Rejected

Chapter 19

Delilah observed the Prince’s solemn profile as they walked down the busy corridor while he kept his gaze attached to her arm in his. So absorbed they were in each other’s company they did not even notice people moving out of their way for them. Oddly enough neither had said a word to gain each other’s attention. The silence was comfortable enough for both of them.

“I hope our experiment continues with your satisfaction,” Delilah spoke when they reached the end of the corridor. The view from the balcony was hidden in a blanket of clouds. They would waft in and out of the circular balcony leaving behind dampness on the carved marble.

“It is proceeding quite slowly but only because I am forcing my men to be meticulous. I cannot risk anything.”

“I understand,” Delilah nodded, “Your father is very dear to you.”

“My parents are my life,” The man uttered gazing into the nothingness of the clouds.  

“All will be well. I also apologize for my grumpiness that night. I think I forgot your state of mind.”   

“Only you would apologize for someone else’s faults,” The corner of the Prince’s eyes wrinkled with amusement, “I should be the one apologizing. While there no satisfactory excuse I could offer I have to say I grow weary of this confinement. Fronton has always been my haven from city manners and nosy nobles. Now I am to be further bound like a gutted deer.”

“I am sure marriage isn’t so detestable a state as you describe and you are hardly culled meat,” Delilah shook her head at the melodrama.                              

“Ah, wear my shoes for a day or two and you shall know what it is to feel like meat hung on hooks with crows taking generous bites.”

“What a problem to have,” The Lady sighed, “You have autonomy most young women will never taste. Freedom to travel, explore, be your own person.”

“So is that your wish? You to be free and fly away from this odious monotony,” The Prince asked curiously.

“Maybe, yes, but I cannot abandon my responsibilities.”

“Neither can I,” The man agreed dourly, “So much to do today. Not only do I have a meeting with my father’s advisors but I also have so many papers to read and sign. On top of that I have to sit for a portrait this afternoon. My mother could not resist the artistic charms of the oil painting master. Are you also keen on getting your likeness recorded like all the women I know?”

“Oh dear me, why would I want to look at my own face? I am no Royal with subjects who wish to gaze at my countenance,” Delilah snorted at the idea.  

“Why ever not? I am sure there is someone out there who wishes to keep your image with them,” The Prince probed with more curiosity than he liked.

“My father has vowed and wedded my likeness so my family needs no reminder. I doubt I even compare to the beauty of my mother.” The clouds caressed her face as she trailed off. He struggled for words to break the self loathing atmosphere. She seemed to be jesting but that hint of bitterness was palpable.  

The stillness instead was broken by her cousin who was not being accompanied by any of their friends. Her face looked upset enough to cause alarm to the sole occupants of the balcony.

“I feel foul for interrupting this conversation but will you two loathe me for ending our trip so soon. I am not entirely comfortable with the attention being paid to me,” Cecilia pleaded urgently.

“Someone dares to discomfit my esteemed guest,” The Prince joked but felt concern for his friend’s charge, “I thought your nerves were made of sturdy marble.”