. Let him think what he will, I knew the truth. My quill touched the yellow parchment again as orange blossoms fluttered around me.

Being a particularly pleasant afternoon, I could hardly be expected to remain indoors, when I'd been trapped inside a stuffy workroom with the likes of a potential fiancé. My tree had called so seductively when I'd decided to write to my neglected correspondent. Thus, I was curled in its spicy branches now, enwrapped in the scent of orange and cinnamon, completely and utterly grateful that I was alone for the first time in days. It was becoming an alien experience to grasp.
I tucked my dark hair behind my ear slowly as the feather tip scratched across the fragile parchment. The dark green ink, almost black, bled across the page as it took on the shape of my scribble.

When will you be visiting again? It's been near a month since I've last seen you face-to-face. If you visit, Cosmas may give up on Markos and I. Please, if you're any kind of man, you will take responsibility for your actions. You've left me here with a meddlesome old man and his idea of a fiancé, after all. Remember that

"I thought I'd find you here, Amaranthe."
I glanced up, and found myself gazing into a pair of pleasant, hazel eyes fringed with sandy lashes. His light brown hair, pulled back into a short tail, was held back with a frilly ribbon that matched the lace on his cuffs. I rolled my eyes with a snort. The familiar, softly angled face and apricot complexion would always be welcome, but as for the clothing . . .
"Pedar, you look effeminate." I said, proceeding to crumple my unneeded letter.
He laughed. His smile was infectious, and I felt the muscles of my face be tugged upward gently.
"Is that any way to greet a friend who's come to rescue you, Amaranthe? I'm insulted."
"Is that any way to dress? You should be insulted. Even I-a woman-don't own anything so frivolous, Pedar. You could stand to wear normal attire when visiting, you know. We don't carry such airs here." I replied, looking him over with a critical eye. "You are wearing more lace than I have ever had the grace to own or look upon. If you're the one who is going to rescue me, then I highly suggest that you change outfits."
"You have less lace than I do only because you're nothing like any other female in the kingdom, my flower." He arched an eyebrow. "Though I do have to admit this outfit is a bit gaudy."