Ceaser's POV
I don't know when, when did I start to care?
She was an annoyance always trying to get my attention. Now I keep worrying about her.
I took over my father's title, Marquess of Arrentela, before I became of age. At that time I had to learn, how to manage the manor, how to manage the finances and train.
At that time I become the most sought out bachelor for women and men a like. I hated that they presented me gifts trying to buy my affection. I felt aversion to all of it. And distanced myself from people.
Lady Cramer, was one of those people, she was portrayed as a complex and cunning woman. There were rumors of her manipulative nature and ruthless tactics, that had been spread among the high society, adding an air of mystery around her.
I didn't want anything to do with her.
As I observed from a distance, I noticed that other ladies would approach her with a sense of caution.
She is a beautiful woman, there was no denying, she would make any bachelor turn their head.
She seemed the kind of person that thrives on attention, at least that was the idea I had of her.
I don't know exactly when or why but for some reason, I found myself intrigued by her.
Perhaps it was because she didn't seem intimidated by my reputation or my cold personality . While others were put off by my distant demeanor, she didn't seem to care.
I remember one particular encounter that changed everything for me. We were at a royal event, the masquerade ball, and I couldn't help but notice, her usual extravagant self was no where to be seen.
She seemed to not wanting to be noticed, she came in dress with a simple but interesting outfit, the Raven, the same as mine, however this outfit was different from, the ones she would normally wear that would call for a lot attention.
It was as if she wanted to blend in, to be invisible. I couldn't resist the urge to approach her and find out what was going on.
As I got closer, I saw a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes, a crack in her carefully constructed facade. I knew then that something was wrong.
I approach her while she was alone in the garden, contemplating one of the many fountains from the Palace garden.
"Is the masquerade ball not to the Lady Cramer liking?" As if she was lost in thought and had been brought back by intrusion.
She looked up at me, surprise evident in her eyes.
In a moment of surprise she lean back almost falling, in small reflex I manage to catch her, my hand resting on her waist. She quickly straightened herself, regaining her composure.
"I apologize, Lord Marquess. I didn't expect anyone to approach me here," she said, her voice laced with a mix of surprise and appreciation.
"It's quite alright," I replied, my hand slowly, hesitantly retracting from her waist. "You just seemed...different tonight."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Perhaps tonight I wanted to be someone else." Her eyes shining with moonlight, she was indeed very beautiful.
She looked sad, I wanted to erase any sign of sadness of her eyes. She took a seat at fountain, I sat be beside her. For the first time it felt comfortable to be around her, maybe her vulnerability my everything less forced.
"May I ask why choose the Raven as your masquerade costume? It's not your usual flamboyant style," I inquired, genuinely curious.
Her eyes softened as she turned her attention towards the fountain once more. "The Raven has always represented mystery and transformation. I thought it was fitting for a night of secrets and hidden identities."
She turned to face me fully, her eyes filled with curiosity. "And what is it that haunts the Marquess of Arrentela?"
I couldn't help but to chuckle at question. Her eyes widened. "I am sorry didn't mean to laugh at your question, is just was not expecting the question. "
As we talked I began to understand that my perception of Lady Cramer was wrong, I started to see past the rumors and the façade she presented to the world. I saw a woman who was ambitious, intelligent, and fiercely independent.
I felt curious about her, about she had gained such fame, but she didn't seem to care about,
"I see it as much as a protective shield, will deter many from trying to trick me or use me."
I was impressed, to be known as cunning and manipulative, was nothing a nobelwoman would thrive to have as reputation, but she use it as her protection against the vultures sorrounding her, I guess we do have a lot in common.
Days after the ball, Damion informed me that Lady Cramer was involved in something dangerous. A darkness loomed over her, and I couldn't stand idly by while she faced it alone.
We went looking for her almost immediately, Lady Cramer and other person were taken, by a man that was involved with many disappearances cases. He must have been crazy to take a novel woman a Countess nonetheless.
Without hesitation, I rallied a group of trusted knights to aid in the search for Lady Cramer and the other person. Time was of the essence, and I was determined to bring her back safely.
Damion and I followed leads and gathered information on the criminal whereabouts.
We manage to arrive at the boat where they were being held. We fought the criminals and save them.
I couldn't believe she was tricked and taken so easily just like that I was furious how did she just let her guard down, just like that.
I demanded an explanation, but she refused to talk, she was being stubborn.
"I worry about the risks you take. You are a countess, a woman of high standing in society. You cannot afford to put yourself in danger like this." I fell like she was beginning to close herself in. She seemed to not want to talk. I was growing impatient.
"It was my fault." Said the other person. "I am sorry for having cause such trouble."
" I have said something to Lady's Vilahana that propelled all the events tonight. And I am truly sorry." The other person says, being too formal, why don't know why but I feel a pang of jealousy, hearing her being so formal.
"No don't say that." Lady Cramer finally spoke, but was to defend the other person. "If all, your words saved me, and I am sorry for not listening to you sooner, and avoid all this situation." She admitted.
"I am sorry Lord Marquess Ceaser, my actions should be punished, I will take any punishment you see fit. " She lowered her head. I feel like we have a invisible bridge between us that keeps us distant from each other.
I sighed, I was disappointed that after all,it made us more distant from one another. "Lady Vilahana, your actions has indeed put someone else in danger. But it seems you have learned from this experience, and that is important. I will not punish you, but I implore you to think twice before involving innocent people in your affairs again."
I felt like I had to be harsh, I didn't want something to happen to her.
After that day, I felt like we felt things with a sour undertone, days turned in to weeks.
I threw myself into my responsibilities as the Marquess of Arrentela, burying any lingering feelings deep within me. I focused on managing the manor, tending to the needs of the people, and becoming the leader that my position demanded.
When Damion proposed for us to create the farming society, and chose me to talk with count Cramer, I was finally relieved I had a reason to visit her.
As I arrive at Cramer's manor, I see again the person that had been taken with Lady Vilahana, she seem lost.
But right after Lady Vilahana arrives, I don't know if it because I hadn't seen her since that day, she looked more beautiful, and happier.
"Miss Rahua, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you. Are you okay?" Lady Vilahna was worried about this other person but didn't even spare a look in my direction.
"I was wondering around in the garden, I apologise for leaving so abruptly." The other person says.
"It's alright, Miss Rahua. I just wanted to make sure you were alright," Lady Vilahna says, her tone filled with genuine concern. Which makes me feel left out."Come, let's go back."
"Hello Lady Cramer." I say, without even thinking.
"Pardon me Lord Ceaser I have not seen that you were here?
"Why is the Lord Ceaser here?" She inquiried she seemed not to really notice my presence.
"I have come to see your father, in Damion's requests, about the farming situation."
Catching me off guard she stars to laughing loud as if she was trying to end the conversation. "Hahahhah ... Is that so, that's clearly a man business, is not for us ladies to concern about. Shall we go Miss Rahua?" She pulls the other person away.
Did I upset her?