A SEA BETWEEN

Chapter 6: Let the games begin

It took a lot of courage and a growling stomach she couldn't ignore any longer for her to exit the room. But Mara did reluctantly, and the servant had called her like three times already so with eyes still puffy from crying her eyes out she entered the dining hall with trepidation. What if he was there? A quick scan of the room though assured her that he wasn't, and Mara took a breath of relief before placing herself at the end of the awfully long table. A table set for two, but he wasn't there and a second later the servants awkwardly started removing his plate and utensils.

It was fine. She didn't want to see him anyway for Mara felt mortified. She was embarrassed not only because of his behaviour but also with herself. What in God's name had provoked to think he would want to ...? Mara didn't finish her thoughts.

Tears were started to prickle in the corners of her eyes, and she tried to swallow a lump in her throat while simultaneously trying to eat but it was impossible. But no. Enough of the crying, it was time to get herself together and try to make the best whatever the hell this situation was. A plan should be formulated with activities to do so she and him wouldn't have to see each other much throughout the day. She was sure that wouldn't be a problem since she was more than able to entertain herself at Leidal and was certain he wouldn't be in her vici--.

Speak of the devil. He had suddenly entered the hall with a purposeful tread in his step and he wasn't alone. This is going to awkward for her, Draco thought. But it is best to let her know who is in charge from the beginning.

To her horror he was accompanied by the same women Mara had seen yesterday. Out of decorum, not of her free will, she stood up and curtsied towards him. He stared at her with sullen eyes and a bored expression as if her mere presence was a nuisance to him.

"Good morning Leidal", he said sarcastically. LEIDAL?

He couldn't even give her the decency of being addressed by her first name but had simply reduced her the country she originated from. It was ridiculous. What the hell should she say in return? Good morning Astella?

But two could play the game and therefore Mara replied with sneer, equalling his earlier sarcasm.

"Good morning, Malfoy."

He was taken a bit back by her response, she could tell because for one second there was a flicker on confusion portrayed on his face but then his features hardened again.

"I wanted to introduce you to your ladies in waiting. I have selected them myself. I do hope you'll appreciate my efforts in doing so. Only the absolute best for my wife", he smirked slyly.

A shockwave went through Mara, and she tried everything not to gasp. He, he couldn't be serious? These two out of all the female population in Astella, he had picked them? The ones he slept with; no was sleeping with.

She was too shocked to respond so he took the opportunity to introduce them to her. He slightly turned to the two women standing next to him and gestured to the brunette.

"This is Pansy Parkinson. Her first name is Penelope, but everyone calls her Pansy, don't we dear?" he cooed, and he stared at her lovingly. She reciprocated his stare and then took one step forward to address Mara and curtsied.

Immediately Mara thought that out of the two Pansy was one to look out for eyes seemed to exude slyness and she didn't appreciate that mean smirk.

"And this-", and he gestured to the young, giddy blonde "is Katherine Edwards", he said with a smile.

Katherine giggled and replicated Pansy's behaviour. Not knowing what on earth she should do and unable to speak Mara just stood there before looking dejected at her 'husband', as if all hope had left her before averting her gaze.