Page 92 of The Darkest Oath

Hugo’s eyes grew wide, and his fingers quivered against her skin. “Are you hurt? Did I do something wrong?” he asked in a frantic rush.

She looked past Hugo at the house Rollant had given her, where her heart had been left behind.

Hugo cradled her cheek. “Are you alright, Élise?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

Hugo leaned in to continue the kiss, but Élise turned her face, leaving him to kiss her cheek.

“I do not love you, Hugo.” Her voice broke. She turned back to face him, and her chest tightened at the hurt in his eyes. Hugo deserved a woman who loved him wholly, not someone who pined for a ghost. “I love your family. I love our friendship. I know you would be an extraordinary husband and father, but I do not love you.”

His hand fell away from her cheek. “My parents didn’t love each other when they were married, but they grew to,” he said, his voice flushed with hope. ”Maybe—maybe that could happen for us too.” The plea in his voice cut through her, but she couldn’t give him what he wanted.

She glanced at him, having turned away from her. Silence was her answer.

“At least I’m here,” he said before shooting up and walking to the edge of the field with his hands on his belt. He paced at the border.

She slowly got up, walked over to him, and embraced him. “I’m sorry, Hugo,” she said, her voice breaking. “Maybe one day, I could fall in love with you. But if Rollant returned, I can’t promise I wouldn’t find my love for you was only a façade—a remedy meant to heal but destined to fail.”

She hurt for him, not wishing to be the one to deliver rejection. She released her arms around him. “And that is not fair to you or your family.”

Hugo gripped the edge of the fence, pulling back and pushing forward, figuring out his next words. “He may never come back, Élise.”

“I know that,” she sighed with a break in her voice. “And I am fine to live a life alone if that be the case.” A tear ran down her cheek that she wiped away. The motion drew Hugo’s attention. He said nothing but rubbed her back before pulling her into a second embrace.

Élise laid her head on his shoulder. “Only allow me to be the fiery aunt to your children,” she chuckled.

Hugo chuckled as well, but his was edged with sorrow. He lifted her face to his and pressed his forehead against hers. “I love you Élise,” he whispered. “You’re my first love, and likely my only one.”

“Don’t say such things, Hugo. How you feel about me is how I feel about Rollant. One day, he may come back, and if he does, I want to go with him.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I know it’s not a nice sentiment, but you should know the truth.”

He nodded and pulled her closer, digging his nose into her neck in a bear hug. Then he released her and stepped back. “Well, either I suppose I shall try harder to make you forget Rollant or live my life alone.” He smiled. “And I’m not quite content with living alone just yet.”

She laughed. “Is it a challenge?”

“A challenge I’ve already accepted,” he said with a sly smile. “Come, dinner is probably ready now.”

“I’m looking forward to it, but I’ll be there soon. I need to gather my thoughts and compose myself,” she said, adjusting the neckline of her dress.

His cheeks turned red as he bowed his head. “Of course, Mademoiselle.” His sheepish grin left two dimples on either side of his cheeks before he turned to go.

She glanced over the vast open lands with the city wall just beyond.

“Could I marry Hugo?” she whispered a few moments later. “Could I love him more than I love Rollant?” She wasn’t sure.

She leaned on the fence with her elbows; her gaze followed a rider as he trotted east in the distance. Something about him drew her—the way he sat, the familiar tilt of his shoulders. Her heart leaped before her reason could catch it.

“Rollant!” she cried, the name tearing from her throat like a prayer, raw, unthinking, and full of want.

Her voice echoed across the meadow. She hoped, wished, willed, and longed for the stranger on the horse to turn around, but fate did not hear her silent pleas. Her call was left unanswered, and she hung her head, shame burning her cheeks. Foolishness. She peered over her shoulder to see if anyone was outside. She was alone and hoped they did not hear her.

Why did Rollant have any business returning to Charonne after she’d told him to leave? He had told her he would not intervene again. She looked up to the sky, drenched in blue and purple with streaks of gold from the evening sun.

Curse her mouth.

Curse her heart.

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