"Miss Reeves, once again you did not disappointment." Piere said, a smile crossing his handsome tan face.
In honest nature to the fan girl inside of me, I had to admit handsome men were my favorite.
So it was natural that I found myself preening over his compliment.
Creep, but still…
In a way I deserved it, giving myself a imaginary pat on the back.
My nerves still shaking inside about what I was going to face once I made it inside the mansion.
Realizing I had unconsciously slowed my steps instead.
At this pace I was bound to be labeled as a slug. Or maybe a chicken?
Sure I used the excuse of Daniel showing up unvited to continue my lessons but inside I knew it was to calm my nerves.
Or for the coward inside to grow a pair.
Both very much true.
Inwardly sighing, I had to continue acting like nothing was bothering me.
A hard feat.
Instead I focused on the handsome riding instructor besides me.
"Thank you, I found the rein trick you just showed me help tremendously Piere." Giving credit to where it was due.
Mind you, the man was an excellent teacher. Something that I felt the old Elizabeth never acknowledged and wasted his time.
Remembering the only reason she wanted said lessons were to impress Daniel, a excellent horse rider and breeder.
I had a strong sense that it was one of the reasons Piere didn't warm up to me until I showed guinuen interest in learning.
It wasn't as if I didn't know how to ride a horse, but rather this body didn't, feeling my leg muscles throb.
Realizing that for the first time since taking charge of my estate, I was feeling some what refreshed. It also helped that I changed the people surrounding me too.
One thing my past lifes had taught me, were that negativity stuck like bad karma. That included the people that surrounded you.
Feeling my stomach turn upside as I recalled why I was in this state of internal panic.
Daniel had finally showed up.
I thought I had a couple of more days to let the dust settle.
Inwardly cringing knowing that was a lie.
I was scared shitless.
But something had to give and if I didn't…well I would stay stuck in the same cycle.
And I sure as hell wasn't going to do that.
My contengiousy plan was just in its infancy phase.
Sighing I decided it was best to get back into action. Letting the stable boy grab rein. I watched the young boy blush as I said my thanks.
Feeling a bit stronger.
Peire followed beside me as we made small talk on todays ride to then be interrupted by none other then the secret source of my panic.
"Ahm!" I sharply turned, mentally strengthen my resolve.
Hating myself to a degree, as my eyes lingered on him.
Come on Elizabeth you were stronger this! My inner dialogue said in disappointment. Hey, I was only human damn it!
Promptly getting myself together.
"Ah, Count, I didn't know you were here." I cautiously said.
Liar!
I did, I was fully aware the moment he had arrived back to his mansion.
Piere breaking the unease clearly between us to greet Daniel.
"Your lordship." Bowing in respect. His face sobering to then straigthening and turning to me. Dear god the man was handsome, but from the corner of my eyes I couldn't deny who was more so.
Ugh prefection.
Dressed in a simple suit with only his carveet askew, making him look rakish as several strains of his golden hair hung loosly over his forehead.
Freezing inside as I saw how his eyes shot icicles in my direction.
I couldn't deny that if I could, I would run the other way like the coward inside of me was screaming too.
I'll be damn though.
"Piere, thank you so much for our morning ride." I turn my attention to my tutor. Extending my hand in our now customary good bye.
Bringing my hand to his lips, I watched a gleam of mischief shine in them. Giving me some courage.
I coud do this damn it!
Keeping my knees locked and my expression indifferent.
Turning to Daniel, who had a unreadable mask while his eyes for some reasong were trailing after the now departing Peire.
A deadly chill ran down my spine momentarily, making me some how scared for Piere life expetancy out of no where.
Swallowing the apprehension, it was now or never damn it!
"Count, lets go inside. I heard you've been waiting." Instead of waiting for a response I walked inside the house, pouring all my energy on my main objective.
The main objective?
I couldn't even concentrate on where I was going, hearing Daniels feet echo through the foyer.
Like a gaurdian angel my eyes widen seeing Lily standing attent and waiting for me.
Objective right!
What was the objective again? My last group of braincells clumping together to remind me of my goal.
"Ah Lily, I believe you have meet Count Rowan from the estate across." I said, pointing out the obivious but making sure Daniel heard.
I wanted him to fully understand that he was in my house, not the other way around. He was just a neighbor and would be treated as such. A chill ran down my spine. I had inkling it was due what ever face he was making.
If Lily saw it, I couldn't tell. With no expression she dutifully nodded her head in understanding. The woman was as faithful now as she was in my other lifetime.
