BY DEMARCO'S STANDARDS (Part 5)

Meet And Greet

I'd like to say thing's have changed but sadly they haven't. There's still been no warm welcome or apologies. I've rarely seen the man who calls himself my father since our first heated meeting. I still have a mound of unanswered questions. With each passing day my heart is filled with bitterness where I once had envisioned love for this man.

The house is no warmer either nor the worker's who reside here. The hall's remain dark and drab and miss the luster of life. The house is as bleak as my father's soul. In fact I believe they feed off each other. Yes it may sound strange or even as if I've lost my mind but with each creak and groan the house makes it's as if it echoes my father's warnings and threats, always reminding me that I was being watched.

Many time's I have held the phone that Mr. Harper gave me in the palm of my hand, my finger hovering over his contact number ready to hit connect but I never go through with it. What could I say to the man who gave me what I wished for, what I asked of him? "Hi Mr. Harper. This is Ivy, remember me? By the way I regret my decision and life is hell here. By chance could you get me out of here?".

Yes, I'm sure he would help me, note the sarcasm in that statement. By him granting my wish, I in return gave him his wish. Mr. Harper wished me gone, far away from his son and his family. No way in hell would he bring me back. Yes, he did tell me to call if I needed anything but those are just word's. It's common for people to say that to other's, doesn't mean they actually meant it. However I've always been told the Mr. Harper was a man of his word but I just can't bring myself to admit that I was wrong, that I made a horrible decision. Even if he came through and offered his help it would break our families treaty and war would insue. I refuse to bring that burden to the Harper's.

As I hear footsteps approach my door I quickly tuck the phone underneath my mattress where it's well hidden from view. The last thing I need is for my father to discover I have it and search through it. I'm sure he would trace the lone number programmed into it. I'll do anything and everything to protect the Harper's. The door opened slowly and in walked Hilda, my appointed maid who is just as cold as the rest of this home. Without even looking at me she strode in and opened my wardrobe. "It's time you get ready for the meeting of your fiancee Miss. Kerverso. Your father says to choose something elegant". She droned in her sharp voice.

Rolling my eye's I stood and groaned. "I very well cableable of dressing myself Hilda". I stated firmly.

She eyed me harshly then snapped. "Very well then". Then left as quick as she came.

I was excited about meeting this fiance but not for the reasons you may think. There was no way I was going to marry a stranger, someone not of my choosing. I'm sure he feels the same way and after we meet and discuss these matters he will agree. As long as we both disagree on this stone age arrangement nothing can be done.  We can't be forced to wed if we both are against this.

With a eager heart I eyed the clothing that had been purchased for me. Of course they were of best quality but they weren't exactly my taste. Most seemed so drab and colorless. The only item that promised a bit of cheer was a long figure fitting dress in deep purple. Still a morbid shade but at least I wouldn't blend in with the black and grays of the house.

After dressing and styling my hair I sat patiently upon my bed and awaited to be summoned. It wasn't long before Hilda reappeared with a tight lipped smile if you could call it that. "Your guest awaits".

Suddenly nervous I stood and followed Hilda's round form down the stairs to a sitting room off to the side. As she ushered me in I saw a table set up with a few delectables and wine. Then I saw his rigid back as he faced a portrait on the wall. He was fairly tall, at least a few inches over me and his hair was salt and pepper hued. Finally pulling his eye's from the painting he turned to greet me. Instantly I knew he was at least close to twenty year's my senior. This was a shock, I never pictured a older man. I pictured someone a bit more my age. This could possibly be a game changer. I could easily manipulate a younger man into  believing that he didn't want to marry me but an older man. No, that would be difficult. He's already waited half his life for my hand so I don't see him backing out now. A man this age has already got plan's and the proof is in how long he awaited.

He approached me in quick strides with a tilt curving his thin lips. I could see the evilness leaking through that forced smile. Stopping in front of me he took my hand and placed his dry lips to my smooth skin. "I've been waiting Ivanya." He hummed as my skin began to crawl.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Ricardo Tervan and you are as lovely as can be".

Deciding that being pleasent could possibly get me further with this man at the moment I returned the smile. "It's a pleasure Mr. Tervan".

He grinned and insisted I call him Ricardo. He led me to the table and extended my chair. I sat stiffly as he rounded the table to seat himself.  After pouring both of us a glass of wine he broached the subject seemingly in a hurry. "So Ivanya, how do you picture our wedding?"

Well here it goes I thought, my door was open. "With all do respect Ricardo, I don't picture any wedding. You see I just recently learned about this less than stellar arrangement and to be honest it's not appealing. We don't know each other so how do we even know that we are compatible or that it will work? I'm sure you want your freedom as much as I?"

Ricardo sat back in his chair with a grim look. Placing his finger to his chin he spoke in a chilling tone. "Ahhh so young and obviously lacking obedience. You see Ivanya not only have I been waiting for this union I've been waiting to gain control over this Empire. You have no say so now nor will you ever. The sooner you learn this the better we will get along. I will rule you as well as this business and you will produce me many heirs. As you can see I'm getting on in age so I'm in a hurry to get started."

He stood abruptly and came to my side. Taking my chin he gripped it between his cold fingers in a painful pinching manner. "I'll only tell you this once then the choice is yours. I have no time for disobedience and it be a shame to have to hurt you but understand that I will. I can make your life easy or I can make you wish for death. Choose wisely my dear. Now I will be speaking to your father about his disrespectful daughter".

With a flip of his wrist he snapped his fingers from my chin. I could feel a bruise in the making as the door slammed shut behind him. Fiddling with my napkin I tried to focus on my next move.