Chapter 24: Chapter 24
As I wait for Draco to arrive I am full of anticipation. I know it has only been two days since we last saw each other, but I have really missed him. I cannot wait to see what he has planned for our day together. I wonder what he has done with his time instead is study. We have not talked about his friends since that day at Hanami when he introduced me. I wonder if he still spends time with them. While I ponder that question there is a knock on the door. I rush to open it. As soon as I see it is him I wrap my arms around his waist and hug him. He chuckles.
“Well, hello my Io. I have missed you too” he says. As I look up to see his face he closes the distance and kisses me. Our tongues have barely had the chance to tangle before he is pulling away. My stomach gets a bad feeling.
“Is everything alright” I ask.
“With you things are always perfect Io. We just need to talk, and I am not sure how you will feel once we do. We also tend to get carried away when we touch, and I have so much to tell you in so little time” he says.
I wonder what he needs to talk about. I always love our conversation so I have no idea why this one would make me upset. Something bad must have happened or maybe he does not want to court me anymore. As I start to frown and pull away he tightens his hold.
“Don’t do that Io. I can see it on your face. I am still courting you. I even have your gift in my pocket” he swears. I smile at him and hug him again. When I let him go I invite him inside to have a seat at the table. When we are both seated he takes a deep breath and then what he says nearly takes all mine away.
“I don’t want to upset you or to be away from you. However, my father has requested that I accompany him for seven days. It starts this evening, so I haven’t much time to spend with you.” He says.
“Seven days? I will not see you for seven days. What am I supposed to do with that Draco? Courting is specific. It has an established time for a reason. Will our courting be at a pause?” She insists to know.
“No, I have made arrangements Io. You will still receive my gifts. I just will not be the one giving them to you. I will even include a letter with everyone, so you know that I am with you. I’m sorry I know this is an impulsive thing, but I really have no choice.”
“I know you have obligations to your father and that you cannot refuse him” she says. “It’s just seven days seems like such a long time. What will he have you do for seven days?” I ask.
“So, this is the part that I thought would upset you. Remember when I told you that others at my station usual have marriages arranged for them on their behalf” he begins. I nod so he can continue. “Well, if I spend time with my ba and walk in his shoes for seven days to see if it is a future I want, he will give me permission to choose a bride of my own” he says.
“Well…” I pause thinking of what I want to say. My teeth nibble at her bottom lip in concentration. Her eyes are down cast, and I am unable to see much of her expression. “I thought you had already chosen me. Now you are telling me that your father, to whom dictates all you do must approve of me. I have no choice but to allow you to do this and wait for you. I do want to be your bride Draco” I continue. I take a breath of relief. I am saddened at this decision though. I wish we could go back to how happy we were to see each other.
“I still brought your gift today. Even though we are rushed for this evening I wanted to show you that I still want to court you” he says. He reaches hi hand into the pocket of his robe and place the small package on the table. My soul lights up when I see it. I grab the gift and opens the brown paper with quick movements. When I see what He has given me, my eyebrows pull together in confusion.
“It is a wooden carving. The creature you are looking at is a Dragon. They symbolize power and authority. They also symbolize fire and passion” he tells me.
“I do not understand. Why have you given me this? She asks me.
He stands from his seat and comes to kneel before me. His expression looks so serious. For a moment I worry I have upset him with my reaction. “Dragons are also protectors. When you look at the dragon you will see that it is heart is drawn big. That is because during this time away I will be leaving mine with you. I have already explained the passion and fire I feel with y” he says laying his hand on my cheek. “This gift I give you is the gift of my heart. While I am away you will hold the power of it and the authority of my love. Will you protect it Io” I beg of her.
“I will protect it with all that I am. I know you do the same with mine” I promise.
Knowing that I have his heart as he has mines, I am overwhelmed with my feelings. I pull him into a kiss that shows all I feel. When I break the kiss his eyes are lit with joy and something else. His lips are red and plumper than I have ever seen them. He looks so desirable that he causes my body to ache for him. I really wish he did not have to leave so soon. He rises from his position on the floor and goes to take his seat.
“My friends have agreed to help me bring my gifts to you this week. I will also give them the notes with the gifts to also be delivered. I hope you like the gifts I have chosen” he reminds me.
“I always love your gifts Draco. Each one has been thoughtful and makes me feel like they are pieces of you I have received” I say. This makes him smile. When I look out the window the sun’s rays tell me that it is time for him to head back. I sigh as I rise saddened to have my time with him end so soon.
“Since it is still daylight perhaps I can walk you left of the way to your village” I offer.
“That would be lovely my Io. I do not wish to part with you yet” he admits.
As we begin our journey I feel a weight in my chest. The closer we get to the hill separating our villages the heavier that weight feels. I know I grasp his hand tightly because I do not wish to let him go. He has not said anything, and I know he feels the same. In a walk that is over far too soon we reach the hill. Instead of kissing me He pulls me into his arms and holds me. He smells of the refreshing spring breeze and is warm in my embrace.
“I will see you soon” he says to me. I nod my head but does not release his hand. As He begins to take steps away from me my hand lifts to hold his until the very last moment when I am forced to release it because of distance.
“Goodbye Draco” I says sadly. I feel my eyes water. I want him to turn back and tell me he does not have to do this. But I know that he must so that we can have a chance. I offer him a smile as he begins to walk up the hill. He turns back before He reaches the top and sees that I am watching him go. He gives me a wave and then disappear from my line of sight with a heavy sigh. The weight in my chest has turned sour and I nearly feel sick. I hate having to leave him for so long.
I slowly take the walk back to my hut. I feel so bad that I do not want to do anything. In my hut I go to my room and lay on my kang. In seven days, he will come back to me. Seven days will not change anything. I think to myself.