Chapter 11:

"HOW DARE YOU!" he shouted in a shrill voice before he quickly caught himself. The last thing he needed right now was the servants to overhear him. He hissed at Korina, "I am not a man." before he rolled out of bed and got to his feet, turning his back to her.

"But you have...a...a," said Korina, scrambling to get off the bed and go after him.

Her feet just barely touched the floor before Velona whirled around sharply seethed in her face, "A what!"

Korina stumbled back, startled by his sudden closeness. She fell back on the bed and he could see she was terrified as she sputtered. "A...penis."

Velona practically climbed back into bed with her, making it clear, "I do NOT have a penis! I am not a man!" He kept his tone quiet enough so as not to leave the room but harsh enough that his affectation would ensure, she knew the seriousness of her mistake.

Korina looked up at him, her face twisting with terror and confusion. She was truly dumbfounded, he knew in this moment, she would believe anything, to get out the situation she was in. He pulled back and turned his head away from her. Hotly he said, "Not that it is any of your business but I have a medical condition."

"A medical condition?" Korina repeated slowly daring to sit up on the bed.

"Yes," said Velona turning his back to her. He took a few steps away from the bed. "I was born with it. It is quite rare and something I do not and will not discuss with you or any other."

"Oh," said Korina getting to her feet once more. "I...I am so sorry. I didn't know. I was mistaken,"

"Yes," said Velona, turning around. "Yes you were!" He glared at her, studying her. He couldn't know for certain, if she truly believed him. He knew, she knew little in the ways of the world, especially when it came to the sexes. A medical condition wasn't exactly the best of excuses but given the short notice of the situation and that he was mostly working off the top of his head, it would have to suffice. Up until now, he'd either run from or killed everyone who had accidentally stumbled upon his secret.

The room was quiet as the two stared at one another, after a moment Velona folded his arms, he needed to make it clear, she was never to speak of this again "After all I have done for you and especially what I did last night, for you to dare ask me such a question!" He spoke down to her with such disgust. "I swear if you ever, even infer to me or any other that I am a man. I shall never forgive you. I will ruin you! I will have you driven out of Crestmoore, much to the shame of your poor grandmother!"

"Please," said Korina her eyes widening. He could see she was truly grasping the weight of her "mistake" now. "Please I shall never do it again, I swear,"

He looked down at her as her big beautiful eyes, filled with tears. He could see he'd instilled fear within her. He still wasn't sure it was enough but it would have to do for now. The servants would be arriving soon, if they hadn't already and he had much to do.

He stood up properly and held himself with authority. He looked down at Korina one last time and commanded, "We shall never speak of this matter again. Now go make yourself decent for the day. We shall have breakfast and see if the roads have dried enough for you to return home."

"Yes, Baroness," Korina practically squeaked and then like a little mouse she scampered out of the room.

When the door was shut and Velona was alone, he let his shoulders fall and let out a heavy sigh. He stood there for a moment, settling himself. His clutched his chest, feeling his heart beat like the wings of a humming bird. He wondered what he was thinking, making a mistake like this and then allowing her to live and walk out of the room. It wasn't as if there were much he could do but still, he needed to do better. He would do better.

He took in a large breath of air, puffing up his chest before rushing out of the room, to complete his own set of tasks. Upon leaving the room he heard the servants had indeed arrived. He quickly went to the bathroom, graciously things were just as he left them he quickly gathered up his things and just in time it would seem. One of his maids was coming up the stairs to no doubt empty the bathwater. Thankfully she moved slowly, tired. He caught her yawning as he darted through the hall. He couldn't be sure if she'd seen him, it didn't matter.

He went to his dressing room and strapped himself up in record time. He made sure to double and triple check it before he got fully dressed. He put on something extra feminine and made sure to do himself up extra beautiful. When his hair and make up were beyond perfect he rose and just stared at himself in the mirror. He took a few minutes to deep breath and then gracefully, elegantly went down stairs for breakfast.

