Chapter 1 - Love Oaths

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Around 1.910 A.C. in a small town in Greece~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Melina's pov:

The night of the annual ball is approaching and I still haven't decided what color my dress will be. I am waiting the seamstress to show me some more samples to choose. But all I am thinking lately is him! I am so in love with this man that I can't keep my mind away from him. My God! How much I miss him! I haven't seen him for days. I don't want to wait until the following Saturday, when the Ball will take place. I want to see him sooner but I know that our affair must be kept as a secret at the moment, so I have to wait until he is available again to meet me.

The only one who knows my little secret is my most trustful maid, Maria. I would like to have confessed it to my father too, but since he married that woman, Tina, I cannot. When I was little, I used to share everything with my parents. My thoughts, my emotions, my fears...everything that troubled my little mind. Both my father and mother were very close to me and had great understanding. They never judged me or criticize me. They always advised me and we had established a very friendly relationship. But since my mother died and my father remarried things changed dramatically. His new wife was judgmental to me and sought to create problems between my father and me. Now my father isn't as open and diffuse as he was before. He listens only to her and unfortunately tells her everything. Nothing can be hidden from her. But this wouldn't be a problem if her intentions were good. She always used my secrets against me, so I decided to keep my privacy away from her. Nevertheless, I try to maintain a typical friendly relationship with her for my father's sake. The truth is that she never liked me or cared for me. She always treated me bad when my father wasn't present. Through years, I've learnt to keep my distances from her and avoid getting in her way.

I was rehearsing the dress I finally chose for the ball when Maria came in and with a conspiratorial look she showed that she wanted us to be alone. I quickly requested the seamstress and all the girls with her to exit the room. When we left alone, Maria confided in me that she had seen him wandering around the house. When she found the opportunity she approached him and he gave her a letter for me. He usually sent the letters with one of his servants but not this time. Ηe came in person and gave Maria the letter. In the letter he expressed his wish to meet me in the old chapel outside our small town at noon as he had something important to tell me.

My town is in the region of south east Peloponnese and is called Anthene. The place is full of many acres of olive, lemon and orange trees. Most of the fields belonged to my family until recently. My father sold most of them. According to him, our daily expenses increased and he could not afford them with his current income. I just do not understand that. My grandfather always told me that if you work the fields, the fields will reward you for it. But my father did not follow his advice. And now we are left with a few acres of olive trees, which aren't enough for us because of my step mother's outrageous lifestyle. My natural mother was simpler and more down to earth. She enjoyed spending time in the fields and taking care of the house. She treated all the people who work at home or in the fields in a friendly and respectful manner. But Tina is a completely different person. She is authoritarian and arrogant and treats people with contempt. Although I don't like her ways I have to respect my step mother's wishes as she is my father's wife.

Looking outside the window I realized that I was going to be late. I quickly put on my riding uniform and headed to the stables to take my chestnut horse, Autumn. I told the maids that I would go riding. They knew how much I loved horses so it didn't sound strange to anyone although I preferred riding early in the morning. Fortunately, it was one of those spring days where the sun switched places with the clouds making the day cool. Nature was at its best. Everywhere you saw flowering trees and plants. Flowers in different colors had sprouted along the road. As the horse galloped the sun hid behind the tall green trees which were scattered left and right. Birds were chirping and a light breeze blew through my face and hair as I was riding.

The chapel, although it was outside the town, wasn't far. It was built on a small hill and was framed by tall cypress trees. It stood out from afar as it was the only white in so green. Although it wasn't far it took me half an hour to get there. I didn't push my horse at all. I really enjoy riding in a slow pace.

George was waiting for me outside the chapel. He is the love of my life. We met each other at the local festival two years ago. He is tall with blonde hair and forest green eyes. He is of noble origin as I am. His family is one of the older aristocrats in the area, the famous Andreadakis family. George is a well-educated man with good manners and upbringing. He is the most suitable husband for me and I really hope he'll come to my father soon to ask for my hand. Certainly, my father will not have any objection to this marriage. When that day comes, all of my dreams will come true and I will be the happiest woman in the world!

-"My love you finally came" George said as he approached me. Ηe helped me get off the horse, took my hand and gave it a small kiss.

-"Of course I came. Have I ever let you down?" I replied to him with confidence.

-"No, of course not. It's that I thought that this time you wouldn't manage to escape from the watchful eye of your step mother"

-"You underestimate your love! You know that?" I said trying to look irritated by his lack of faith to my abilities.

-"My love no, I didn't mean to offend you" he said remorsefully.

-"Don't be upset. I am only joking" We stared at each other for a few moments when George took the opportunity, came closer to me and gave me a sweet kiss on my lips. And as the seconds passed the kiss deepened. Oh my God! His kisses always numb my body. I cannot avoid surrendering unconditionally to his kisses and caresses!

-"I've missed you" he said full of lust among the kisses and the caresses.

-"I've missed you too" I told him absolutely enchanted.

-"Μy love I have to tell you something. That's why I've called you here today. Tonight I am leaving for Athens."

-"What? Why?"

-"My father wants to take care some business there. I have to go" he said disappointed.

-"How many days will you stay there?"

-"Around three or four....it depends. If the negotiations go well, I will be back sooner.."

-"Is there a possibility that you will not be able to be at the ball on Saturday?"

-"I really hope not. But it all depends on the buyers."

-"Please be there. I want to see you again. I cannot stand so many days away from you"

-"Ι know my dove. Me neither. Soon I will ask for your hand from your father and we will be together forever " he said hugging me and giving me a lustful kiss.