Chapter 6

After two weeks on a ship with the Baron who is now her husband and his men, they finally arrived in Westland. She was surprised to see how different the land was. She knew it was a land filled with supernatural beings and shapeshifters like werewolves, dragons and foxes. The air smelled different, the infrastructure of the land was different and they were more advanced compared to other nations, they had guns, explosions etc and their carriage looked a lot different from that of other nations. She was in a whole news world, one she was willing to do anything so as not to be a part of.

In the past two weeks while on the ship, she hadn’t seen the Baron apart from the day they boarded his ship. And she was glad he didn’t show himself, she hoped things will continue to be that way until she finds a way to escape from him.

“Baroness” the young man who was appointed to be her personal guard opened the carriage for her to get in.

Althea hesitated for a moment, looking at the grand carriage that was different from what she was used to. She sighed and stepped into the carriage, feeling uneasy as it moved forward. She could hear the horses galloping as they made their way through the streets of Westland.

As the carriage rolled along the streets, Althea took in the sights around her. The buildings were grand, with tall towers and intricate designs. She saw people walking on the streets, some of them were human, but some of them had strange features, like tails or scales. Althea couldn't help but wonder what kind of creatures they were.

The air smelt different too, a mixture of burning coal, gunpowder, and strange herbs. The city was alive with noise, people shouting, horses neighing, and the sound of machines whirring. Althea felt like she was in a different world entirely, one that was both fascinating and terrifying.

After a trip that lasted for two hours the carriage came to a stop in front of a high fence and huge gate like the one in the castle. The carriage rode inside the moment the gate was opened. Althea looked out of the window and saw how big the inside was, the land size was as large as the castle in the north, they were yet to reach the main building.

“Are they taking her to the castle? Those the Baron live in the castle too? She doubted since a Baron should have his own residence.

The carriage finally stopped in front of a big mansion more like a castle. The carriage door was opened for her and Althea stepped out, trying to keep her composure. She was greeted by a tall man who introduced himself as the Baron's butler.

“Baroness, so glad you are finally here” the old man said with his head bowed and a smile on his face.

Althea nodded and didn’t say a word

Concluding that she must be tired from the king's trip, he immediately guided her into the house. While they passed the huge pillars, corridors and stairs, she saw maids and guards and other persons who bowed their heads in greeting. They got to the last floor after climbing a series of stairs and pushed a door open in the far end.

It was a big chamber that had everything in it, like a big balcony, a smaller one, a large living room area a spacious dining, etc.

“This is your chamber Baroness, the one in the opposite direction in the hallway is the Barons” The butler said.

Althea nodded without saying a word to him.

Butler Young overlooked it “The Baron will not be around until tomorrow, rest well Baroness and if you need anything just press that bell there” he pointed at the bell which is a device she hasn’t seen in her life before and then nodded.

Young wondered why she wasn’t saying a word but concluded it most be because she was tired, he bowed his head and left.

Althea's heart rejoiced when she heard the Baron will not be around until tomorrow, meaning she could have an alone time and think properly on how to escape from this place. She had hoped to avoid the Baron for as long as possible while coming up with a plan. She knew that she was now his wife, but she couldn't bring herself to accept it. She was determined to find a way to escape this life and go somewhere far away from him and her family.

Althea sat on the edge of the couch, feeling lost and alone in this strange new world. She wished she could turn back time and undo the events that had led her here. But she knew that was impossible.

With a heavy sigh, Althea decided to try and make the best of her situation. She got up and began to explore her new surroundings so as to know how to escape when the time was right. She was amazed at the level of technology and innovation in Westland. She saw machines that she had never even imagined before and buildings with beautiful and unique infrastructure.

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The following day, Damian returned back to his residence. Butler Young stood outside the mansion and watched as the carriage rode to the front and the Baron stepped out.

He bowed his head to show respect “Welcome back Baron”

“How is she”

“She is settled, I made sure to attend to all her needs”

“Arthur”

“Yes Baron”

“Inform everyone that there will be a family dinner to night and make sure to handle that other issue”

“Right away Baron”

Damian headed inside and Young followed beside “What is it”

“It’s about the Baroness”

Damian stopped and turned “And what might that be?”

“She hasn’t said a word to anyone…………..Some are beginning to think that might be……….”

Damian gave him a look that made him shut his mouth “And who are those people?”

Young swallowed the dry lump on his throat and coughed slightly, knowing how ruthless and unforgiven the Baron is, he didn’t dare to mention the name of anyone “It’s just random gossip, Baron”

“Hmmm” Damian looked at him for a while before heading upstairs.

After freshening up and finishing the breakfast brought to her, Althea curled up on the bed and was lost in thought making her not to notice when someone came in. Damian stood at the door while staring at the fragile looking figure on the bed.

“I was told you haven’t said a single word since yesterday, why is that?

Althea shivered the moment she heard that voice. She sat properly on the bed and saw him standing close on the door looking at her intently. Damian walked to her and sat close to her on the bed but she shifted to the other, far from him, her action made him frown.

He got up and went to meet her on the other side of the bed. She wanted to shift away again but he prevented her from doing so. He raised her chin up so she will look at him in the eye.

“Look at me very well”

Althea’s heart drummed in her chest in fear as she looked at him.

“Tell me you don’t remember this face, it’s only be ten years, so it can’t be possible you have forgotten me so soon”

Althea shakes her head “I don’t”

You don’t remember me?” Damian asked in a questioning voice laced with anger.

Althea slowly shifted back away in fear as he approached her, his eyes were red in rage.

“I……..I don’t……….know you” she shivered, she is the fearless type but when faced with such a man, she was really scared

The moment she said that, she felt his anger increase.

Damian felt so angry and disappointed that she didn’t remember him from ten years ago when she had made him promise to come marry her on her 20th birthday which he actually did. He felt anger realizing that she lost her memory of him. How come she lost her memory?

“I don’t have any memory of you” she told him

“Think Althea, think” He said

The moment she tried to remember him her head started hurting so much “Hahaaaa” she placed a hand on her forehead.

“Enough!!” Damian shouted, he turned around and left in anger.

Althea stayed in one position as her head was still hurting. Why did she develop a headache when she tried to think of any memory of him?