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The Pearl
Book one of The Pearl Book Series.
queen charlotte book story, Lady Mariah Blackson navigates through the season and life starting as a closed off cold person to having these people slowly break down her walls to show that the little girls who was one there is still is just scared.
Not all rights go to me as im using the books to help with the storys.
the pearl
book one
Act three- the strong desire
Essex, England
The park
16th September 1761
Mariah nods, her eyes still closed. She allows herself to lean into him, to let go of some of her fears and doubts. For the first time in a long time, she feels a glimmer of hope, a glimpse of something beautiful in the distance.
"I… I trust you," she whispers, her voice trembling with vulnerability. "I trust that you won't let me down. I trust that you will help me heal, to find myself again."Mattheo's heart swells with affection and admiration for her. He lowers his head and places a tender kiss on her temple, his lips lingering against her soft skin.
"I will do my utmost, my dearest Mariah," he whispers, his voice filled with sincerity. "I will be your rock, your support, and your safe haven. I will help you heal, and I will do everything I can to show you how deserving of love and happiness you are."Mariah's breath hitches as he kisses her forehead , and she gently look up into his eyes and this time, she keeps eye contact , light sepia clashing with dark bistre. our baby girl is slowly opening up.Mattheo's heart skips a beat as he looks into her eyes. He sees the raw vulnerability, the flicker of fire and defiance deep within. His gaze darkens, his own emotions swirling with desire and protectiveness.
"You're captivating, you know that?" he murmurs, his voice huskier than before. "The way you look at me, with a mix of defiance and vulnerability… it's intoxicating."Maria's light sepia eyes widen slightly as a small Hugh of blush scatters across her face.Mattheo notices the subtle blush that blossoms across her cheeks, and a satisfied smirk curves his lips.
"Look at that," he murmurs, his voice a velvety rumble. "You're not immune to compliments, it seems. You blush so prettily, my dearest Mariah."Mariah's blush deepens, her cheeks turning a vibrant shade of red. She quickly averts her gaze, feeling suddenly self-conscious.
"I… I don't usually respond like this," she mutters, her voice soft and bashful. "I don't know why… it's just… different with you."Mattheo's smirk widens into a genuine smile at her words. He gently guides her chin with a finger, tilting her face up so she's looking at him once again.
"It's different with me because there's something special between us," he murmurs, his voice tender yet possessive. "You feel it too, don't you? This connection that draws us together, this chemistry that sparks every time we're near each other."
" your making me wet." she says quietly as his arms are still wrapped around her waist.Mattheo's eyebrows shoot up in surprise at her blunt confession, and his eyes darken with a surge of desire.
"Is that so, my dearest Mariah?" he murmurs, his voice dropping to a low rumble. "So responsive to my touch, my words, my presence. I do enjoy the effect I have on you."
His arms tighten around her waist, holding her flush against him, his body responding to her admission.In response she tilts her head confused with furrowed brows." I- what?"Mattheo chuckles at her innocent confusion, his arms still holding her tightly.
"Darling, I believe you said I was making you… wet," he whispers, his voice low and teasing. "As in, affecting you physically, stirring arousal within you."" what- I- h.uh" she tumbles her words shocked and flustered as her face goes darker red, " I- I- I meant that because, I- because you are wet from the the pond you are making me wet with -I the hug, my clothes are now damp" she rambles flustered. You dirty bitches I know u thought dirty.Mattheo's smirk widens as he watches her stumble over her words, clearly flustered and embarrassed by her earlier confession. He finds her flustered state endearing and endearing.
"I see," he replies, his voice still teasing but softer now. "So you meant I was making your clothes wet, not… something else."
He chuckles as he takes in her flustered expression, enjoying the effect he has on her." I-i what else would be wet?" she asks baffled.Mattheo's smirk grows even wider as he sees her innocent confusion. He steps closer, his body pressing against hers, his voice dropping to a deep, seductive whisper.
"My dearest, darling Mariah," he murmurs, his tone dripping with desire, "There are many things that could be wet, depending on the… situation."
" like what? my hair?"Mattheo can't help but laugh softly at her innocent response. He finds her naivety endearing and endearing.
"Yes, my darling, your hair could be wet," he replies, his voice still teasing. "But there are other things that could be wet as well."
He steps closer, his body pressing even more against hers, his breath warm against her ear. "Like your skin… your lips… certain places on your body that react to my touch."Mariah's cheeks flush an even deeper shade of red at his words, her body reacting to the proximity of his, despite the layers of wet clothing between them.
"I- I don't know what you mean," she whispers, her voice shaky and unsure. "Places that react to your touch?"Mattheo's smirk turns into a wicked grin as he watches her squirm, clearly enjoying the effect he's having on her. He leans forward, his lips brushing against her ear, his voice a low, heated whisper.
"You know exactly what I mean, my darling," he whispers, his words sending a shiver down her spine. "Your body has a way of responding to my touch, to my presence. Can you feel it, dearest Mariah? The way your heart races, your breath quickens, your skin tingles at my touch?"
" the butterflies?" she whispers looking up at him with wide eyes.Mattheo's expression softens at her genuine curiosity, her wide-eyed innocence stirring something within him. He gently cups her face, his touch tender yet possessive.
"Yes, dearest Mariah," he whispers, his voice filled with affection. "Those flutterings in your stomach, the excitement, the anticipation, the desire… those are the butterflies. They appear when there's a connection, a chemistry, a spark between two people."He leans down, his gaze locked on hers, his voice dropping to a low rumble. "And you and I, my dearest, have an intense connection. One that generates a swarm of butterflies every time we're near each other. Can you feel them, darling?"she nods flustered. " what, do I do, with them?" she whispers.
