Sold to the Dark Lord

08| The Growing Fear

The lunch that Ramisha had been waiting for finally happened. She had been waiting for a moment like this for a long time, sitting together at the same table with Alexander. She could not hide her smile, the picture of happiness was clearly visible on her face.

In contrast to Alex, his mind could not escape from Arabelle. Her pale face made him a little anxious. He had never lived side by side with humans. This change was confusing.

"Thank you for accepting my invitation to lunch with you, Alex. I mean, Your Majesty." Ramisha said, "The main course is very good, I can't wait for dessert."

Alex felt there was something strange about Ramisha, she seemed excited just for the dessert.

"I am grateful that you like it."

"I heard you bought a human slave. I didn't think you would employ a human in this strongest werewolf kingdom." Ramisha put down her fork, ready for dessert.

Alex looked at her with a frown, "What slave?"

Ramisha straightened her seat, "The girl you brought the other day from Borcasc,"

"Oh, you mean Arabelle. But, who said that she was a slave?"

"So, she's not?"

Alex shook his head confidently, "No."

"Then, who is she?"

"The guest of honor. My guest. So, please be courteous to her." Alex said, "I don't want her to go through the same trouble as the other women before her." He whispered.

Ramisha held her breath.

What did he mean? Ramisha looked worried, she felt offended. Alex said so as if he knew that she had contributed to the many failures of the search for the new Queen since Queen Caroline's death.

Ramisha did not know that her actions had helped Alex to avoid marriage for the past 20 years. For Alex, any marriage that took place before the curse was broken would have been such a waste of time. So it's no wonder that he remained silent after knowing Ramisha was spreading threats to each consort candidate to make them leave one by one. Alex didn't have to go to the trouble of avoiding the pressure of marriage from the royal council.

In the middle of the tension, the waiter finally appeared with the dessert. But, their appearance did not make Ramisha heave a sigh of relief. Things were getting awkward for her, even though Alex really didn't care.

"What's this?" Alex pointed to one of the foods that was unfamiliar to his eyes.

"That's-"

"That's corn pudding." Said someone who immediately caught Alex's attention, "That pudding is often made in the West Kingdom and is one of my favorite sweet desserts." She added.

It was Arabelle. Alex shot her a glare, as if he didn't like her sudden presence. Instead of being happy, Alex was furious, because Arabelle should be resting in her room.

Ramisha glared, annoyed. She forgot that she was the one who asked Arabelle to deliver the dessert.

"What are you doing here?" Alex took Arabelle's hand and directed her to join them.

Arabelle looked hesitant. She was still standing and occasionally looked at Ramisha who clearly didn't like her presence.

"What else? Sit down," Alex said.

Arabelle nodded and immediately sat on the right side facing Ramisha. It felt really uncomfortable.

"Didn't I tell you to rest?"

"But I-"

"Yes or no?"

Arabelle looked down in fear, "Yes, I'm sorry. But, Al, I didn't make any of this. I just told the palace chefs the ingredients and they cooked it." Her voice trailed off as Alex's gaze sharpened, "I'm sorry..."

"You call him by his name? How dare you?!" Ramisha was angry. She felt that it was unacceptable for another woman to be so casual and free with Alex.

"He asked for it," Arabelle said, trying to defend herself.

"What is wr-"

"She's right, I asked for it. So, shut up and eat quietly, Lady Ramisha Agra." Alex interjected.

How annoying. Her appetite gone, Ramisha just wanted to get Arabelle out of the dining room so she could go back to sit in peace with Alex.

Alex returned his attention to Arabelle. "The healer said that you are in heavy shock. You should rest well."

"I'm already feeling better, you don't need to worry."

"You said so before, but what happened? You fainted. Right?" Alex raised his eyebrows.

Arabelle got up from the chair and prepared to leave. "There will be many things that shock me in the future. This place. Everything is new to me. And the whole fcking werewolves thing here is just- oh no, I'm sorry... I'm just tired."

Alex was stunned. As for Ramisha, she was smiling. It turns out that Arabelle can get emotional too when she is stressed.

"I- I'll take my leave now."

"I feel relieved." Alex leaned back and smiled wryly, "For the first time since you came, I feel sure that you are indeed a human with emotions." He said.

It's true, since the beginning she just nodded and said yes to all Alex's orders without asking many questions.

Alex also never saw Arabelle cry.

"You're too calm for a human who lives among werewolves." Alex spooned the corn pudding that Arabelle had prepared, "This, it's pretty good." He continued.

Arabelle took a deep breath, "You promised my safety and security, should I doubt that and feel anxious to the point of shock like earlier?"

Earlier? Okay. Alex chose to remain silent and listen first to what Arabelle wanted to say. "Go on."

"I trust you. But, I guess I have to learn to get used to things you never discuss. I could die at any time in this place. Even the people I trust might hurt me," Arabelle said with a trembling voice.

"Like the one whose life is happy," Ramisha muttered, sarcastically.

Arabelle turned to Ramisha, "My life may be far from luxurious, but this is my life, I want to live it to the end. I have friends and I have-"

"Your life? Are you sure?" Ramisha laughed mockingly, "The king of Morthesc already bought you. Have you forgotten? You're just a slave. Your life is no longer yours."

Arabelle was taken aback, then looked at Alex, who was silent. "So, I'm really a slave? But you said-"

"If I really thought of you as a slave, you wouldn't be left standing and looking at me like this right now." Alex said.

"Then, tell your friend, this Lady, that I am not a slave."

Arabelle didn't know that without even being asked, Alex had done it. Not just to Ramisha, but everyone.

"You really need to rest."

"You're not going to say that?"

"I said go and rest," Alex said with so much emphasis and it made Arabelle silent.

Without saying another word, Arabelle left the dining room. Arabelle's feelings felt chaotic, fear, anxiety and annoyance became one until they gave rise to anger.

"She was very unethical," Ramisha said.

Alex got up from the chair with a slight stomp that made the table sway slightly. "I have to go. Please, enjoy the food."

"But, Y-Your Majesty! Alexander!" Ramisha called out. "s**t. What a mess!" She said.

***

On the other hand, Arabelle was seen walking through the hallway to her room on the second floor. Her tears were flowing freely. She didn't mean to ruin lunch by complaining. She was just so agitated that she didn't realize she was spilling them out.

"Arabelle!" Renha greeted.

Arabelle did not return the greeting warmly, instead she took a step back. "I- I want to be alone, so, please leave me alone."

"Are you okay? You look freaked out." Renha tried to get closer, but again, Arabelle moved away. "Are you afraid of me?"

Arabelle didn't answer, she just ran and entered her room. Renha was stunned, as was Alex, who stood at the end of the hallway near the stairs.

Alex was standing still for a while, then went back down the stairs.