Rakshasa Boyfriend: Rafe (special Preview)

Of course it was awful to leave home, it was even worse knowing that you were being sent away. It felt as though, to you at least, that you were being moved aside so your little sister could shine brighter. Not that she needed any help with that. Your little sister was always the shining star of the family, beautiful, talented, petite, all the things that you were not. You weren’t a shining star, more like a presence nearby, a slow moving moon. You were always quite chubby, never grew out of your baby fat stage. You had hair that was wild and hard to take care of, so it was either tied back, or ran free. You never felt particularly beautiful either, at least not when standing near your sister. 

You kept yourself busy tending to your animals, you kept the stable full of them, as well as the special barn your parents built for you. The only reason you felt that they built the barn was because of the prize winning animals you raised. It made money for the family, so on and so forth. But you did it because you loved animals and they loved you.

You had been hearing talk of your parents finding suitors for your sister, who was equally excited at the prospect. They had set up meetings with some of the royal families, they even had the nerve to attempt a meeting with one of King Amit’s sons. In any case, you felt lucky it wasn’t you. You were happy to spend your days taking care of your animals, and maybe one day inheriting your parents’ home and property. 

That was, until the day you were told that a husband had been found for you. It was a shock to the system, a slap in the face. When they told you it was hard for you to take anything in and you remained in such a state of shock until you and all your belongings were packed up to be moved to your husband’s home.

He lived further north and on the coast where everything was rocky and cold. You weren’t allowed to take your animals with you, as there wouldn’t be any place for them at your new home. Your parents assured the animals would be cared for, but it wasn’t you, so you were extra heartbroken. 

Your new husband was an astronomer, also a little bit older than you. His home was built so he could do his research there, with a large observatory taking up the upstairs. Arriving at your new home, you were bundled up and still quite cold. Your breath came out in thick white clouds, and the ocean crashed upon the shore below your home.

The house was quite large with a massive domed roof. It was all built from grey stone and black iron. It would have been beautiful if it did not blend seamlessly into the surrounding area. There was barely any greenery to speak of, no trees, not even vines growing up the sides of the house. 

Your new husband, Rafe, came to meet you, stepping down the stoney path, wearing pale icy blue. His pitch black fur shined even though the sky was gray and clouded over. He was extremely tall and lithe in form. When he took your hand, he did not seem too pleased to be doing so.

“Welcome home,” he said rather simply. “I am glad you had a safe journey.”

You nod your head shyly. Your hair and most of your face is tucked away inside your warm clothes. You’re afraid that once you take it off, he will not be so happy to see you.

He takes you inside where there is a large fireplace surrounded by chairs and bookshelves. The stone floor and walls are surprisingly bare, no rugs, no paintings. You look around, feeling as if you’re peering into a hollow shell.

“Let me take that for you.” Rafe offers help in removing your coat. Hesitant at first, you almost step away, but worry takes hold and you let him take off your coat.

All morning your mother had fretted over your hair, using hot oils and all matter of tricks to try and tame it, what she managed to do was make a surprisingly pretty braid, but over the course of the trip it became a mess all over again.

You kept your head down as Rafe took your coat. “You may rest if you wish. Your things have been placed in the bedroom at the end of that hallway.” He points. “I have some very important work to take care of, so rest as long as you need. I don’t have the staff your family does, but the small one I keep will check in on you later.” He lays your coat over the back of the chair. “I will see you for dinner.”

He walks away, heading towards the stairs at the very back of the room. You lift your head enough to follow him, wondering if he really is that disappointed in his new bride. Well, you knew this would happen, no since in feeling bad about it now.

You found your room, which was filled with the chests your belongings had been sent in. Rather than lay down and rest, you started going through each chest, trying to find the things that meant most to you. 

As you were sorting things, there was a knock on your door. “Come in,” you say softly.