God I loved her!
With that, Lily showed us to the drawing room. Stiftly moving to the destination, my already playing out the worst. Instead I shook my head to have my eyes land on the silver tray with a cooling coffee.
I wanted to cry at how Lily knew what I needed before I even knew. Praying I made it out of this confortation to give her a much needed raise.
Sitting promptly, I leaned foward and brought the warm cup to my lips, only to pause as Daniel spoke.
"All the etiquette lessons I entrusted your tutors with, seemed to have been all for nothing" Daniel drawl, my brows raising as I took a sip of my coffee. Letting it warm me breifly, but not to long.
Instead I let it fuel me.
Keeping the same nonchalant expression I hit back.
"Ah yes," Clicking my tongue. "From what I recall Count, manners are given to those invited." Which was true, unless you were someone of importance or wanted to make a good impression. Both would be true in this case…but I had to level the playing field between me and the formidable person in front of me.
One of the Empires top politicans, Daniel was not one to be disregarded. Or trivial with, seeing as his face took on an even colder expression.
The tension inside of me increasing, but at the same time reminding me to be cautious. I was stepping in a arena where I didn't have anything to protect myself with.
The only thing as I glance inbetween us, was the crumpled paper that I could tell Daniel had time to read.
The silence between us too loud but instead I decided to press.
"Ofcourse, if were speaking along those lines. I wouldn't want to remind you of the countless of times I have been made to wait." I waved my hand in front of my face in dismissal making light of it. But knowing I hit a nerve a his lips thinned. "Like those ocassions, please excuse my tardiness to meet you Count." I finished, seeing his eyes slit but go blank just as quickly.
I was shootimg into the dark but I had to make it known I wasn't going to be disrespected. Not now or in the future.
Holding my breath to finally exhale as he sighed, walking to the couch across from me and sitting.
Just in motion the guy did it with effortless grace, making me acknowledge how he was was also the authors favorite.
Inside the novel Daniel wasn't the male lead but he was so well written throughout it, that you couldn't stop to love him. His side story of romance with the Princess Cecil was enough to make swoon.
Given I didn't meet that side of Daniel in any comprasion. Who I did encounter was a blue eye blond devil in sheeps clothing
Infront of others he was the prefect role model of gallantry. Unless of course you were behind close door with him….
Clearing my throat and drinking, I wasn't going to go there.
"As you well know Count Rowan, it seems we have something of importance to discuss." Seeing the flicker of something behind his eyes.
I was in no sense as calm as I sounded.
Maybe today would mark of my death flag. Then you know what, made no sense it making me procrastinate it.
His steady blue eyes touching the paper still placed on the table to only lift his brow.
"I suppose Elizabeth." He said drily, unbuttoning the cuffs on his sleeves in a much relaxe manner.
Gulping as he folded the sleeves and poured himself a cup.
My breathe hitching as I couldn't think.
Suddenly feeling dizzy as I saw the veins on his forearm dusted with blond hair. Each line artfully leading to his elegant fingers that for some reason were making me …not breathe.
Fuck, sucking in a deep breath inconspicuously, to not be noticed that I was an idiot.
I looked back up quietly to see Daniel look at me with his brows furrow.
Fuck had I gotten caught oogling the guy.
Hopefully no.
Taking a brave stance to lift a brow at him in question.
Sometimes it best to pretend something didn't happen, feeling my cheeks fill with heat.
"Lily please bring Regis, were going to need him." Happy I sounded steady. Hearing Lily leave the room to do my biding. Daniel spoke, spooking me.
"What the hell is this about Elizabeth?" Daniel demanded, the earlier cool exterior differing, seeing his face become dark.
Making me freeze but holding off on answering.
Gulping down the fear that had risen.
"I guess I should explain." Flickering a glance at the paper to look back up at Daniel murderous eyes. I suppose this was the first time of many.
"Since you have ignored my request to dissolve the gaurdianship between our estates. I have decided to petition it back." Lifting my chin.
"Thats rediclous Elizabeth, what your asking is going to a far!" Daniel retorted back, his clear disapproval of the matter evident.
"Is it?" I asked, because even if it was, no better way to get the wheels I wanted in motion.
"Yes." Daniel seeth, not really taking matters in a logical point of view. Noting that the anger I was hoping to avoid was in full force.
"Well regardless the deed was done, you gave me no option."
His jaw tightening, ready to defend himself.
"Did I not ask you first hand?" Because if my memory serve correct, I did so on several occasions."