Mattheo smiles at her innocent curiosity, his gaze filled with affection and desire. He gently brushes his thumb against her cheek, relishing the soft feel of her skin.
"You cherish them, my dearest. You embrace them, this beautiful feeling of anticipation and desire. You give in to the sensations they bring, to the way they make your heart race and your body yearn."she listens to every word he says with a flustered face but something in her eyes she doesn't know she's showing…desire..the strong desire she feels is knew, and unknown territory.
Mattheo studies her expression, noticing the slight shift in her eyes. He sees the desire there, hidden behind the flustered innocence. It stirs something within him, a deep need to awaken her to what she's been holding back.He leans in closer, his voice a soft, sensual whisper. "Dearest Mariah, can you feel the change within you, darling? The way your body reacts, the way your mind is consumed with thoughts and sensations that you never knew existed? It's intoxicating, isn't it?"His gaze remains fixed on her, his body pressing against hers, their chests barely touching. "You want to explore these feelings, don't you? To let go of your inhibitions and embrace the desire that's been awakened within you."
Mariah's breath hitches at his words, the intensity in his gaze and the proximity of his body stirring something deep inside her. She feels vulnerable, exposed, but also strangely alive. She's never felt like this before, consumed by this raw mix of desire and uncertainty.
"Y-yes," she whispers, her voice trembling. "I do want to explore these feelings. I… I just… don't know how."
The Pearl
book one
Act Two- the strong desire
Essex, England
The park
16th September 1761
Mattheo follows her step, closing the distance between them once again. He reaches out and gently takes her wrist, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her body."You can deny it all you want, but your body doesn't lie, my dearest Mariah," he whispers, his voice soft but firm. "You crave this connection just as much as I do, whether you want to admit it or not."she swallows with a shake breath," I-i . . . I can not." she whispers.Mattheo's gaze softens just a bit as her confession. He gently cups her cheek, his thumb gently caressing her skin.
"Can't or won't, my dearest Mariah?" he asks, his voice gentle but firm. "There's a difference, you know. One is a personal choice, and the other is merely a fear holding you back."her body tenses at the contact but doe not slap his hands away this time.my queen is doing progress." I-i"Mattheo observes her reaction, noting the way her body tenses at his touch but doesn't pull away. He gently strokes her cheek, his touch tender and soothing.
"You're trying to fight it, aren't you, my dearest Mariah?" he whispers, his voice low and intimate. "To deny the attraction that's building between us. But it's pointless, you know. You can't deny the chemistry that crackles whenever we're together."Mariah's breath hitches in her throat, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. She can feel the heat radiating off his body, the way his touch sends a thousand tiny shivers down her spine. She struggles to find her voice, to form a coherent thought.
"I-I can't do this," she finally manages to stammer out, her words shaky. "I can't let myself feel… these things… It's too dangerous."she back away from him slowly shaking her head as a small subtle tear falls.Mattheo's heart pangs as he sees the tear fall from her eyes. He takes a step forward, his hand reaching out as if to wipe it away.
"Dearest Mariah," he whispers, his voice tender. "Why do you fight this so fiercely? It doesn't have to be dangerous, it can be beautiful. Why will you not allow yourself to feel the connection that exists between us?"Mariah shakes her head again, the single tear tracking down her cheek. She wants to believe his words, to give in to the feelings he stirs within her. But fear and caution hold her back.
"I can't," she whispers, her voice almost a strangled sob. "I can't risk it. I can't risk losing control, losing myself in this…"Mattheo takes another step closer, his hand gently lifting her chin up to meet his gaze. His eyes are soft, filled with a mix of understanding and desire.
"My dearest Mariah, you won't lose yourself in this," he says, his voice firm but gentle. "You gain control when you have someone to hold onto, to anchor you. Let me be that anchor for you. Let us explore this connection together."Mariah's heart races as she looks into his eyes, the sincerity and desire in his gaze making her waver. She wants to believe him, to let go of her fears and surrender to the pull she feels towards him. But old wounds and past hurts linger in her mind, making her hesitate.
"It's not that simple," she whispers, her voice quivering. "You don't understand the things I've been through, the pain I've suffered. It's not so easy to just… let go."Mattheo's expression softens even more, the intensity in his gaze shifting from desire to understanding. He takes her hand in his, his touch gentle and reassuring.
"I may not have lived your past, my dearest Mariah," he whispers, his voice filled with empathy. "But I see the pain in your eyes, the scars you carry on your heart. And I want to help you heal those wounds. Together, we can navigate through them. Let me help you, let me in."Mariah feels her heart skip a beat, her breath catching in her throat. She wants to believe him, to believe in this connection they share.
"It's not just that," she whispers, her voice growing weaker. "I'm… I'm broken. I'm not the same person I used to be. I can't be… what you need."Mattheo's grip on her hand tightens gently, his voice firm but loving. "Dearest Mariah, you're not broken. You're wounded, yes, but that does not define you. It does not make you any less deserving of love and happiness."
He steps even closer, their bodies almost touching, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And I don't need for you to be someone you're not. I just need you. The real, raw, vulnerable you."Mariah's heart is pounding in her chest, her body trembling with a mix of fear and desire. His words touch a deep part of her, a part she'd sealed off and hidden away.
"But what if… what if I'm not enough?" she whispers, her voice small and uncertain.Mattheo looks deep into her eyes, his gaze unwavering. "You are more than enough, my dearest Mariah," he whispers, his voice filled with certainty. "You are the most intriguing, complex, and captivating person I've ever known. You've already managed to capture my attention and my heart without even trying. There is no doubt in my mind that you are enough."Mariah feels her heart swell at his words, a mixture of tears and gratitude welling up in her eyes. She wants to believe him, to let go of her self-doubt and trust in the connection they share.
