Raeliana was out on the market. It was her day outside the mansion. She felt stiff for staying in the mansion only, so she asked a permission to go out. Justin wasn't able to escort her but she have someone to keep her company. She travelled by feet to enjoy the sceneries beyond the alley. Cheerful people, beautiful stalls, kids that are running in circles. Raeliana was glad to take a break from the life of nobles.
"Miss, miss, try our best selling charm here. I'll gladly take off 2 silvers from the original price of this latest charm." The man lurked around Raeliana, endorsing an emerald stone that was placed in the middle of the silver chain. It was looking expensive, but Raeliana was too uncertain if that thing is really worth of money.
"Sir, how much does it cost?"
"15 silvers, but for you it's 13, miss pretty."
"13 silvers for this? The heck is this...?" Raeliana argued in her mind. "W- well, it's pretty but—"
"I'll take that charm. Keep the change." Handing a bag of silvers.
The man was wearing cape so Raeliana couldn't distinguish whether the man's a stranger or he's someone she knew. She kindly return the favor by forming a little sweet smile on her lips. "Thank you sir. I will surely pay you."
"No need, but I just want to ask you a favor."
"What is that sir?"
"Come with me for a while. I'll be taking you somewhere quiet." Grabbing her hands without asking permission. He basically dragged her to somewhere else instead of politely leading the way. Raeliana was caught in surprise but she wondered the true identity of the man. Raeliana knew that she shouldn't heed the stranger's invite, but at the same time, she wants to know where the man was taking her. She fell silent after a beautiful landscape of the town was presented before her very eyes. It was twinkling with the colorful lanterns and golden lightbulbs along the street. It was beautiful and lively. Raeliana was overwhelmed, tearing a little bit. The man offered his handkerchief, and finally revealed the face under the cape.
"That was too soft of you, lady Mcmillan."
Her tears was held back involuntarily upon seeing the face of the duke, Noah Wynknight. She was frightened of this face, the face of her killer. She closed her eyes to avoid his stare, but she was asked to lift her head.
"Look at me, lady Mcmillan."
Raeliana refused so he used another method. Noah is a man known for being overly impatient. He got annoyed after waiting for a couple of seconds. But fortunately, he used a much gentler method on Raeliana. His fingers tamped her cheeks down to her chin and slowly lifted it. His yellow eyes reflected the moon's soft light. Raeliana couldn't take her eyes off him.
"Duke W-wyknight, I should go home now."
He clicked his tongue, "You're using the same excuse again, milady."
"It's not an excuse! The moon's out now so I should be heading home." She retorted.
"I could give you a ride home. But answer me first."