Not breaking eye contact.
"Yes, but…" The words coming out reluctantly, as Daniel tisk but not further speak.
"Thank you." I tersely said, not breaking eye contact. My heart still beating a hundred beats a second. Was I too young to have a heart attack?
Luckily, I was greatful for the intrusion as the drawing room door opened. And two individuals walked in.
"I've prepared some documents." Regis making his ways to us.
The mask of anger moderately cooling on Daniel face. I presume it was because of the new audience but I knew that was a lie.
Daniel did what ever the hell he wish.
No one could tell him other wise.
Before getting trapped inside this novel I didn't know the extend of his power and authority. I guess ignorance played a huge part in it. These people and their stories were just words. Since living a whole life inbetween those lines, I knew better now.
My eyes landing on the small stack of papers Regis had stationed in front of Daniel.
"My lady," Regis bow in respect, to also repeat with Daniel.
"Please to meet you Count Rowan." Stepping away to stand behind me.
His and Lilys presence giving me strength.
"The documents Regis has placed in front of you are all we need to avoid the proceeding of court." I waved inbetween us. "There all ready to be submitted once you sign Count Rowan." Saying his formal name.
His eyes priecing mines.
No tale letting me know if he was going to sign. Just wishful thinking on my part, sorta making me regret having to go to these extreme.
Finally Daniel was the first to move, making me tense, as he leaned forward his eyes tinted with suspicion.
Still I couldn't stop myself from holding my breath as he picked up the small stack paper bringing it closer to his side read.
Duh, Elizabeth! Daniel was very thorough individual. It wasn't like he was going to sign something he hadn't bother to read. The guy was in charge of the three largest estates in the capital. It would have been stranger if he wouldn't have done so.
What seemed like an hour, were messily minutes. My mind had for some reason zoned in to a animal channel documentary.
One where the prey was standing still to avoid detection from said predators. Was that what was happening between me and Daniel, zoning back in to see Daniel finally get to the last paper.
Maybe it was, seeing a glitter from the corner of his eyes to then look down at the last page.
I didn't know whether cry with tears of joy or fear as he lowered the document on the table and leaned over. Picking up the pen and scribbling in neat writing his signature. Amazed that he was willing to do so, given our background at the moment. Daniel was not someone that could be pressured. Even if the pressure was as immense as the two names listed on the sheet stating letigation proceedings.
Maybe..
Maybe I was making this more diffcult on myself then for what it truly was. Realizing that in this life time I was cutting these imaginary strings I never realize were always in place.
Suddenly sad. Knowing now why I was hestitating so much. Daniel wasn't in love with me now. Niether was it something I should focus on. But still feeling the distant ache in my heart renew.
This was the truth of things now.
I was no longer his and regardless since the beginning of it all, he was never mines.
"Tell me Elizabeth," Startled I looked up to clash with with a pair of ocean eyes, trying to come back into the present. His face that was passive now held some sort of disdain I couldn't seem to pinpoint.
"How did you manage this?" Confusion must have shown as I watch him lift a brow and lift the papers in question. Making me freeze.
Gulping because I knew the real question he was trying to ask. How was I able to convince two pillars of the empire to support me in this way.
I couldn't reveal too much to make him doubt it. Or maybe I didn't want the unnecessarily light to be shone on the said individuals.
Why?
Because it was too soon.
"Did you think I couldn't do so Count?" Lifting my chin, to see his expression become cold again. Instead of placing the documents on the table he brought them to his side. Making himself comfortable.
Making me fear that he wouldn't give them to me.
Just cause he signed didn't mean he couldn't push either.
"Tell them to leave." Again the tension in the room rose. Unease making me weary to do as he suggested. More so because Daniel didn't want an audience for what he wanted to speak to me about.
Or was it me, just scared to be alone with him in a room.
At the end of my other life, I had come to one conclusion, and one conclusion only, we ultimately bow to Daniels will.
Several more tense seconds passed when suddenly, a small smile played on his lips.
"How about this Elizabeth, here." Leaning over he passed the stack of paperwork. Making me hesitate, scared to reach out for them.
Keeping eye contact but slowly reaching forward I grasp the documents, no tricky at play.
Leaning back and passing over my shoulder to the now expecting Regis. A sigh of relief pass through me.
The shuffling of paper and him speaking in confirmation adding to it.
"Miss Reeves, its all signed." I nodded, Daniels face showing annoyance.
Clearly not happy that I had doubted his intentions somehow. Almost making me want to laugh out loud. Maybe hysteria was starting to play in on my emotions.
