A Complicated Arrangement

Chapter 4

Lionel's POV

I stared at her leaving the room, not wanting her to go. She is breathtaking. I have not spoken a word since I have met her. Her red hair fires me up. She glows everytime she blushes. Her eyes, her large eyes are full of wonder. They look bright, shining a hazel brown. She is just so perfect.

I must say, my mother chose well. I have been through a lot of women and none of them has gained my mother's trust. At the time, I did not have an intention to wed those girls, I did not think of any of them being my wife. Not that I thought that I had chosen poorly in my partners, they were all pretty and sweet. They all seemed like decent girls. But my mother saw right through them, all of them.

Mother always thought that I should be searching for better suitors, searching for a wife, a woman with good qualities. She noticed that the women I was with always wanted something from me; my wealth, power, body. There was some that lacked commitment. But she has boasted about this new beauty. She had examined Isabelle during her stay here with father last time. I did not come with them, for I was escorting my cousin back to her home. Mother knew from the moment she met Isabelle, there was something in her that would make a great match for me and an even better wife. I grow envious thinking that my parents met her before me. I can only see her today until the wedding. An absurd tradition really. I want her with me at all times.

I rise. "Ahem, I think that I will take a tour and catch up with Isabelle. Excuse me mom, dad, Mr and Mrs. Jacobs."

I walked out in search for her. I saw her outside, her back to me, her hair pinned up nicely with pretty curls dancing on her neck from the wind. I approached her slowly, admiring the hint of her exposed back. 

"Isabelle"

"Ah!" She gasped. She turned her attention to me. I tried not to stare. "I'm sorry. I didn't know you was there..." there was an awkward pause. I can see that she is not accustomed entertaining guests. I guess I have to make her feel comfortable around me. "Did you want something?"

"The tour."

"What?" She asked.

"Your father suggested that you give me a tour."

"Oh, yes. Come with me." I noticed that she kept looking back. I looked to see what it was. Just a carriage. Did she just meet someone? Or maybe someone just left. "Ummm, tell me something about yourself, sir" She looked distracted. I wonder what is ob her mind.

"Not sir. Please call me Lionel. I am a knight at my father's castle. I have trained ever since I was a boy to form part of the strongest defense team in the country. I am now second in command. My family and yours are closely connected through our parents. Our fathers are great allies and friends. It was until recently that they found out about me and they was so happy to have us together-"

"What about you?" She asked sternly.

I raised my brow. "What about me?"

"Are you happy?"

I paused, not following her question.

"Are you happy with us being arranged?" She explained.

"I am not right now. I do not know you. I have been seeking my own relationships before this. Never have I been asked to join hands with a stranger. But I trust my mother's instinct with you. She adores you. Amd you do peak my interest, you seem so mysterious, I want to know more about you. I believe that once we try my dear, it can work. But you are not making this easing for me, you haven't said much to me."

She sighed. "I am sorry, it is just that, unlike you, I am not happy about this. You have found your women before, you can find more. You just might find someone better suited for you."

"Atleast try with me Isabelle. I do not intend to look anywhere else. I promise you, you have my loyalty."

"But you won't have mine"

"What? You intend to be unfaithful to your husband?"

"No no no. I am not saying that. I will love and be committed to whomever I marry. But, my loyalty lies with someone ELSE"

I felt a vein pop in my head. I do not like where this is going. Already someone is trying to steal her away!

"Lionel, this relationship is not just us. There is a third person involved in this relationship. I cannot back out. I'm sorry-"

"Is there someone else?" I sighed. What is she doing to me right now? I feel as if I lost her already. I can't help but sympathise with her. She looks so much in pain. Her big beautiful eyes shows it all, my darling is hurt. It could be that she is being forced in this and can't escape. But I want her.

She remains silent.

She turns to leave. I pull her back by her arm. "You did not answer. Do you love someone else? I will understand. Or, or are you scared of me?"

"I love someone else so much, that I cannot allow this marriage. It will hurt them to much. Please break it off. They will listen to you."

I watched her leave. I was stunned. Whoever he is, I want to know. I will not leave until I am sure. I will not leave without a fight.