Gemma tried to stop her but she picked up even more pace as she continued to drag me.
"Lara?" I called as politely as I put my hand at the pressure applied to it.
"Yes?" She acknowledged but did not look back at me.
"You might want to slow down and if not please consider leaving my hand." I planted my feet to the ground but she still managed to drag me a few steps ahead making me almost stumble to the ground. "I think I would work fine with my own two feet."
She stops and left my hand as she turns to me and said, "I apologize." She had a sleepish expression on her face as she said so as Gemma eventually catches up with us.
"Young lady you have been pulling Laila according to your wishes and did not even consider how many times she has fallen! This is the last time you ought to ever touch her!" These were the words coming from a woman who had seen me grown up from a babe to a grown princess who was ready for marriage.
I completely understood where she was coming from given that I too would have stood up for someone that I had raised as a child to an adult.
Lara looked guilty which was enough for me to forgive.
"That's quite alright." I patted her back. "Gemma, I think she was just excited for it." And then turned to Lara, "Dear do be careful. But shall we continue?" I slightly chided her but also so gave in to the excitement so that she would not withdraw her offer of the ride.
She nodded, a bright smile coming to her face and led let us again to where a whole group of men stood.
"Brother!" She called excitedly and a man turned around making me stop immediately as his eyes met mine. "Look who I brought . . ."
Lara's words disappeared into the air as a stared into his silver eyes. They imprisoned mine inside them and I could not look away no matter how much I wanted to. I felt breathlessness but also a significant amount of mixed emotions and I wanted to run away.
His eyes did not leave mine either and maybe he was still listening to his sister ramble about how I was her friend.
Marvellous it seemed, as I was staring into her eyes and entering a whole new world yet I was aware of what was happening in this one.
"Layla." Merilyn shook me gently and just as his eyes left mine they were released and I turned to look at my lady in waiting.
"Are you alright?" She asked. "You seem to be quite out of breath."
I was, why? I did not have any idea regarding that.
I could feel his eyes on mine as I answered her. "I do not know." I simply shook my head and she nodded taking my answer as it was.
We all turned to Lara for introductions and she was bouncing at her brother's side.
"This is my brother, Tristan." Pointed to the man that I now knew the name of. Tristan.
"Then there's," she pointed at the individual, "Allan, Aron, Bert, Elvin, Norbert, Solomon and the quiet one, Vaughn."
The girl could surely talk.
"I'm Gemma. These two girls," she pointed at us, "Are Layla and Merylin." We both greeted them.
"Welcome ladies." Allan gave a charming smile and I could see him glancing at Marilyn who I knew was just as charmed. "I hope you all are ready to travel."
"Yes. . .s-sir." she stuttered and then looked away blushed as he smiled more.
"Well then," Tristan muttered, "Let us get going."
He was looking at me.