𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄.
chapter sixty-one; Change The Laws
" I'll love you for the rest of my life. Even after then. "

EVERYTHING WAS IN place for Elspeth and Demetre to set out for Scotland. Their luggage had been packed and loaded into a carriage and Demetre was nearly done putting everything in place for his leave.

Elspeth had already made her rounds; she'd visited Kenna, Lola, Mary, and Louis, and was now sitting with the woman she would until Demetre arrived.

"Your wedding will be lovely."

"We are not yet engaged, Catherine."

"You are traveling to your family for their blessing," Catherine said bluntly, "There is little point in postponing anything, Elspeth."

She sighed, smoothing out the skirt of her dress.

"A month from your return to France, how about that? I'll get everything in line for it."

"I must speak with Demetre on the matter--"

"You're still scared to be married."

Elspeth opened her mouth to argue, furrowing her brow in disagreement.

"I love Demetre."

"I never said you did not," Catherine said simply, tilting her head, "I only noticed that you have not jumped into marriage with the man you do love. And prior to others meddling, you didn't seem to mind waiting on your wedding to Bash."

Elspeth pursed her lips.

"I am not scared to be married," She said simply, tilting her chin up, "I only wish not to rush Demetre."

Catherine scoffed out a laugh.

"You're a very bright girl, darling. Denial does not suit you."

Elspeth scowled the way a child one, crossing her arms across her chest just as Demetre Langlois rounded a corner.

"I'm not in denial," Elspeth whispered, standing to greet Demetre.

"Oh?" Catherine questioned, standing as well, "Demetre!"

"Catherine," Elspeth tried.

"Elspeth and I were speaking of when the two of you would be wed," Catherine said, plastering a smile on her face as Demetre grew closer, "One month from your return. I'll get everything set for the two of you."

"Elspeth may wish to have her own say in our wedding," Demetre said, raising a brow, "Perhaps she can plan it with your assistance."

"But the date, you've no trouble with it?"

"As long as that is something Elspeth has agreed to, and not your own ideas."

Catherine smiled, looking to Elspeth expectantly.

"We'll discuss it on the road," Elspeth said, "Thank you, Catherine."

"Write to me with your decision, Elspeth! I will be expecting it."

Elspeth took Demetre's arm quickly, pulling him toward the front doors and their awaiting carriage.

"She's meddling."

"Douglas intends to join us in Scotland."

"Does he need transport?"

Elspeth furrowed her brows, stepping closer to Demetre as he opened the door to their carriage for her.

"No, he's already set out for it. . . are you. . . that's just fine?"

"Well, it is your family's estate that we'll be visiting, I'd think it quite rude if I said your brother couldn't go home," Demetre noted, cocking a brow as he glanced down at her.

"Well, yes but. . ."

"Petal, I expected to meet your family when you wanted to travel to your parent's estate."

"You expected to meet my parents. Not my brother."

"You're nervous."

"I've never brought a single person to that house save only for Kenna, Greer, and Lola," Elspeth blurted, "Let alone a suitor; I was quite opposed to the idea of a husband until very recently, Demetre, so forgive me if I'm a little stressed that Douglas wants to join in on the situation and make it all the more interesting."

Demetre leaned on the side of the carriage, giving her his full attention. She was flustered, and stressed; Demetre had scarcely seen Elspeth so high-strung. It would have amused him if he didn't care so deeply for her.

"I will be on my best behavior, Petal. We will enjoy our time there. And nothing will change the way I feel about you."

"But what if--"

"Nothing," He whispered.

And Elspeth believed him. So she climbed into the carriage.

↬

They were mere hours into their ride before Elspeth started rambling again. About her parents and the estate and how things tended to work in the duchy. What he should expect and their planned itinerary for the trip.

"I just want you to be prepared."

Demetre glanced up from his book, raising a single brow at Elspeth's sudden words.

