In Another Lifetime

By Francois Keyser

"You'll know her when you see her."

Lark realizes what his father meant the night he meets Erin. The most beautiful girl he has ever seen in his life.

It is love at first sight but Erin's father has other plans for his daughter. He will not allow her to marry a commoner such as Lark and he warns Lark to stay away.

When Erin's father discovers that Erin and Lark have ignored him, he resorted to harsher measures and Lark finds himself cursed for all eternity.

The only way the curse could be broken is with a kiss from Erin but the curse itself makes it a near impossibility for Lark to get close to Erin in this life or the next let alone get her to kiss him.

He eventually gives up and resigns himself to a life without Erin. The universe will not be thwarted though and no one gets to turn their back on a curse.

Generations later, Lark again meets Erin, reincarnated. Or does he? The person he believes is Erin knows his secret and fools him into accepting them as Erin for a reason Lark could never have imagined.

Will he discover the truth and he will find the real Erin reincarnated? Will they be together at last and will they survive the challenges thrown at them again even if they can finally beat the curse and be together?

This book was originally published on Amazon under the title 'Everlasting Love' but as it is available on other platforms as 'In Another Lifetime' I have republished it here under the same title.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookGeniez
• Release date: Jun 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223261193

Francois Keyser

Francois wanted to be an author since he first learned to read. He returned to his childhood dream after leaving a successful corporate career and has since authored over thirty titles across a variety of genres. He currently lives in Bali, Indonesia where he shares his time between his family and his writing.

Book preview

I

Part One

1

Chapter 1

When you see her, you’ll know…

The words of his father echoed in his mind when he saw her.

Her long blonde locks curled down the side of her face and her blue eyes held him captivated the instant they met. Her button nose and cheeks were sprinkled with freckles and her sparkling smile ended in dimples. She carried herself well, like royalty even though she was common-born. Her posture was straight and regal as she moved and greeted the guests.

Her eyes lingered when they met his and he knew in that instant she had seen him and was assessing him. Her gaze moved on beyond his but the slightest hesitation had been all it took. Her gaze returned and met his again. He smiled at her and she smiled too.

He knew in that instant she would be open to speaking to him and was sure she liked what she had seen despite her knowing that he was beyond her. Or rather, she was beyond him.

He was just a lowly boy who had managed to get entry to tonight’s ball by questionable means. The girl fixed her gaze on someone behind him briefly before it flicked back to him again and again where he stood rooted to the spot, mesmerized by her beauty as she approached him.

As she neared him, she turned to her assistant and dispatched her on an errand. Then she reached him and stopped, looking at him as she offered her hand.

He blushed and bowed then took her hand in his and placed a soft kiss on the back of it all the while gazing into her eyes.

Good evening. It is an honour to meet you, my lady.

The honour is mine, she responded as diplomatically as she could. May I ask your name and where you are from?

I am Lark, the boy replied as he blushed and brushed his long curly hair aside.

Lark? the girl asked. As in the bird or a joke?

She was teasing him and he blushed a deeper shade of red as he felt a cold sweat break out on his brow.

Everyone always asks me that, he replied softly. He still held her hand and she finally removed it from his.

She smiled, Where are you from?

C… Cage, my lady, he stuttered.

Her eyes narrowed then as she wondered if he was joking with her. She decided he wasn’t and a small smile crossed her face revealing her beautiful teeth behind her beautiful soft lips.

The bird has flown the coop then? she asked.

Lark could not help himself and his response left his mouth before he could even stop it, What bird would not leave the coop to meet someone as lovely as you my lady?

It was the girl’s turn to blush then as she struggled to hide her smile. Chirpy too, I see, she teased then added, Thank you for the compliment.

If it pleases my lady, perhaps we can talk outside on the terrace if you have a moment?

She hesitated for a moment. Perhaps we can. I have more people to greet though so if I happen to find my way to the terrace later, I will surely look for you, Lark.

And then she was gone, moving as gracefully as ever through the crowd and greeting the guests that her parents had invited to this evening’s ball.

Lark watched her until he could no longer see her clearly and then he made his way outside to the terrace where he wandered between the other guests that were on the terrace. As he did so, he could not help but overhear pieces of conversation from other guests. He was not interested though. His mind was elsewhere for he was smitten.

He had come to the party tonight with a purpose and he needed to fulfil that purpose or he most likely would not live to see the lady again after tonight.

Lark was little more than a common pickpocket and his presence tonight had been arranged so he could steal something from the girl’s father. He had never seen the girl before but he had known it was her when he had seen her.

His father had told him so too when he had still been alive. You will know when you see her. His father had been talking about a different matter relating to women though. He had been talking about knowing the woman a man would marry when he first saw her. Love at first sight. Lark had never believed it. Until he had seen her a few minutes ago. Then he knew. He knew he had seen the girl he would marry. He had to rob the same girl’s father. He only hoped she would not see him and he would not be caught. He did not wish to ruin any chance he might have with her.

