Found

Okay, this story came to me one day during school so I just scribbled it down. It's pretty short. Just like a beginning to set the scene. I haven't yet found a way to get my inspiration back to continue writing it. For this, I switch the perspective of the two main characters. I hope the switching isn't so confusing. I still need to work on how to separate the two perspectives. -plennsterr

She couldn't help but be lonely at a time like this. Cynthia was put to bed an hour ago and her companions were with their husbands. What a bore this party was; she couldn't understand why people loved these things. Taking a glass of wine from a servant passing by, she strode toward the family library. The family library was massive with its rows and rows of books. The room itself was odd shaped; angular, with curves and slants. On cold winter nights like tonight, the giant stone mouths at both ends of the room crackled fire and warmth. There, she thought as she shivered in anticipation, I will be alone and no one will interrupt me.

Alec shouldered his way out; he needed to escape. A nearby servant told him to go to the family library for privacy. God knew he needed privacy. He located the library door and slipped through the opening quietly.

He stopped in his sign of relief as he became aware of a figure by one of the fireplaces. He took a step closer and was able to make her out. She looked to be in her mid-twenties. Her left elbow curled around the armrest as she bent over the book in her lap. Her legs, he realized, were slim; folded on top of each other. Her stocking-clad feet peeped out from under the hem of her red gown. Her hair was a mass of chestnut ringlets piled stylishly on top of her head. A few stray curls hung loosely around her face. Her face was not clear to him but then his eyes strayed to the exposed skin above the low neckline. He watched as her free hand reached out and grasped a half empty wineglass. She paused in her reading, tearing her eyes from the book to take a sip. The glass of wine was tilted halfway to her lips when sh finally noticed that she had company. Me. I was staring into her eyes. A beautiful mix of violet and gray. Wide-set, deep, hidden under gently curved eyelashes. Her lips were full and red, stained from the wine.

"Good evening, " she said slowly. I smiled at her.

Livia hadn't expected to be found in the library by a man. This particular man. He was very tall. Lean. Broad-shouldered. Her eyes slipped over his close-cropped dark hair, his green eyes that had a hint of mischief and his lips that curved in smile.

Livia cleared her throat, "Are you lost, my lord?"

The man's smile widened, "I'm exactly where I want to be."

Livia had trouble swallowing under his gaze. She stood and waved her arm around in a sweeping motion, "Interested in a book?"

The man shook his head, still watching her intently.

Livia turned her back to him, "The library is a good place for privacy. Let me collect my things and -" She broke off with a gasp.

Alec's breath fell against her nape. He felt her entire body stiffen and enjoyed her startled gasp. He saw the wineglass tremble in her hand and took it from her, finishing it off with one swallow. "I rather enjoy your company."

He spun her around and bowed, "I am Alec. Pleased to meet you." The women blinked a few times then curtsied, "Livia."