"I… I want to try," she whispers, her voice soft and vulnerable. "But I'm afraid. Afraid of getting hurt, of losing myself again."Mattheo pulls her gently into his arms, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. He holds her close, his body warm and soothing.
"I know you're afraid," he whispers, his voice filled with understanding. "And it's okay to be afraid. But I promise you, my dearest Mariah, that I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, to cherish and protect you. All I ask is that you give me a chance, to show you that this connection between us is something worth fighting for."Mariah melts into his embrace, her body relaxing against his. She feels safe in his arms, the world outside fading away. She closes her eyes and clings to him, her body trembling with a mix of emotions.
"Okay," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. "I… I'll give us a chance. I'll try."Mattheo's heart soars at her words, a warmth spreading through his chest. He holds her tighter, his touch gentle and possessive.
"That's all I ask, my dearest Mariah," he whispers, his voice a low rumble. "Just give it a chance. Let me show you how beautiful and powerful this connection between us can be. Trust me, and I won't let you down."Mariah nods, her eyes still closed. She allows herself to lean into him, to let go of some of her fears and doubts. For the first time in a long time, she feels a glimmer of hope, a glimpse of something beautiful in the distance.
"I… I trust you," she whispers, her voice trembling with vulnerability. "I trust that you won't let me down. I trust that you will help me heal, to find myself again."
The Pearl
Book One
Act One- the strong desire
Essex, England
The park
16th September 1761
Mariah walks through the park, her steps steady and unhurried. The sun is shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the area. There are families enjoying picnics and tea on the soft grass, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
She gazes around, her eyes taking in the people around her. The laughter of children, the rustle of leaves, and the scent of roses and fresh grass fill her senses.As she continues walking, she notices a small group of young girls giggling and whispering to each other, their eyes darting in her direction. It's a familiar sight, one she has grown accustomed to over the years. She knows they are talking about her, gossiping about her reputation and her choice to remain unmarried.Mariah forces herself to ignore their hushed whispers, her head held high with a practiced air of indifference. She refuses to let their words get to her, even as the sting of their gossip digs at her chest.She continues her walk, her gaze fixed straight ahead, refusing to give the girls the satisfaction of a reaction. She has become an expert in hardening her heart, in hiding her emotions behind a facade of indifference.
As she moves further away from the girls, she finds herself walking past families who are enjoying their picnics. The scene is a contrast to her own lonely existence. She feels a pang of melancholy, a longing for a connection that seems so elusive to her.Mariah takes a deep breath, forcing the feelings of loneliness and isolation away. She refuses to let them consume her, even as they threaten to resurface with every family scene she witnesses.Her footsteps take her deeper into the park, away from the families and towards a more secluded area. The sound of laughter and chatter fades away, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the gentle chirping of birds. She feels a sense of solitude, of peace, in this secluded spot.
She finds a quiet spot under a blossoming tree and settles down on the grass, her gaze fixed in front of her. The sun filters through the branches, casting a dappled pattern on the ground around her. Mariah takes a moment to savor the silence and the tranquility of the moment, closing her eyes and breathing deeply.Mariah's moment of tranquility is shattered by the sound of a twig snapping nearby. She opens her eyes, her gaze instinctively drawn towards the source of the noise. Her heart skips a beat as she sees Mattheo, the Duke, standing a short distance away, his dark gaze fixed on her.She feels a mix of irritation and anticipation at the sight of him. A part of her wonders how he always seems to find her, as if he has a sixth sense for her whereabouts. Despite her annoyance, there is a thrill that courses through her veins at his unexpected appearance." are you stalking me?"she asks with sharp eyes.
Mattheo smirks, his gaze steady on her face. "Stalking is such an ugly word," he says, his tone playful. "I prefer the term 'deliberate observation.' You happen to be quite the captivating subject, my dear."Mariah raises an eyebrow, a mix of irritation and curiosity in her expression. "And you happen to be quite the obnoxious pest, Your Grace," she replies coolly, her tone equally playful."Ah, there's that sharp tongue of yours," he says, his smirk widening. "Always ready to snap and bite. It's quite mesmerising, really."
Mariah scoffs, her eyes narrowing. "You find my biting words mesmerizing? You must have quite the unusual taste in entertainment."
"Well, I have peculiar tastes in many things," he says, his gaze roaming over her face. "And you, dearest Mariah, happen to be one of them."Mariah rolls her eyes, a scoff escaping her lips. "Spare me the flattery, Your Grace. I'm not in the mood for your hollow words of admiration."
Mattheo feigns a wounded expression, placing a hand on his chest exaggeratedly. "You wound me, my lady. How you underestimate my sincerity."Mariah's eyes narrow even further, her patience wearing thin. "Your sincerity, or rather, the lack thereof, is quite well-known, Your Grace. Flattery and charm are your weapons of choice, and you wield them with unmatched skill."Mattheo chuckles lightly, unruffled by her sharp remarks. "Ah, you see right through me, don't you, my dearest Mariah? I must admit, it's quite refreshing to find someone who doesn't fall for my charms so effortlessly. You are a challenge, and I do enjoy a good challenge."Mariah rolls her eyes unamused, Charms? what bloody charms, the inly charms I see is on my bracelet.she thinks to herself.Mattheo notices her eye roll and smirks, clearly not deterred by her lack of amusement. "Ah, you may scoff and roll your eyes, but I see the interest behind your cold demeanour," he says, his tone confident and amused. "You can't hide it forever, you know."
" I am not hiding anything," she lies smoothly," you are just simply too full of your self with your big ego and arrogance." she calls him out on his bull shit.
