A Plead Of Affection

TRIÁNTA ÉXI

"Finally for once we agree, Noble Schleswig," She closed her fan and walked towards us, "Eva here is too precious to be owned by someone. If I was a man, I would've locked her up in a tower and kept her all to herself."

Both of their hands formed into fists; just as one of them was about to speak, someone entered the door. The person revealed themself to be Foivi. Lady Vasilas sent her out earlier to buy me a new pair of shoes that would match my gown.

"My Lady-" She could not finish what she was saying when both of them cut her off, "What?!" Noble Schleswig and Lady Vasilas exclaimed in unison

"You know! Stop! The both of you!" I glared at them and sighed frustratedly, "You're scaring everyone," The two looked at the surroundings and saw how the servants moved to the side.

I walked towards Foivi and patted her shoulder, "I apologize on their behalf. What were you telling me earlier, Foivi? Is something wrong?" She lowered her head and shook, "The carriage is ready, My Lady." With that, I took a deep breath and smiled, composing myself.

At last, we are finally leaving. We have not even started the event yet, and I am all worn out. I am already exhausted after all that talking and shouting, changing gowns into the other. The three of us started to walk towards the front.

"Here, Eva," The Noble Schleswig extended his hand; he first entered the carriage assisting me inside, "Thank you," As I entered, Lady Vasilas followed.

"Are you seriously getting inside? You're joining us?" She raised her eyebrows and smirked, "Of course, why? Would you die just being in my presence?"

He was about to throw his hands to the Lady when I grabbed his arm, whispering, "Behave, Alexios," Mumbling to his ear. I only heard him sigh, grabbing my hands and intertwining our fingers, "I understand,"

No one spoke after; just as we were approaching the Lodge, Lady Vasila called out my name, "I am not spoiling your big day, and I am only warning you. This may be your Engagement Ceremony. However, there will still be a battlefield on that halls," I looked over, "They may all congratulate you with all smiles and faces. You do not know, but behind your back, they are already looking down on you.

"And with your personality, you can't solve everything by pushing them away. You'll go down and fall with your mindset," She looked at me, with straight eyes, "As someone to be called as soon Lady Schleswig, if you let something small go, it won't end that easily, don't wait for it to become a bigger problem,"

"Don't even think about letting them go easily because of a simple mistake, you won't know that one they will make a move on it," Her words sent shivers down my spine, "The Schleswig's will take care of everything, you will take their name and you shouldn't act weakly over things,"

She does not have to further scare me, "From this day forward, the Lands will know that you are the Noble Schleswig's fiance and soon Lady of the House of Schleswig, everyone will know about you," She continued, "Do you understand, Eva?"

With a simple nod and a forced smile, I replied, "Yes, I do, Lady Vasilas," She chuckled, easing the tension, "Don't scare her off, Ninia! You're making it sound like the House of Schleswig is some slaughter house," The Noble's voice raised.

At Schleswig Lodge, together with the House of Rabellino, other Nobles that are our allies and rivals will also attend the Engagement Ceremony. I hope nothing wrong will come out of this; I cannot even imagine them getting along in a room.

Not only will this be an event, but also a place where their intentions will also prevail. Nobles who will attend the Ceremony might not look like it will all the smiles and glitters; however, they will still talk behind your back.

The second thing I am wary about is Lord Demeas' appearance, as someone of high pedigree, he won't tolerate it such mishaps that may happen and might cause a scene. I know how terrible Alexios' and the Lord's relationship is.

To add to that, he may also use this event to his advantage to claim Lady Vasilas back. As a member of the Rabellino, I have a strong background behind my back; also, with Alexios, the House of Schleswig in all will support me.

Even so, this Lord is mad enough to chase women and fail to lift his name after Lady Vasilas leaves him. That is why the Count has no expectations of the Lord. The Schleswig Lodge will soon reveal a company of rivals and allies, deceivers and lairs.

He might have felt depressed when she left him and was insecure about what was going around, lashing out to people who seemed to be in control of their lives. I pray nothing happens terribly.

Moreover, most importantly, what I am most fearful of is not my House. Not my Family. It is not Father, Mother, or Brother, but the man beside me. Nikolaos Alexios Schleswig, the man I am soon to marry. Given his unpredictable personality, I do not have any clue about what may happen next.

He might self-destruct at any moment if he sees anything that will lead to his demise, with all the expectations of the mass Nobility. There is a high chance that the opposing factor of our marriage will appear and ruin the celebration.

This Engagement Ceremony is not just an Engagement Ceremony; as Lady Vasilas said earlier, this is a battlefield. Entering a House someone does not approve of is similar to the first bomb that blows up on battlefield frontlines.

As my mind wandered, I soon felt someone gripping my arm, "Eva, do you feel unwell? You look pale," I chuckled it out, trying to avert his question, "I am fine and well, Alexios. I just might be feeling nervous; it is our first appearance to the public officially, after all.