Hazel blinked at him not understanding what he meant by meeting his counterpart. He looked like Idril but what does that have to do with his counterpart? Brushing that thought aside, she asked, "Why are you here?" She needed to find a way to get rid of him, after all, it was not good to entertain a stranger, especially one that gives you the creeps.
"I am here to see who our future queen is," He said and stared blankly at him. "I planned to leave after seeing you but now, I want to know more about you.". He moved closer and took more backward steps.
"There is nothing to be known," Hazel said with a hand stretched out for him a stop gesture, "So there is no need to trouble yourself." Her eyes shifted to look in the direction of the door while praying inwardly that someone from the castle would open it. That would give her some hope.
"Would you like a tour of Arcadia? I can be your tour guide." He offered with a smile. His perfectly white teeth contrasted beautifully against his dark skin but were complimented by his silvery locks and eyes.
This creature was weird! Hazel thought in her mind. First, he wanted to touch her and now he wants to give her a tour of this strange world that she found herself "You don't have to trouble yourself with that, Sir Duran." Hazel said. She started taking side steps for the door.
"What a shame then." He said and smiled awkwardly at him. He looked at the door for a moment and then closed the distance between them in a second catching her off guard and he loomed over her.
At that very moment, the door was pushed open from the outside and the figures of Arzaan and Idril came into view. Hazel Was beyond startled when she saw who was standing by the door.
Arzaan's lilac eyes locked with hers and she felt like she was doing something wrong standing so close to another man when there was already someone who was her mate but it wasn't her fault, she was taken by surprise. She almost panicked when she realized that he was not angry at her when he threw a sharp glare at Duran.
Duran smirked and stepped away from her and then bowed, "Your Grace." He said and gave a glance at Idril and smiled at him before he disappeared from the room.
Hazel was able to take a look at both Duran and Idril and she was sure that they looked the same in looks except for their skin color, hair, eyes, and character, they were identical.
Arzaan Walked over and pulled her into his arms as he hugged her. He rested his chin on her head with his eyes closed aks Hazel could not understand why he was acting that way. She knew whoever Duran was, he was not the kind for her to mingle but did it require such a strong reaction from him?
"Leave us, Idril." He ordered.
Idril smiled and bowed. "As the King commands." He looked at Hazel whose eyes were him as if asking him to stay and explain. "I will take my now, my queen." He left after saying that and shutting the door behind him.
Hazel trusted him. more than anyone else in this world. He was the first to be nice to her even when they did not know each other. First impressions mattered.
"Are you alright?" Arzaan asked. He cupped her face in his palms and made her look up at him. His lilac eyes stared at her brown eyes to know what emotions were in there.
"I am fine," Hazel replied and tried to step away from him.
"I am glad to hear that." He said. He noticed her resistance to his touch but he decided to ignore it even if it was hurtful. He placed a kiss on her forehead and hugged her once more. "Don't go near him. And don't let him near you again." He warned. "Duran, he is not good to be around you." He explained when she looked at him in confusion.
"Okay," she said. No one had to tell her to stay away from Duran because she already felt that he was dangerous and bad for her. Someone whom she should avoid meeting at all costs if she wants to live a long and peaceful life.
"My Hazel," He called, she looked up at him again, "Have you thought about what we discussed?"
Hazel finally stepped away from his hold and put some distance between them, her gaze on the floor. But she said nothing.
"I will give you the time and space you need, I won't rush your decision but I don't want to lose you," he circled her and lifted her chin, "You are the other half of my soul, I can't lose you."
"I don't belong to anyone," Hazel said and he nodded. "Not even you."
"You don't," He caressed her chin and stared at her lips that he wanted to kiss so much. "I don't own you, but we belong together."
"Why me?" Hazel asked. That was a question that she wanted to know the answer to.
"Because you are perfect, Love." He answered and she blushed at his words. "I won't hurt you or force you to do what you don't want to do but I can't lose you either. So please stay I won't let any come upon you,"
Hazel knew she was safe with him, but they didn't even know each other and at the same time, she did not want to go back to her world anymore, there was nothing there for her to return to. "I… I'll think about it." She said and smiled at her.
"Thank you." The stern and domineering king was gone the moment he came into this room.
Hazel agreed to stay after much thinking but she wasn't going to give in so easily and tell him that she already changed her mind. This world was different and she has been given a chance to start anew. She wouldn't throw it away just because she was mated to a total stranger and besides, he said he would give her the space that she needs. So why keep asking to return home?