He Was the Hunter...and She was the Prey...

He Was Romeo...And She Was Juliet

-October 3rd, 1691-

Avery's POV

"Good evening, Ms. Silver. How are you today?"

"I'm doing absolutely wonderfully, Mrs. Carter. What about you, your husband, and your children?"

"My husband and I are quite well, thank you very much. However, you know the case with Jane and Alec being twins and the superstitions that surround them these days. What foolish nonsense."

I laughed at the old woman's choice of words. Such accusations are punishable by death yet she uses them as if it is an every day thing for her.

"Well, I do hope that your situation improves. Alec and Jane are lovely friends of mine and I hate to see any disaster befall upon them. I bid you a good evening, Mrs. Carter. Please send my good wishes to your husband and children."

"I will. Thank you very much miss."

I walked away from the old lady, heading towards the direction of her estate. Along the way, I received many polite bows and curtsies. Sometimes, I hated their politeness, for even though my father is in the Council, it does not mean that I am better than anyone else in this town. But nonetheless, I must put up a show for the sake of my father's reputation. The moment I walked into the house, I was greeted by many maids, quickly stripping me of my stuffy dress and replacing it with yet another.

"Why, what is the meaning of this? Is father having guests over? Why was I not informed of this earlier?" I asked, confusion lacing my voice.

Although none of the maids replied, I heard a chorus of 'congratulations miss' and 'such a lucky girl'. This added to the mess in my mind. Why was everyone making such a big deal out of this? It is not as if I am getting married! After few minutes of primping, I was nudged into the main dining hall which was swarmed with guests. Anyone who was ranked higher than a noble was here. As I gaped at the ostentatious decorations, I unknowingly crashed into the chest of another person.

"My dearest apologies sir," I said, giving a small curtsy.

"Please, it was my bad."

I looked up and saw a beautiful man that seemed too perfect to be real. His dirty blond hair was swept to one side, usually giving a nonchalant impression. But on him, it looked as if the goddess Aprodite had a son and he was his twin brother. His amber eyes looked down at me with such concern and care, I couldn't help but look away, in hopes of concealing the slight shade of pink that reached my cheeks.

"Are you alright, milady? I hope that I have not harmed you in any way," he said, walking closer and inspecting my entire body with his eyes.

Uncomfortable under his gaze, I shifted a little.

"Thank you sir, for your kind words. I am alright. Please, excuse me."

With that, I hurried towards Father, who was speaking with the Pope of the Catholic Church.

"Good evening Father, sir," I greeted with a smile.

"Good day, Avery. I cannot wait to tell you the great news and fortune that has befallen on this family," Father said excitedly.

"Is this your daughter, Lord Silver? Why, she is a work of art! My son will definitely be pleased to be wed to such a goddess!" exclaimed the Pope.

Married?

"Father...I'm afraid that I do not understand what is happening," I said hesitantly.

He gave me a wide smile.

"Why, my dear, you are to be wed to the son of the Pope of the Catholic Church!"

I looked at him with a stricken disposition. I chuckled nervously, twiddling with my fingers, praying that it was nothing more than a joke.

"Father...you surely do have a sense of humor," I smiled gently.

He laughed even harder.

"Why, my dear! This is no joke! Yes I do understand how overwhelming this is but can you imagine such an honor!" he exclaimed.

Just as I was about to respond, my father shouted out loud in joy.

"Ah! There he is! My future son-in-law!" he declared.

I looked over my shoulder and saw those same amber eyes.

"It's...you..."