Of course, he told himself. Nothing in life is ever easy. Whether or not the girl saw him pickpocket her father, it would be hard enough getting to a point of being permitted to date her never mind asking for her hand in marriage. He had no idea how he would do it but he knew he would.

He marked her father in the room and made his way towards him slowly making sure he did not draw attention to himself. When he was close enough, he decided what he would do and immediately took action before he lost his nerve.

He approached her father and then pretended to stumble and bumped into the girl’s father. In that instant, he achieved two things. He loosened her father’s watch and it fell from his hand to the floor while he relieved her father of the cash in the pocket of his jacket before he collapsed on the floor.

Her father turned and looked at the boy who had fallen at his feet and bent to help him. Lark took his hand and stood.

Thank you kindly, my lord, he said bowing slightly. I am such a clumsy fool. I apologize for running into you.

The girl’s father, who he had been informed was Eugene Grayston, looked at Lark his face betraying no emotion. It’s no matter boy. I’m just glad that no one got hurt.

Thank you, sir. And again, I apologize.

Eugene nodded and smiled dismissively. As he began to turn away Lark pointed to the floor, Sir, is that yours?

Eugene stopped and turned back looking to where Lark was pointing. Lark stooped and picked up the item he had pointed out. It was a watch. An expensive watch.

Yes, it is mine indeed, Eugene said frowning.

Lark held it out to him, Well there you go, Sir.

Eugene took it from Lark and checked it before strapping it back on his wrist. Thank you, young man.

You are welcome, my lord. I am just glad it is not broken.

Indeed, replied Eugene as he checked the watch again. Satisfied that it was working he looked at Lark taking in his clothes as he did so. His frown remained fixed on his forehead. The boy was neatly dressed but his clothes were not of the finest material. They were far from it. The party was primarily for the wealthy but it was of course a possibility that some less fortunate people would have been invited too. Either by his staff or as guests of guests that were attending the ball tonight.

He decided to let the boy go. He seemed nice and honest enough. If you will excuse me, Eugene said politely as he turned and began speaking to other guests.

Lark made his way to the terrace where he found some shadows and quickly counted the money he had stolen from Eugene. It was a fortune! It seemed that his luck was finally changing. There was more than a hundred quid! He sat down on a low wall and raised his left foot resting it on his right knee. He opened the hole in the heel of his shoe and pushed the money in. No one would ever find it there.

His excitement was short-lived though. The money wasn’t for him. He had to give most of it to a man he needed to settle his debt with. Easy come, easy go, he sighed as he thought of it.

So, Lark, how much did you get? a girl’s voice said.

He felt his blood run cold. There was only one girl who knew his name at this party. The girl he had met inside. The girl. The one he was going to marry. But she knew he had stolen money from her father. He felt himself turn red again in the dark as she stepped around the bush he was sitting behind.

He couldn’t lie to this girl. Not if he wanted to marry her.

He stood hastily and looked at her. I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…

She laughed softly, Of course you meant to, Lark. I saw you. You planned it and executed it very well.

Okay, but I’m sorry. I’ll give it back. Here, let me get it from my…

The girl laughed again. Her laughter was soft, happy, carefree, and beautiful.

Never mind, Lark. You need it more than we do.

Yes… but… Lark trailed off.

The girl stepped closer, But what? she asked looking into his eyes.

I never wanted you to see me as a thief. I’m trying not to be a thief any more. I want to be better…

You never wanted me to see you for a thief? Why? the girl asked.

Because, because, then you’ll be disappointed in me and you’ll never want to go out with me.

She was tempted to burst out in laughter at the absurdity of what Lark had just said but she tempered her mirth and held it in. If she were to laugh, she would have been nothing but cruel.

You want me to go out with you? she asked, the surprise on her face clear.

I would be honoured and would give anything to go out with you my lady, Lark said.

You do not even know my name, she replied.

Oh,.. yes… forgive my bad manners, my lady. Please would you share your name with me? Lark said blushing again.

She had moved closer to him and now stood before him. Her scent was intoxicating and he breathed deeply, inhaling as much of it as he could.

My name is Erin. I would be happy to go out with you.

"Really?" Lark asked in disbelief.

Why not? You interest me. Much more than the boring men my father brings home for me to visit with.

I am flattered. Truly I am my lady, Lark said. Would your father permit it though? It was a question he didn’t want to ask, much less wanted the answer to. He had already decided that he was going to marry this girl.

As they stood there someone called Erin’s name.

Erin!

Erin looked around quickly but the tree behind which they stood obstructed their view. Erin knew the voice though. It was her father.

She looked back at Lark, panic in her eyes, and in that instant, she made a decision. She raised her hands and pulled Lark’s face to hers. Her lips found his and his eyes widened in shock and surprise. It was only a moment before he responded and kissed her back bringing his hands up to take hold of her on either side of her chest.

