Shauntal lightly tapped her heels on the pavement as she enjoyed the brisk chill of the winter afternoon on Lucian's back patio. She felt inspired to write something that expressed her love for her betrothed. Shauntal spared a moment to look down at the engagement ring he gifted her and felt her heart skip yet another beat and her breath caught in her chest. Every time she looked at her hand, she found herself in a daze. She truly was going to be married to the man of her dreams. She could ask for nothing better than the caring and attentive love that Lucian gave her. Shauntal was completely lost and enthralled in him. He was, in many ways, her muse and inspiration to continue writing.
Shauntal already had a story in the works that masked their relationship but only the two of them knew the truth about the characters. This, however, needed to be personal - something only for his eyes. Tapping her pen against her paper, she slowly started to write words that came to mind as she thought about him and how he made her feel.
'Flutter within my frozen heart.
To give thine all but a glimpse of suffering within thee.
It comes to a halt within thy arms.
Your kiss is naught but bliss. In the dark,
You showed me everything I could ever ask for.
Understanding and love.
You accept my flaws without fail
Whispering words of reassurance
Doth my ears deceive me
When I hear you whisper my name in your sleep.
Holding me close to your chest,
Naught but the rhythmic beating of your heart beating
Lulling my busy mind into a thoughtless slumber.
How lucky I have found myself this eve'.
To have but one gentleman dedicates his life to my heart.
My beloved muse, oh keeper of thine heart.
How you bring me to my knees.
Just but one word of praise stirs a fire within my chest.
As I lay with thy arms, fingers intertwined.
I hold my breath with anticipation.
Lest we miss any further waking hours apart.
Until that fated day that our vows speak volumes
To bless and promise one another to each other.'
As she read over her work, she felt a pair of warm arms embrace her from behind and soft lips brush against her neck. The corners of her lips curved. She didn't need to turn around to know that it was Lucian. Just the way he held her with care and pulled her closer to him from the stool she sat on.
"What's this piece you are working on, my love?" his inquiry was uttered in a whisper against her cheek.
"Just something I scribbled while thinking about you. It's not perfect but i-"
She was quickly interrupted as he gently took hold of her chin, luring her into a soft kiss, and cutting her off. He stole her breath for what felt like hours instead of a few actual seconds. When he pulled back, he traced the curve of her right cheek.
"Shauntal, my darling Empress, your writing -- be it a draft or final piece is perfect in my eyes. I love seeing your thought process and those gears within your brilliant mind come to life. Now, might I have the pleasure to read your masterpiece?"
Biting her bottom lip, she held out her notebook to him. She studied his facial expressions as he went through the poem she wrote about him. Seeing him smile at the words she wrote made her mirror his expression till he placed the notebook on the glass table beside them, an action followed by the careful removal of his glasses - which he placed on top of her notebook so he could look at his beloved without tinted lenses.
He then took hold of her hands, pulling them close to his lips, followed by a soft peck against her engagement ring, never once breaking eye contact with her.
"Once again, I find myself falling in love with you. Your words are nowhere short of passion. I am in awe and enthralled by your written word. Such poetry speaks to my soul. I am charmed by such thoughtful words. I may be a Psychic Elite Trainer, but it is you, my darling, who has me under your spell and I would have it no other way."
"Lucian..." His words made her heart melt. "I just wanted to write something that showed how much I love you."
"You've done a wonderful job in doing so. Now, if you would permit me, might I show you how much I love you in return?"
There was a glimmer of mischievous intent in his bright azure eyes as he inched closer, lips curved into a devious grin. Just the sight of it made her smile in return, giggling with glee as she gave him a nod.
"Of course! You may do so, now and forever. I'm yours."
Releasing her hands, he gathered her in his arms bridal style, kissing her forehead as she squeaked out of surprise. "I was hoping you would say that.."
She wrapped her arms around his neck, giggling once more, "I love you."
"I love you as well, my love."
It wasn't long before she found herself whisked away to his room to share a lovely afternoon in his arms. Whispered words of praise were exchanged between the betrothed pair, solidifying their commitment to their future life together paired with passionate movements. Never once would there be a second or thought that she would doubt his love for her. She knew for certain that he was the one for her. A partner, a lover, an inseparable soulmate.