Rahua's POV
The news of the Prince big operation to completely dismantle rebel army and his successful attempt, was all everyone was talking about, even outside the Kingdom, when we were shopping for ingredients, the rumours of a new promising Prince had spread, just like a really annoying catchy song.
The problem was I knew who the big boss, and culprit that had formed the Rebel army was, he was still free, but noone would believe me, even if try to tell them.
I didn't want to get involved in this very out of control storyline. I am sure the the real culprit would get caught, eventually.
As we were bring our ingredients back to the shop, to prepare for the Royal Masquerade Ball Event, I could see a very familiar face come at our direction, his face was red filled with anger.
As he comes closer I begin to recognise him, it was the same man that had accused me and Zack of being thieves, the owner of the Candie shop.
My heart starts to race as he comes closer, memories of that dreadful day flooding back. I glance at Zack, who seems to have recognized him too, his face tensing up with a mix of anger and apprehension.
"Hey you!" He screams pointing at us.
"What do you want?" I ask, trying to sound calm but my voice betrays my unease.
The man's eyes narrow, his anger evident in the way his fists clench tightly at his side. "You think you can just get away with what you are doing?" he seethes, his voice dripping with venom.
I take a step back, my mind racing to figure out what he's talking about. "I have no idea what you're talking about," I say, my voice trembling slightly.
He scoffs, his eyes never leaving mine. "Don't play dumb with me, girl. You and your family, where are you getting this material, to be able to sell your items so inexpensive, you must be stealing from somewhere, no way you would have profit from selling at that price. Now you're going to pay for it."
Zack steps forward, his voice filled with anger. "We didn't steal anything from you, or anyone " he says firmly. This little guy, has become so brave, before he would only cowardly hide behind me. I am so proud of him.
The man's face contorts with rage, and before I can react, he lunges forward, grabbing me by the collar of my dress and slamming me against the wagon behind me.
Every passing person stops to see the commotion. He is lucky that father is not around, and it's s only me and my sister and my little brother.
Pain shoots through my body as the impact jolts me. I struggle against his grip, trying to free myself. "Let go of me!" I scream, my voice filled with desperation.
Zack comes to my aid, tackling the man but his little body, does nothing against the man.
In the midst of the chaos, noone dares to intervene, the number of expectators only increase. Out of the crowd, a man comes out, he is well dressed he possessed a nobel aura with him.
"How dare you, to hold a Lady in such a manner. Do you not have any decency?" The nobelman had a firm look on his face, his voice was loud and proud.
My sister, they wanted to help but they looked scared. I kept struggling to free myself of his grasp.
"Don't meddle in something that is not of your concern." Says the man rudely without turning is gaze from me. He lift his hand to slap me. I brace myself for the slap, closing my eyes, but the slap never comes. As I open my eyes, his hand is stopped mid air.
"Any man that dares to lift his hand against a woman, should have his hand chopped off." I could hear the anger in his voice. The man recoils in shock as the nobleman steps forward, his hand still poised to strike. The crowd murmurs in agreement, and the man hesitates before finally releasing his grip on me and backing away.
The nobleman turns to me, his expression softening. "Are you alright, my lady?" he asks, concern etched on his face.
I nod, my heart still racing from the encounter. I look up at the nobleman, his handsome gentle face and smile makes my heart melt "Thank you, my Lord ," I say, my voice cracking and my face blushing.
The nobleman nods in response, his gaze lingering on me, making me feel very embarrassed, and hot all of the sudden.
"My lord, don't let this thieves fool you. They haven't..."
"How dare you accuse this Lady and her family do you have proof of what you claim?" The nobelman helped me steady myself giving me his hand.
The man hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting around nervously. "I...I have my suspicions," he stammered.
The nobleman raised an eyebrow, his expression stern. "Suspicions are not enough to accuse innocent people of theft. I suggest you leave this lady and her family alone before I have to take further action."
The man glared at us and then to the nobleman before turning on his heel and storming away. I watched him go, my heart still racing from the encounter . I turned to the nobleman, my eyes filled with gratitude.
"Thank you, my Lord," I said again, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for defending our family, we haven't done anything wrong."
