Dalliance

Chapter Twenty Six

"You summoned me?" Holly spoke as she moved further in the room as the door creaked open.

"Indeed, please close the door."

Holly did as requested before turning to find an unexpected hug.

"I desire for us to be the closest...I understand Dawson and you are...more than close..."

"We understand what we felt was that of convenience-not true-"

"I do not mind that...To be honest, I am not in love with him either...but I can see the potential of it...and as I can see it...if you stay with your word, I can see us becoming incredibly close. You know him best, and I do wish to make him happy...as I know how to make Nicholas." Giving the comment she did, Holly realized why Nicholas had done it. Finding an excuse to leave her current position, she moved to the hall as she fanned herself in an attempt to bring down her anxiety.

But with many efforts, she could not bear the moment any longer. Quickly, she walked from the bridal room to Nicholas's office to find him looking over a map. Surprised, he had been in his uniform-something she had only seen twice.

"Why are you dressed-"

"I am giving her away." He spoke as if the subject was sore to a point, before looking back to his map.

"Are you sure that is proper, dear husband?"

"Why would it not be?"

"She was one of your wives was she not?"

A smirk came over his face.

"I can see my trial for you to trust me is...proving unsuccessful."

"I can see it when you look at her. I do not understand the continuous need for deception...just speak to me, in truth..."

"She was not a wife...she was a mistress...I know love...I know the difference between the type of love you desire and the type you need to survive. I have come to realize that what I feel for you is a dangerous type...the kind that drive men to war...families divided...murder to ensue..." As he spoke, he moved to the door, locking it-before turning back to her. "I have been patient...I have been kind...I have been understanding...and yet you judge me-see me as this monster..."

"Then allow me my free will...to leave..." She spoke in a shaky voice as he shook his head.

"You will do no such thing. Do you not realize that I now own you? I have the moment we married...and you are just too daft to understand that. I gave you the chance to come to me on your own...and perhaps it is that...distance that attracts me so deeply into your spell...I cannot forget it...nor, do I wish to. I am helpless...." He pulled her towards him, pulling her onto the desk, and placing himself between her legs.

"No!" She said determined, no fear lingering-only frustration.

"I am ceasing your opportunity to object."

"I do not care for your strength against me, I will never love you."

"Because you will always love Dawson?"

Her expression changed from determined to horrified as he moved back, amused at her reaction.

"You must think I am a fool...and I suppose I am for not speaking in truth sooner..."

"Why did you not say anything?"

"And ruin all the fun I could have? Of torturing you two?"

"You arrange this marriage...but why? You could have kept him at war, it would have been painful enough..."