What is your name little girl? The man asked looking at the child that sat across from him. They had been riding for a while and he decided to break the silence by asking her questions. But Reyna just sat their look at her hands that were on her lap not daring to look up at the man. She just stayed their quiet afraid to speak.
Well are you going to tell me your name. He spoke once again being more demanding this time. Scaring poor Reyna a bit as she could sense his anger building up, just like her father.
Re....Rey....my name is Reyna, she told him still scared of him. She hadn't looked up yet her eyes still focused on her hands.
Reyna what a beautiful name for a beautiful little girl. The man said as he looked at the small child in front of him she didn't bother to make eye contact with him.
Where was the place that you were going to be taken too? He asked raising his brow up as he tried to recall the name of the place. Reyna whispered it softly as a single tear dropped down her cheek. The man hadn't heard her but could sense that she was upset. He reached his arm out placing his hand gently on her head. Scaring the child as she hadn't expected him to do that. She quickly wiped her tears with the sleeve of her dress. Then she slowly raised her head upwards to make eye contact with the man in front of her.
She could no longer hold her tears back as she spoke the words of the name of that infamous castle.
It's called the Southern Royal Mansion, she said as she looked into his grey blue eyes almost as if he was trying to comfort her with his soft look.
The Southern Royal Mansion, huh, he sighed while trying to recall the stories of the place. Why would they send you there especially since you are just a child? He asked as he kept looking at her.
Well I'm not sure as to the exact reason as to why I was being sent there, but my mother was sent there when she became ill after giving birth to me. The maids told me that my father used to be the king when my mother was still alive, yet he walked away from the throne after he had impregnated a maid while my mother was pregnant with me. She said softly as she remembered all the stories and rumors that were spoken about her mother.
I knew that your father used to be king, but was not aware of the bastard child. He said while continuing to recall the events of the past.
Please don't call him that, my brother Rhett has no fault on what his mother did. Reyna said as she could only think of her brothers and how much she would miss them.
Still why the Southern Royal Mansion of all places why there? He said as he leaned against the window ledge placing his elbow on it. With his middle finger on his lip, his pointer finger on his cheek, and the rest below his chin.
Reyna couldn't help but look at him as he was handsome at some point his sleek hair had been messed up as if he ruffled it himself.
Can I ask you a question sir? Reyna said with an innocent voice her eyes opened with curiosity.
What would you like to know lady Reyna. He said while he smirked at her seeing her watery eyes glow with curiosity.
Why did you save me from being taken away? She said as she looked down at her small hands on her lap. Wanting to know the answer but afraid of his response as well.
Well when I was a bit older than you I had a younger sister who was to be sold to a ruthless duke who had many woman as his wives. I was of age at the time so I had been sent to training camps to prepare for war. I wasn't around to stop my father from selling her and a month later after she moved into the duke residence she was killed by the other wives as she was beautiful. I hadn't been there to help her which is one of my biggest regrets till this day. He said still looking out the window as he spoke his words hinting sadness within them.
But when I saw you there looking at me while the maid told me of your situation I couldn't help but feel sorry for you. In that moment I decided to take you in even though I have never had a child of my own. I do hope that you enjoy your time with us. I'll make sure to give you a better life, I can promise you that. He said as he then turned to the child giving her a small grin as he raised his pinky finger to make a promise with her.
Reyna hesitated at first but could tell that he was being genuine so she put all her trust in his words. She raised her small hand up revealing a small pinky finger as she wrapped it around his sealing the promise that had been said.
Well it's a deal, I promise to take care of you as long as you live with me. He said giving her a big bright smile, causing Reyna to chuckle slightly at his actions. She displayed a small smile in return to his. Shocking the man in front as they finally released their fingers.
Can I ask another question sir? She said looking at the man who leaned back on his seat.
Sure what else would you like to know my new daughter Reyna. He said chuckling at the face that he would be a father to a child he had just met.
What is your name and where are we going? She asked realizing that he didn't know who he was.
Oh that's right I haven't introduced myself yet. He said ruffling his dark brown hair some more.
I am Napoleon Sutton and the duke of the Northern Territory. Right now we will making our way to the border of the north it will be about a weeks trip. Also from now on you will be a Sutton as well, don't let anyone disrespect you nor our name. I will kill anyone that harms you cause they are threatening the Sutton name. So please let me know if anyone bothers you. He said all calm while giving her another smile but his eyes showed that he wasn't playing.
Okay I will father. She said catching herself too late, would he be upset if she called him that she could only think to herself.
Father huh I like the way that sounds. He said smirking once again.
How old are you father? She asked with a bit more confidence in her voice this time.
Me well I'm 18 years old. I recently got back from the battlefield I took over as duke when I was 15. I killed my father when I completed my training. I came to visit your father as I wanted to make a union on overthrowing the current king as he isn't true royal blood I can tell when I first met him. Your family bloodline is the true royal family, but seeing as your father isn't the man I thought he was we shall just take over the throne ourselves. He said proudly while looking at the child in front of him knowing that she will be the beginning of his master plan. Yet she hadn't realized that in that moment.