A Gentle Smile And A Gentle Hand

Alexander rode on a black horse to the Marlow's Residence. The wind blew against his hair as he rode. Eventually, he pulled back on his horse, causing it to slowly halt to a stop. He got off the horse and held onto the lead. He made his way to their front door and gently yet confidently gave it a knock. He waited for a moment while petting his horse's neck. Her mother opened the door, surprised to see him there. 

"Oh, well hello, Alexander," she said. "It's a pleasure to see you again."

Alexander gave her a warm smile and bowed his head. "Please, the pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Marlow."

She smiled. "What a polite boy," she opened the door wider. "So, what brings you here, Alexander?"

He continued his smile. "Do forgive me for being straight forward, but I would like to see Emily if possible."

She nodded her head. "Of course! That is no trouble at all." she thought for a moment. "If I am not mistaken, both she and Susan are at The Park, a little down the road here."

"Oh?" he said, slightly surprised at the news. "Is she with anyone else, milady?"

She gave a nervous giggle. "Emily had a fondness for horseback riding. I hope that isn't too strange."

He shook his head. "Not at all, milady," he said. "I also enjoy the sport myself. I think that's wonderful that she shares my hobby."

She sighs with relief. "That's good to hear!"

Alexander bowed his head once more. "In any case, I do apologize for bothering you today. I should make my way to her now."

She looked back up and smiled. "It's quite alright, Alexander. Safe travels!"

He bid her farewell and got back onto his horse, galloping away.

When he got there, it was a stable that had 5 people tending to it. He got off the horse and led it behind him as he walked to the caretakers. They looked up at him before one of them went up to him. "Good afternoon, sir," he said. "Can we help you?"

"Good afternoon. I would like to know where Ms. Emily is."

The worker nodded his head. "Oh, of course, sir. But may I know who you are?"

"I am her soon to be husband, Alexander Leonhard."

The worker's face dropped, an expression of fear and respect broke out on the man's face. "Do forgive my lack of foresight, Sir Alexander. I will notify the young lady of your presence right away." 

As he turned to leave, Alexander stopped him. "It's quite alright. Just tell me where she is."

"Um, yes. The young lady is just over there, behind that building." He pointed down the road a bit further at a large stable.

Alexander nodded before hopping on his horse and rode it to where the man pointed to. The chatters of the two ladies were slightly audible. Alexander hopped off his horse and led it past the corner of the building. Before him were the two ladies. Susan saw him first, looking at him with a surprised expression. Emily was sitting on her brown horse, facing Susan and away from Alexander. She was wearing a simple button up with a flared wrist cuff, and long trousers. On top of her button-up was a leather breastplate. 

Alexander wore a smile and made his way to the two. "My, my. It would appear that my soon to be wife is a knight," he said.

Emily looked around, surprised to see him here. "Why are you here all of a sudden?" She asked.

He smiled at her. "To see my beautiful soon-to-be wife," he said. "Why else?"

Emily rolled her eyes. "I doubt that's your only reason." 

Alexander walked closer. "Well of course. I also want to talk to her more."

"How adorable you two are." said Susan, leaning on the fence.

He gave her a gentle smile. "Why hello, Susan."

Susan smiled. "Hello Alexander," she said while giving him a wave.

"I did not get a chance to talk to you the last time we saw each other." He stopped when he got close to the two. "For that I humbly apologize." He bowed his head to her.

She swatted his apology away. "Oh, it's quite alright, no harm done."

Emily looked more and more annoyed by the second. "Come on, Susan, let's head home," she said, signaling Susan to get on her horse.

Susan looked at her, a bit flabbergasted. "Why? Alexander just got here, isn't it rude to not stay and talk?"

Emily urged her with a look. Susan sighs, then agrees. "Alright. Fine." She then looked at alexander. "Why don't you come back with us?" she suggested.

Emily stared at her with a blank expression. "What?" she blurted out.

Alexander gave a chuckle and waved his hand in the air, dismissing the idea. "I'm afraid I can't for today, though I appreciate the offer, milady." He then turned to Emily. "I'm mainly here to see Emily."

Susan gave her a slight smile. "Would you look at that, your darling is here to see you," she teased.

Emily looked away for a moment. "Tch, like ever," she replied.

"Either way, it's about time I leave home for my afternoon nap. Thankfully Alexander is here to keep you company." Susan then walked over to Alexander. "Do keep my sister company, alright?"

