The villagers were busy purchasing things from one another to take any notice to the two Red women who were walking around looking like they didn't belong with their worn out clothing. Some were talking very loudly trying to explain to customers that they wouldn't regret purchasing their material which were supposedly shipped in from other parts of the world which none of them would ever get to visit since they were a very poor village.
Many had moved on from last nights events hoping to enjoy another year of ignorant bliss pretending things of terrible natures didn't happen in this small village. They would worry once again when the fateful night arrives next year, but today they would rejoice that their family member was not chosen.
Sophia was next to her mother as they past by some wanting to sell loads of bread in order to pay for things their family was in need of. Part of the girl's heart was saddened with how some of the people truly struggled living here and how some were so blind to their surroundings. She knew deep down that the councilmen could distribute their finances so the people wouldn't suffer, but it seemed as though many were too greedy.
The two girls began to laugh talking about small things they noticed throughout the day making the atmosphere around them feel lighter. Sophia wanted her mother to have some happy moments before she left her side. Sophia glanced at her mother giving her a broad smile hoping she could fool the woman into thinking she was happy.
She had taken care of Ruby ever since she had ability to. Her mother lost all her strength the older Sophia became which made her become a caretaker.
"What a surprise to see you here miss Sophia."
The girls turned facing the handsome head councilman who had a big smile on his face since he enjoyed watching his girl smile. He was truly the devil in disguise catching attention as he came to the marketplace. Every woman in town fell on their knees when he approached hoping he would spare them a small glance, but he was very distant when it came to the common folk except Sophia who had always had his eyes.
Sophia's smile faltered seeing him remembering last night. She knew he had false intentions and didn't enjoy his company once again. And it seemed he remembered to as he kept his eyes stern wanting to show Sophia she couldn't run away once again.
"Sir Randel!" Ruby nodded her head showing respect to one of their most powerful leaders. "What a surprise to see you out here! I thought the councilmen sent others to do their shopping so they could focus on the village. I'm sure you're extremely busy around this time of year."
Randels eyes stared into Sophia's who eventually lowered her head trying to avoid the man. He always had a way of making her feel somewhat uncomfortable and after his hug from the previous evening, she wanted to create space between them. And her small action was noticed by the green eyed man who internally frowned.
"Oh well," Randel laughed looking at the older woman. "I thought I needed some air! It gets very boring discussing things in the small room at the chapel. I fear like I'm forgetting how to function in the village because of it. I'm blessed to be able to come across the chosen one this morning, so it definitely seems worth it."
Randel gave Ruby a dazzling smile before adding, "I wish to accompany Sophia around the village market for a moment. Do I have your permission?"
Ruby was stunned and had no words to say. She nodded her head slowly confused why the head leader would be interested in walking alone with her daughter who didn't seem to ever catch his eye before. They were in public so she had no worries regarding scandal, but she never knew the man knew she had a daughter till last night when Sophia was chosen at the picking.
Other then knowing that Randel could have a temper, Ruby didn't have too much negative words to say about the man. However, a mother's intuition warned her about letting her precious daughter get tangled into his arms.
The man didn't wait for anything else from Sophia's mother as he turned his body giving his full attention to the beautiful woman.
"My lady?" Randel directed toward Sophia holding out his arm for her to grab. He kept a serious expression upon his handsome face with a small smirk only Sophia could notice. And as the awkwardness crept in, Randel stood firm waiting for Sophia to comply.
She somewhat hesitated not knowing if it would be appropriate to touch the gentleman, but after a nod from her mother, the beautiful girl latched on and began to walk slowly around the people who had started to notice the odd situation.
Still feeling uncomfortable, she tried to stand away from him not wanting him to hug her again so randomly. The idea of her body slightly touching his made her shiver.
"How are you Sophia?" Randel asked with what almost appeared as concern. But his face only showed a charming smile as other villagers glanced toward their way.
"I'm well sir Randel. I was just enjoying the day with my mother hoping to spend as much time together as possible!" She said with such casualness that Randel almost thought she forgot about last night. But he knew his beauty was far too bright compared to the other simple women who occupied the village.
Although Sophia did not enjoy that moment, he felt like it was intimate and a great beginning to their relationship. He enjoyed her spirit, but Randel needed his beautiful dark flower to learn her place. After last night, he realized she did not respect him as a man. And that wouldn't be acceptable once she became his wife.
"Forgive me sir Randel, but is there something you need?" Sophia asked politely not sure why they needed to talk to one another to begin with. Last night still lingered in her mind making her realize he had intentions toward her which somehow made her grateful to be the chosen to die. The idea of being with the man scared her. Something about him was dark and it was growing everyday.