Mattheo chuckles, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're quite feisty, aren't you? It's adorable, really. But I assure you, my ego and arrogance are well earned. And as for your attempt at disguising your interest in me…" He pauses, his gaze locking with hers. "You're not as stealthy as you think, dearest Mariah." you're quite feisty aren't you," shut up watermelon head.she subtly mimics his words mockingly by mouthing them and rolling her eyes.Mattheo's smirk widens as he witnesses her subtle mockery. "You're quite the little minx, aren't you?" he says, his tone filled with amusement and intrigue. "Mimicking me, rolling your eyes… You're doing a rather poor job of hiding your true feelings, I must say."
" I detest you asshole." is what she wanted to say but settled for a simple," I, detest ,you."Mattheo chuckles, unperturbed by her words. "Ah, but if you truly detest me, why do you continue to engage in this little game of ours? It seems to me that there's a hidden interest beneath your hostility. You may deny it, but I see the spark in your eyes."she roll hers eyes, " that ' spark ', died years ago. Your Grace."Mattheo observes her with amusement, his gaze lingering on her face. "Ah, the wounded soul. You've built up these walls to protect yourself, I see. But I wonder, dearest Mariah, if there's still a flicker of warmth hidden behind all that cold pretence."Oh. Oh. he went there,
at his words her face hardens." I will simply no longer entertain your pathetic games you are a nuisance." Mattheo's eyes glint with intrigue as her words come out. "No longer entertaining my games, hmm? But we've only just begun, dearest Mariah. And I must say, you're not the easiest person to walk away from."with a simple look to him and a blank face she simply says,"then swim away." and with a shove he ends up in the pond. Mattheo's eyes widen in surprise as Mariah abruptly shoves him into the pond with a swift and unexpected motion. He lands with a loud splash, sending water droplets flying in every direction. As he surfaces, he looks up at her with a mix of astonishment and amusement plastered across his face.
As Mattheo lifts himself out of the pond, the white shirt clings to his muscular form, leaving little to the imagination. Every contour of his toned physique was highlighted, making it difficult for Mariah to look away. She found herself discreetly observing him, her gaze lingering on the way the wet fabric hugged his body.Mattheo noticed her subtle glances, a sly smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. He runs his hand through his damp hair, tousling it in an almost infuriatingly attractive way.
"Enjoying the view, my dearest Mariah?" he teases, his voice laced with mock innocence.Mattheo's smirk widened as he took in the signs of her reaction, the way her breath hitched and her body responded to him. He could see the subtle heaving of her chest, the way her dress clung to her curves.
"Oh, I must say, you're quite delightful when you're flustered, dearest Mariah," he purred, his voice a velvety rumble. "Your body betrays your attempts to hide your true feelings."she feels a shiver down her spine and a tingle somewhere down there making her take a step back.his gaze darkening even more. He takes a step forward, closing the distance between them.
"Are you running away, my dearest Mariah? Hiding from these feelings that you're attempting to deny?" he taunts, his voice dropping to a low whisper.Mariah attempts to regain her composure, but her body betrays her again as she feels another shiver run down her spine, and a heat pooling in her lower regions. She tries to school her features into a stony mask, but her eyes dart downwards for a second, before snapping back up to his face.
"I-I'm not running from anything," she manages to stutter out, her voice betraying her attempt at nonchalance.Mattheo takes notice of her subtle glance and the stuttering in her voice, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. He takes another step closer, their bodies almost touching.
"No? Then why are you trembling so, my dearest Mariah?" he purrs, his gaze roaming down her body, taking in the way her dress hugs her curves. "You can't deny the chemistry between us. The way your body responds to my proximity."Mariah's cheeks flush, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. She wants to deny his words, to push him away. But at the same time, there's a part of her that can't help but respond to his presence, to the way her body reacts to his nearness.
"It's nothing but a physical reaction," she mutters weakly, her voice tinged with a mix of defiance and desire.Mattheo follows her step, closing the distance between them once again. He reaches out and gently takes her wrist, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her body.
"You can deny it all you want, but your body doesn't lie, my dearest Mariah," he whispers, his voice soft but firm. "You crave this connection just as much as I do, whether you want to admit it or not."
The Pearl
Book One
Act Three - We meet again
Essex, England
The Blackson Residence
11th September 1761
Mattheo's smirk transforms into a playful grin as he hears her response. He leans in closer, his face only inches from hers.
"Oh darling, that's where you're wrong," he whispers, his tone filled with a hint of arrogance. "You may not be mine yet, but you will be."
He tightens his grip on her hand, pulling her even closer as they continue dancing. "And as for being little, I think you underestimate your own petite frame."
The words of the Dukes rang in Mariah's head over and over , ' you may not be mine yet, but you will be.' as she sat in front of her vanity mirror having her maids undress her for the night.
As the maids carefully remove her dress and jewels, Mariah's mind is consumed with Mattheo's words. The phrase "you may not be mine yet, but you will be" echoes through her thoughts like a taunt, and she can't shake the sense of unease it causes within her.
Despite her defiant demeanour during the dance, there is a part of her that feels vulnerable at his words, as if he had uncovered a hidden truth about herself that she didn't want to acknowledge.
The first thing that makes her feel was. . . fear, fear to allow her emotions to come through, fear to open up, fear . . . to . . .love.As the maids finish undressing her, Mariah looks at her reflection in the mirror. She sees the girl who hides her emotions behind a facade of indifference, the girl who avoids vulnerability and intimacy like the plague.
"Love" she thought to herself as if it was a curse word. It was a foreign concept to her, something she had always avoided and dismissed as unnecessary. But now, Mattheo's words had stirred something within her, making her question the walls she had built around her heart.With a shake of her head she snaps out of it with a small scoff,Love is stupid and for the weak.Mariah forcefully pushes the thoughts and sensations away, refusing to acknowledge the emotions that Mattheo's words had stirred within her. She convinces herself once again that love is a weakness, a concept for the weak-minded.
