When they reached the castle, they went down the carriage. The Lord didn't even assisted her as she went down. He continued his way without throwing her one glance.
'How gentleman!'
When they entered the castle, they were greeted by a few knights lined up. Briar wasn't surprised to see that she could count the knights with her fingers. There were only 8 knights in blazing red uniforms, representing their Fireborn Realm.
It was well-known that the Fireborn people barely produces offsprings. It was considered a great blessing to them to have a single child. It was said to be their toll of having a long life that could reach a thousand.
"Lead her to her room," the Lord said. A servant went to her and led her towards her room. Her room was assigned at the second floor.
As she followed the servant, the servant told her the rules inside the castle.
"You are the only person who'll be residing the whole second floor, your highness," the servant said. "The whole space is yours."
"Where does the Lord sleep?" Briar asked, curious why she was all alone to reside the whole second floor.
"The Lord sleeps at the third floor," the servant answered. "You aren't allowed there, your highness. Only the Lord and his mistress can be there."
"Mistress what what?" Briar exclaimed. She couldn't believe what she heard.
'He has a mistress but he seeks for a bride!'
"The mistress' name is Souse," the servant said then she opened a room's door for her. "Welcome to your room, your highness."
When Briar entered the room, she couldn't believe how huge her room was. She was greeted by a humongous bed that could fit at least five bodies. The whole room has a theme of the color red and gold. It didn't have much decor. She imagined painting edelweisses on the walls. It excited her. She immediately ran towards the bed then laid herself there. She enjoyed the softness of the mattress.
"I'll be taking my leave now, your highness," the servant said then she took her leave. She went to the Lord's office then she reported all of Briar's actions.
The Lord laughed.
"Such a child," the Lord said. "Thank you for your report. You may leave."
After the servant left, a woman entered the office. She wore a silver dress that compliments her blue eyes and blonde hair.
"Aeon," the woman purred the Lord's name.
"Souse," he called without any emotions.
The Lord never had any feelings for this woman. He kept her in the castle because the Lord of the Waterborn Realm wanted him to keep his niece. This woman kept him company and allowed him to use her, thinking she would get his heart.
"I heard you're bride is here," Souse said. The Lord didn't looked at her as he scan documents, but he nodded in reply.
Souse didn't liked the Lord's actions. She always felt that she could do anything because she proclaimed herself as his mistress. She slammed the table.
"Why can't I be your bride?" Souse yelled. She was furious. All this time, she thought the Lord was harboring feelings for her.
The Lord smirked,"Because you're only a slut to warm my bed."
Souse was angry. She was clearly offended by the Lord's words. She slapped the Lord. The Lord then held her arm tightly like he wanted to break it, Souse already felt it bruising.
"Just because I'm being nice to you doesn't mean you can do whatever you want," he said. His argentine eyes getting darker, looking sinister.