Zachariah was shocked by the accusations that were being flung around by Annabeth's mother. He could not believe that someone could just be so cruel. Annabeth's face clearly showed her fear that he was going to turn her away and leave in the clutches of her mother. His protective instincts kicked in, they could talk about what her mother said later, right she needed him.
"Unless your daughter says otherwise, she will be returning with me. Clearly this betrothed of hers did not mean to much to her if she ran away from home. Have a nice evening ma'am."
The relief in Annabeth's eyes was enough to almost make him smile, but right now he had to get her out of here as quickly as possible. Turning away from the horrid woman, Zachariah tugged Annabeth up to the front with him where they quickly paid for their items and left.
All he felt was pure confusion. He hadn't been pushing at Annabeth to tell him about her past because in all reality they were strangers to each other. Now that she is living with him and something rough clearly happened to her in the past, Zachariah was ready to start asking questions.
Climbing into the truck both Annabeth and Zachariah were quiet as they began their drive home. Annabeth was shaking in her seat and terrified of how Zachariah was going to react once they reached the cabin. She didn't want to reveal her past, but she knew that after todays incident that he had a right to know. Her shock had not worn off though, Zachariah had actually stood by her against her mother. Annabeth had kind of expected him to turn his back on her and let her mother drag her back to the feet of her horrifying betrothed.
"We have a lot to talk about once we get home Snow."
Zachariah's voice was quiet yet firm, there was no room for an argument.
"I know," She whispered.
They reached the cabin as the sun finished setting in the west. The sky now a dark black, as the stars and moon began to light up the snow that had made its home in the forest. After carrying all of their supplies in and Zachariah getting the new bed situated, they sat down to have their meal.
A sigh left Annabeth's lips as she decided to begin opening herself up to Zachariah.
"Before I begin, I need you to promise not to judge me until I have finished. I want you to fully understand what I had been through before jumping to any conclusions."
She tried to make her voice firm, but Zachariah heard the fear of rejection clear in her tone. She was afraid of him kicking her out into the cold and leaving her to die.
"I promise."