But deep down, a small voice whispers, asking her if it truly is as terrible as she has made herself believe…The maids finish dressing her for the night, their hands swift and efficient. As they go about their tasks, Mariah continues to sit before the mirror, trying to ignore the thoughts and doubts that linger in the back of her mind.
She forces herself to focus on her reflection, her eyes lingering on her own face. She sees a young woman dressed in silk nightgown, her hair loose and flowing down her shoulders.But even as she gazes at her own reflection, there is a part of her that feels a pang of loneliness, a yearning for something more than just the hollow existence she has carved for herself.
No, she thought, love was a distraction, a weakness. She refused to let herself be consumed by such an emotion.She pushes herself away from the vanity, her movements brusque and decisive. She walks to the bed, settling down on the comfortable mattress as the maids finish up their tasks and quietly exit the room, leaving her alone in the dimly lit room.
As she lies there in bed, she tries to clear her mind, to erase the thoughts and feelings that Mattheos words had awakened within her. But they linger, like an annoying whisper in the back of her mind, refusing to be silenced.She turns on her side, her back to the door as she tries to force her eyes to close and sleep to take her. But the memories of the dance and Mattheo's words keep playing in her mind.
She tosses and turns, the sheets rustling with her movement. The silence of the room feels suffocating, and the darkness seems to amplify her thoughts.With a huff she gets up, and leaves the room.Mariah moves through the Blackson residence with a mix of frustration and determination. The halls are dimly lit, with a few flickering sconces casting shadows on the walls. She walks silently, her bare feet making no sound against the cold marble floor.
As she moves, she tries to ignore the thoughts and feelings that have continued to plague her. But they persist , nagging at her mind like an incessant buzzing fly.She pauses in front of the door to the art painting room, her hand resting on the handle. The door is slightly ajar, revealing a slither of the room inside. The sight of the canvases, brushes, and paints within the room ignites a mixture of longing and determination within her.With a deep breath, Mariah pushes open the door, her eyes taking in the familiar sight of her late mother's art studio. The room is bathed in a soft glow from the moonlight filtering through the large window, casting long shadows across the canvas and painting materials scattered across the room.She moves further into the room, her fingers grazing over the canvas and paint brushes, as if seeking some sort of comfort in the familiarity of the items. The studio holds memories of countless hours spent with her late mother, creating and painting together, sharing laughter and tears.
Mariah stands in front of the plain canvas, her gaze fixed on the blank surface. The memories of her late mother's presence in the room linger in the air, wrapping around her like a familiar embrace. The silence feels heavy, and the room suddenly feels smaller. Her mind drifts to Mattheos's words, "you may not be Mine yet, but you will be."Mariah takes up a brush and dips it into the paint, her hand moving across the canvas in fluid, practiced strokes. The silence of the room is broken only by the sound of the brush against the canvas, and the slight rustling of her clothing as she moves around the easel.
For the first time in years, she feels a sense of release, as if the act of painting is purging the emotions she has buried deep within herself.The brush moves across the canvas with growing intensity, her emotions pouring out onto the surface in vibrant splashes of colour. It feels as if she is painting not just on the canvas but on her own soul, the brushstrokes releasing memories and feelings that she has kept bottled up for too long.As the night deepens, Mariah's brush dances across the canvas, leaving a trail of vibrancy behind it. In the dim light of the room, the colours come alive, filling the canvas with a life and energy that seems almost tangible. It's as if the paint is not just decorating the surface, but also healing the wounds of her heart.
The hours pass, and the canvas continues to fill with vibrant colors and intricate details. Mariah loses herself in the process, her emotions guiding her every stroke. The room around her fades away, and it feels as if time has slowed down, allowing her to exist within the moment of creation.
The Pearl
Book One
Act Two - We meet again
Essex, England
The Palace
11th September 1761
" yes, usually there is gossip all over the town, but it seems I have not heard a single peep about you." Mattheo's smirk widened at her words, and he took a step closer towards her, his eyes never leaving her face. "Well, I must say, that's a first." He said, tilting his head to the side, as if sizing her up.Charlotte couldn't help but laugh at the exchange, clearly enjoying the spectacle. Lady Danbury continued to hide her smirk behind her fan, watching the two intently.
Mattheo took another step closer, his gaze roaming over her face. "You seem familiar, though. Have we met before?" He asked, his voice taking on a slightly teasing tone. Mariah internally panics, but stays composed on the outside." nope, no idea who you are," she states.Mattheo's eyes narrow as he studies her, amused by her denial. He takes another step closer, now standing directly in front of her. "Are you sure about that? You seem rather… familiar to me." He says, his tone slightly playful.
Charlotte and Lady Danbury, who have been watching the exchange, both smirk at the clear tension in the air.Mariah silently thinking quick speaks up," i'm actually quite parched excuse me," about to walk away when a hand gently takes a hold of her wrist. And in quick subtle reflex she slaps the hand off her casting a sharp glance to the Duke.Mattheo feels the sharp sting of Mariah's slap as she quickly jerks her wrist out of his grip. He looks startled, briefly taken aback by her reaction, before a smirk forms on his face.
Charlotte and Lady Danbury exchange surprised glances, clearly impressed by the turn of events. The other ladies in the area, watching the scene unfold, also gasp softly, murmuring among themselves." Ahh, yes, now I remember.You are the lady who harmed my precious jewles-," The duke starts but is cut off by Mariah who links her arm with his dragging him away to the dance floor," Why yes! I would love to dance your Grace." she cuts him off panicked but stays composed as they are going to the dance floor.