"Does this warrent an exchange for my request?" He lifted one brow in expectation.
I nodded my head, in acceptance, licking my dry lips I asked Lily and Regis to step out.
Making note of how Daniel eyes praised my actions. Making me irritated some how, not being able to pinpoint why though. All I could do was slit my eyes at him in suspicion.
Realizing as the door clicked, that I was very much alone in the room with him.
"What is it that you needed to discuss privately?" I shot straight to the point.
"Ha, I see were avoiding the question." Daniel retorted back, keeping my face blank. Very aware of what he was asking. Instead I shrugged my shoulder, keeping my lips shut.
"I guess I should ask more clearly Elizabeth. How were you able to get the Duke of North signature on that document?" He asked coldly.
I felt myself stiffen, gulping as a dangerous aura surrounded me.
I wasn't going to allow him to intimidate me. Even though inside I was cowarding.
"So, you don't believe in the Dukes support?" Turning the tables on Daniel. Regardless of how you looked at it, even if his signature was on a measly paper of some ownership, the fact laid on your respect for his name.
"You know damn well thats not what I meant, how were you able to obtain a signature from him no less!" Hissing at the end of his words.
Well Daniel, you would be as dumbfounded as I did when Eric had readily signed.
Of course, I wasn't going to say as much.
Instead I did what anyone would in my predicament.
I scuffed.
"If you don't believe it, please discuss it with the solicitor. I think this discussion is over." I sneedly said, about to get up and leave.
Pausing as Daniel retorted just as fast.
"Then I will," My eyes clashing with his in firey standstill of wills, "Your playing with the livelihood of people Elizabeth. I wont allow it."
Making me angry that he would weight in his support on people that clearly abused their position towards Elizabeth. Making me more upset as the silence between us streched.
Clentching my teeth, I looked back on the young girl that must of endured all of it in silence. Having no one to lean on for support.
Vowing silently that I was never going to allow it happen again. No one, not even with Daniel.
Daniel was never on Elizabeth side in this timeline. Finally understanding the truth.
"Then why sign the papers Count?" I hissed, piss now. Ignoring the fact that I was the one to corner him in to doing so. Rightfully so too!
If he didn't want to fucking sign them. Why do so?! If he cared so much of "his" servants livehood, why the hell wasn't he offering them a position within his estate.
Seeing the truth clear as day in his eyes.
This wasn't about some servants livihood or how I had managed to get a notorious respectable individual signature. No, it was more primal then that, this was how Daniel was suppose to keep his control over me.
A panic blossoming, taking me back to my own memories of….
No…
Terror forming in the pit of my stomach.
No. Just breathe normally Elizabeth. There was no way he could do that now.
Remembering that he had just signed it…yes signed.
The paperwork, that Regis had right now, making me feel safe. Being the anchor to my sanity. To knowing that I was safe now.
"Elizabeth whats wrong?" Startling me, as Daniel appeared right in front of me, his hands on my shoulder. His face painted in concern.
Pulling back and shaking his hands off of me, making him confused to then catch himself and become cold again.
He didn't need to make this difficult but apprently he wanted to have a last say in the matter.
I couldn't allow him to see me scare though, something inside of me shaking.
"Its seems were done here." I bit out, holding on to the little bit of anger I still had inside of me. I needed to get out of this room, feeling like I would suffocate at any moment. Not bothering with courtsy, I brushed past him to exit the room.
"Wait!" He yelled out, his hand extending to grasp my forearm as I had already open wide the drawing room door.
Panic now making me react on instinct alone.
My arm had swing out, my palm contacting on the solid expense of Daniels face.
The sound echoing to just watch the shock on his face even more impactful.
We just stood their, my arm still in his grasp as he tighten and loosen, making me much aware of how I was in his mercy.
"Daniel!" The silence broken by a shrill voice, making my head turn to it.
The Countess!
Fuck!
Seriously wanted to avoid her as long as possible but it seemed not, seeing the extra people she brought along with her. Noting most were the fired employees from a few days ago.
Breathing heavily I shooked his hand off of me.
"Miss!" Lily coming to me, as Regis did too. His face showing his displeasure on my behalf.
"Get them out of here, all of them!" I seeth, not bothering to conceal it.
Not waiting for Lily to do so, I ran up the stairs of my foray. Running into my room and shutting the door with a slam.
Anger and pain swirling inside me.
As minutes passed, I finally had calmed down enough to wipe the silent tears that were trailing down face.