"Hmm. I am sorry, I didn't her it clearly. ", I said , bewildered.
" A marriage proposal. ", he said.
" For whom? ", I asked.
" You, Miss ", he said looking clearly uninterested.
" I am sorry, but why does it seem you are doing this half-heartedly? ", I asked.
" I don't mean anything like that, I am known to have a stoic and unsatisfied expression, but I assure you, I shall take care of you well. ", he said.
" Just wait a minute sir, I am not yet of age. ", I said something crazy as I was panicking inside
" Miss Elizabeth, I do know you are of the age 18, if it is about kids you are worried about, I assure you, I am also young, and think to have kids a bit later as I have a few important things right now. ", he said, I don't know if it was my imagination, but he looked a bit displeased
" No!! I mean.. It's not about that, but I am a very meticulous person and I feel marrying you just on a whim that you would take care of me or that you are a fine young man, would just hurt my pride. ", I said trying to get back my composure.
" Well, I am just asking you to consider me as a potential suitor and wish you would accept. ", he said.
" Sir Lucas, Did you have a word with my father regarding this? ", I asked.
" Yes, and he was delighted. ", he said.
"Thank you for your visit, regarding your proposal, I shall surely think and let you know about my decision soon. ", I said.
" Yes, I apologize for my sudden visit, please do visit us soon. ", he said and left.
" Miss! A marriage proposal!! How wonderful, Sir Lucas is such a charming man, and he is of the neutral faction! ", the youngest maid exclaimed.
" Yes yes. A marriage proposal as though I hadn't had enough of problems. ", I said going back to bed.
The next few days was spent with me trying to dance and yes, I rocked it, dance is something which came easily to me. Imelda spent days adding a few more designs and a bit more embroidery on the gown and my gloves.
The most annoying thing being that, from that day, every single day, at least two times, I received letters from the Sebastian family, written and signed by Lucas alongside a huge bouquet or a box of desserts, and even a dress. I was called to my father's study.
"Father, May I come in ", I asked.
" Yes. ",
"Um, Father, You called me here? ", I asked.
" What are your views upon having Sir Lucas as your husband, I heard he is quite the handsome gentleman and is quite good in terms of power and Influence. ", He said looking up.
" I don't really have a thought about it, As I had told you earlier, I agree to marrying anyone you choose for me, but after I complete my life as Ian. ", I said.
" Very Well, Stay alive then and after you live as 'Ian', you shall get married to him then. ", he said.
" Yes. ", I said.
" I heard that Lucas even sent you a dress? "
"Yes, he did. ",
"How about you wear that? As a sign of acceptance of the proposal. ", He said.
" No. Father, I shall wear the one I had already prepared. Green doesn't suit me. ", I said.
" Fine. But you are talking to him and say that you have agreed to it. Just try to put it off to a later date, and leave it to me to extend it.", He said.
"Yes, Father.", I said.
**********
I sat on a bench in the garden, surrounded by my maids, whose eyes are constantly observing my movements and Imelda standing there in the middle looking at me with pity and slightly angry.
I didn't care anymore, I was upset. It was already bad that I have been stabbed, I need to dance and on top of that this proposal?? What does he think of himself?? He wasn't even interested in that proposal yet he came to propose. What are his intentions? Is he really on our side?
All of these questions made my head feel like a heavy rock, I sighed and got up, went back inside and continued my etiquette lessons and was shown the guests who are going to come to the ball.
Time flew, and soon came the night before the ball, the maids gave a one last massage and a perfect bath, I was allowed to sleep early too. Somehow I felt calm, though all my maids were in an anxious state as to how I would dance tomorrow with two wounds, one which has almost healed and one which hadn't.
I had a perfect solution for all of this, I would stay away from dances, I would only dance thrice, one, with Father, second, with that Lucas, third with the prince (in case he asks, otherwise no way).
If possible I would have avoided the second one itself, but I need to discuss about his proposal and I can't do it in front of the guests, as that would just lead to another mess. I can't do it privately in a separate terrace or a gallery, because if we are seen together, the next day could be the day I am married to him.
The other would be a letter or when he comes over next time, but that is very risky as I can't discuss freely with all my maids spying on me. Father will have Imelda chaperone us and something tells me Imelda is very much interested in this matter and will not agree to leaving us alone.
I have to talk to him during our dance, or at least hint to him and find out, what really is going on. I noticed, It had been days since Hendrick contacted me. I wonder what happened? Did that guy forget to visit with the book or he overslept??
Somehow I can't help but wonder, how did Hendrick spend 100 years alone in this world, was he not anxious? not afraid? Did he miss his family? Does he have one? I don't know.... I never asked... Did Hendrick never feel like going back? Did he try?...
