Esmeralda wandered into the luscious garden, admiring the flowers and plants, not knowing where she was going until she saw a silhouette ahead. She narrowed her eyes and made her way to the person, but before she could even near the man, he drew out his sword and pointed it directly at her.
Esmeralda stood stone-still, her heart pounding before shifting to the side. It wasn't particularly dark, and she could make out the man's face. He wasn't even looking at her, though he stood directly before her. His left hand, holding the sword, was simply pointed her way.
"Forgive me, for I did not mean to intrude," she spoke softly as she shifted to the side. That was when the man turned and stared at her. His brows pulled together, taking in the lady before him, before pulling back his sword and sliding it into its sheath.
"You did not intrude. I was only doing my job," he spoke—his voice deep and soft at once, like cool ocean waves.
Esmeralda nodded, not taking her eyes off him. He was handsome—irresistibly so. His hair, black as night, was tousled and fell over his face and shoulders. His eyes—golden and bright—shone like the rarest diamonds. His eyebrows were full, and she noticed a faint scar adorning his left brow. His nose was sharp and well-shaped, leading to dark red lips, one of which bore a scar trailing down to his jaw. His face was angular, carved to perfection. He was well-built; the muscles of his arms flexed with every movement, and his height was certainly something to be remarked upon.
Esmeralda's throat flexed; never before had she witnessed such beauty in a man.
"My name is Esmeralda. I wish to know yours." There was distance between them—far enough to be considered proper, yet close enough to hear one another clearly.
The man raised a brow as a smirk tilted his lips. "Why would you wish for so when you do not know me?" he queried.
Esmeralda gave a small smile. "I mustn't know you to know what name you bear, I suppose."
The man stared at her. Esmeralda was beautiful—rightfully so—with her golden-brown hair and emerald eyes. Her face seemed carved of rare diamond, and her skin was flawless, save for the freckles that framed her nose. He cleared his throat, looked away for a moment, then returned his gaze.
"Golden is the name I bear," he answered.
Esmeralda nodded. "Such a beautiful name."
Golden only smiled but did not respond. Instead, he asked, "What is a beautiful lady like yourself doing out in the cold, and not enjoying the party?"
Esmeralda sighed, folding her arms together before her. "I came to take a breath of fresh air. Inside is a bit suffocating."
"Surely," Golden agreed with a soft chuckle, which made Esmeralda smile wider. "The party is not your type of event?"
"Sadly not." She shook her head, then released her hands to fall at her sides. "But I am in attendance with my friend, and I need to network enough. I don't think another opportunity would come to my feet like this one."
Golden nodded, agreeing with her words. The Grand Duke had shocked everyone, though it was a welcome surprise for most.
"Network, though? What work is it that you do?"
"I'm a modiste in the Town of Isolde. I've a shop in Isolde's Market."
A small smile graced Golden's lips. "Lovely work, that is."
"Thank you. But what about yourself? What is the reason you are standing outside alone?" She threw the question back at him.
"The Duke's son let me have a breather, as he is busy in his chamber."
Esmeralda knew what he meant. "You're the Duke's son's bodyguard?"
"Is the dress style not any telltale?" he asked, raising a brow in amusement.
Esmeralda hadn't noticed his attire before. He was indeed dressed in the fashion befitting the Duke's son's guard.
"I hadn't noticed until you mentioned it," she said, lifting her gaze once again to his face. "But do you not need to be closer than this? The Duke's chamber must be far. Or rather, would you like to join the party?"
Golden gave a slight shake of his head. "His chamber is indeed far, but he specifically warned me not to be close. The party is the last place I would wish to be." He answered her every question.
Esmeralda gave a little laugh. "Oh, surely. You strike me as one who does not favour the company of people."
Golden chuckled. "Indeed I don't. Selectively," he added.
It was as though something shifted in the air. They stood that way—Esmeralda and Golden—staring into each other's eyes. Esmeralda gave in first. She cleared her throat and looked down at her shoes.
"I must return to the party, as to not worry my friend."
Golden nodded, shifting his stance. "Surely you should. The gardens are usually not safe at nighttime."
Esmeralda nodded, yet made no move to leave. "I wonder if I may write to you. I wish to connect further than this."
Golden blinked, not expecting her desire for continued acquaintance. "I would love if we connected further, only that a lowly bodyguard like myself is not allowed the privilege of letters."
Esmeralda stilled, surprise etched upon her features. "That is indeed sad. I thought the employees were allowed that much."
"Well, not," he answered. "But every letter which comes for my master goes through me first."
Esmeralda instantly understood what he was implying.
"You can write to me, directing your letter to the Duke's son. The guards only need to see the title; they don't read the letters."
Esmeralda nodded. "Lovely then. I can work with that. Expect to receive a letter from me soon."
Golden nodded. "Will do. Have a lovely night, Lady Esmeralda."
Esmeralda's cheeks tinted pink at the endearment. She gave a nod and picked up her gown. "Yourself too, Golden."