An old woman with wrinkles all over her face appeared in front of Tessa, a bright smile plastered on her face, making Tessa uncomfortable.
What was with the sudden smile?
"And you are?" Tessa inquired, returning a question.
"I am the King's mother. Let me help you up," she introduced herself, stretching out her hands to pull Tessa up.
Seeing no harm in accepting help, Tessa took the old woman's hands. Surprisingly, the woman's stamina was strong for someone who looked so frail.
"Do you work out?" Tessa teased, bursting into laughter that amused the old woman. Such a young lady filled with positive energy, which was rare in the castle.
"I see why you were chosen," the old woman muttered, confusing Tessa. Chosen for what? Wait, she had completely forgotten she was brought here to be a consort.
"Are you that weird-looking man's mother? You are beautiful, where did he get his bad looks from?" Tessa asked, not watching her words.
"Are you saying that because you are angry?" The old woman asked, chuckling as if reading her mind. She was already so interested in Tessa and couldn't wait to shape her into a fine consort. The only obstacle was her stubborn son, who she hoped Tessa would be able to break.
"Well, yes, and also because it's the truth," Tessa responded with a shrug.
"We need to get you ready for the wedding. Let me lead the way," the old woman said, moving closer and gesturing for Tessa to follow.
"Oh right, but I don't want to marry your son. I don't deserve him," Tessa said, faking a teary face to emotionally blackmail the old woman.
"I think it's the other way around," the woman replied, taking Tessa off guard.
Was she nuts? Tessa wondered why no one seemed to listen to her. The son was dominating, and the mother was carefree.
"I am a thief, a bad reputation for a king. Moreover, I just tried to steal the most valuable piece in the castle. I am your enemy," Tessa added, giving reasons to convince the old woman.
Little did she know that the old woman in front of her was already intrigued by her and wanted her to bear her grandchildren.
"The reason he is marrying you is because..." the old woman stopped, remembering a warning given to her, and sighed. Why wouldn't he even let her know that she is his mate? It would help him get her to understand, but the foolish boy was still grieving his wife's death.
"Because what?" Tessa pressed, raising her brow at the old woman.
"Because he loves you," the old woman finally said.
Hearing that, Tessa snorted and nudged the woman playfully.
"This is not the '80s, old woman. Why would he be in love with someone he just met? You will make a good comedian," she said, bursting into laughter. She had met thousands of handsome men, and not once had she fallen in love with one.
The old woman tried but she is not a lover girl, and won't be easily fooled by that trick.
"Mother!" Two slender maids appeared and greeted, bowing their heads slightly.
"They will be your handmaidens from now on, and you are free to replace them." She disclosed.
"Sexy ladies, can you free me out of this bondage?" Winking at them, she requested, directing their attention toward the chain on her ankles.
"Oh sorry, I should have helped with that." Feeling sorry for not helping her out of the chains earlier, the old woman apologized. She had been so distracted by Tessa's personality that she forgot about the chains. And Tessa didn't seem that uncomfortable so she didn't notice.
"Don't worry, I am used to them." Waving off the apology, she said and stretched her body once the maids were done.
Finally, she could properly think of an escape plan before the stupid wedding that was about to happen.
"Now back to business, I can't marry your son." Composing herself, she said, staring blankly at the woman to indicate how serious she was.
"You can call me Veronica, it is much better." Veronica urged, trying to make her feel comfortable around her.
Tessa who didn't know how to respond just stood staring at her, anger boiling in her as she was finding the old woman, or Veronica burdensome.
Veronica, understanding her plight, started, "I know it is hard for you to accept this new fate but I promise you won't regret it. We need you, no, my son needs you even if he doesn't show it." Holding her hands, she convinced Tessa.
Veronica was determined to persuade Tessa no matter how difficult or stressful it might be. Anyone would behave the way she did to a sudden marriage, so she understood her. But if only Tessa could give her a chance and let her show her the brighter side of this marriage, then things might work
"Your son is a sadist, he shows no reaction, and he is completely helpless. What your son needs is therapy, not marriage," bluntly, she emphasized removing her hands from Veronica's hold.
"Tessa, I begged him to let me handle you or you would still be locked up until the wedding," Veronica revealed, causing Tessa to scoff.
She was going to find a way to escape the prison regardless, emotional persuasion doesn't work on her. She had escaped countless prisons, but an old dungeon was not enough to stop her.
"I am talking about a room prison, Tessa, we have rooms worse here than the dungeon." As if she could read her mind, Veronica disclosed, instilling fear in Tessa that was soon erased.
"Whatever, I am never marrying your son. Don't you dare stop me," dusting the uncomfortable gown they changed her into, she turned her body away and started walking in the opposite direction.
"I guess we have no choice, grab her." Taking a frustrated sigh, Veronica muttered silently and ordered.
"Not so fast," Tessa, who already saw that coming, immediately took a run for it.