The servants were preparing breakfast and didn't seem to have overheard anything. He expected to see Korina at the table but she was not. It unnerved him but he didn't let it show instead he sat down at his table taking in any news and preparing himself as if it were any other day. He sent one of his men to check the roads and then began to eat slowly. Korina joined him awkwardly a few minutes later. He was worried she might apologize yet again but she didn't. She simply pulled up a chair and sat down.

Breakfast passed silently and uneventful to which he was grateful for. When they were done eating the man he'd sent out had still yet to arrive back. Velona suggested they work on piano lessons. It was a consuming task and would keep them both busy. Velona was not only teaching Korina how to play songs but read music as well.

He quizzed her on what little she'd learned and then put a new sheet down in front of her, seeing if she could play it. She stumbled through it and he corrected her as he always did. For a moment things almost felt normal again as if this morning had never happened, between the two and yet it had. Velona sat beside her listening to her play. She knew his secret...even thought he'd scared her into confusion. She'd seen it. He recalled her eyes on his member. He knew something was going to have to be done…

Korina looked back at him and he realized he'd lost himself in thought. He instructed her to play the first song he'd taught her and she did so. He listened to it and stared at her, watching her fingers glide gracefully across the keys. He really could work wonders.

After she was finished playing the song, he had them sit and read for a while. He needed time to think but alas didn't get any. The man he'd sent out finally returned. He said the roads were clear. Korina lit up smiling for the first time that day. She was eager to go but he wasn't so eager to be parted. At least in his house he could keep an eye on her make sure she kept her mouth shut. He worried what she might say once she was away.

He decided to ride with her and stay with her a little longer to make sure she would indeed hold her tongue. He informed his servants that if the Baron arrived back before he did to let him know he was at the Bray's estate. He could tell Korina was not happy he was coming with her but didn't say anything, like breakfast the carriage ride was quiet and uneventful.

Velona closed his eyes and ran through all the possibilities of what would happen if Korina spoke to another about this morning, then he came up with a plan for each of them. When they arrived Korina was so happy to be home that she forgot herself. She quickly rushing out of the carriage and inside.

He followed after her slowly and requested a visit with the Countess. He met with her in her sitting room. She was happy to see him and as he assumed fully understood him not sending Korina home in such a storm. They had tea and she went on about the storm and then about a friend of hers who was quite sick. She worried about her and might pay her a visit soon but didn't want to leave Korina alone in the manor. Velona half heartily offered to take her in, if the need arised. Then Vira went on about a new table set she'd ordered and insisted on showing it to Velona.

After a few hours he was more then ready to go but realized he'd nearly forgotten to inquire about Korina's nightly habits. Like him, her grandmother had noticed she was tired but just assumed it was her training, Velona made it clear it was not his training that was making her tired. He asked the Baroness if he noticed Korina doing anything strange, if she was perhaps not getting enough sleep.

Vira thought on it but didn't notice anything unusual and worried Korina might be coming down with something or be ill. It took him nearly half an hour to calm the woman down, it was almost not worth asking. Velona prepared himself to leave, even though Vira insisted, he stay for lunch. He made up an excuse that he had other plans.

Vira understood and decided to walk him out. She wanted to see how maintenance on the garden was going. One of their larger trees had come down in the storm. The servants had been clearing it away, all morning. Just as they got outside the Vira seem to have an idea.

She thought Korina might be tired from being woken up. Velona paused and listened to Vira go on, about how she'd heard voices at a few times at night, coming from the garden outside her window. Yet when she woke and looked outside there were no lights.

She'd sent the servants to look into it but they didn't see anyone, it was quite spooky. Velona agreed it could be a possibilities but pointed out Korina's bedroom window was nowhere near the garden. Vira realized this and seemed a bit disappointed. She said he'd ask the servants to keep a closer eye on Korina and if she noticed anything, she'd get back to him.