Alexander slightly bowed his head. "I shall try my best to do so," he replied.

she giggled. "Such a sweet boy." She then walked away holding her umbrella. "Have fun you two!" She slowly walked past the corner of the building and out of sight. 

Emily gave him a tired sigh. "What is it now, Alex?" 

He walked up closer to her with his horse following after. "Nothing, really. I just wanted to come and talk to you is all."

She pulled her horse back a step or two. "You can't seriously think I would fall for that?"

"There is really nothing to fall for, I assure you." He petted his horse on the side of its neck. "Gloria and I have nothing but good intentions for this visit." His horse neighs. "See? She knows."

"Mmhmmmm" Emily rolled her eyes. "So, are you going to ride or what? The park is quite large."

"I'll take you up on that offer," he said as he claimed onto his horse.

He galloped to her horse as they slowly trotted their way around the large green field. The sky was cloudy, enough to blot out the sun, giving a cooling shade on them. The wind was a gentle breeze and the sound of birds chirping filled the hills. The sound of Alexander's horse galloping rhythmically intertwining with Emily's. 

After a while, Emily looked over at the smiling Alexander. "So why are you here all of a sudden?"

"To be honest, I just really wanted to ride my horse to ease my mind for a bit." He then looked over to her. "Plus, I kind of miss your bluntness."

She looked back forward. "The first reasoning was believable."

After a second, Alexander asked, "what about the second one?"

She looked back at him as if he was joking. "Is that a serious question?"

He laughs. "I miss that about you."

She scoffs. "Lies flow out your mouth like wind through a grassy field."

He closed his eyes and smiled. "It isn't a lie," he said softly. "I missed it oh so much."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, just shut up and tell me the truth."

He rode his horse closer to hers. "But I am telling the truth. It isn't my fault if you don't believe me."

She glanced over at him. "Really?" She asked.

He chuckles. "Nope. I just needed to relax and thought I would come and see you as well."

Her shoulder slumped. "Ass," she said.

"Though I would say your bluntness is refreshing to say the least."

"I bet it is," she said, slightly annoyed. "Knowing you, you must have had nothing but sweets and praises growing up. Am I right or am I right?"

He laughs. "You're right."

She looked back forward. "So humble," she muttered.

He stopped laughing. "But also, wrong." 

She turned to look at him and smirked. "Yeah? Did someone else also call you an ass?"

He chuckled again. "Something like that."

Emily smiled a bright smile. "Wow, I wonder who that is."

His smile stayed, as if it was a husk of something dead. "It was my elder brother.

"How I would love to meet him and shake his hand."

He lets out a nervous laugh. "I'm afraid you can't," he replied.

She snickered. "Oh? Is he also stuck-up like you?" She teased. He stayed silent for a bit. She looked over at him and smiled. "Cats got your tongue?"

He sighs, then looks forward and smiles weakly. "I don't actually know where he is right now." His voice was somber and soft, grief and guilt dealing into the crevice of his tongue.

Emily looked away for a moment, not expecting for him to say that. The two galloped a bit further in silence.

He chuckled. "Cats got your tongue?" He repeated.

"Sorry for not noticing," she said. 

He lets out a heavy sigh. "It's quite alright. It used to be a much touchier subject when I was little." He looked up at the clouds. "But now, it doesn't bother me that much anymore."

Emily looked at him. She can see that it is bothering him, yet, saying so likely won't help the situation. She looked forward again. "So," she said. "You ride for fun as well?"

"That I do." He pets his horse's mane. "Gloria has been my horse since childhood. She's a beast when it comes to racing."

Emily looked at him and gave a mischievous smile. "Want to test that theory?"

He met her mischievous smile with one of his own. "It isn't a theory, Miss Emily. It is a fact,"

"Oh, big talk." She petted her horse's neck. "Lily here is also one of, if not the fastest horses in our family's stable."

He snickered. "Alright, I accept. Where should we start then?"

Emily looked around her area. "There, that tree. First one to make it back to the building wins." 

"Deal," he said excitedly. "Any prize for the winner?"

She thought for a moment. "One favor that you can use at any time." She then thought for another second. "That is doable and doesn't go against any morals."

He smiled. "Alright, deal!" 

He extended his hand out toward her. She shook his hand as they got ready at the tree. They pat their horse before bowing low on them.

"Ready," she said. 

"Set," he continued. 

"Go!" She yelled.

They kicked their horses, and they took off, leaving a blaze of dust behind the two. Emily pulled ahead, looking over at Alexander with a confident grin. To her horror, his face was also that of confidence. She looked back forward and gave Lily another kick, making her go even faster. She was sure that she would win now. The building got closer and closer.

