Promises

9. Shakespeare

Valkyrie yawned and stretched. She sat up and glanced around the room, when suddenly her eyes widened, and a grin formed on her face. Today was the day.

Their one year wedding anniversary.

Valkyrie jumped out of bed as quickly as she possibly could, and threw the blankets off herself. She rushed across the room and began searching through the drawers for something decent to wear. She pulled out a pale yellow dress and smiled. Perfect.

When she'd gotten dressed and pulled a brush through her hair, Valkyrie hurried downstairs and was greeted by Skulduggery sitting in the kitchen, holding Sophie.

"Good morning!" She chirped and he turned, smiling.

"Good morning. You look happy today."

"That's because it's a special day."

"I wonder what that would be..."

Valkyrie smirked and sat in the chair next to him, staring down at Sophie. "What are we going to do today?" She asked. Skulduggery smiled.

"Chocolate and movies?"

"Chocolate and movies," she agreed.

***

Valkyrie found herself falling asleep on the couch beside Skulduggery halfway through the first movie, The Longest Ride. Skulduggery looked down at her face, admiring every little detail. That was until, his phone rang and Valkyrie stirred. He grumbled in annoyance and removed one hand from her leg to answer it.

"What?" He snapped.

Valkyrie opened her eyes and looked up, yawning. She watched as he talked. After a few moments, he hung up.

"Who was that?" Valkyrie asked.

"Reverie," he replied, pulling her closer. "She says that Gabrielle will be able to come home in a few hours."

"Well that's good."

"It is."

Valkyrie sighed, and stared at the television. God, how was Scott Eastwood so hot? She grinned. She had her own Scott Eastwood. Could Skulduggery ride a bucking bull? He could definitely ride her. So why not?

The realisation of what she had just thought made her burst out laughing. Skulduggery tilted his head slightly. "What are you laughing about? The old man just died."

"He did?" Valkyrie questioned. "Oh. I wasn't laughing at the movie."

"You're strange."

"I never claimed otherwise."

"So, what were you laughing about?"

Valkyrie opened her mouth to reply, then ended up giggling again. "I was just wondering if you'd be able to ride a bull, like Luke." She pointed to the screen.

"I probably could."

Valkyrie rolled her eyes.

"Is that would you were laughing at though?"

She shook her head, giggling quietly. Skulduggery sighed. "You're not going to tell me, are you?"

"Nope," she giggled again.

***

Ravel smirked when Claret walked into the room. "Well?"

"She's fine," the girl answered bluntly, sitting on the floor with her legs crossed in front of her. "I went to my brother's house too."

"And?"

"They're watching movies."

"You know Claret..." Ravel began walking around his desk, and Claret watched him. "Isn't it funny? Two different people, both alike in their dignity; in love?"

"He's Romeo," Claret said quietly. "She's the Juliet. They shouldn't be together, it's forbidden."

"By who?" Ravel asked, standing still to stare at the girl. Claret scoffed.

"It should be forbidden. It's not right. Too much mutiny, too much love. Sooner or later fate is going to tear them apart."

"Star-crossed lovers," Ravel murmured, pacing again. "They are Romeo and Juliet."

Claret smirked, her blue eyes sparkling.
"This is a very interesting analogy we've come up with."

Ravel nodded in agreement, but said nothing more. He only looked up. "Regarding fate... what are you planning?"

"Don't worry about that," Claret replied smugly. "Leave it all to me, you just sit back, and watch it all come together."

Ravel narrowed his eyes.
"You know so much, how?"

Claret stared.
"Seek to know no more."

"Shakespeare is the happy hunting ground of all minds that have lost their balance."

"That's what Skulduggery has said before."

"Now you know where I got it from."

"I should hang you for that," Claret smiled, and got up off the floor, approaching him. "It's a sin to steal."

Ravel watched her, a tiny bit intimidated, though he didn't let it show. She stopped when she had gotten to be directly in front of him. She ran her hands over his chest and Ravel tensed. She leant up and whispered in his ear.

"Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it."

"Such a strong vibe you have there," Ravel whispered back. "Macbeth too."

Claret shrugged.
"I'm pretty well read these days."

"I can see that."

Claret leant closer and surprised Ravel by pushing her body against his. Then she laughed. "I should've known," she grinned. Ravel swallowed, feeling the tightness around the band of his jeans. Claret shook her head and leant even closer. "Why don't I help you with that?"

Without any warning, she stood up straight and pressed her lips to his.

Two people, both alike in vengeance. Both alike in evilness. In fair Dublin, where we lay our scene.