CHAPTER 3 - GAVARIA

The weather felt slightly chilly as the wind blew through her hair as if making it a mission to scatter the loose-braids she did. Stepping out of the carriage, her legs felt numb and the soil felt squishy beneath her shoes maybe it had rained, though the sky was clear. The long journey made her body feel like it was asleep for a hundred years. She set out at the time of the morning and now she could tell the sun would soon set.

She took in her surroundings as she noticed an elderly man along with some guards approach her.

So, this is Gavaria.

A small smile settled on her lips, not because she was here on her father's wishes but because she was here feasting her eyes on a different scenery other than her mansion or a few places in Walreece.

"Miss Ramon" the elderly man greeted when he stepped in front of her "Nice to make your acquaintance" he gave her a slight nod.

Nini curtsied "I'm Neveah"

"Darius" he introduced himself as well and started leading her through the gates of the Lord's Mansion while the guards helped with her luggage from her coachman.

She followed quietly and halted when the man stopped in his tracks. She looked up and her gaze landed on a younger-looking man who looked to be in his twenties.

His dark hair which looked thick and healthy was neatly combed to give it that shiny silky feel. His hazel-colored eyes shone in the sun to have it look golden and intimidating which made her feel a bit weary as she moved in her stance, he had a well-defined jawline and a straight nose. She felt her neck strain a bit as she eyed his height, letting her eyes shamelessly roam him. Though his gaze was directly on Darius, his eyes looked empty.

"I see you like to stare" the man spoke, his eyes still trained on Darius before slowly changing its trajectory to focus on her. The young man and Darius had been discussing things she couldn't listen in on because of how their voice was toned down so she took the liberty to 'observe' him, she didn't know she would get caught.

"This is my grandson, Zealan" Darius introduced.

Before Darius could say anymore Zealan cut in,

“Follow me"

She looked to Darius who offered her an approving nod before she followed after the young man who had already started walking ahead.

As they made their way into the mansion, Nevaeh noticed how quieter it was with fewer staff walking about, compared to her own mansion.

“Will I be meeting the Lord?” She asked, trying to keep up pace with his long legs but she was met with no response as they turned into a corner. She felt her unease grow with the increasing silence as they walked.

“You must be tired. Rest now and meet the Lord later” he finally spoke coming to stop in front of a door. “Carol will assist you with whatever you need” he added glancing behind her. Neveah followed his line of sight and almost shrieked when she noticed the young woman standing behind her.

Had the woman been following them all the while??

“I'll take my leave” Zealan said, excusing himself and going back in the direction they came.

Neveah glanced at the woman again whose expressionless face morphed into a small smile.

“It's nice to meet you milady” she said offering a bow and Neveah let out a breath before returning the smile.

Pushing the door open, she stepped into the room, taking in the view. “You can enter” she said to Carol when she noticed the woman still at the door and the young woman gingerly came in.

“You must be tired. I'll draw your bath” she said heading towards a door that Neveah guessed was the bathroom.

Nevaeh walked to the bed as Carol disappeared behind the door to prep her bath. She sat on the mattress, feeling the soft dressing beneath her fingers. The room was much more spacious than hers back home. She couldn't help compare the similarities and differences between Gavaria and Walreece. Before she had more time to look around the room, Carol returned.

“The bath is ready” the maid said, waiting on Nevaeh's instruction.

“That would be all, Carol, I can handle myself”.

In truth, Nevaeh could draw her own bath since she was eleven. She didn't need Carol's help but the woman seemed eager to serve her.

“All the clothes you would be needing are in there” Carol said gesturing to the second door in the room. “Please, do not hesitate to seek me if you need anything” she added, bowing slightly before leaving the room.

Nevaeh walked into the bathroom, nearing the tub of water before dipping her fingers in to feel the temperature. Standing up, she tugged on the strings of her dress pulling them apart to have it fall from her shoulders and pool at her feet. She repeated the same for her corset before taking off her undergarments and stepping into the tub, immersing her body up to her shoulders in the warm water. She let out a pleased sigh.

Finally relaxed in the tub, she reminisced over the past few hours of her life - Mabel leaving, learning about her betrothal, coming to Gavaria. She let her thoughts drift to the Lord of Gavaria.

What was he like?

It shouldn't concern her though; this marriage was not happening. The little she heard of him was nothing she wanted to associate herself with.

Nevaeh breathed in the scent of the bath oils before reaching for the bar of soap to wash off with. She stepped out of the already cooling water before she caught a cold, wrapping herself in the folded cotton cloth left out for her use.

Leaving the bathroom, she headed towards the other door and let out a gasp. She had expected a wardrobe of clothes as she had back home but this was a whole room all-together. She looked through the rows of clothes in the walk-in closet before finding the evening dresses and night gowns section.

Just then she heard a soft knock at the door.