Never To Be

  

As a young man Darian spent some time stationed in Itaia as part of his military training. While there he quickly fell in love with the beauty of the city – and with one beauty in particular.

She was the eldest daughter of a notable noble family. As such, she was far beyond his rank. But as chance would have it they would meet several times during his service. He would see her while out on patrol and be captivated almost immediately. Out of respect he kept his distance. But he could still see her, even from far off.

Eventually she was the one to approach him – for what reason, he still does not completely know. A conversation turned into a hesitant flirtation, and from there into an infatuation. She was all he could think about – her laugh, her wild spirit, her smart, seductive tongue. The two of them would sneak out under the cover of night – he would wait just outside her family estate before they would steal off to somewhere more private.

When he wasn’t with her, he would think about her – once he even bought her a small locket in the marketplace because the intricate filigree reminded him of her. It cost him much of what he had saved up – but he was sure to her it was nothing more than a trinket. Even so, she was constantly on his mind.

He knew what he did was wrong. She could never be truly interested in him, and he could never provide the life she was accustomed to. But love makes a man do stupid things.

Towards the end of his service in Itaia he heard a rumour that her father was finalizing a betrothal with a fine young nobleman. At first, Darian tried to find her. He knew there was nothing he could do, but his passions wouldn’t let him simply stand by and let it happen. He would never find her.

The last thing he would hear of before leaving Itaia to return to Byzantir was that the wedding was planned to happen within the month. He never wrote – believing it better to simply let the foolish affair fade away.

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Many years later, Darian is now a member of the King’s Guard – a position he was fighting for even way back when he was in Itaia. After a bottle or two of wine, his mind still wanders to her, wondering how her life is…how it could have been.

The last thing he expected was to see her in Byzantir.

And it couldn’t be at a worse time – strange assassination attempts are being foiled within the castle, but how much can be blamed on coincidence? Could she possibly have something to do with the strange goings on?

***

I’ve tried to leave it pretty vague so you can interpret her however you’d like. I pictured her as a spitfire – someone who would challenge Darian, and not simply be walked on.

As for the husband I’ve also left it your choice – maybe he died in battle? Or in an accident? Maybe he was thrown in jail and executed? Maybe they were never married at all because of a last minute scandal.

When I was picturing her, I had Maimie Mccoy in mind, but use who ever you’d like.

Lots of wiggle room here – something we could plot more on together if you’re interested. We could even do up some past threads to get the courtship details clear.