Rosella's one true love

am Hannah's cottage, casting a warm glow over the stranger's

open. Confusion clouded his gaze, an

k," Rosella

s, and he struggled to sit up. Rose

ling well," Rosella sa

ifting to the window. "I remembe

s. Elsa and I found

ed, as if recal

illow, Rosella poured him a cup of stea

, it's hot,

is eyes crinkling at t

asket of fresh bread. "Ah, you're awa

Much better, than

e is abuzz with curiosity. Elsa's been sha

eyebrows rose

"Elsa's been telling everyone you rode into the v

d. "I think she's em

for drama, that one. But there's truth to

s expression

lips. "They're saying you're a nobleman, fled from the king'

eyes. "Village go

emained neutral, but his ey

your presence," Madam Hannah continued. "Some folks ar

furrowed. "Wh

est Festival approaching, your arrival's stirred u

o the window, where the sound

d the conversation. Madam Hannah smiled.

the village head, his weathe

Rosella said, risi

he nodded. "I've come to

cked onto the elder, h

in," Madam H

taking in the stranger's condition.

ries are healing well, than

s eyes narrowing. "W

s locked onto Christ

" he said. "A merchan

wed slightly, sensin

emained piercing. "What

ed. "I'm a wanderer, I was at

vealed nothing, but Rosella

ly. "We'll discuss this further

d Ian settle

spitality," Ian said,

ing at the corners. "Welcome, Ian. We

u, Elder Thornton. Yo

of tea from the kettle on the hear

lla," he said, a

, her hands deftly folding a blanket

... peaceful here. I've traveled extens

e thoughtful. "We value community and h

onding, "I've experience

"Perhaps you can share your

"I'd be ha

e better of her. "Ian, may

turned guarded, h

still alive?" Ro

tible. "My parents... passed aw

ftened. "I'm sorry, Ian. Los

ed. "Thank you. I've le

lly before he left. "We'll ensu

ly. "Rest now, Ian. Your

his eyes alr

air beside him. "Is there a

rely above a whisp

rom the nearby pitcher

osella a small basket. "Fresh fruit and b

e, Rosella sat quietl

Ian, lost in thought,

r said, "a letter from Mast

d the letter, b

est R

our conversations. Would you join me f

ur

he

tucking the lett

his eyes fl

?" he wh

ed, helping him drink

, Rosella pondered

iding. "I'll accept

response and handed

parted, Ian's voice

is As

sparkled. "Th

hers, his expres

r dinner at the manor. She chose a simple yet el

with the final touches.

ing a mix of excitem

irs, Ian's eyes followed

evening," he sai

lushed. "Thank you

nce, she departe

uxurious carriage awaited her,

"Rosella, Master Asher sent m

tful gesture. She settled into the plus

setting sun cast a warm glow. Rosella's thoughts

windows shining like stars. Asher waite

stunning," he sai

as she took his arm, feel

d with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. They strolled along the

ed them beneath a picturesque

her glass. "I've missed our conver

e amidst the serene surroundin

y with estate matters. But

flowed easily, li

ingering on her. She couldn't help but won

. "You're one of the few people who truly

"I feel the same, Asher

I've missed you, Rosella. We've been b

e thought about you too," she replie

em grew charged, t

to the surface. "Asher, I...I do

eezed hers. "Ready for

rching his. "What if this ch

it should. Maybe it's time we acknow

a beat. She'd never se

es still locked on Asher's. "I need time, A

hough a hint of disappointment flickered i

them grew, filled wi

is arm. "Let me walk yo

arden, the night air felt thic

e fire crackling softly. She lit a candle

h the evening's events. Asher's words, his ga

ets, her thoughts still racing. She replay

incerity tugged at her hear

ds grew heavy. Her thoughts began to unra

er subconscious wh

she chos

lost their

r mind swirled wi