Randel smirked knowing his jewel was uncomfortable with the position she was in. To him, it was extremely cute how she tried to stay hidden by all the villagers, but he wanted to show off his new treasure for the world to see. And it seemed he needed to begin this now since Clarice had laid some kind of claim upon her.
All Sophia needed to do for him was act politely to the public eye and look at him like a Savior.
"I am worried Sophia. It seems the old seer woman has made commotion in the last couple months, and after last nights events, some are saying she picked the wrong chosen one." He glanced at Sophia who stared at the man with wide eyes. "I wanted to check to see how you were truly doing. I am about to go to the council and see if I can make a request that the leaders choose the chosen one since the seer women is getting too old for her own good. I fear she may not be qualified with the task any longer."
Sophia looked away trying to understand his words. "So I won't be the chosen one from the picking anymore?" She whispered mostly to herself.
"Like I said, there will be a council meeting about the decision. She had been seen discussing topics to herself making me believe she's gone mad. I would hate to defy the skies with her choice if it was made in vain. This tradition has gone on for far too long. It's time we stop punishing our women based on some old crazy hag."
"Is this something everyone believes, or something you are trying to convince yourself?" Sophia suddenly asked knowing it wasn't likely that the crazy seer was just now being investigated. "You didn't seem to care till after the picking to express your concerns."
Suddenly Randel brought Sophia to the corner of the marketplace where they were slightly hidden from sight. He turned facing the beauty moving a strand of hair that had fallen in the middle of her face.
The intimate act was a bit embarrassing for the girl who somewhat moved her head not wanting anything else to happen. The council man eventually lowered his hand place his hands behind his back looking deep into her grey blue eyes. He would never grow bored of her and he never wanted her out of his sight.
But her tongue was not being put to good use when she snapped at him like the enemy.
"I don't see why you have gone out of your way-"
"I told you last night I would help you." He interjected making Sophia look back into his eyes looking like a terrified kitten.
"Sophia, I am going to try and save you from the predicament. I can see how dreadful this situation is. I don't want anymore harm to come to your family. Just thinking about your mother's illness makes me extremely saddened. I wish to help you my dear. Will you let me do that?"
"Why?"
Sophia question had taken Randel by surprise since she didn't come across grateful. Most girls fought for his attention, yet she acted like she didn't want it. She stared at him the same way as last night not trusting him in the slightest.
"What do you mean 'why'?" he asked frustrated noticing her tilt her head.
"You've never cared for my safety and well being before." She simply stated no longer caring to come across respecting the councilman. His actions were far too suspicious and were beginning to become inappropriate.
Sophia stared back into his green eyes that were dancing with a hidden emotion almost like a fire ready to rage across the town destroying everything in his sight. Although he sounded sincere, a strange feeling inside her wanted more space between the two of them. He was not the kind of man to care about a sick villager, but speaking of her mother caused the girl to narrow her eyes.
"I don't think Madam Clarice is going mad sir." Sophia stated noticing Randel's hesitation in answering. "I just don't agree with you. I hope you can respect my opinion."
Her response was daring and even she knew she was pushing limits. He kept quiet for a while keeping his face void of emotions studying her making her begin to pray silently he wouldn't hurt her.
Randel smiled at the girls answer finally as though he wasn't annoyed which seemed to surprise the girl. "You are too sweet Sophia yet too naive. But let me worry about that small detail concerning if she really is going out of her mind. I just need to know if you will accept my help when I offer it?"
Sophia kept quiet making Randel press his lips together knowing she really didn't want him near her which made him clench his fist. "If I pick the chosen one, you can be rest assured it will never be you."
Randel's declaration seemed out of place making Sophia question him.
"And why would I never be the chosen?"
Randel laughed suddenly. "Because I've chosen you for something else…" He whispered lifting his hand tracing her cheek coming close to her face. "Clarice was correct that you were special. But she is not fit to make the decision to take you."
Sophia knew he wanted to feel needed. Somewhere deep inside the man, he wanted Sophia to be dependent upon him. But the girl wanted to leave the village eventually which meant she wanted no personal ties with this man.
She felt that he was manipulating the picking which was the kind of corruption she wanted no part of.
"I think I will keep asking the gods for help since I won't trouble you sir Randel. I have been taught that a lady should only ask for help of the man in her house. Thank you for your talk and concern."
Sophia gave the man a small smile and started walking away back toward the public eye wanting to run away and never face this man again. She walked a few steps away.
"Randel." He said coldly making the girl flinch before turning and seeing his beautiful face. "Call me Randel my sweet."
Sophia nodded subconsciously noticing some cold emotion emerge within him and again tried to leave not wanting to spend any more time alone with Randel.