The Rose That Waits (Part 2)

Author’s Note:

If you have not read part 1 of this story, written by the remarkable author and person named Maryam Batool, then please do so via the following link below before reading this part two.

The letter had a wax seal on it with the letter “R.” For a moment, Rose lifted the letter to her nose. Sure enough, the paper smelled exactly like Asher. He always smelled like leather, mixed with a subtle hint of sage. Her heart quickened like the delicate wings of a hummingbird. What could the letter possibly say? Sitting down by her fireplace to warm her slender back, she broke the seal. Her eyes started ravaging the words…

The letter read:

“My Dearest Rose,

Every day feels like a millennium without you. With every fiber of my being, I do love you! Every strand of your silken hair is so beautifully placed, no matter the moment. The way that your gentle locks touch the breeze, they are like singing wind chimes, it simply stirs my eyes with pure passion and vigor anew!

My hands yearn to embrace you. Your smile is as a stunning ship, sailing on the sea of my dreams. You are my utter undoing, the very key that unlocks my soul into galaxies of wonder! Your lips are supple and as sweet as dripping honey from a beehive. Your eyes are like every facet of the brightest gemstone the world could display. You make me alive as no one else can in this world!

I know that you wonder why I didn’t ask for your hand in marriage. As I pray you know in the depths of your soul, everything from the top of my head, to the soles of my feet, I would sacrifice for you. My humble abode would be yours, as would my heart forever and ever!

When you grew ill, I scoured the land high and low for every potential cure. Determination fed my strength, blood, sweat and faithful tears to see you made well again. Blessed health retuned to your frail fading frame, for which I praised with the angels in joyous victory. Life lifted back into your body.

Alas, severe sickness has taken its turn in me now. Despite the efforts of several physicians and healers, I fear that my final days are numbered and that I may not make it through the year. How could I request your tender hand in matrimonial bliss with the knowledge that I would soon make you a young widow?

A marriage like this would not serve you with the joyful life you so desperately deserve! Henceforth, I urge you to marry another healthier nobleman than I. Your father, the King concurs, which is why he has agreed to give you away to another. Do this one thing for me as my dying wish.

Respectfully, Rose, I plead with you to visit me just one last time. With my every breath, I breathe in the memories of us into my weak lungs.

Rose, remember this - you are my first and final love, through all of eternity!

Adoringly,

𝒜𝓈𝒽𝑒𝓇

With warm tears streaming down her face, Rose pressed the several-paged-letter close to her galloping heart. Floodwaters of emotion poured down like a waterfall as her body shook. She was certain of two things. She vowed aloud to herself, as there was no one was in the room.

“I will see him this very night! And it is my turn to scour the land for the remedy to save him from the grip of death!”

Her face beamed with fresh bravery, as she wiped her face with the edge of her sleeve.

This is a collaborative writing story! To read part 3, written by the incredible author Maryam Batool, follow the link below: