CHAPTER 5 - CHAOS AT THE FAIR

Carol returned soon after to finish with the bath while Nevaeh scoured the closet on what to wear. Gavarian fabrics were often heavier and Nevaeh believed the reason to be their weather.

As Carol stepped out from the bathroom, Nevaeh asked, “Where did they put my luggage?”

She hadn't seen any of her belongings since she entered this mansion last evening.

“It is being kept in the repository” Carol replied and Nevaeh’s brows furrowed

“The what?”

“It is a place we keep items that are currently not in use” Carol clarified.

“I need my things back please”

“Milady has everything she needs here, unless there are some things you would like me to fetch”

Nevaeh stared at Carol, baffled “Carol, get me my bags” she stated with utmost seriousness.

“Okay, milady, but first you must bathe, lest the water runs cold”

~

Nevaeh sat across Zealan in the carriage as the coachman rode through the streets of Gavaria. She peered out of the window, watching the scenery and the Gavarians go about their daily life in fascination with Zealan not once uttering a word since they left the mansion. She wondered why he had to be her tour guide.

What sort of tour guide didn't speak?

“This tour is seemingly boring Master Zealan” she addressed him pulling her gaze from the window.

“The tour hasn't begun yet, Lady Nevaeh” he replied and Neveah could swear there was a ghost of a smile across his features.

She leaned into her seat, wrapping her shawl tighter around her body.

Moments later, Zealan tapped twice at the carriage door to have the carriage come to a stop. The coachman opened the door as Zealan stepped out first, offering a hand of support that Nevaeh clutched to as she alighted the carriage.

“You can go park the carriage, Harrison” Zealan instructed the coachman who bowed before departing.

“This is the center of Gavaria” Zealan stated and Nevaeh spun around to look at its people who went about their day, chattering and conducting businesses.

“It's a market” she whispered, her gaze traveling from one stall to the next.

“Not necessarily, it's a Fair. You arrived in Gavaria at the right time. Come on, I'll show you around and you can get whatever pleases you” he said, leading the way while she walked beside him.

Zealan showed her to various shops, explaining the roads they came across and where they led to while Nevaeh followed with earnest interest, trying some native Gavarian dishes and picking out souvenirs she couldn't wait to show to Vivian and Arlene.

“I think I like you better when you're talking” she said to Zealan who had fallen mute once again as he watched her bite into her kebab. They had taken a break from walking and sat on a bench watching the passersby while Nevaeh enjoyed the delicacies.

“Why did you agree to wed Lord Torres?” He suddenly asked and Nevaeh fought the urge to scold herself. She should have let him be quiet.

But she replied anyway, “I didn't. It is my father's wish, not mine”

“But you are here, are you not?”

“Yes, to call off the marriage” she said truthfully.

“What makes you so certain that he would?” Zealan asked, the corner of his lips tugging up.

“I'll give him reasons” she put it simply, as she took another bite of her food.

“Hmmm. Well, come on, let's head back to the carriage. There's more to Gavaria” Zealan replied after a brief pause and Nevaeh nodded as she rose to her feet with him.

Just then, a commotion erupted from the crowd sending everyone into panic as they fled from the fair. Screams of terror spread into the air, creating a human stampede with the people running from one direction as if being chased by something.

“What's happening?” Nevaeh asked, alarmed, turning to Zealan to find him missing from the spot.

Where did he go?!

“This way, miss Ramon” Harrison said from behind her leading her through the chaos “You'll be safe in the carriage”

“Where's Master Zealan?” She asked worried, her heartbeat erratic as she followed the coachman who pushed through the crowd, leading her to safety.

“He will join you shortly” Harrison replied, opening the carriage door as they got to the carriage.

Nevaeh was about to step into the carriage before the coachman's head was slammed into the carriage door with great force, sending the man to the ground, unconscious. A scream erupted from her throat before she could stop it as she rushed to Harrison's aid only to be tugged away, a hand clasping down on her mouth.

“Come with me,” the voice said.

Zealan??

She whipped around to find Zealan behind her “Where were you? And Harrison-”

“That's not Harrison” Zealan cut in, a grave look blending into his features as he pulled her through the crowd. “Wait in here, until I come get you” he instructed, leaving her in one of the stalls and hurriedly taking off before Nevaeh could process what was happening.

As she waited out the chaos in the safety of the abandoned stall, she contemplated her next move. She had no idea what was going on. One moment, she was having a good time touring the Kingdom and the next, she was trapped in this stall watching the people run over each other to get to safety. Soon after, the place went quiet as the door opened to reveal Zealan.

“Come, Harrison would take you home” he said. “I will answer your questions once I return, but for now, you need to leave” he added when she didn't move from the spot.

“You're not coming” she stated.

“There are things to take care of here. Leave with Harrison, now” he said with a silent authority that had her legs moving as he got her to the carriage where the coachman was already set to leave.

Nevaeh boarded the carriage in trepidation. Minutes ago, she had watched Harrison crumble to the ground unconscious, but here he was perfectly fine.

If that wasn't the coachman earlier, who was he?