Suddenly, the sound of galloping approached her, making her glance back. There Alexander is, gaining distance quickly. She looked forward again, furrowing her brow and gritting her teeth, leaning even lower than before. To her shock, a black figure can be seen in her peripherals, followed by a body. In the blink of an eye, Alexander pulled ahead, looking back at her with a confident smile.

Eventually, Alexander halted his horse before it reached the building. Emily eventually did the same. Her face drooped down in defeat and embarrassment. 

"So," Alexander said smugly.

She quickly looked up at him in annoyance. "Oh, don't even," she interrupted him. "I get it, you win." She lets out a long sigh. "As promised, one favor you can use at any time that I can do and is within my moral limitations."

He teasingly bowed his head. "Why thank you for your kindness, milady."

Emily rolled her eyes. "Whatever," she grumbled.

Alexander looked up at the orange sky. "It's getting late. We should head back just about now."

Emily looked up as well, then nodded. "Yeah, probably should." Emily hopped off her horse and took the rope to lead it back to its stable. "Just wait for me out on the road there. I just need to return Lily to her enclosure."

He nodded and hopped off his horse as well, taking by the rope and leading it out to the road. While waiting, he grabbed a carrot out of the bag on the side of the saddle and fed it to Gloria. He groomed her mane and combed her body to get rid of dirt and small insects. "All better?" he asked her. She blows air out her nose. "Good girl." he said, petting the side of her body.

After a bit of a wait, Emily walked out the stable. "Sorry for the wait," she said. 

'It's quite alright," he responded. "Should we get going?"

Emily walked ahead of him. They walked for a while in silence before Emily broke it. "You're awfully different from the first time we met."

He looked over at her. "I do feel like I need to apologize for that meeting. I suppose I was just not in the right state of mind for talking."

She laughs. "So, what strikes your fancy today?"

"Well, like I said, I wanted to go out for a ride on Gloria here. It's been quite long since I took her out."

She looked away, pouting. "So, Lily lost to a rusty horse," she muttered. 

He laughed. "I don't think that's fair to blame Lily. Perhaps you are just bad."

She glared at him. "I'm very offended by your comment."

He chuckled then looked forward as they walked. "Oh, I also came to tell you something," he said.

"Go on." She looked over at him.

"My birthday is coming up and my parents decided to throw a ball party. He wanted me to invite your family to attend."

Emily sighs tiredly. "Great," she mumbled.

Alexander sighs. "Do you honestly hate me that much?"

"Well." Emily looked away for a moment. "I don't hate you; I don't hate anyone. I simply don't like the idea of this whole marriage thing. Being all lady-like isn't my thing as you can clearly see. I'm really not the type to be a wife."

Alexander gave her a warm smile. "So, is that the reason you dislike marriage?"

She shrugged. "For the majority I suppose." She looks at him. "You said it yourself. I am no lady, right?"

He chuckled. "Well, you aren't," he said, making her pout. "But at the same time, I don't think that's a bad thing either."

She looked at his face. It was a warm smile, one that she didn't think fit him. She then looked away. "Well, I'm glad you think so," she scoffs, slightly embarrassed at his sudden charm.

He smiled at her warmly. "Perhaps under different circumstances, I would willingly make you my bride."

A blush appeared on her cheeks upon hearing those words. She hurriedly shook the thought from her head. She then looked at him with an annoyed look. "Don't try to mellow me up. I am not one for love."

Alexander let out a laugh. After a moment, he spoke up again. "My birthday is coming up in 10 days," he said. "I would like you and your family to attend."

Emily sighs. "I don't suppose I have a choice if I want this marriage to work out."

He chuckled. "I promise, I will try my best to make the party not insufferable for you."

She poked his chest harshly. "You better, or I'm leaving," she said.

He gently grabbed hold of her hand; his gentleness surprising her. His thumb gently pressed the center of her palm, holding a tight and firm grip. "Very well, Emily," he said softly.

Emily stood, stunned for a moment. Her hands feeling a sort of weakness. His gentle gaze fell upon her eyes. The once dark void of his eyes now shows a clear reflection of her in it, a sense of longing encompassing her image. She felt drawn to him. It felt right. "Umm," she said, not knowing what else to say. She didn't want to say anything, to merely enjoy the moment. The orange sky behind his head, the gentle breeze, bellowing his black silky hair back and forth. 

His horse neighs, breaking her from the illusion. She hurriedly took her hand away from his grasp, looking away and clutching onto her now warm hands. She turned to look forward again before walking. He smiled and followed suit. 

