Tobin was left with Naomi who kept blinking her eyes at him. He didn't understand what she was trying to do but knew she was desperate to make him change his mind. He looked at her with a confused look on his face as he collapsed on the chair he was sitting. The woman he was trying to protect has come out to say she was interested in the contest. How will he do this without hurting her. He has promised himself to treat her right for all the times Harold must have treated her wrongly but now he would have to stand his ground if he intends to save himself from the disgrace that would surely come if he participate. He started with changing the expression on his face into a deep frown.
He watched as Naomi took careful steps towards him asif she was walking close to a wild animal that she was trying to tame. To Naomi the look on his face was frightening. Since he came back she has not seen that look.
She took a seat next to him and cleared her throat to get his attention. But befor she could say anything Tobin spoke first.
"No matter what you want to say, I will not agree to it. I have made that decision long before you came. My last experince in that contest has already made me to resolve that I won't go back again" Tobin spoke out first
"I know I saw how injured you were when you came back. My heart was seriously troubled. But with me on your side I am very sure that you will fare better this time " She tries to assure him but Tobin will not buy the idea.
For once he thought about giving in since she might be able to cover for him but then it would be two powerful magicians against one. He could not afford to count himself. He thought about the shame he woukd bring to Lord Harold, his family and the kingdom of Ozir.
"You cannot help me. You know very well I don't need your help. You may think you are strong but you are nothing. I have been in this contest many times. I have seen many strong magicians fail. Do you know what will happen if you fail? My father will see a very good reason to kick you out if this house. So no, I don't need your help" Tobin said raising his voice this time. He reasoned that if he tries to speak to her harshly she might give up the idea. For once he wws going to treat her like Harold would.
Naomi was disappointed when she heard those words. Harold just told her that she was nothing and could not possibly him. This was the old Harold she was used to. But then she was slightly confused. His mouth were spitting harsh words but his eyes were still kind. Even in his harsh words he spoke a truth that troubled her a little. She has been focused on how this would be an opportunity for her to prove her worth in thus family. But what if because of her it ended up being a failure for them. Then Elder Zeko will never forgive her. He would have found more ground to always maltreat her. Even Madam Tochi would use it to taunt her for a very long time.
" My Lord....
"I refuse to hear whatever you have to say, so keep quiet" Tobin barked this time. He could see how she trembled at his voice. He could tell he had really hurt her this time but then he knew he was doing it for a better reason
Naomi stood up slowly, tears taking center stage in her eyes. Just when she thought Harold have changed, he showed her his ugly side. She bowed slightly and left. She could not dare to confront him on any issue.
Tobin watched with a broken heart as she walked out of the living room. He wanted to call her back to explain everything to her but then he decided against it. He would have to watch her suffer for just this once.
As Naomi got outside she came face to face with the elders and Madam Tochi who seem to be waiting for a feedback from her. She swallowed hard and tried to clean her tears.
"It was petty of me to think that My son's new found fondness for you will make him listen to you. I should know you have no use in issues like this " Elder Zeko blurted out with a look of disgust in his eyes.
"I tried....
"Keep quiet, you better look for a way to convince him or else....
Elder Zeko walked out of her with the others again as they seem to head outside the mansion.