“That is certainly understandable.” Elias smiled at his guest, trying his best to appear in agreement. “I am curious...” his eyes focused in on Theo, “do you even want to follow through on the marriage? Clearly, your wife-to-be wants nothing to do with it. Perhaps you might be happier giving up on Lady Lockly and pursing another rich noble wife.”
My heart sped up. This was the moment I had been awaiting all day. Despite Theodore’s horrid personality, he still might have a heart somewhere. —or more likely a selfish desire to pursue a more interesting partner.
Theodore paused for a deafening moment. “I don’t think I want to necessarily marry Aurelia,” my heart soared, “but I certainly want to marry into her family.”
My hopes shattered and my eyes misted over with a pulsing rage.
“Our family’s businesses were simply made for each other. I can’t turn down an opportunity like that.” He leaned back in his chair with an inflated tone. “I could be the richest man in Isalla, second to King Peter, of course. But who knows...? Maybe Queen Arabella will want to swap out her dim-witted husband for me after seeing what I can accomplish. That wouldn’t be a bad match, now would it?” He laughed again, but this time, Elias didn’t join in. Instead, he flicked his gaze toward me.
I jumped at his sudden eye contact. A flush of embarrassment ran up my neck as I realized he could see my teary eyes. I quickly rubbed my sleeve against my face to dry the remaining moisture. When I looked back up, he was still staring at me, his face heavy with hurt for me and my prewritten future.
He redirected his attention to his guest a moment later. “So, you have no intentions of breaking off the marriage?” His words came out more pointed than previously.
“None whatsoever,” he replied flamboyantly. “The girl is my ticket into superiority. If I have to put up with her complaining for a few years, then so be it.”
`Elias smiled with darkened eyes. “What if you can’t find her?” It was hardly detectable, but the words almost came out like a threat.
“Oh, I’ll find her,” he replied assuredly. “Her father has hired the best bounty hunter in the kingdom, Samuel Colburn, who’s quite reputable. He’s a mage with the ability to enchant objects to direct them to their owner. A few days back he found the girl’s satchel. He already used his magic on it once to direct him close to your estate, but now he has to wait a few days to recharge the ability. He assures us that he’ll find her on the next attempt, so it shouldn’t be much longer now.”
My body went rigid.Mr. Colburn was an enchanter?No wonder he had found me so quickly after locating my bag. Did that mean he was going to come back? If his magic redirects him to the Oberon estate, what will he do then? How long does it take for his ability to recharge? My breaths became shallow as a sudden wash of anxiety rushed over me.
“How fascinating,” Elias finally responded. “How long will it take for his magic to replenish?”
I wanted to run to Elias and hug him. My anxious breaths calmed into shaky gulps as he asked the question I was dying to know the answer to. He truly knew what I needed and when.
“I haven’t a clue.” Theodore erupted into a callous laugh. “Soon enough, I suppose. He seems confident that he’ll have her caught by the end of the week.”
“I see,” Elias replied flatly. “In that case, I hope the wedding preparations go smoothly for you both.” He offered him a toast with their glasses.
I tuned out as the rest of the conversation drifted to other topics. My muscles constricted into a tense state of stress as I sat against the wall. My plan had failed. Theodore still wanted to marry me, and he was, without a doubt, the worst potential husband I could have ever fathomed.
My lip quivered as more tears welled up in my eyes, and I bit my cheek to keep them in check. Theodore and Elias were still in the parlor, so I couldn’t make any noise. Once the adults had finally rejoined their sons the Dugals left with a few words of gratitude. Only Elias and his parents remained now, and the three of them gradually retired in the parlor to sip on a tray of tea.
“That certainly went well, don’t you think, dear?” Lady Jenna directed her eyes to her husband.
“Yes, indeed,” he replied between sips. “Quite an extraordinary candidate we have found, too. I’m grateful to the Dugals and their willingness to confide their business plans with us.”
I watched tentatively through the small split in the fabrics. Elias had once again situated himself in the seat facing me, so his parents were both directed away from the window.
“What form of business did you accomplish today, Father?” Elias asked innocently.
My eyes followed the less-than-subtle side glances Lady Jenna passed her husband.
“Nothing for you to concern yourself with just yet.” Lord Oberon took another sip of his tea, though I noticed that Lady Jenna still looked a trifle uneasy.
“But Father, I would be most pleased to learn more of your work,” Elias replied eagerly. “If I am meant to inherit the family business, I would like to know what I’m working toward.” He glanced expectantly at both his parents, but his father remained silent. His mother, on the other hand, didn’t show as much control.
“Luke, perhaps we should—”
“Elias, how old are you?” he asked impassively, entirely ignoring his wife.
“Seventeen. I’ll be eighteen in three weeks,” Elias answered coolly.
“Then you may ask me again in three weeks,” the lord retorted.
“But, Father, I—”
“No arguments,” Lord Oberon interjected. “You will be permitted to study the details of my work once you turn eighteen, but until then, I only want you to focus on your studies. This will be the last I hear of it until your birthday.” He turned his attention back to his tea.