"I'll hold you to that promise," she said, pouting. She looked at her hand, clutching onto it for a moment before letting her hand fall to her side.

She glanced back at him. He smiled at her. She turned back, taking a sigh. Eventually, they arrived back at her residence. She turned to him, holding her hands together in front of her. 

"It's almost dinner time," she said. "Would you like to join us?"

He shook his head. "I have business to attend to at home. Do forgive me, but I will have to pass this time."

"Oh," she said, slightly disappointed. "Of course."

He took a step closer to her. "Perhaps next time," he said. "Or you could also come to me if you have time. I'll be sure to welcome you warmly."

She thought for a moment. She then snickered. "Why would I want to come to you?" She said, turning away to walk to her house.

He let out a slight laugh and got on his horse. "Then I will let fate decide when we should meet next." He adjusted his saddle and held his rope in his hand.

She turned around to look at him. "Farewell, Alex," she said.

He turned to look at her as Gloria turned to face the direction of his estate. "Of course. Until next time, Emily." he gave Gloria a gentle kick as she slowly galloped down the road.

She looked at him as he went. Gloria's tail is flapping left and right, her mane flowing with the wind. "Until next time," she muttered.

She then headed inside, closing the door behind her. She leaned against the door, breathing a sigh of relief that it was over. She looked at her hand once more, the warmth and slight pressure of his hand imprinted itself in her mind. "Good lord, what had gotten into me," she said, beginning to hang her leather breastplate on the nearby coat hanger. She made her way up to her room to change. Susan peaked through the door of her room and followed Emily to her room. "What is it, Susan?" she asked.

Susan hugged her from behind. "So, how did it go with your prince charming?"

Emily let out a huff of air. "He isn't my prince charming; he's just Alexander."

Susan laughed. "So? How did it go? Did it go as bad as the first time?"

Emily walked into her room, Susan hugging tight onto her. "Surprisingly not," she said.

Susan let out a gasp. "Really?" she said, letting go of Emily and closed the door behind her. "So how did it go then?" she said, walking to her bed to sit on it. 

Emily took off her clothes and picked something more comfortable. "It went decent," she said as she put on her clothes. 

"So what did you two talk about?" she pushed further.

"Just pleasantries and all that." Emily put on a flowing gown. "We did race against each other as well, which was nice I suppose."

"Did you win?" 

Emily sighs. "Sadly, I lost."

Susan laughed. "So, was that all?" 

Emily sat on the bed next to Susan. "Well, he also invited our family to attend a ball he is throwing in 10 days."

Susan sat up, clearly interested. "So do you plan to go?" she asked.

Emily shrugged slightly. "I don't think I have much of a choice."

Susan poked Emily's face repeatedly. "Don't be like that, it might be fun!"

Emily laid down on the bed. "Whatever. I don't care much for it." She looked out the window at the crimson sky.

Back at the Leonhard Estate. The door opened and Alexander walked through. The maids took off his leather strap and helped him out of his gloves. Sebastian walked up to him. "Welcome back, young master." he bowed to Alexander. "Would you like Daisy to brew you your coffee, sir?"

Alexander nodded his head.

"Very well, sir," said Sebastian. "How was your outing, sir?"

Alexander began to walk up the stairs. "It was," he paused for a moment. "Never mind," he settled. "Where is my father?"

"In his room, sir. He is waiting for your return."

"Alright. You are dismissed. Just bring the coffee to my work room as always."

Sebastian bowed his head and left to find Daisy.

Alexander went up the staircase and up toward his parent's room. He took a heavy sigh before knocking on the large door. 

He knocked on the door three times. "It's me, father. I have returned."

A moment of silence before his father opened up the door and walked out. He closed the door behind him and looked at Alexander. "Welcome back, son," he said roughly. "Come along."

He walked down the hall and into the dining room. Alexander closed the door behind them to give them both some privacy. His father's footsteps echoed in the large empty room, reverberating through the room and through Alexander's head. His father sat down on a chair and Alexander sat opposite of him. 

His father picked up a cigar from the collection on the table. He placed it in his mouth and lit it up himself. He puffed out a cloud of smoke, slowly rising into the air. In his rough voice, he spoke to Alexander. "Did you have fun?" He asked.

Alexander spoke in a firm voice. "It was alright, Father," responded Alexander.

"That's good to hear." He tapped his cigar on the side of the ashtray. "Did you invite them to the ball like I asked you to?" 

