Chapter 2.2: Unveiling

"What were you doing? Were you discussing your wicked plans to kill me?" The man in an olive coat asked tepidly.

“W-what are you talking about? I just met that guy and… and I don’t even know you.” I defended myself.

His forehead puckered. I saw how his hands gripped firmly to the tawny dowel of the balcony, then he raised his head and chortled in the air. I wonder what was funny with what I have said. He stopped laughing and returned his gaze at me, “Stop acting naively, it doesn’t fit you.” He said sarcastically.

What????

My lips became numb for a moment. I was trying to process the words he just said. I already knew what it meant but I’m thinking of another meaning for it just to not make it sound rude in my head. Shouldn’t this be the first time they have seen me? Or these people are just normally ill-natured, that's why I’m receiving this kind of treatment. 

A strong blow of frigid air awakened me from my deep thoughts. Before I could even notice, he was already descending on the stairs.

“Wait!” I squealed. My throat was already painful due to the freezing temperature. Gladly he heard me. He turned back to me but his eyes were disdainful. He’s already giving me an apathetic look but he’s the only one who can help me right now. My foot was still painful and there’s no way I can move while this train is running swiftly. He raised one of his brow like he’s asking what I called him for.

“Please help me get down, I’m scared.” I begged.

“Then use your magic.” He recommended it. I frowned at that idea. What does he think about me? A witch?

And he does. “You’re a witch right? Save yourself. Don’t make yourself look stupidly pitiful there. He was able to jump off so I guess you can fly too. I’m not gonna buy that kind of bluff.” He added. He was about to take a step over but I called him again.

“Please! I don’t understand what you are talking about and  why you’re telling me to stop acting but I really can’t do anything here. Please.” I asked humbly. I knew he was being cold towards me but this isn’t the time to entertain my pride. I really needed help. The old man didn’t even give me a summary of what I must do or atleast a map to where I should go. Why did I even deal with him? What was I thinking back there?

He ducked his head for a while before he turned and took steps towards me. I felt giddy and weak. I guess the temperature of my body was already dropping. He took my arm to help me stand but I fell as soon I felt my wounded foot. He noticed the blood so he bent down to take a closer look. My body twitched when his hands reached to grab me from behind, then he effortlessly lifted me up with his sinewy arms. 

“Thank you.” I whispered. 

He continued walking towards the balcony and we ascended to a luxurious expanse of the train. The outer feature was just a deception for the hidden grandeur. There were chandeliers glistening on the wall and its reflections were scattered dazzling with the prehistoric furniture I haven’t seen yet in my entire 19 years of existence. My eyes wandered to the stunning view of the place. It was like a small palace. There were a few men wearing red robes of russet, like that of the medieval time. They bowed as we walked on the golden clothed aisle. 

Someone who was wearing a black cloak and had a sword on his belt greeted us. “Your highness.”

He looked dazzling when some threads of his tousled black hair fell into his face as he bowed slightly. When he raised his head, my eyes met his winter gray eyes. 

“Your eyes are beautiful.” I commented unconsciously. He bowed swiftly to avoid my eyes. Was he shy? But I was surprised when I noticed that the man who was carrying me was already glaring at me. “What’s with you?” He murmured. “I’m just commending his eyes, what’s wrong with that?” I grumbled. He only shook his head and turned to the man who greeted us. 

“Vivar, prepare the room.” He commanded and the man in black cloak went ahead as we followed. 

So that guy’s name was Vivar. How unique.

“What is this place?” I asked, but I didn’t receive a response. I started to notice his face was small and his jawline was perfectly molded. He has deep hazel brown eyes which match his curtained hair shaded in medium champagne. My eyes traveled down and I swallowed as I caught the prominence of his adam's apple. I didn’t notice I was already running my fingers to my dried lips while gazing at him. 

What is wrong with me? I shook my head to contain myself. He noticed me staring at him so he stopped. He sighed before he looked at my goggling eyes. “Stop it. You’re being weird” He sounded irritated. 

“Sorry, I was just checking you.” I blurted. I covered my mouth in embarrassment. Why is this mouth so careless! “I mean I was just uhm.. Wondering who you are.. Yeah! I was just checking who you are.” I tried to dupe him.

His brows furrowed and he swallowed dryly before he spoke, “I’m your fiance.” Then he started walking towards an open room with lux draping curtains. It took moments before his words sunken into my dumb head.

He’s my…. what???!