Mattheo is completely thrown off by Mariah's quick switch and finds himself dragged onto the dance floor. He opens his mouth to protest, but she cuts him off with a smile and a sweet, slightly sarcastic, "Oh, how delightful!"
Charlotte and Lady Danbury, along with the others watching, are completely stunned by Mariah's bold move. Mattheo, still in shock, just lets her drag him along, his smirk now replaced with a frown. As the two bow and begin to dance to Autumn Moon in the middle of the dance floor."there was no need to mention about that kick."she hisses quietly making the Duke now smirk as he knew she can no longer lie about not knowing him.Mattheo smiles slyly at her words, the memory of the past events replaying in his mind. He twirls her around gracefully, keeping up the façade of a polite dance.
"Oh, really? And why is that? Scared to admit you tried to kick me in the crotch?" He teases, his voice low so only she can hear.
" No , I just do not need people to know I was alone in the palace garden with a man, a stranger for a matter of fact, as it can ruin my virtue and have my name ruined."Mariah gasps slightly when the Duke, lifts her up ,spinning her before putting her back down continuing the dance.Feeling all eyes of the room on the two, The Pearl and The Duke of France dancing.
Mattheo chuckles at her response, amused by her concern for her reputation. "Ah, so you're worried about your virtue, are you?" he teases, his hand on her waist as he leads her through the dance.
As they dance, Mattheo notices how the eyes of others in the room are fixed on them, watching the two of them move together. He can't help but smirk as he gazes down at her, enjoying the attention they're getting.
The song changes Wildest Dreams ( Dallas string quartet) " of course I am it could ruin my life." I say through a clench jaw, keeping my face blank, as she avoids eye contact ,as he stares down at her with his dark brown eyes.eye contact was very intimate and to weak for Mariah she did not like weak or anything warm." why did you not, tell me you were a Duke in the first place?"
Mattheo chuckles at her insistence on preserving her virtue. "Oh, of course, we wouldn't want to ruin your reputation," he says, his voice slightly mocking.
As they dance, Mattheo takes note of her averted gaze, her jaw clenched, and her efforts to keep a blank face. Her aversion to intimacy and vulnerability is clear.
"Why would I? I thought it'd be more fun this way." He responds with a smirk, his dark eyes still fixated on her.
Hearing the mocking tone he used ,she smoothly stamped on his foot, before he lifted her up spinning her ,in the air again, before they both skipped in a circle back to back holding each others hand.Mattheo couldn't help but wince at the sudden pain in his foot as Mariah's weight stomped on it. It was a subtle move, but he couldn't deny the surprise he felt. He quickly composed himself, masking his discomfort with a slight smirk.
As they danced, the quick spin and back-to-back circle came effortlessly between them. Mattheo's grip remained tight on her hand, and he couldn't help but feel a mixture of annoyance and amusement at her audacity."You have quite the temper, don't you?" Mattheo remarks in a low voice, keeping his smirk.The dance continues, their movements graceful and fluid.
" You're quite annoying, aren't you?" she mocked back.As they move in sync, Mattheo can't help the growing sense of intrigue he feels towards her. Despite her prickly exterior, she's a fascinating mystery, and he finds himself increasingly drawn to her.
Mattheo chuckled at her mockery, clearly amused by her quick wit. He tightens his grip on her hand as he pulls her closer, their chests now touching, her breath hitches.
He leans in, his breath ghosting over her ear as he whispers, "You've got quite a mouth on you, you know that?" His tone is teasing, but there's an underlying current of something else.she furrows her brows confused but keeps it subtle as she has no idea that he had a double meaning nor what he meant." I do not, my mouth is very clean, as a matter of fact." she states proud of herself innocently .
Mattheo couldn't help but laugh at her response. Her innocent words and obliviousness to his double meaning only adds to he's amusement."Oh my sweet little darling, I wasn't talking about the cleanliness of your mouth," he chuckled, his voice low and sensual as he pulls her even closer, their bodies now fully pressed against each other.
" I am not yours," she says blankly." and nor am I little."Mattheo's smirk transforms into a playful grin as he hears her response. He leans in closer, his face only inches from hers.
"Oh darling, that's where you're wrong," he whispers, his tone filled with a hint of arrogance. "You may not be mine yet, but you will be."
The Pearl
Book One
Act one - We meet again
Essex, England
The Palace
11th September 1761
The ballroom was lit with a soft glow, casting a warm golden ambience across the room. White and blue flowers adorned the walls, with gold accents enhancing the already lavish setting. A string orchestra played softly in the background, adding to the elegant atmosphere. The guests were dressed in their finest, all of them from the highest of high society. They chatted amongst themselves, sipping on champagne and mingling with each other.Mariah's attire is of the finest white, gold, and light blue hues, befitting her title as 'The Pearl.' Her clothes, a mix of fashion from France, Rome, Britain, and Italy, cling elegantly to her frame. But her pièce de résistance, are the pearls that are present in every single outfit she wears. It's what's been known to distinguish her from the rest, after all.the event has already started and the room is pretty much packed with people. Some are dancing on the dance floor, while others are standing by, chatting amongst themselves, and sipping on their drinks.
Mariah is with a gaggle of ladies in the room, some she knows, some she doesn't, what is more important to her is that they are all fake and annoying.as the night went on, Mariah was engaged in conversation with her friends, sipping on some champagne, and occasionally checking her wrist watch. The events of 3 days ago were still fresh in her mind, the memory of the infuriating - yet strangely attractive - man replaying in her head. She tried to shake it off, but something about him was making it hard to do so.
Mariah was caught off guard as Charlotte's voice broke through her thoughts. She quickly composed herself, a small smile gracing her features. She dropped into a perfect curtsy, addressing the now new queen with respect, "Your Majesty."Charlotte couldn't help but chuckled, a sly smirk on her face, "Always so formal, aren't you, The Pearl?" She said with familiarity, raising an arm to gesture towards the ballroom, "Have you been enjoying the ball?"