Something about voices in the garden struck a cord with him. He asked Vira not do anything for a few days and instead let him look into it. She agreed and he got into his carriage. He mulled over the details of his conversation with Vira and as they were connecting with the main road, he saw a figure in the distance.

It took a few feet before he came into proper view. Velona realized it was the Duke, he heard he about his seemingly endless walks across Crestmoore. Velona's eyes widened as he he had an idea. He glared out the window at the Duke and thought he might know what was going on but he needed to be sure. He sat back in his carriage and folded his fingers coming up with yet another plan.

The last day or so had been quite hectic for Korina. First she'd accidentally fallen asleep during training and was sure the Baroness was going to punish her. Then a thunderstorm had happened and she'd nearly lost her mind with fear. When things had settled down, she'd sadly learned she wouldn't be going home because of the roads.

She ended up having to stay the night and kept thinking about West. She hadn't missed a night since they started meeting and she worried what he might think, when she didn't show up. If he would wait for her in the rain all night.

When the second thunderstorm had happened she'd been terrified once more, not only for herself but for West as well. She'd run through the manor and nearly trampled the Baroness. They got into an argument and everything with her brother came out. She...she hadn't talked it with anyone about it...only her father and even then...it was difficult.

The Baroness surprised Korina with her strength lifting her up. She surprised her even more being kind to her and helping her with her fears. The Baroness taught her the difference between thunder and lighting and then how to tell where it was. Korina had still been scared but was graciously able to fall asleep..

When she woke, Korina had forgotten where she was for a moment. She'd sat up and looked around yawing and stretching. She saw the Baroness and then she saw...it. She hadn't meant to look but when she saw the Baroness robe was open her eyes sort of just went there. She saw a collection of flesh and it kind of reminded her of a...penis. Growing up in a mining camp, she'd seen a few from far away but never any up close. The Baroness closed her robe so quick Korina wasn't sure...what she saw.

She made the mistake of speaking, without thinking. She stupidly asked the Baroness if she was a man and immediately regretted it. It had to be one of the worse mistakes she'd ever made. The Baroness was beyond offended. Korina had never seen her so angry. She recalled the time the Baroness had gotten mad at her for complaining and hit her. Korina feared she might hit her again or do something worse.

The Baroness scolded her and explained it wasn't a penis but a medical condition. Korina didn't know a lot about those...she wondered about it but didn't dare ask any more questions. She quickly tried to apologize. The Baroness threatened her and made it clear that Korina was never to speak of it again to anyone. Korina swore she wouldn't and then Baroness sent her out of the room.

The rest of the morning was quiet. Korina felt embarrassed and ashamed. She was eager to get home. When she finally did, she rushed up to her room and changed. She waited until the Baroness had left before she came back down. She went outside and foolishly looked about as if West might have left a message.

She saw a tree was down and the servants were clearing it away. She asked her grandmother about it at lunch and learned it had been struck by lightning. Her heart sunk as she worried West might have been struck. She went back to her room and fretted for hours. She tried to keep herself busy but could barely focus on anything.

After dinner she thought about taking a nap, to rest up and kill some time but ended up just tossing and turning. She eventually got up and read some before going downstairs for a while. She joined her grandmother in the sitting room and they sat by the fire. They didn't talk much, making light conversation about the weather and Korinas' training.

After a few minutes, her grandmother retired for the night. Korina watched the fire a little longer before returning to her rooms. She paced about and kept an eye on the clock until it was nearly midnight. She couldn't help herself and crept down to the garden early. It was cloudy out and so dark that she could barley see anything. She bit her lip, wondering if West would even show up tonight. After a few minutes she thought she heard something. She focused on it and recognized Wests' voice calling out to her. "Korina, Korina."

"West," she called back.

She saw a shape in the distance grow closer and rushed to it. She reaching out in the dark and her hands met Wests. They clasped their fingers together holding hands. At the same time they both called out, "Are you okay?" and then again. "Yes!"

"You go first," said West

"No you," said Korina. "Were you here last night? Did anything happen?

