Chapter 2 His promise of marriage

2011

I stood in the shadows of the grand hall, watching the ball unfold. The chandeliers above cast shimmering light across the room, illuminating the sea of extravagant dresses and polished suits. My eyes, however, were fixed on one figure-Eve. She moved with a grace that belied her young age, a delicate balance of poise and innocence. Her long white hair flowed down her back, a stark contrast to the dark, formal attire of the guests around her. To everyone else, she was a vision of purity and mystery. To me, she was the perfect little toy. My little Eve.

"You still have eyes on her," Fred looked my way while handing me a glass of wine. "It's been years."

"She still looks gorgeous," my eyes didn't avert from her, observing how different men tried their best to talk to her, no doubt hoping to catch her attention and gain her favor.

"I heard your brother is trying to get her in his arms."

"Indeed." The thought of my brother trying to court Eve filled me with a possessive jealousy. She was mine, and mine alone.

"Doesn't that mean you should set eyes on someone else?"

"Preposterous," I smiled, though the gesture felt forced. "I will eventually get her." This was her eighteenth birthday, indicating that she was ripe enough to pluck. Our eyes locked, but she just smiled-a smile that meant she didn't recognize me. Silly girl.

Walking in a room filled with hungry men, how could she still breathe calmly, looking at all these predators? I felt a surge of protectiveness, even as I longed to claim her for myself.

As the ball came to a close and the guests began to disperse, I lingered in the hallway outside the grand hall. I knew Eve would try to slip away as she always did. My heart pounded with anticipation. Tonight was the night I would finally introduce myself to her, to set in motion the plans that had been years in the making.

As expected, Eve slipped out of the hall, unnoticed by the revelers still basking in the afterglow of the ball. I followed her, my steps silent on the polished marble floors. She headed to the playground, now empty and still under the blanket of night. I watched from a distance as she sat on a bench, her shoulders slumped with the weight of her burdens.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward, making my presence known. "Little Eve," I called out softly.

She looked up, startled, her eyes wide with fear and curiosity. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling.

I moved closer, stopping a few feet away from her. "I am Diego," I said, keeping my voice gentle. "I've been meaning to talk to you." The first step of taking a woman is making her think she is safe with you.

Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Why? What do you want from me?"

I smiled, trying to put her at ease. "I want to help you, Eve. I know you have nobody to talk to."

She shook her head, confusion and defiance in her eyes. After a few minutes, she furrowed her brows. "Why would I want that? You look really fishy."

I nodded, understanding her frustration. "And you think I want you in some other way? You might just be right."

"What?"

"Little Eve," I smiled, though it felt hollow. "Isn't it obvious I like you?" I watched her cheeks stain red. A girl at her age would interpret this in many ways. I was sure she had never heard such words so close before. If I spoke better, manipulating her should be easy.

Eve stood up. Even when her cheeks were red, her eyes still danced with suspicion. She looked around. "Why are you here? To kidnap me since no one is around?"

I took a step closer, lowering my voice to a whisper. "Indeed, but yes, only to the part where you mentioned no one is around."

She hesitated, her resolve wavering. "What do you mean?"

"There are those who see you as nothing more than a prize, a possession to be owned," I explained. "But you seem a whole lot more-different, interesting."

She looked at me, her eyes searching for the truth in my words. "What do you want from me, Diego?"

I took a deep breath, knowing this was the moment I had been preparing for. "I want to be your talk buddy. Let's be friends, Eve."

Eve's eyes filled with uncertainty, but she didn't stop looking at me. For some reason, her eyes didn't want to waver from mine. "Is something wrong?" I asked. "You seem distracted."

"Oh, no," she looked away. "Excuse me." I watched her leave, her steps quickening with each passing moment. She looked really determined to get away from me. Placing my right hand under my jaw, I smiled. She really did look beautiful, but her rejection stung more than I cared to admit.

Eve shut the door the moment she stepped in, her heart racing. Moving my hands to my lips, i tried to catch my breath. Why is he here? It's the same man-the one that always appears in my dreams. This man, he seemed different, yet so familiar.

Moving to the window, i stared at him-his tall figure, red hair, dark eyes, and his lips. They were red, his sharp jawline and broad shoulders. No, it's not the first time a handsome man has talked to me. But this man, he didn't mention marriage. He just wanted to be friends? But why? Isn't that something to be suspicious about? Why would i need to be friends with him? Is it a way for him to kidnap me? Trap me?

"Eve!" Hearing my mother's voice, i hurriedly moved back to my bed. She opened the door and smiled. "How are you feeling?" She sat next to me. "You were complaining about your stomach earlier."

"I'm okay, Mother." I felt a pang of guilt for my earlier lies. Her mother was only trying to look out for her.

"There is something we must discuss."

"Discuss?"

"I'm sure you have heard about marriages?"

My heart sank, the familiar feeling of rejection welling up within me. "Mother," i stood up. "I told you, I will pick who I want to get married to!"

"Eve-"

"Aren't you tired of controlling my life? Can't I even select who I want?" I looked at her, disappointment and frustration etched on her face.

Before she could say more, a strange voice made me look toward the door.

"Did I interrupt something?" Eve blinked, her eyes landing on the tall, handsome figure of Lord Vasile. He had red hair, such an odd color, and eyes that seemed to bore into my very soul. In short, he was undeniably attractive.

"Who are you?"

"The man you are rejecting."

My mother stood up, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Eve, this is Lord Vasile. He has come to discuss a proposal."of course, it's always about marriage, why do no body hear what am saying, they keep treating me like a talking to.

I can also make decisions!

I stared at him, my heart pounding with fear, fear that my family will agree to this man. "A proposal?"

"Yes," Vasile said smoothly, stepping into the room with an air of confidence. "I've heard much about you, Eve, and I believe we could make a good match."

I crossed her arms, feeling defiant. "I don't even know you."I speak, trying to act tough, it's clear, he already knows I don't make decisions with my life.

mother sighed and gently squeezed my shoulder. "I'll leave you two to talk. Please, Eve, just hear him out." With that, she left the room, closing the door behind her.

Vasile took a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Eve, I understand this is sudden, but I assure you, I have your best interests at heart." He smile " in this marriage, you will be free to do whatever you want, go wherever you want "

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "Why should I believe that? What do you know about my interests?"

He smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I know that you long for freedom, for a life beyond these castle walls. I can offer you that."

"How?" I demanded, my skepticism clear. "By marrying me and keeping me in another cage?"

Vasile shook his head. "No, Eve. I intend to do what I said earlier, you will be free to do whatever you want, make your own decision ."

His words intrigued me, but i couldn't shake my mistrust. "And what do you get out of this arrangement?"

He held my gaze, his expression sincere. "I get a partner, to be honest, I get someone everyone have been praying to have." He step closer " one more thing, nobody will be allowed to touch you, you will not permit any man close to you, even I... Won't pluck you " his words seem strange " you will remain untouched, pure.... Even after marriage "

His obsession confused me, why get married just to keep one pure? What will he really get out of this? One thing is certain, If I trust him, I will be free, out of this hell hole..... Is a risk I might just take

" okay " I nod " it's a deal"