" Not one for socialising my queen but u have outdone yourself for this being your first ball you host, Lady danbury lovely to see you as always." Mariah speaks with her usual blank face but polite and composed voice.Charlotte smiled, accepting the compliment graciously, "Thank you, I do try." She turned to look at Lady Danbury, acknowledging her presence, "And indeed, Lady Danbury, always a pleasure." She turned back to Mariah, her gaze lingering on her for a moment, before she spoke again, "I heard some rather interesting gossip recently…"
" from only knowing you for a few days my queen u certainly love gossip." Maria speaks lightheadedly with her blank face.Charlotte chuckled, not missing the sarcastic tone in Mariah's voice. "Ah yes, I do have a rather insatiable love for gossip." She took a sip from her wine glass, studying Mariah for a moment. "But this one did catch my interest, especially since it involves you."
Mariah raises a brow to Charlotte and Agathar," when has it not?"Charlotte chuckled again, amused by Mariah's lack of surprise. "I suppose you're right." Lady Danbury joined the conversation, her tone amused, "Seems gossip about you does seem to follow you, dear Mariah."
" Do, tell , what is the gossip this time?"Mariah says blankly.Charlotte leaned in slightly, a sly smile on her face. "Well, word has it, you had an interesting encounter a few days ago. Something involving a…certain man."
" And who is this ' man ' you speak of? because, the only man ,I bothered to associate myself with willingly, was the king. and that was when he and I, had seen u attempting to climb the wall."Mariah speaks calmly with a smooth tone and tiny smirk , as it is true, the man she has an encounter with was a twat ,and she does not associate herself with twats, so there is no lie in her words.
Charlotte couldn't help but be impressed by Mariah's quick wit and her almost convincing lie. She raised an eyebrow in response, trying to gauge the truthfulness of her words."Is that so?" She said with a sly smirk. "Because I heard that the man you were spotted with was a… rather attractive nobleman, and that you seemed to have quite the physical interaction with him."
" the day, I ever find a man ,or any human being, with A cock ,' attractive ' ,will be pass the date I am on my death bed, in other words I would rather die."she deadpans unfazed.Charlotte looked at Mariah, slightly amused by her blunt and unapologetically honest response. "Well, you're certainly not making finding a husband easy for yourself, are you?" She said with a light chuckle. Lady Danbury chuckled as well, shaking her head.
" I have no intentions to marry." Mariah states.Charlotte's eyebrows raised at this, "No intentions to marry?" She echoed, slight shock and curiosity on her face. "Are you certain about that? It's not often one meets a lady who feels that way."
Lady Danbury chuckled, sipping her champagne. "You've always had a rebellious streak, haven't you, Mariah?"
" I do not , need a man nor do I want a man in my life, if u have any plans on setting me up on matchmaking by playing cupid then go ahead but I will not entertain it." at Maria's words Charlotte smirked and called out to a man " your Grace."Both Charlotte and Lady Danbury exchanged a look at Mariah's response, a mix of shock and amusement on their faces. Charlotte couldn't help but feel intrigued by Mariah's blunt honesty. "Oh, I see." she said, still smiling.
Mariah spun around at the sound of Charlotte calling out to someone. Her stomach dropped as she saw , the man from a few days ago, walking towards them. Her face instantly hardened, but she composed herself. HE IS A DUKE SHIT SHIT SHIT was all Mariah could think as she stared the man dead in the eyes with a cold calculated face silently cursing Charlotte for this.
Mattheo, who overheard Charlotte's call, strode over towards the group, a mixture of curiosity and wariness on his face. As he drew closer and caught sight of Mariah, something stirred in him.
He raised an eyebrow as he noticed the expression on her face - cold, calculated, but with a hint of anger. He couldn't help but inwardly smirk, remembering her from their chance encounter days ago.
As he came to a halt before the group, he bowed politely. "Your majesty," he greeted softly, before turning his gaze to Mariah.
Charlotte, noticing the tension in the air between Mariah and Mattheo, smirked. "Ah, there you are, Duke Stone. Please come over, there's someone I'd like for you to meet."
Mattheo's gaze fell on Mariah, and there was a flicker of recognition in his eyes as he realized who she was. He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly. "We've met before, haven't we?" he said, his voice smooth and cool.Mariah tilted her head back mockingly but subtly, " no, I do not believe we have, I have not heard of Duke Mattheo Stone." she said.Mattheo raised an eyebrow at her response, a mixture of amusement and disbelief in his eyes. "You haven't heard of me?" he said, his tone tinged with slight annoyance.
Lady Danbury stifled a laugh, her hand coming up to hide her smirk. Charlotte, on the other hand, looked fascinated by the interaction between Mariah and Mattheo, her gaze flitting between them with great interest.
" yes, usually there is gossip all over the town, but it seems I have not heard a single peep about you."
The Pearl
Book One
Act Three- The Beginning Third person
Essex , England Buckingham Palace 8th September 1761
Mariah glanced behind her, back towards the chapel. " people will notice you are missing, will they not?"
" I shall worry about that later. now, if you please, I just need a little help." she motioned urgently. " come, now make haste."
But the two just crossed their arms. " we have absolutely no intentions of helping you.'
Now she was irritated. He had been so polite and chatty, giving every indication that he was a gentlemen and the women was polite and lovely to look at even with the sarcasm. But all they were doing was wasting her time. " I am a lady in distress, " she snapped. " you refuse to help a lady in distress?"
" I refuse to when the lady in distress is trying to go over a wall so she does not have to marry me."
