Vessel X OC/reader

Chapter 2

I wake up in a locked bathroom, and look around. Traditional decor, huge mirror. Shit. Shit. This is not my bathroom. I must've passed out in here. At least I locked it.

I get to my feet, and splash cold water on my face. I look pretty good, considering I'm hungover, and slept on a cold, hard floor.

Okay, cool. I'm in a huge building that I don't know, and the only other person in it is the only person I want dead. I should leave, pretty damn soon. My parents must be fucking terrified.

I quietly unlock the door, and open it slowly. I look at the corridor. Empty. But no carpet. That's gonna be loud. I take my heels off, and quietly step through the corridor. Thank god still nothing.

I head down the stairs, stepping down each step on my tip toes. I reach the front door, and sigh with relief. I turn the handle, but of course, it's locked. With a key. Shit, shit, shit shit shit.

"Gaia."

My heart stops, and I turn around.
I tilt my head, and say nothing.

"You're still here. May I say, how lovely it is to see you."

"Just let me out." I snap at him, and he grins.

"Won't you come and have breakfast with me, before you go?" He asks, and I fold my arms.

"I would rather die."

"I can arrange that, if you'd prefer."

"Fuck sake." I hiss, and walk to his dining table.

"What can I get for you?"

"Just some orange juice."

"With vodka, perhaps?" He asks.

"Sure."

He leaves to go into the kitchen, and places an orange juice beside me.
"Thank you."

"My, my, you are learning your manners." He says, and sits opposite me.

He has a mug of coffee, and quietly sips it.

"Don't eat breakfast?" I ask, and he shakes his head.

"No. And you?"

"Always too hungover to want to think about food."

He smiles.
"Of course."

I finish my orange juice, and sigh.
"How's the face?" I ask him, smiling.

"Men usually have to pay good money to be hit by a woman like that. It hurts. Not as much as the black eye Eric gave me, though. Maybe when he shows up he can give you some fighting lessons."

I take a deep breath. Taunting me, huh?

"I might not be as strong as you, Vessel. Maybe not as clever. Definitely not as powerful. But if you killed Eric, I'll find out. And you'll find out what it's like to choke on your own blood."

He chuckles, slightly.
"Noted, thank you. Actually, I have a peace treaty I need to discuss. If I give you a letter, would you mind delivering it for me?"

"I'm not your postwoman."

"You don't live far."

"Fine. Who?"

"Alaria and André Lockhart." He says, seals the letter with wax. The wax seal has the same rune in as the one on his mask. Ugh.

"My parents? You made up already. What do you want with them?"

"Nothing sinister, I promise. I just have something I wish to discuss."

"Tell me what it is. And I'll deliver it."

"To ensure the peace, and for both of our best interests, I was asking for their daughter's hand in marriage."

I burst out laughing.
"Why don't you ask me?"

"I can, if you'd prefer. We tend to ask the family as a sign of respect."

"You must be out of your god damn mind."

"It's a good idea. And good for your family's status."

"Our family doesn't need status."

"I won't force you, Gaia."

"Let me out, please." I say, he nods.

"Of course." He says, and unlocks the door. He opens it for me, and smiles at me.

"Have a good day. It was good seeing you again. Maybe you can pass out in my bathroom some time soon."

I don't say anything else, and leave. I get home, and my mom hugs me tightly.

"Jesus! You scared the life out of us."

My dad looks worried, too, and I hand them a letter.

"From Vessel."

They open it, and I fold my arms.
"Vessel says he's charmed by the talk you had, and wants to marry you." My mom says, and I laugh.

"Isn't that hilarious?"

"Gaia... He's the equivalent of a king."

"Ok? I don't give the equivalent of a shit."

Jessa begins to cry, upstairs, and mom goes straight up.

My dad sighs.
"Do it. Marry him."

"You can't be serious?"

"Find out what happened to Eric. He'll tell you, eventually. Or someone will. And when you get a chance, slit his throat."

I think, carefully.
"That could work."

I head to my room, and get into a nightdress. I need a nap.

I lie on my bed, and can't get any of what's happened out of my mind. I decide to have a shower, get dressed, and head back to Vessel's manor.

I knock at the door, and wait, patiently. After a few minutes, he comes to the door.

"This is a nice surprise."