I can't fall asleep when I remembered that surprised face of his. Does he know something about that strange dream of mine? I can't vividly detail what had happened in that dream, but I feel nostalgic when I always came into my mind. Does this cause the changes I've been doing these past few days? Was this the reason why I changed? Gabriel has a scar, but it never distracted me when I looked into his face. It's like I've been drugged with those memories I can't even talk about or like it's imprinted in my mind.
I stood up and went to my window. The garden is visible in my place and I controlled myself not to go out because if my parents find out, they will nag me again that I am weak and easy to get sick. Just a few more days before the party. I wonder if what I did will make him cold with me. I don't want that to happen, however, I think it will be for the good.
I was about to went back to my bed when I saw a shadow sitting on the bench. I grabbed my coat and left my slippers to avoid creating noise as I step. I slowly get a hold of myself as my heart beats faster due to both excitement and fright. As I walked in the corridor, I tiptoed and went to the bush to hide. His figure is familiar, yet I can't completely say who he was. He stepped out after sighing. He's not father nor even Reynard. I don't know if there was this same kind of man in our chefs and butlers. I went to the bench to look where he vanished.
"I wonder why sister-in-law is sneaking out this late night?"
"Helian" I called out of shock
"Did I frighten you? I'm sorry" he apologized
"It's fine. I thought you and your family left already?" I questioned
"We stayed for the night. The old geezer lost to alcohol. He fell asleep and they decided we should stay for the night. Brother Gabe left in haste because he has some works to attend to" he explained
"Is that so?"
"I can't fall asleep and I decided to rest here. I heard light footsteps coming and pretended I left and here you are" he laughed
"My mistake, I thought someone intruded in the garden. I didn't know it was you" I replied
"Come, sit with me" he requested and offered me his coat
"If you're forced to marry my brother I can help you out" he insisted the conversation
"How do you say so?"
"My brother is kind, gentle, and innocent at times, but I see that he doesn't know how to take care of a woman. Most women would want to marry a man with military honors to gain reputation, however, your family is different. Your father is a businessman and became friends with my father without knowing that he was a general. Our both mothers were synced in music and dances. Before my family gains this standing, your family assisted us, thus this engagement was created. I believe you already know the consequences of marrying a general? Don't get me wrong. It's just if you want, I can help you escape the engagement and live a carefree life. We can divorce if you don't want to stay anymore" he asked
"Yes, I do know that my life as the General's wife is nothing but an empty title. I will just become a mother and if unfortunate enough, I will become a widow at a young age. Being a widow means having no rights to marry again" I responded
"If you marry me, you'll have a life of convenience. I am not trying to please you to become my wife, it's just that, I'm afraid my brother is troubled by these thoughts" he explained
"Thank you very much for your care, Helian. I am engaged with your brother and I have no plan to break it nor do I have a plan to become a widow and remarry again. I believe your brother is trying his best and I will give my trust and loyalty to him. Helian, you remind me of someone I know and I appreciate your intention. I hope we can still be in good relation after I marry your brother" I spoke
"That's something" he laughed
"I'm just trying you out. My brother doesn't even know love. He's good at weapons and tactics and almost lived his life in the camp. He pays no mind about the world and it will bother me if he'll marry a girl who's easily moved by sweet words and beauty" he exclaimed and patted my head
"You grew as a fine lady, Nana. I wish you and my brother live happily for eternity" he added
I frowned. He sure is a talkative man. Patting my head made me feel like I am some kind of dog doing all the barking my Master ordered me. I can't believe he is also a man of authority. I studied the General's family and I know that one of his sons became an earl which looks like the eldest, while this man is a viscount. If I am to approach them, I should be calling them "My Lord" but I am not quite sure and is afraid to create a mistake therefore I just said, Mister. The young general shows exemplary talent and inherits his father's ranking while the other two left the camp to take care of their lands. The last one, he left to travel around the world.
"Helian, I was wondering why you always wear that mask, may I ask about it?" I asked him
"Of course, my brother had this scar on his right eye. He got that during his first victorious battle. Supposedly, he should be marrying one of the princesses as a reward, but the princess threatened her life because of that scar. Ever since then, my brother always wears that mask. Did you change your mind now?" he teased
"No, he showed me the scar and I said it was beautiful. I thought he was offended and left in haste. I'm a bit bothered if your brother is mad and what can I do to ease it?" I shyly asked and he grinned
I love how he laughed. It makes me comfortable to be with him. Unlike the young general, his twin brother doesn't show any ambiance of power. He's more likely to be an ordinary nobleman who seeks a cheerful life in the streets. He probably has a lot of friends.
"You're good at discovering my brother's personality better than me, his twin. It was the first time someone outside the family complimented it, oh, my mistake. You are a family" he spoke
I was stopped by a cylindrical metal dropped in front of us. Helian immediately pulled me before its smoke scattered.
"Don't breathe in the smoke" he warned, but it's too late
I felt a numbing feeling all over my body and the feeling of dizziness. The next thing I know, a man carried me out of the garden.