LADY JULIET ; starcrossedtm.
Elias had captivated her in a way that she swore no man ever could. Not within the high walls of the estate, the stiffening dances and small talk that fell on deaf ears. No lavishness had ever been ENOUGH for her. Not until she had laid eyes on h i m . It was foolish, naive and dangerous to be out of sight from the watchful eye of her parents for even the moment. How could she possibly even dream of being careful when h e was a mere pace away?
– “Your place is here more than ever, Elias.” With her. Torments of the heart were tricky, to want someone when she’s promised to another. It’s what follows that causes her hand to withdraw when she spots it; the worry frothing at the corners of WARM eyes. “Yes, before anyone interrupts, p l e a s e .”
a bite of his lip, subtle sweep of his eyes across the vicinity and he nods for her to follow. and it is of great restraint that he hasn’t yet linked his fingers with hers to tug her along for another adventure. but he knows he must be careful and keep sharp of wandering eyes. down the steps leading away from the balcony and past some trees. outside the courtyard and further from the event. he doesn’t stop until they’ve reach location he’s often met with her.
❝ my lady, we’ve been treading upon dangerous waters far too long now. your announced engagement aside, what do you think your parents would do to me if they knew the truth? and what of you? after all this time, have you not noticed the signs? I haven’t necessarily been hiding it from you. —– and all because I’ve feared what voicing the truth may do. ❞
The farther they tread from the Capulet estate, the more dread fills her. It’s slow at first; like dripping of cold water down your spine as they descend stairs. Then it’s quick, rapid and f r i g i d . Something told her that nights after this, her dreams would be full of the way his eyes looked tonight; frightened and PAINED.
It was under the blanket of a starless sky and a line of trees that they could finally speak freely -- HIDDEN as they always were, but it felt so different at the same time. His words hurt her and despite the calmness in her tone, you could see it in the trembling of her LIP; “Then let us l e a v e ,” as if it was that simple. Ever the child. “I only know my truth, and that truth is that I would rather run into danger anywhere than remain here, still and without you.” Her palms were clammy and petting against the silk of skirts in an attempt to calm herself. It was better than clenching them into f i s t s . “That is my truth -- what is YOURS, Elias?”