Charlotte went still. so still that she would have sworn her blood stopped flowing. she looked up. into his eyes, which were very, very amused.
Mariah was struggling to compose herself and hold back an amused chuckle at this entire situation, " hello Charlotte," he said " I am George and this is Lady Blackson."
" I-I-"
Mariah's lips twitched and George's curved into a devilish smile " cat got your tongue ?" Mariah asks sarcastically.
She sank into a curtsy. A very, very deep one. she would have scraped her forehead to the ground had it been anatomically possible." I am so very, very, sorry, your Majesty."
Getting bored and feeling like she just walked into something Mariah subtly leaves the two, as she was walking through the maze she hears some gentlemen near by talking," simply pick the least objectionable and get her wed, bed, and bred." one spoke, " then you can return to more pleasurable pursuits." he added when Mariah moves slightly more into the shadow behind the hedge." and more pleasurable partners." another spoke up smirking as the men in the group laugh.Mariah turns to walk away in disgust the words only adding more to her distrust for people, A wall is what she walks into.
Well what felt like a wall.
but really it was just a mans chest as she slowly looks up from the chest into the dark brown eyes that held her captivated. as she steps back, the man quickly grabs her by the waist, preventing her from falling. The force of impact making her stumble into him, her head bumping against his chest.She glances up, her eyes widening as her gaze met his dark brown ones. A shiver runs down her spine from the intensity. He was looking at her with an almost….predatory look? As if he's watching his prey. Her heart thumps loudly. He was close, so close, she could feel the heat coming from his body. stunned at first, and her usual composure slips for once. Her eyes are wide open, and she's looking up at him with an almost dazed look.she tries to regain it by taking a step back from the man who is still holding her by the waist. She tries to steady her quickly beating heart, her face returning to its usual cool look. But the man is watching her intently, as if studying her..
Her mind finally catching up to what had just transpired, she quickly snapped out of the daze and slapped his hand away. The action was almost instinctual, she didn't even look before doing it.The man was surprised by her sudden action, raising an eyebrow as he looked at her. No one had ever done that to him before.
After she slapped his hand away, he let go of her waist. He couldn't help but be intrigued now, as he looked down at her.She stood there, her expression as cool and aloof as ever, despite the fact that her heart was still beating rapidly.A tense silence fell between them, until the man finally broke it.
he starts looking her up and down, not in a weird way or anything, just observing her, before finally speaking with a soft, and a quite amused sounding voice."You know, most women would have probably said thank you to me by now," he teased, with a small chuckle. "Instead I get slapped, quite a first meeting"
Mariah just looks at him, her expression betraying nothing. But in her head, she was thinking- What kind of man would expect a 'thank you' after grabbing a woman without warning, that too from the waist, what a complete nob." why would I thank you for grabbing me?"she asks in disbelief.her response is just what you'd imagine she'd say. A little snarky, very defensive, and blunt. But he still has that amused and intrigued look on his face. He almost wants to test her just to see what she'd do.
He was expecting a snarky or angry response. But hearing the disbelief in her voice makes him smile, just slightly. He takes a step closer, his eyes still studying her."Well, I just prevented you from falling to the ground, that's worth a thank you, don't you think? Or are you always so impolite?"
pulling a face she puts her pointy finger to his chest with slight pressure so he does not move any closer," I would not have nearly fallen on to the ground if u was not lurking behind me like a creep." she say blankly with sharp eyes.He laughs at her response, his smile growing wider as he looks at her. His eyes are sparkling with amusement as he speaks.
"A creep you say? That has to be the most creative one I have heard yet. If it makes you feel better, I wasn't intending to lurk, you just weren't paying attention to where you were going."
" what is so funny? I do not find any amusement in this situation at all, and I wouldn't of had to look where I was going if u was not right behind me." she spits out frustratedly
He chuckled in response, finding her outburst slightly adorable. "You're quite the feisty one, aren't you? But I have to admit, watching you get all upset is slightly entertaining."He takes a small step closer, now only a few inches away from her
Oh. Oh. he should have not gone there.
Mariah levels her brown eyes onto his with a look. A look that could kill.He almost wants to laugh. Almost. But the look in her eyes makes him pause, but only for a moment. He's never met a woman like her before, it makes him..curious.He raises an eyebrow, a grin twitching on his lips as he looks down at her. His presence is making her uncomfortable, he can tell, but he doesn't feel like backing away."Oh come on, it was harmless fun. Don't be so serious all the time."
in response to this man, Mariah gives a fake smile as she fakes laughs before looking behind him," oh! is that a horse?!" she says panicked and when he looks away to where she pointed she slammed her knee up into his precious jewels and walks away.His eyes widened as he heard her say "horse" and turned to take a look behind, only to receive a knee to his most sensitive area. He lets out a pained cry, his knees almost bucking as he doubled over.His head snaps up and he sees her walking away. That little b*tch! He straightens up, holding to his jewels as if to try and alleviate the pain. He grits his teeth, and starts hobbling after her. Hearing him follow after she turns slowly with a what in the hell face," you look very special right now," she tells the stranger.
He grunts as he tries to hobble after her, glaring at her. The pain is still present on his face, as he struggles to stand straight.He opens his mouth to say something, but he stops as she turns to face him. He narrows his eyes, taking in her words."Special.." he says in between gritted teeth, "is that your way of saying I look pathetic?"
" no , this is my way of saying u look. . . retarded." she says with a tiny smirk."Retarded.." He repeats, his face turning red. He wants to be mad, he does, but the smirk on her face is almost..amusing.He narrows his eyes at her, trying to keep himself from wincing from the pain."You are the most infuriating woman I've ever met." He says with a clenched jaw.
" good, then stay away from me." she says with a fake smile and leaves.