"I was here last night. I looked for you but nothing happened."

"I'm sorry I wasn't here," said Korina. "The storm washed away the roads. I got stuck at Baroness Corday's."

"I see," said West. He sounded relieved. "I am glad you are okay. At first I thought you might have come out into the storm and then I figured you'd stayed inside."

"Did you see the lightning?" asked Korina

"Off and on," said West

"It took out one of the trees in the garden. I was worried you might have been hurt."

"I'm sorry I made you worry. It must have happened after I'd left."

"I'm glad, I'm sorry I wasn't here."

"It's alright, I'm just glad your safe,"

They both looked at one another and smiled, happy to be together again. For several minutes they just stood there, enjoying the moment. Then they started to walk as they always did. West asked Korina about her training. She told him about falling asleep, learning about gardens and her fear of lightning. She finally told him what had happened to her brother.

West was very understanding, they stopped walking for a moment and he just listened to her talk. She told him how the Baroness had helped her with her fear. How she had taught Korina the difference between thunder and lighting. Korina taught West how the counting trick. He listened but already knew, Apparently it was something most children learned.

Korina felt a bit foolish then but West assured her he was happy to have her refresh him. He was happy just to be with her, she could speak of anything, even bread and he would be transfixed. Korina blushed and asked West what he had been up to.

He told her, he'd continued working on the new fencing, that he and Libby went riding in the afternoon. When the storm hit, the horses got spooked and he was worried Libby might not be able to handle her horse but she did. They road back to the stables and were able to put them away. They sent the rest of the day by the fire. He was so proud of how calm and steady Libby had been, more and more his little girl was growing up and settling into her own.

Korina wished it wasn't so dark that she could match his expression to the sound of his voice. She reminded him she still wanted to go riding with them and to learn from Libby, how to do the picture made of thread. Korina couldn't recall the name but West knew it. He reminded her it was called needle pointing. He offered to make arrangements with her grandmother, he knew Libby was also looking forward to seeing Korina again.

A light rain began to fall, at first they ignored it, continuing to walk for several more minutes but when it got worse, they decided to turn in early. Korina considered telling him she didn't mind the rain, she had missed him and it felt strange cutting things short. However she knew West had a long road ahead of him, by the time he got home he would no doubt be soaked to the bone. She didn't want to keep him out any longer then he had to be and risk him getting sick.

She told him he could start heading back but he insisted, he at least walk her back to the garden. When they got there, they lingered for a moment, both finding it hard to part. Eventually Korina spoke, "I...I am glad you are okay. I missed you," she said rocking on her heels, "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow." Her heart sunk as she said tomorrow, it suddenly felt so far away.

"As do I," said West. He sounded suddenly quiet. He had his hands, in his jacket pockets. Korina couldn't quite make out his expression. She wondered if something was on his mind. She rocked on her heels, a bit longer waiting. When nothing more was said she bit her lip and supposed, she couldn't put it off any longer. "Well night," she said quickly.

He didn't respond, she looked at him one last time and then turned to leave but he grasped her wrist and pulled her back to him. Korina turned around, looking at him curiously before she could ask what it was, West fell to his knee, "I...being apart from you, last night in the storm. It made me realize, I want to see you every day."

"I do too," said Korina.

West swallowed hard, she could see he was trying to say something important. He went on. "I want to spend every day with you, for the rest of my life."

Korinas' heart swelled, she wanted to say she felt the same again but held her breath, waiting for him to continue, "Korina De-luna Andon, will you take my hand, will you walk beside me, through this life and be my wife."

A moment later, West, grasped her hand and shoved something into the palm of it. She couldn't see what it was but when he let go of her hand, she felt it, and discovered it was a ring. Her eyes began to well up as she let out a gasp. She felt a pull in her chest an eternal longing, "Yes..." she whispered then louder more excitedly she said, "YES...YES A THOUSANDS TIMES YES!"