"Whether you believe it or not, being in France has tamed me," Elspeth said, "People here will be. . . surprised, to say the least, that I come with a suitor in tow."

He closed the book, a grin playing on his lips as he leaned forward.

"Ah, so here you will be the spectacle?"

"Slightly," She laughed, shaking her head, "They'll be surprised when they discover who you are; they know only of the rumors of you. . . but once they meet you, I assure you, I will be the one under the eyes of everyone here."

Demetre reached out a hand, placing it on Elspeth's knee lightly.

"I will be at your side," He smiled gently, "We can be a spectacle. The both of us."

"You're so calm it's almost unnerving."

"Petal, I was raised in the presence of the Queen and King. I fought men and monsters before I came of age. I was an advisor and a noble, forced to speak on matters of the country. It takes quite a lot to shake me."

Elspeth smiled weakly, leaning back in her seat.

"What else is on your mind?"

"Nothing."

She answered too quickly. Her nerves were showing through, and Demetre could tell something else had gotten under her skin.

"Catherine just gave me something to think about," She admitted, knitting her fingers together, "Something about myself that I thought I had left long behind."

Demetre's head dipped, his brows knitting in concern.

"Can I help?"

And Elspeth just sighed, because, of course, this would be his question.

"I do not know," She admitted quietly, "I was hardly aware of it myself, and now I'm. . . I'm not sure it's true, and if it is, I've no idea how to rid it."

"Can I ask what it is she's put in your head, Petal?"

Her breath hitched.

Telling Demetre was. . . daunting. The last thing she wanted was to hurt him, and telling him about Catherine's accusations might do just that.

But then again, this was Demetre.

"Catherine believes I am still opposed to marriage."

"Hm. And what do you think?"

"I. . . I think I fought it for a very long time," Elspeth said thickly, lifting her chin, "I think I have watched all of my friends be wed and have been reminded as to why I was so hesitant."

She glanced back at him, and Demetre only watched her patiently.

"I love you. I know that I love you," She breathed, looking out of the small window, "But I cannot help but feel the fear of losing independence. . . You will own everything, Demetre. You will own my paintings and my makeup and my dresses. You will be heir to the Duchy, not me. You will be in control of our money and assets. In the eyes of the law, you will own me. I don't think there will ever be a day that does not terrify me."

Elspeth chewed the inside of her cheek, refusing to look at him. She couldn't bear it. Even as his hands gently grasped her own, and she felt him lean closer, her eyes stayed glued to the landscape beyond the window.

"If I could change the laws even if only to put your mind at ease I would, Elspeth. . . That is one thing beyond my control. But what I can do, is promise you that I will never take what is yours. Even if the law sees your belongings as mine, we both know I've no interest in controlling you. Your paintings, your dresses, your makeup, your keepsakes and jewelry. . . It's yours, Petal. If you continue to take on House duties, I intend to pay you as such. We'll create another account, and while it may be under my name, it will be yours. To do with whatever you wish. . . I know it is only my word, but even if the day comes when you love me no longer, I would never take from you."

"I'll love you for the rest of my life. Even after then."

"You are the love of my life and the savior of my soul, Elspeth Liens. Tell me what I can do to help."

Elspeth squeezed his hand, finally turning back to him.

He stared at her so ready to give. So eager to pour anything and everything into this, just for her.

"Stay with me."

"Always."

Demetre ran a gentle thumb over the back of her hand. And the rest of the trip was quiet. Only occasional conversation was made.

Because Elspeth Liens realized she might have been scared. Catherine might have been right.

But there was nothing to fear when it came to Demetre Langlois. There never had been.

He was something solid to lean against. No matter what happened, or where they found themselves; Scotland, France, up against Henry or Narcisse, Demetre was unwavering, right beside her.

( AUTHOR'S NOTE. )
I'M SO EXCITED FOR THE
SCOTLAND CHAPTERS!!!
You guys FINALLY get to meet Ellie's
parents!