Madam Olivia shook her head, laughing. "Don't worry. You'll get used to being called smelly," she said.
I heaved a sigh, smelling myself for the last time before going to see Francis' relatives.
*****
I walked down the hall with Madam Olivia walking in front of me. I didn't know why but my heart raced. I guess that was the way other women felt when they were on their way to see their in-laws.
In-laws?
Did I just call them in-laws?
Francis and I weren't even officially together. It felt like I didn't really have the right to call them that.
But Francis said I could love him, didn't he?
Maybe he already told them about me?
I sincerely just wanted to turn back and tell madam Olivia I didn't want to meet them. I just wasn't ready for all the silly questions that come from in-laws about who I am and how I was raised.
"Miss. Mala!" madam Olivia called.
I gasped.
I didn't even know she was calling my name until she tapped me. "We're there already. I'll have to go back now," she whispered.
I pushed the door open and the room was quite dark compared to Francis' room. Isn't the devil's room supposed to be the dark one?
I walked further into the luxurious room. It had vases and tiny animal sculptures made of gold. Francis' cousin was definitely trying to showcase his wealth.
I found another door and I knocked.
I pushed the door open and it looked like it was another house. A mini house in a palace? I wasn't surprised.
A young man sat on a chair next to his bed. He had his head tilted backwards. I held my breath the moment my eyes landed on his masculine chest. He was only wearing a robe with nothing underneath, clearly revealing his upper body.
His skin was as clear as glass and when he raised his head, the first thing that met my eyes were those blue eyes of his.
I took a step backwards and immediately turned back towards the door. "I am so sorry lord…. It seems like you're not prepared for my visit. I would return some other time," I said, trying to leave, but his deep and husky voice made my legs seize.
"And what makes you think that I am not prepared for your visit?" He asked.
"Madam Olivia told me that I would be meeting with you and your family, Lord. I didn't expect to find you in this state," I answered and I couldn't control the fact that my legs were shaking.
I couldn't explain, but everything felt wrong about him. The way he was dressed and the fact that he was alone in the room after I was told that I would be meeting with the rest of the family.
"In what state did you find me? Is anything wrong about the way I look? Or…am I making you uncomfortable?" He asked and I could hear his approaching footsteps.
"No…Lord."
"My name is Chris. Call me, Lord Chris," he ordered.
"Lord Chris. I think it's best that I take my leave now. I would come back some other time when you're with your family," I said, trying to walk forward but I felt his grip tightened on my wrist.
I gasped and my heart raced.
I knew I wasn't supposed to be scared of him but everything about him screamed lust. Why would he stare at me like that at first?
Why would he hold me like that?
"Lord…. Chris," I stammered, trying to get my quite small wrist out of his grip. "Did you just plan to walk out on your in-law?" He asked and I shook my head.
"You have nothing to worry about. I see no reason why you have to be scared as I only wanted to confirm if you're truly as beautiful as they said you are," he said, and he took a step closer to me. I wanted to move, but I couldn't.
"I guess the talks about you aren't lies. You arrived just yesterday but news around you has spread throughout the whole of crescent. I just had to come by myself and see the beauty that has decided to marry the beast," he whispered and I felt his breath on my skin.
I remained silent.
"You have really fine skin. I want to see every single one."
Why would he say such a thing to his cousin's woman?
I know, I know I'm not Francis' woman yet but ..he shouldn't.
"Lord Chris, please do not make me inform his highness about this," I managed to say. It was the only thing my head could put together…maybe he would at least let me go.
He laughed and let go of my hand. I turned to look at him and he was tying his robe, covering his body.
'why didn't he do that earlier?'
"You have nothing to worry about Mala. It was only a test we do in the family to check the kind of women our fellow brothers bring to the house. Francis did the same for my wife too," Lord Chris said, as he walked back to the chair.
Test?
What?
"I don't…understand. Is this the only way you could all think of? Making them uncomfortable?" I asked. I tried to control my anger but I couldn't and I ended up raising my voice.
Lord Chris laughed. "Francis can only marry a woman as confident as you are," he said. "But be careful around me."
This time, his eyes had that same lustful look from earlier.
Before I knew it, it was gone again.
Maybe it was all just in my head and I was the one who was exaggerating.
"I'll take my leave now," I said and I offered a slight bow. I just wanted to leave.
"Leave? Just like that? Won't you at least have a drink and get to know me better?" He asked, this time, he had a playful look on his face.
"Like I said earlier, lord. I'll be back when you're with your family. I don't want your wife thinking otherwise."
He chuckled. "Please, have your sit by the table and have a drink with me, while I tell you about this wizard standing before you."
Wizard?
The man I might get married to is the devil and his cousin is a wizard.
Wait …wait….
I looked closer into those blue eyes and I could swear I had seen him before. "Are you….are you the wizard of the west?"
He smirked and his eyes turned grey. "The one and only. It's good that you finally remember me, princess Aurora."