Tears of joy began to escape her eyes. "I...you are unlike anyone I have ever met. I feel close to you, everything about you, it draws me in and holds me tight. I wish to stay in your company, your embrace until the end of my days as well."

West got to his feet and helped her put the ring on, their fingers fumbled against one another. Korina had never felt so elated in all her life. She felt in this moment, everything was as it should be, as if her entire life, she had been waiting for West to come into her world, to be with her, to know her. As her father would say West was her kindred spirit.

She always remembered, her father telling her how he'd met her mother. She'd been reading under her favorite tree and he'd been just passing through Crestmoore. He'd gotten lost and asked her for directions. From that moment on his entire world changed…

Korina thought of their first meeting as the rain fell down on them. The first time they had met was in the rain, the mud...She'd struggled so hard to push that carriage, when no one else would help her. West had seemingly come out of nowhere, on one of his many walks through Crestmoore, to aid in her plight. She smiled thinking of how she felt something...a slight connection and now...now she was to be his wife. It was meant to be...

"I shall write a letter to your grandmother in the morning and make all the arrangements." said West. "Forgive me, I...sort of skipped a few steps. Normally I am suppose to ask your father or in this case your grandmother, for your hand in marriage but I ...I could not wait a moment longer."

"I understand." said Korina. She knew the rules, she'd spent these last few months learning them well but when it came to West, she...she didn't care. She didn't care about rules. about what was proper or not. She simply wanted to be with him. She let go of Wests' hands and tightly embraced him. He was shocked for a moment but quickly embraced her as well. They held each other for what felt like forever but was still not enough. Korina looked up at West and couldn't help but feel there would never be enough time...West looked down at her and then they drifted closer and closer.

She closed her eyes and continued to lean in until her lips met Wests'. The connection felt light at first, Wests' lips were soft and moist, soon the kiss grew more powerful and deeper, she felt it pulling her in and let go. She allowed herself to be swept up in West, in an eternal love that had been waiting to be ignited once more. Her heart swelled and for a moment, she lost herself in time, space and existence it very self.

When the two pulled away they were both left dazed. Korinas' lips tingled and it being her first kiss, she wondered if all kisses from the man you loved were like this. She almost dared to lean in for another but held back, knowing if it were so, if all kisses were as powerful she didn't know how if she would ever be able to tear herself away.

West also seemed to have the same thought, he loosened his grip on their embrace and slipped away, taking a step back to, put some distance between them. When he managed to catch his breath and then his thoughts he said. "You need to keep this a secret."

"What," said Korina still dazed from the kiss.

"Until I have made the proper arrangements, with your grandmother, you must tell no one of this."

"I wont." said Korina. She touched her ring and wondered if she should give it back...until things were proper. "Do you want the ring back, until then?"

"No," said West. "You shouldn't let anyone see it until after we've announced our intentions but keep it. Keep it as a promise of my love. It is my word to you that I will make you my wife."

Korina blushed this all still didn't feel quite real...she...she was to be West's wife… She ran her hand over the ring. "I will keep it close,"

She looked at West and wished she had some token she could give him as a promise of her love. She didn't own much or have much on her at the moment. She ran her hands over her and found a pin in her hair. She usually didn't undo her hair until she went to bed. She pulled it out and some of her hair fell loose. She handed it to West, "Take this as my promise to you."

West took it and smiled, "You needn't."

"I want to," said Korina. "I want you to have something to know I love you will all my heart."

Korina couldn't see West but she felt his own heart was swelling with joy. She felt she could almost sense his very thoughts. The rain came down harder and West pulled away. "I shall take my leave...the sooner I go...the sooner morning shall come."

"Travel safe," said Korina "And be careful."

"You as well." said West.

He took her hand in his for a moment squeezing it before he turned and began his trek home. Korina stood in the garden lingering for a moment. She felt the ring on her finger and then brushed her lips with her finger lips. She let out a long, pleasant sigh and couldn't wait for the morning to come.

Thank you for Reading^^