A Different Path

Chapter 21

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Rose wasn't one for big honeymoons, nor was Narinder. They simply preferred to be in each other's company. After making sure the Cult would be find in their absence, the newlyweds went to the their favorite hidden meadow where they had their first date. The place was blooming with flowers by the time they arrived. Rose often said that flowers are immortal like her. Even though they wilt and die at some point, they come back... like her. Narinder understood what she meant. Every time Rose died or was killed in some way, she would come back. Even after she turns 500, she would come back to him. Rose would always be by his side and he would be by hers. Narinder looked at his wife in the new dress she wore. It was a beautiful shade of crimson, adorned with red roses. Rose wore his Cult colors to honor her husband. Of course, she wasn't limited to red, black, white, or gold. To Narinder, Rose looked beautiful in anything. It was when they were having a little picnic that Narinder decided to ask her something.

"Rose...? Do you still miss him?" He looked at her.

"My late husband? I do. I think I always will. But the pain of losing him has faded. Like I've said before... I was able to move on thanks to you and my family," she looked at him. "You saved me, my lord."

"I still remember your grief when we met," he took her hand, "it's indeed faded now."

"Yes... Now, my heart is filled with renewed joy and love for you, for my family, and the future we will witness," Rose held his hand and smiled fondly at him.

"I look forward to spending each day with you, mi pajarito de llamas~" Narinder purred.

He was learning Spanish! And was quite good at it too. Rose chuckled and kissed his cheek. They nuzzles each other before going back to eating their meal. There was more small talk before the conversation turned in a different direction. Narinder knew that Rose wasn't going to worship him the way his followers did. In fact, she loved him for who he was, not what. It was a bit surreal to accept at first, but he understood with time.

"Rose? Will you always love me even if I am not a god?" Narinder looked at her.

"Of course I will," she looked at him. "Nari, I see you as my husband. You're the god of Death, but you're also my husband, the man I fell in love with. Do you still need some convincing?"

"Well, you are my first love. I still seem to be unsure about a number of things," he said.

"Well, I have an idea that might convince you in all its entirety," she smiled. "Can you join me for a duet?"

"Always," he smiled.

Narinder learned to sing thanks to her. He could sing, but not in the way he does now. Rose definitely introduced him to a world completely new to music. It was more complicated than he initially thought. Rose stood up and walked with him to a tree, getting into place under it. Tapping her amulet, the music began momentarily.

(A/N: I do not own If you Love Me for Me from Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper.)

Rose
♪"Once a lass met a lad
'You're a gentle one,' said she~
In my heart, I'd be glad
If you loved me for me

You say your love is true
And I hope that it would be~"

Rose looked at Narinder and held out her hand to him. Narinder happily took it and joined her in the next verse. He had an idea in mind...