CHAPTER 4 - DINNER

Nevaeh quickly picked out a simple dress amongst the lot and put it on as best she could before stepping out of the closet.

“Come in” she replied to the person at the other side of the door and Carol walked in.

“Let me help you fix that, milady” she said, coming to Nevaeh's aid and helping her fit the dress.

“Thank you” Nevaeh spoke when they were done and Carol graced a smile.

“I came to call you for dinner and to drain the bath water” the maid said “Let me show you to the dining room first” she added gesturing for Neveah to lead the way.

“Is the Lord at the table?” Nevaeh asked the maid who pursed her lip as if contemplating a reply before saying,

“No, milady, he is currently absent from the mansion”

Nevaeh let out a sigh, “Any hint on when he might return?”

“We're usually not informed on Lord Torres' activities, milady. But worry not, you're here now so he shall return soon” Carol replied.

On getting to the dining hall, Carol departed to her duties and Nevaeh walked in, finding Darius and Zealan already seated at the table.

She took a seat opposite Zealan. “Good evening” she said her greetings to earn a nod and smile from Darius while Zealan looked up from his plate to glance at her.

“How are you enjoying your stay?” Darius asked, serving himself some vegetables.

“It has been…welcoming” she said simply as she reached for mashed potatoes. Zealan quietly cut into his meat.

“When shall I see the Lord?” Nevaeh directed the question at Darius.

“You must be hungry, child. Eat first, you can see him later” Darius said before shoving a spoonful of peas into his mouth.

Why did it seem like they were avoiding that question?

Nevaeh's gaze darted between the two men before serving herself the beef gravy and taking a bite of the food, appreciating the textures and flavor.

"You refused our gift" Zealan spoke, pulling her attention to him and her head tilted slightly in confusion. “Did you not like it or was it not your size?” He added, his eyes trained her.

It took a moment before she realized he was asking about the dress in the box Vivian had brought in yesterday. As culture demanded, she was meant to wear it today to show her acceptance of the gift but she hadn't.

“No, no… nothing like that. It was lovely” she replied, seeking not to offend them “It's just that I had already planned to wear something lighter as it was going to be a long journey”

Zealan stared at her a while as if he could see through her lie and know that she tossed the package on the ground. He hummed before returning to his meal. Nevaeh felt her grip on her fork tighten subtly as she stole a glance at Zealan. Darius remained quiet at the table, enjoying his meal.

As dinner went on, Nevaeh found herself occasionally glancing at Zealan. Quiet as he was, he had his way of pulling attention. She noticed his hair looked damp and was no longer combed back as if he himself had just taken a bath. The hair scattered across his forehead, shadowing his eyes and made it take on a deeper shade of brown, his jawline flexing as he chewed his food. The first two buttons of his shirt were left unbuttoned giving a peek at his chest.

Zealan cleared his throat and her eyes flashed up to meet his, her face flushing from the embarrassment of being caught ogling him a second time!

Darius shot her an amused look while Zealan arched a brow.

She quickly dropped her cutlery, “I've had my fill” she said, excusing herself from the table and scampering out of there.

'What is wrong with you?’ she chided herself as she made her way back to her room.

Locking the bedroom door behind her, she stripped out of the dress and changed into a nightgown before squirming under the covers seeking warmth.

Gavaria was a cold place.

Her father's face, hardened with resolve to send her away, flashed in her mind. She still wasn't over how he could do this to her. She tossed in the bed, trying to push away the unwanted thoughts. Hope wasn't lost yet. She just needed an audience with the Gavarian Lord to convince him otherwise.

A ray of sunlight hit her face, causing her to squint her eyes as she docked under the covers.

~

“It's time to wake up, milady. Today's a big day” Carol's voice reached her ears and she peeked out of the blanket grudgingly to see the maid push the curtains further open.

She abruptly sat up, taking in the sight of the room when it registered, she wasn't home but rather still in Gavaria.

A big day. Was she meeting the Lord today?

“What's happening today, Carol?” She asked to clarify.

“You're getting an official tour of Gavaria. So, you need an early start” Carol replied cheerfully and Nevaeh's shoulders slumped in disappointment. As good as touring the city sounded. She needed to meet with Lord Torres and the more it delayed, the more anxious she felt about the whole ordeal. She would be eighteen in thirteen days, she needed to speak with the Gavarian Lord before her father went on with her engagement plans.

“I'll get the hot water to mix into your bath” Carol said heading for the door.

The door.

“Wait…” she called out to the maid to have the woman stop in her tracks and face her.

“Milady?” Carol asked.

“How did you get in?” Nevaeh remembered locking the door behind her last night.

“Young Master opened the door. He instructed to get you ready for breakfast as soon as possible” Carol replied and Neveah felt a sinking feeling in her gut.

What was the point of a lock if anyone could open it?

Carol added, “Is anything the matter, milady?”

“No, you can go” Neveah replied and the maid went on her way.