Haunting of Love’s Folly

Written by Elizabeth J Pena

Part One

The lights that stalk the street have begun to dissipate. The moon's cyclical nature represents the same as the sun, working in tandem with her defeat. The grand halls of her estate echo with trepidation at her entrance as if they know. Know of the Lord's presence hounding her thoughts. He is anything but useful to her, but at night alone in her chambers, Lady Elise Tribune yearns for the touch of a once familiar connection.

Getting settled into her bed, the Lady’s thoughts resurface from the earlier interaction. It is a tremendous effort to push the thoughts away, but they persist. Although she is a High Lady in her court, alone she is just a woman. Laying her head down, cascading her beautifully long stark white hair on her pillow, she stares through her emerald green eyes to the ceiling, contemplating her worth as a High Lady. She gets up at once to look into her vanity, her defined features staring back at her. Her eyes are so green they light up any room. Her hair tails down past her breasts to her torso. A beautifully hand-picked-by-god nose balances all of her features. Cheekbones that are so high and sharp, her face is a representation of a strong woman. Her posture is upright, a woman of exquisite beauty and grace. Her entrance to any room will turn heads as she is the most beautiful woman in the lands of Hibza. The battles her court has engaged in have always been victorious, for she is an expert at gaining allies and leading her armies to victory. Yet, alone here she lies, stumbling over lost words of a lover that is unrequited to her knowledge. Lord Alaric.

Lord Alaric from the passing side court, known as an enemy once, is now the only occupation that traverses her mind. He is not a High Lord; he is from a court that has done exceptional at the bare minimum. Soon to be betrothed to Lady Mary Elizabeth, from birth they were to land together. Although it may seem that Lord Alaric, with his graceful dark brown hair and golden amber eyes, is in love with not his made-to-be wife. His heart longs for another. High Lady Elise.

Part Two

I slept with the horrors of another nightmare. They seem to be getting less invasive, yet I still see her ripping out my father's ribs one by one. She who shall not be named haunts me—

The ball! I must prepare to see my subjects and allied courts.

As Elise gets ready, she dresses in the most breathtaking red gown made from Persian fabric. Low cut, revealing her breast, accentuating the tight-fitting gown that tails from her backside. Gold jewelry is placed on her neck by her servant Sarah.

“This necklace is the most beautiful, High Lady,” Sarah says in a comforting way, attempting to release Lady Elise from her thoughts.

“Yes, it most certainly is, Sarah. You always pick the best jewelry.”

Sarah smiles and bows to leave the High Lady alone to assess herself in the mirror. Lady Elise is quite fond of herself in a way that is cunning, yet humble. Her emerald eyes combat with her cherry red gown while her hair is white as snow. Off to the ball.

Part Three

As Elise arrives at the ball, thrown in an allied court, she puts on her strongest face, forgetting about the words he’ll never get to hear. She makes her entrance from atop the stairs. The music stops as she begins to step down. The heads of her subjects begin to turn and bow in awe of her beauty. She does not smile nor frown, for she is a High Lady in this court. She graces these subjects with her presence as she makes her way to the throne. Gracefully sitting, she surveys the room for him, nowhere to be found. A sense of comfort fills her soul like a revival of relaxation.

The music resumes, and the dancing commences. One by one, women come to the throne with their sons—eligible bachelors keen on taking the throne. As politely as she can, Lady Elise dismisses the bachelors; she cannot take another heartbreak at this time.

Part Four: Alaric

I am running so entirely, completely late. If only my soon-to-be wife had a bit more haste in her. The ball has already started, and I've likely missed the entrance of my love.

“I apologize, my love, I am feeling a bit sick. Do you mind going without me?” Lady Mary Elizabeth apologetically inquires with hesitation.

“Yes, my love, of course. I will send your regards.”

Lord Alaric makes haste to the ball. He leaves any love for his betrothed at the door of her chambers as he leaves.

Part Five

As the swarms of eligible bachelors dissipate, High Lady Elise finds herself stuck talking to one of them, Lord Whatshisname—she can’t remember. He is lanky and most trepidatious with his words. She tries to hide the bore from her face, but conveniently not enough as someone swoops in to save her.

“High Lady, as requested.” She looks up in amusement and confusion at the handsome brown-haired man holding out a goblet to her.

“Now, are you prepared to talk about the business affairs we were mentioning earlier, High Lady?”

“Yes, of course. Thank you for reminding me,” she answers back seconds after the confusion settles into clarity, freeing her from the lanky lad that stood in front of her.

As he walks away, she exhales deeply, a silent thanks to the mysterious man who saved her from boredom.

“Thank you, I thought I would have to fake a bathroom exit to free myself from that one.”

“You’re welcome, Your Highness, anytime.” His hazel, almost reddish eyes pierce through her and leave her speechless. She can’t help but stare at him. As they talk more, she realizes his identity: Lord Derek.

The night progresses, and their conversation flows naturally, a dance of words and glances. Derek speaks of his court, his duties, and subtly, his longing. Elise listens, her heart pounding in her chest, the ache of unspoken love almost unbearable. The ball continues around them, a blur of colors and music, but for Elise and Derek, time stands still.

