Her heel tapped impatiently on the cushion of the car as they drove to their destination.
Her eyes met her father in front as she watched him check something on his phone before smiling and shutting it off.
He met her glare with a smile of his own. "Calm down Princess, it's not like you to be so bitter."
She opened her mouth to speak, but shut it, biting her lip down hard in anger. There was no point. No matter what she said now, he would just use it against her later.
---
"I'm sure you'll love him, Princess. You certainly did when you were younger."
She stayed silent as she walked behind him.
"I'm sure now he must be quite the eye-catcher. I even--"
"Well if it isn't Taurus Relish!"
Taurus' attention drew onto the man in front of him. His business suit was a shade of cedar, hair a dark chocolate, eyes a piercing green and glasses a soft maroon.
"Capricorn Astley!" He burst out laughing and shook the man's hand. "It's been too long!"
Mr Astley laughed. "It sure has." His eyes drew to Aries in appraisal. "And you must be Aries Relish. You've certainly grown well."
She smiled and shook the man's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr Astley."
He chuckled. "The pleasure's all mine."
He gestured towards the table. "Have a seat. My son's just running a little late. He should get here any second."
She scoffed (internally of course). Being late to your own marriage meeting. What a douche.
She took a seat in the corner of the couch next to her father and watched as the two men immediately sparked into conversation.
She clicked her heels on the floor again, impatience growing at every second. What a slimy bastard. Forcing her to wait. She had a right mind to stand up and leave right this--
"I apologise for my tardiness Father, I was preoccupied with my work and didn't notice the ti--Aries?"
Her head shot up as she met the eyes of the man standing next to the table. His navy suit resembling that of his Father's and his eyes just slightly lighter.
Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Yes?"
His eyes went wide and he faced his father in disbelief. "When you told me I was getting married, I didn't think it would be with her."
She scoffed.
His father cleared his throat. "I gave you a quick debrief over the phone. I assumed you knew whom I was talking about."
The man sputtered. "Father, you told me that I was getting married to a girl I'd met at a party when I was younger. You didn't tell me that--"
"Enough of this Sage! Stop being so rude and sit down!"
The man, now identified as Sage Astley, took one last glance at her before cooling his expression and taking a seat.
He directed his attention towards Mr Relish. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr Relish, I sincerely apologize for my rudeness."
Her father shook his head and smiled. "You children these days, so energetic. I just hope you'll use that energy well after your wedding."
Both fathers burst out laughing. "Goodness Taurus, you shouldn't rush them so quickly. Don't forget about the arrangement."
Mr Relish nodded. "Of course. 2 months." He turned towards Sage. "I understand that you must be very frustrated about this arrangement, but just know that it's all for a good cause. Seeing as your father barely told you anything, let me tell you what I told my Princess."
He waved his hand drawing the attention of a nearby waiter. "Bring us a bottle of Pinot Noir." The waiter nodded and was gone in a flash.
"As I was saying, you have two months before your wedding. Two months to get to know each other and figure things out. You'll also be staying at a house of our choosing. I'm sure you'll both enjoy each other's company."
Sage just stared. He opened his mouth to speak before being interrupted.
"I still can't believe that you would sell me off like--like some prostitute!"
Her father sighed. "Princess--"
"No, don't you 'Princess' me. I can't believe I didn't just run away last night! I should've just gone with Leo--"
"Leo isn't good enough for you! All he does is use you because you swing your hips the way he likes and I doubt his bride price would be anywhere near the one Mr Astley is offering!"
Aries almost screeched. "Everything is always about money with you! Money this and money that!"
Her father's eyes narrowed. "You don't seem to complain when you use that money to buy all sorts of things!"
Mr Astley cleared his throat, catching their attention. "Why don't we all calm down? Miss Relish, I understand your concern but I can assure you that my son is a very charming man who--"
"I agree." For the first time since he'd arrived, Sage spoke. "I don't think Miss Relish should be forced into this."
She glared at him. What a bastard! Acting all charming and swooping in to save the day. "I don't need you coming in to help me!"
Sage's eyes narrowed for a second before his cool demeanor returned.
Oh for the love of--"SILENCE!"
All eyes turned to Mr Astley as he stood, shocking the guests around them and almost knocking over the waiter holding the bottle of Pinot Noir.
"I understand your concerns Miss Relish, however everything has already been arranged. Both of you should pack your bags, you're moving into your new home tonight." He turned towards her father. "It was good seeing you again Taurus, but I have business to attend to. Thank you for your cooperation."
Her father shook his hand and with that, Mr Astley was gone.
Sage stood up and shook his hand. "It's been a pleasure, Mr Relish. I must join my father." He turned towards Aries and nodded. "Miss Relish."
She glared back and watched him walk away.
Her father turned around to meet her. "Your bags have already been packed. You'll get to say goodbye to your friends." He turned to walk away. "Oh, and don't even think about running away." With that, he left.
---
The moment she opened the manor door, arms surrounded her and squeezed her tight. She froze before relaxing and returning the hug. "You can't just pull me into a hug like that Gem."
The woman released her grip and pulled back. "You've been away all morning! Where were you? You promised me a spa day!"
Aries smiled at her friend before grimacing. "You might want to have a seat."