Chereads / A Book of Oaths / Chapter 71 - #57: Part 2

Chapter 71 - #57: Part 2

[Ridge]

"Welcome. What can I-" The Marquess is quickly interrupted by a sprite of a young lady rushing into the drawing room holding her skirts up. I didn't know anyone could move that fast in heels.

"Who is she?" The young woman demands, pointing a finger at the gloomy Marquess.

I have no idea who she is, but it sure is a sight to see her standing next to the Marquess. I was curious about him because of the rumors, but to say I was shocked when he greeted us is an understatement. He's young, not even of marriageable age.

How did a teenager like him become someone connected with Viscount Morin? Is he involved in underground dealings as well?

The slim lady attached herself to the Marquess's large arm. Her short, curly black hair flattens from how hard she's pressing her face into him. We've only been here all but ten minutes, and as soon as the Marquess makes time to see us we're interrupted like this.

"Lady Glissa it's rude to-" The Marquess tries to reason in his dry, monotonous voice. Lady Glissa pouts with childlike anger, squeezing Marquess Nessmores arm harder. He doesn't flinch. Does this kid have any reactions?

"I heard you had a visitor? Is it another woman?" She huffs, puffing out her cheeks.

We all watch on in awkward silence as she continues to bicker with him. Eventually he sighs, his chubby face not changing expressions at all. There are dark purple circles under his eyes, and his whole manner screams 'just let me sleep'.

"This is strictly a business transaction, which doesn't involve you, Lady Glissa." He waves at the butler standing ready by the door, who immediately leaves the room calling instructions to different employees, "I'll have a carriage prepared to take you back to the Lidsore Manor."

"WHAT? Doesn't involve me? You're sending me home?" A group of maids that seem highly trained for this situation begin herding the young lady out of the room, practically plying her off of the Marquess, "Are you canceling our plans? ARE YOU BREAKING UP WITH ME?!" The door slams shut behind her.

A strange quiet settles over the room. The Marquess sighs before properly looking our group over. Why is everyone I meet so abnormally handsome? Sileena and Cony are standing nearest to him, as they've clearly met before. Probably through their mutual contact, the Viscount.

Tellur is sitting in the biggest arm chair, which is a sickly yellow color with small pink flowers on it. Not the choice in decor I would've pegged with this guy. To each their own.

Kadeeth is seething because Raforn somehow wormed his way in between us on the sofa. I kind of understand, since he'll have to go back to the brig after this, and I'll be confined to the cot in the cabin again. However, I'm getting a little concerned about his attachment issues getting worse lately. Or maybe they've always been this bad, but the Academy just didn't permit me enough freedom to meet new people for it to show.

The Marquess's hazel eyes eventually land on mine and stay there, "I apologize for my finance, she means well. Sileena says you're here to recruit my help? What can I do for you, Sir Ridge?"

I don't think I'll ever get used to being addressed as a Knight. I love it every time.