MEETING LORD TORRES

Nevaeh sat in her room by the window, her thoughts still wandering on the earlier events of the day as she awaited Zealan's return. The sun had begun to set and he was still out there. She couldn't help the twinge of worry-

A knock came on her door.

“Who is it?” She asked even though she had a fair idea who it was

“Carol, milady. Dinner would be served in thirty minutes” the maid responded from behind the door.

“That's fine Carol. I'm not hungry” Nevaeh said, returning her focus to the window where she had a clear view of the mansion's gates from a distance.

The door to the room slowly pushed open as the maid peeked her head into the room, drawing her Lady's attention to her once more.

“Is something the matter, milady?” Carol asked.

“No, Carol. I just had a lot to eat earlier already. I do not think I can stomach any more”

“Okay then. I'll inform the young Master that-”

“Master Zealan is home?” Nevaeh got on her feet in puzzlement.

“Yes, he asked me to call you for dinner” Carol replied dutifully “But-”

Nevaeh cut in again, “I'll be there” she dismissed the maid.

Moments later, Nevaeh made her way through the quiet halls to the dining room, her eyes briefly scanning the room to find Darius absent as Zealan sat alone at the table.

“Where have you been?” She demanded taking her seat at the table as she addressed Zealan who stared at her like she shouldn't be speaking to him.

“Here?”

“I didn't see you return” she said

“I didn't know I was being waited on” he replied casually as he began serving himself “You can serve yourself, my grandfather won't be joining us” he added when he noticed her waiting.

Nevaeh picked up the soup, “Are you going to tell me what happened at the fair today?”

Zealan paused his movements as silence spread between them before he said, “It's nothing you should worry about”

“The people were in danger. There were two Harrisons, a stampede, you took off without notice! You said you would answer my questions” she glared at him, daring him to try and avoid the conversation.

Meanwhile, a young man made his way from the entrance of the mansion with labored breaths as his feet padded quickly through the halls with the excitement of bearing good news.

The doors to the dining room flew open, startling Nevaeh as she and Zealan's gaze locked in on the boy whose head hung in a deep bow as he relayed the information.

“MiLord, we have been able to wound up two of the rogues that threatened the village” the boy rushed out “They are currently-”

“Alan” Zealan's voice dripped with a low hanging threat as he interrupted the boy's rambling.

Nevaeh's eyes darted between the messenger and Zealan in confusion.

The young man raised his head upon his name being called, to meet Zealan's narrowed eyes. It was only then he noticed the woman present in the room and his eyes widened.

“MiLord?” Nevaeh asked, her brows pulling together.

“I- I meant-” the boy started only to be cut off.

“You may leave” Zealan said to the boy who glanced at him in fear before bowing his head and leaving the dining room.

Nevaeh felt realization slowly seep in “Why did he address you as his Lord?” Her green eyes met Zealan's hazel ones and she rose from her seat “You're Lord Torres” she breathed out in a whisper, taking his silence as confirmation.

“Nevaeh” he called firmly, dropping the formalities, when she backed away from the table to leave the room. Getting up from his seat, he walked around the table to stand in front of her.

“You lied to me” she gritted out.

“I despise liars, why would I be one?” He said.

“You said your name was, Zealan”

“And it is. Zealan Torres”

Nevaeh fought the urge to kick him. “You knew I wanted to speak to you”

“About calling off our marriage? I think not” he said dryly.

“You had me believing ‘Lord Torres' was absent! You pulled everyone into this sham. Deceit still counts as lies Zealan, Incase nobody ever schooled you”

He took an intimidating step closer to seal the distance between them and Nevaeh stood her ground.

“Tell me, what did you hope to achieve with such pretense? To test me? I'm supposed to be engaged to you in thirteen days but I can't even trust you” she clicked her tongue “and it seems, neither could you”

Nevaeh scoffed as she attempted to move past him to have him block her path again.

“Move out of my way” she fisted her dress in controlled anger.

Zealan scanned her features before he quietly said “The seamstress would be coming tomorrow for your measurements”

Nevaeh couldn't help the amused chuckle that escaped her lips, “I do not think you understand. This engagement is not happening. Neither is the marriage. I am leaving for Walreece tomorrow”

“I’m afraid that won't be possible, Nevaeh” he countered and she glared at him before bypassing him to head for the door “I have a feeling Lord Ramon left out some very important details” he added, bringing her feet to a halt and she slowly turned around to face him

“What are you talking about?”

“A deal is a deal. You belong in Gavaria now. You can either choose to stay at my side or you can wander around these walls forever, but there is no more home in Walreece” his eyes glinted with a dark emotion that sent a chill down her spine.

“So you're making me a prisoner?” She bit the inside of her cheek to stop the stinging behind her eyes

“Whatever you choose to call it” he walked up to her, his feet light against the floor. “But I'm certain you'd choose the wiser of two evils. Don't make me wait on you tomorrow” he finished, storming out of the dining room and leaving her to stew in her predicament as she watched his retreating figure.