Alexander nodded his head. "Yes, I did, father."

"Wonderful," he responded. "We will also announce your marriage in front of the other families. That should be a good enough show for our purpose."

Alexander looked at him, surprised. "I wasn't aware you wanted to announce it there. Emily might get uncomfortable."

His father gave him a look. "Are you opposed to it?"

"Not necessarily," Alexander responded. "I just prefer not to take steps back in my relationship with her, even if it is fake."

His father gave him a grin. "Don't worry, I am on good terms with her parents. I do not think you will need to worry much."

Alexander looked at his father. "She has a lot more control over the situation than you might expect, father." Alexander crossed his legs. "She isn't the obedient type like most others are. Judging from our interactions today, she can probably forcefully call off the wedding if she wanted to. Her parents cannot control her, I just know it."

He puffed his cigar. "In that case, how is your wooing?"

Alexander leaned back in the chair and grinned ear to ear. "It was good, father. I expect her to falter sooner or later."

"That's good news then," he said, putting out his cigar. "So do you think your plan can work?"

Alexander laughed a bit. He then looked into his father's eyes. "I am not like my brother. I will not fail."

His father seemed pleased by his response. He stood up and walked out the room. "Keep up the good work, son. Get some sleep."

Alexander stood up and bowed to his father. "Goodnight, father."

Alexander sat down for a bit, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. After a while, he got up and out of the dining room. He approached his work room and entered. On the table was a cup of tea, some fruit slices, and a lit candle. He sat down in the dimly lit room, alone. The table was cleared, nothing on it other than a book.

He looked at the rising moon outside the window. The sky is still a bright crimson. "What a mess," he mumbled. He opened his book to a designated page and started reading, occasionally sipping his coffee and eating his fruits.

Inside a mansion in the capital, three nobles were holding a sort of meeting. On the wall was a large, fancy fireplace. Around them were windows, all with their curtains down. The room was empty, the only source of light was the fireplace. Two older gentlemen sat opposite of a young man. The two had large rings on their fingers, sparkling with the light of the fire. They both had a glass of wine in their hands, taking a sip of it occasionally while talking. 

In the seat opposite, the young man sat with his legs crossed, a maid tending to his cup of coffee. "That is enough," he told the maid softly. "You may excuse yourself, my dear." His chair was facing away from the fireplace, shielding him in a veil of darkness.

The maid bowed and left the room.

One of the older gentlemen who has a monocle hanging on his coat began to speak to the young man. "Adrian, I hope you aren't too busy," he said. "I was hoping you would be willing to lend some assistance with the upcoming mission."

"Mister Herald, I think you are too worried for your own good," the young man replied. He took a sip of his coffee. "The route I gave you have none to spot you.." 

The other gentleman intervened. "That may be so, but surely you of all people realize that it is still too risky without your assistance." The man stood up, almost spilling his wine. "This is big business opportunity; big money is on the line!"

"Settle down, John," said Herald. John looked at him and reluctantly simmered down. Herald then looked back at Adrian. The man looked a little panicked from Adrian's calmness. "We don't want to question your decision, but we must insist that you lend us some help."

Adrian let out a sigh, fog excreted from his cup of hot coffee. "You two are getting very noisy," he said calmly, making the two men look at each other worriedly. Adrian took a sip of coffee again. "Have you ever heard of the Burgan family?" he asked.

The two older gentlemen nodded. "We currently have a contract with them I believe."

Adrian nodded his head slowly. "Good, keep supporting them," he said. "As long as you keep them in business, I will send my men to help you out with your carriage."

The two gentlemen smiled and let out a relieved laughter. "Thank you, Adrian, truly, thank you," said Herald. "If you'll be helping us, I highly recommend you join the next council meeting."

"When," Adrian asked.

"In 8 days, sir," Herald replied.

Adrian smacked his teeth. "I cannot attend in that case."

"Oh?" said john. "We weren't aware you had planned that day."

Adrian stood up and walked toward the fireplace, illuminating his features. His black hair tainted with the color of the orange fire. His eyes are sharp with a void that swallows up all lights going into it. "I think business is over, gentleman. I must ask you to take your leave if there is nothing left for you to discuss."

The maid opened the door and bowed. The two gentlemen took the hint and left. "Have a good night, Sir Adrian," they said before heading out the room.

A maid entered the room. "So, what is your plan, my lord?"

He drank his coffee. "You will be in charge of keeping the carriage safe, as promised."

she nodded her head. "And you, Master?"

He smirked and turned to her. "I have a birthday to attend to."