Their tongues found each other and explored hungrily yet hastily as their breathing accelerated and they sounded like two horses that had just finished a hard run.

Then, just like that, Erin pulled away. She dabbed her lips with her hand. Thank you. I would like to see you again, she said, and then she was gone.

Yes father, she said as she rounded the tree.

Oh, there you are, Eugene said when he saw her.

Erin climbed the steps and stopped before her father.

What are you doing out here in the dark? Eugene asked concerned.

Nothing father. It is such a lovely clear night that I wanted to see the stars. They are more visible from the dark than with the light here on the terrace.

Eugene nodded. I would like you to meet Harold, he said.

Erin offered her hand and Harold took it. He kissed her hand and said, It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady.

It is my pleasure too, Erin replied as she pulled her hand back.

Lark left the shadows of the tree hoping that he wouldn’t be noticed, but Eugene saw the movement and his eyes narrowed as he realized that Lark had emerged from the same place where Erin had been. What was he doing with Erin in the shadows, Eugene wondered. He recognized the boy as the same one that had collided with him earlier.

Excuse me, Eugene said. He left Erin and Harold and motioned to a guard. The guard moved quickly to reach Eugene.

Yes, my lord, he said expecting orders.

Eugene pointed to Lark who was making his way toward the exit doors. That boy, dressed in the poor man’s clothing. I want him caught and detained with the minimum amount of disruption. Take him to the dungeons. Go now!

The guard took off as fast as he could following Lark.

Erin did not know what her father had told the guard but she feared it might have had something to do with Lark although she had not seen him leave the shadow of the tree where she had kissed him.

2

Chapter 2

Some people believe in fate. Some call it destiny. Some like to believe that we have no control over it while others seem to believe we all create our destiny. These were the questions Lark would ponder repeatedly many years later as he regretted the events set in motion that night. The events of one night created a path into the future, centuries ahead.

Lark thought he had made it. He thought he had not been seen when he left his place behind the tree and headed for the exit. The night was a success in every way he thought. And he had ended it on a high note with a kiss he could never have imagined getting from a girl he swore he would marry. He wanted to see her again before he left but he doubted it would be possible. How and when he would see her again, he did not know but he knew he would make every effort to do so.

Lark believed though that he was free and clear and so when he was suddenly stopped at the main door by a guard, he was surprised. He wondered immediately if someone had seen him pickpocket Eugene. It was all he could think of. He had been spotted by someone and now he would be arrested.

Come with me, the guard said. The guard took him by the arm and led him from the exit back into the courtyard. Do not make a scene boy or things will be worse for you.

The guard’s grip was firm and painful and Lark had no choice but to accompany the guard who showed no sign of letting up on the grip he had on Lark’s arm. The guard led him around the side of the immense castle and called to another guard who joined them and grasped Lark’s other arm. They led Lark through an archway and down some steps. When they reached the bottom, Lark realized by the dim light from the guards’ torches that they were in a dungeon.

What is this? Why am I here? Lark asked as they pushed him into a cell. The door clanged shut and they locked it.

Our master wants to have a word with you, one of the guards said. Then they were gone.

Eugene nodded as the guard whispered in his ear. He nodded and then continued speaking with his guest as a small smile tweaked the corners of his mouth. Eugene continued to mingle with the guests until they had all left before he headed to the dungeons.

The guards unlocked the cell and let him in. On his instruction, they locked the cell again and left torches in the hallway so there was sufficient light.

Lark stood and watched as Eugene approached. Eugene could see the boy was afraid.

My Lord, please tell me why I am here. If I have done something bad, I will do my best to right my wrong.

Eugene stopped before Lark and studied him.

What is your name?

Lark my Lord.

Where are you from?

Cage, my Lord.

Eugene smiled at the imagery the boy’s name and the town he hailed from created in his mind. How apt, he thought.

You were with the Lady Erin this evening am I right?

Lark did not know what to say. He nodded after a brief hesitation, I met her briefly my lord.

Why? Eugene asked.

She is a most remarkable young lady, my Lord. I would be lying if I were to deny being attracted to her.

Eugene smiled. It wasn’t a pleasant smile. Rather it was a sad smile, a smile that portrayed disappointment, disapproval, dislike, contempt and so much more.

And do you believe that she shares the same opinion as you?

Lark knew he might be treading on dangerous ground. I haven’t asked her, my Lord, he replied.

Eugene nodded. Then I shall give you the disappointing news young man. Lady Erin is intended for someone else. Someone who can provide for her and give her a home and keep her in the comforts she is accustomed to. That I am sure, is not something you can do. Am I right?

Lark licked his lips nervously, "Please my Lord. I will do anything for the lady. If I could just have an opportunity to present myself to her, perhaps she can tell me herself if she would like to give me an opportunity… With your blessing my Lord,