Chapter 5
I remained silent.
Percival, too, said nothing-only fixed Gideon with an icy stare.
A faint sheen of sweat broke out on Gideon’s brow as he cautiously studied Percival’s expression before his gaze shifted
to Alaric.
Alaric met his eyes without flinching, a trace of challenge in his own.
Though displeased, Gideon dared not show it in front of Percival. With feigned confusion, he asked, “My lord, may I inquire as to who this gentleman behind you is?”
Since entering, Alaric had stood quietly in Percival’s shadow-yet his striking features and noble bearing made him impossible to overlook.
At Gideon’s question, Alaric’s lips curved slightly. “I am someone Lord Ravenscroft deems worthy.”
Gideon’s face darkened instantly.
That single phrase-deems worthy-sent his mind reéling.
Did it mean recognition in court?
A mentor and protégé bond?
Or perhaps…
Remembering my resolute refusal to marry him, Gideon felt a flicker of panic.
The common folk of the empire had long suffered under forced marriages. Were it not for the royal decree mandating
marriage by twenty-a desperate measure to curb the dwindling population-uprisings would have erupted long ago.
But where there were laws, there were ways around them.
Noble daughters, once they turned sixteen, were discreetly matched with suitable bachelors. Some families even
cultivated childhood friendships between heirs and heiresses of equal standing.
Yet I was different.
I was born during Percival’s assignment outside the capital. For ten turbulent years, he remained away, only returning with
other family members when I was already a maiden.
Given Percival’s high rank, few dared seek an alliance lightly. And as the Grand Chancellor staunchly avoided factionalism, no princes or nobles came forward with proposals.
Thus, the matter of my marriage was delayed again and again-until Gideon appeared.
Percival’s presence now filled Gideon with dread. Though he had relied on my affection to humiliate and torment me, my father was a seasoned statesman-no man to be trifled with by the likes of a mere scholar like Gideon.
Instantly, Gideon adopted a submissive stance-but Alaric’s previous words sent another wave of unease through him.
What if Isolde, angered by today’s spectacle, called off their engagement and wed another?
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The thought filled him with bitter regret over having returned the marriage contract.
Percival watched Gideon’s shifting expressions with disgust.
“Look at this disgrace,” he said coldly. “Take these men and leave Ravenscroft Manor at once.”
Then, to Alaric, “Come to the study. With your appointment approaching, there are matters we must discuss.”
Relieved by the dismissal, Gideon hastily bowed and ushered his companions out.
I watched his anxious face, darkly amused.
This was only the beginning for Gideon. His reckoning was yet to come.
Once they were gone, I retreated to the rear gardens-only to find a patch of once-vibrant blossoms now withered and
yellowed.
I reached out, snapping a brittle twig between my fingers. It crumbled to dust, long dead.
“Lady Ravenscroft.” A deep voice drew my attention.
I turned to see Alaric bowing before me.
For a moment, I simply studied him. This Alaric was so different from the stern, unshakable man I remembered in my past
life.
Could people truly change so much in just a few years?
Then I thought of Gideon and nearly laughed.
Yes. Humans were the most fickle creatures of all.
“I assume my father has spoken to you.”
Meeting his calm gaze, the anger Gideon had stirred in me began to settle.
Alaric bowed again, solemn. “By the Holy Cross, my lady-should ever my devotion falter, may my bones lie unshriven and
my soul wander unblessed till Judgement Day.”
His sincerity gave me pause. Slowly, I stepped closer, tilting his chin up with my fingers.
“You do realize,” I murmured, “that wedding me means becoming a live-in son-in-law. You would live under my roof, bound to my will. Your firstborn would carry my name. Every breath you take would be by my leave.”