The nobleman smiled at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm glad I could help," he said. "But I must ask, who was that man? Do you know him?"
I was hesitant for a moment, unsure if I should say anything. But something about the nobleman's kind eyes made me feel safe, before I could put any words in, little Zack told the nobleman what had happened, the day with the candy incident, how he had treated us, and how I had defended us at the time.
The nobleman listened intently, his expression growing more gentler, with Zack enthusiastic explanation.
When Zack finished speaking, the nobelman nodded thoughtfully before speaking. "I will look into this matter further," he said. "But for now, I suggest to ignore this kind of people. That man seems dangerous, and people like him will stop at nothing to get what they want."
I nodded, what is happening to my heart is still pounding in my chest, this man is so freaking handsome. "If, my Lord could spare a little of his time, would let's please repay the Lord kindness.We own a shop of amazing cupcakes treats. " Although I couldn't meet his gaze directly, I felt the intensity of his gaze and it felt as though he was seeing into the depths of my soul.
"Yes my Lord, we have indeed delicious treats please follow us." Kira takes over, she is also blushing but she still manages to use her normal charming to treat the customers well.
Zack and Zoe quickly grabbed a sugar sack, while Saya and I took charge of the wheat. Suddenly, the nobleman snatched the sack from both our hands. He gently remarks, "This is not a job for the ladies, please let me help."
"Oh" we both say feeling awkward, blushing.
In the shop, after putting the new ingredients away, we bring out a tray of freshly baked cupcakes, each one frosted and decorated beautifully. The nobleman's eyes light up with delight as he takes a bite of one of the treats.
"These are absolutely delicious," he exclaims, a smile spreading across his face. "You truly have talent."
I blush at the compliment, feeling a mix of pride and nervousness. "Thank you, my Lord. We take great pride in our cupcakes. It means a lot to hear that you enjoy them."
The nobleman nods, savoring another bite. "I must say, it's not often that I find such delectable treats. You have truly exceeded my expectations."
I glance at my siblings, who are all beaming with pride. It feels good to see them happy and finally have a moment of success after all the struggles we have faced.
"You have done us a great deal of kindness today," I say, my voice filled with gratitude. "Is there anything we can do to repay you? Perhaps a special order or a discount on future purchases?"
The nobleman chuckles, setting down his cupcake. "I appreciate the offer, but your gratitude is enough. It was my duty to help when I saw an injustice being done. Besides, the pleasure of enjoying your delicious treats is reward enough."
I smile, feeling a warmth in my heart. This man is not only handsome and noble, but he also has a kind heart. I can't help but feel a connection to him.
"I understand, my Lord," I say softly. "But please know that if you ever need anything or find yourself in need of our services, we are here to help."
He nods, his eyes meeting mine. "I will keep that in mind," he says. "Thank you again for your hospitality and your delicious cupcakes. I will be sure to spread the word of your bakery."
As he gets up to leave, I can't help but feel a hint of sadness. I wish our encounter could have lasted longer, that we could have had more time to talk and get to know each other.
"My lord if it does not offend you may we inquire your name?"Kira asked as I cleared the tray, and the tea that he barely touched.
"My name is Vital Burious, is my pleasure to meet you all." As I hear his name I drop everything on the floor, I feel the blood leave my entire body, my heart was beating faster than I ever thought it could. How could such handsome gentle man, with sweet smile and voice be main Villain of the story. I can't stop trembling, this man is pure evil, god knows what this man is thinking at this moment.
"Are you alright, my Lady? " His sweet gentle voice made want to cry, I knew all too well how evil he was, Count Rangston's didn't take his own life, his life was taken from him, and the culprit was gently looking at me with caring eyes.
Chills, literally chills ran all over my body.
"I am fine, it may have just slipped my hand, I am sorry to have made you worry." I ran inside the kitchen. I was scared, very scared, in the novel he was described as a sociopath, some so dangerous that Ceaser had no other choice but to kill him, until his end he never repented. I can see how he managed to fool everyone until it was too late. I could hear outside my sisters saying goodbye to him.
My hands were still shaking. I will warn my family to avoid this man at all costs. I don't want to cross path with this man ever again.