Lost in his eyes, she becomes so entranced in the conversation that she only looks up when he is at the top of the stairs making his entrance. Quickly, she looks away and begins conversing more.

“More eligible bachelors, I presume?” he asks, slightly curious about the obvious connection he felt through the eye contact they held for less than three seconds.

“I assume so,” she answers back snarkily, with a hint of sarcasm that makes him laugh.

As Lord Alaric finishes descending the stairs, he is immediately almost trampled over by business talks with future investors. As well as he could, he kept a sane mind in these conversations while casually catching glances over at his love. Overwhelmed with jealousy by the engagement between the High Lady and his nemesis, Lord Derek, he managed to keep cool and remain content—until the Lord touched her hand. Alaric almost lost it; he is not one to appreciate another touching what he considers his.

He politely dismisses the conversations from taxing investors and walks to the throne from behind Lord Derek.

“Lord Derek, is it not a coincidence to see you here,” Lord Alaric says, maintaining eye contact with his enemy.

“Lord Derek, is it? I'm afraid I never got your name,” the High Lady slithers to Lord Derek.

“I didn’t know you would be attending this soiree, Lord Alaric, and alone as well,” the High Lady looks to the man she has a burning passion for and to his side no one. She gives him an inquisitive look while maintaining her fierceness. Lord Alaric explains that his betrothed was not feeling well but sends her regards. Elise gives a sarcastic shrug and continues to talk to Lord Alaric while Lord Derek fetches her another goblet of wine.

“So this is your plan, to parade around your pet dog in front of my face. Measly plan, High Lady.”

“Do not disrespect me in my court, Lord Alaric, for you are betrothed and I have the chance to know another.”

“You know I love you, and I am calling off the wedding.”

“What? For what? You are in love, so you say.”

“Yes, with you.”

Those words sting through her as Lord Derek approaches with her goblet. She holds her composure, taking a sip from the glass, eyeing the both of them, taking in their gloriousness. Lord Alaric winces at the flirtatious nature of Lord Derek. Blinded by his insecurities, Alaric confronts Elise in a fit of rage, accusing her of betrayal. Heartbroken and bewildered, Elise denies the accusations, pleading with Alaric to see reason. Yet, the venom of jealousy has already taken hold of his heart, and he refuses to believe her. In a moment of tragic folly, Alaric challenges Lord Derek to a duel, convinced that only by shedding his rival's blood can he restore his honor and secure Elise's love.

Part Six

The duel is set for dawn in a secluded part of the court's grounds. The news spreads quickly, and by morning, a crowd has gathered to witness the confrontation. Elise stands at a distance, her heart heavy with fear and sorrow. She watches as Alaric and Derek face each other, swords drawn, the tension between them palpable.

"Do you really think this will solve anything?" Derek sneers, his eyes flashing with defiance.

"It will settle who is truly worthy of Elise's love," Alaric replies coldly, his grip tightening on his sword.

The duel begins with a clash of steel, the sound ringing through the air. Both men are skilled, their movements precise and deadly. As they fight, Elise's mind races, searching for a way to stop this madness. She knows that no matter who wins, the outcome will bring more pain and sorrow.

"Stop this, both of you!" she cries out, her voice breaking. "This is not what I want! This is not love!"

Her words fall on deaf ears as the duel intensifies. Alaric's determination fuels his every strike, while Derek's defiance drives him to match each blow. The crowd watches in silence, the tension mounting with every passing moment.

Finally, with a swift and powerful move, Alaric disarms Derek, sending his sword flying across the field. He stands over his fallen rival, his chest heaving with exertion and rage.

"It's over," Alaric says, his voice low and dangerous. "Yield."

Derek looks up at him, defeated but unbroken. "You may have won the duel, but you'll never win her heart this way."

Alaric's eyes soften as the weight of Derek's words sinks in. He looks back at Elise, standing on the edge of the crowd, her eyes filled with tears. He realizes that his actions have only driven a wedge between them, pushing her further away.

Before Alaric can react, Derek reaches into his boot and pulls out a hidden dagger. With a swift and desperate movement, he plunges the dagger into Alaric's side. The crowd gasps, and Elise's scream pierces the morning air.

"No!" Elise cries, rushing forward as Alaric collapses to the ground, blood staining his clothes.

Alaric's eyes meet hers, filled with pain and regret. "Elise... I'm sorry," he whispers, his voice fading.

Elise kneels beside him, cradling his head in her lap, tears streaming down her face. "Stay with me, Alaric. Please, don't leave me."

"I... love you," Alaric manages to say before his eyes close, his body growing still.

Elise's heart shatters as she holds him, her sobs echoing in the silent courtyard. The crowd stands in stunned silence, the weight of the tragedy sinking in. Derek, realizing the gravity of his actions, is seized by the guards and taken away.

The court mourns the loss of Lord Alaric, but for Elise, the pain is unbearable. She withdraws into herself, her once vibrant spirit now a shadow of its former self. The love they shared, brief and intense, is now a memory that haunts her every waking moment.

In the end, the price of jealousy and pride is paid in blood, and the love that could have been is lost forever. Elise's heart remains with Alaric, and she spends the rest of her days longing for the touch of a once familiar connection, knowing that some wounds can never heal.