Rancour. A complicated feeling. Not only for the ones actually experiencing the emotion, but the ones around said people as well. Laurie's grandfather's rivalry with yours had started when they were as little as six years of age. The actual reason for the beginning of this conflict had long been lost in the tidal wave of time; however, the feeling remained.

Much to everybody's misery, and just like taken out of an ancient tragedy, Theodore Laurence had the great disgrace of having fallen in love with you. Someone who, as great his love was, would always be bound away from him through the rules of both your families.

Nevertheless, he often found himself climbing to your balcony, in hopes of being able to get just a brief exchange of words with you while your parents were occupied with their own business. Though certainly a reckless prospect, both of you had no interest in ever stopping these rendezvous.

Laurie carefully dropped his leg over the vine-covered stone railing of your terrace. Once both his feet were on solid ground, a deep breath escaped his lips. His brown eyes soon met with yours. It was the same every time; the moment your gaze locked with his, all his effort to get up there became worth it.

"My dear," he nodded towards you, taking your hand and placing a gentle kiss. "I must admit, I most enjoy the thrill of our meetings. They are far more interesting than anything Mr. Brooke could provide me with in his lessons.