-UndoubtedlyYours-

146.

✧AN UNDENIABLE PROPOSAL✧

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***

The words Rhea uttered were in pure shock, that her stance and the possible offense might truly put her in a place where her husband's title cannot save her.

Alas, the Dark Lord had simply tilted his head to the side as if analyzing her carefully. "I have never had the pleasure, Mrs. Black."

"I—I have met you before, my Lord."
"You have? Pray tell, when did our meeting occur?" Rhea bit her lip to close her gaping mouth, Merlin why did she have to speak?!

"I don't recall the exact date, I'm afraid. But I was betrothed to Dolohov at the time and he escorted me to an...Event of yours."

"Ah, yes. I cannot fault you for the loss of a member—Or the last bunch that had wrongfully attacked you." She had sucked up a breath and nodded, though her hands were itching for something to clutch.

"I was told that my brother handled it in place of Alphard, that is all I wish to know."
"Indeed he did. Your brother is quite a duelist. From word of mouth, you were quite skilled in your time at Hogwarts as well." She nodded, knowing that now was not the time to brag. "What is it you find yourself up to now?"

"I'm a Healer, at Saint Mungeos."
"Outstanding. Yes, I suppose Alphard would find himself a working witch." It had nearly skipped Rhea's mind that not only did the Dark Lord and Alfie know one another—They had gone to school together!

Oh goodness, how could she possibly leave now?

With a moment of silence, Rhea had caught the Dark Lord's eyes glancing over—As a white tint spread across them. And it occurred to her what he was attempting to do.

"I would appreciate it if you left my thoughts as my own, my Lord." She said, turning her gaze elsewhere. Once she had felt the disconnection, his loud exhale had been enough for her to look at him once more.

"Have you practiced Occumany, Rhea?"
"No. I haven't." She honestly admitted, though she had studied the basics for whichever lesson or project she submitted at the time. Besides that, there was no true lesson without another person to test on.

"Fascinating. And yet you've blocked your mind completely from mine." Perhaps it was the movement in which he continued to shift, but Rhea certainly did not like where this conversation was headed.
"I hardly think it's fascinating when you have no business going through my mind, My Lord. In fact, I believe that is grounds for invasion of privacy." She tutted, though perhaps it was the fear nearly bursting in her chest.

Or that matter that she should be long dead a few times over. Then again, Voldemort's minions nearly killed her.

"I would like to continue this conversation, then. Would you have a cup of tea with me?"

A cup of tea, with the Dark Lord? Merlin save me—Rhea was thankful her thoughts were blocked, otherwise the man standing before her might have taken offense.

If he could even be called a man.

"As kind as that offer is, I was simply stopping by to see my niece. I don't want to leave Alphard alone any more than he is."

Was that a good enough excuse?

"I insist." Well, perhaps not. So in that case, Rhea had nodded with a smile as she was led to what appeared to be the Dark Lord's personal study. Given the desk and map off in the corner.

Instead, it was the seating area that really caught her attention. Perhaps it was the image she had conjured in her head that made Voldemort into a much different type of bloke.