My train of thought went on and on and stopped, How is he alive for 100 years? When I asked him this, he did say, that he used his phone or something but... How? Doesn't he age? He doesn't look like a 100 year old person, he looks like 28 or 32 guy. Not that young and not that old.
Did he never try to die?.. I mean... Is it even possible?...
This question made me get up, I sprang up and looked at myself in the mirror. I didn't want to be Elizabeth anymore, I missed Lee Han Eul , the quirky cool girl. I wanted to try it. Will I go back home if I die?
I took my sword and placed it on my neck, I stared at my reflection, The Elizabeth reflected was scared and shivering like a puppy in rain, unlike how I actually feel. I feel nothing If I would die now, of course I was scared of the pain and slightly sad that I would be leaving Hendrick alone... but nothing more than that... I wouldn't kill myself though. I am too scared of death. I had only seen a single person die before me, and It was traumatizing me enough. Death is gotta be painful. I don't want to... and I still haven't done anything in my life, after I actually do something.. I might consider it.
But I liked how pretty she looked even at such a dangerous position, Elizabeth was really the protagonist, because I am sure, Han Eul would look like a fool with a sword at her throat. Not a fool exactly, but like a ... I don't know... but I am sure she wouldn't look pretty. I really should see Elizabeth's mother once.
I kept staring when suddenly I felt a pull and fell backwards into the arms of a man... who held my hand and threw down the sword. I looked angrily at the guy who spoiled my intense concentration and broke my train of thought, and saw, it was Lucas....
Is he stalking me or something? What's he doing here?
"Are you mad?? What are you doing?!", He said looking at me.
Are the guards of the marquisate meaningless, Lucas was a big man, there is no way he came in without being noticed, I am the lady of this house and yet this is the strength of our defenses?? I pushed him away and took the sword, pointing it towards him.
"What are you doing in a lady's bedroom, Pervert?", I asked.
"I am not a pervert lady.", he replied slightly calm. "It is that, I actually saved your life." He said.
"Saved? I am sorry from what?", I asked.
"From yourself... you were about to hurt yourself", he said and came a bit near.
"Me? You amuse me, Sir, before that I want to know, What are you doing here?", I asked.
"Saving you as mentioned.", He said.
"Not that... I mean what are you doing in the marquisate? The Sebastian marquisate on the other end of the city.... What is the purpose of your visit?", I asked.
"Oh, That is true, but your father had summoned me here, I had arrived just twenty minutes ago, that explains why you didn't know of my visit. I was informed that all had slept so I was roaming about the garden and allowed myself the liberty of exploring where I came upon...this...", He said.
"My father? At this time? Why?", I asked him my sword firm at his throat.
"That is a confidential detail, Please don't ask me that, lady Elizabeth.", he frowned saying my name.
"Do I look like I am asking?", I said, making my expression stern.
"No. It is in regard to the politics which is a very long topic to discuss about now.", He said.
"Why? I am free.", I said.
"It is not that, but your maids will soon check on you, If they, or anyone find us at night, together, I am sure, the next day, I would have to marry you.", He said a bit angry.
"Was it not your idea? Us getting married?", I asked.
"Sorry, but, You aren't exactly my type, Eli- Miss Elizabeth.", He said.
"Then whose idea was it?", I demanded, I was angry that he spoke that way.
"My father. He needed your family background, so he sent his only son to marry the only daughter.", He said, getting comfortable on the ground. He leaned his head on the bed frame and looked towards me.
"Do you have any idea why?", I asked following suit and leaning on the frame, my back towards the frame and my legs folded, I drew back my sword and placed it beside me and looked at him.
"Not a clue.", He said, his eyes remained on the roof and he sighed, as though he was heartbroken and got up.
"Well, I have clearly violated your privacy, for that I am very sorry Lady Elizabeth. I hope this doesn't affect your decision on my proposal. Good night Lady.", he said as he hurried out of my room and went through the window. I clicked my tongue, I wanted to complete the conversation which I wanted to have during the ball, but he just took off.
The door opened and Imelda entered, her eyes shocked when she saw me. She began scolding me for sitting down and it is cold and yada yada. She didn't ask me why my sword was out or the window open. She simply tucked me in and left.
I slept peacefully somehow, though my mind was a mess. I got up and was dressed up, my neck gleamed with jewels, my hair was styled by three maids for over an hour and finally I was ready. Imelda and the others were shocked, they kept on showering me with praises.
I came out and the same time, the opposite door opened, and Lucas came out, He was in a black suit with touches of dark blue similar to my dress, I looked at the dress and at him.
He kept staring at me with astonishment for sometime, well, it was 2 seconds at most, he then returned to his usual scowl. He too observed that we both had similar clothing.
"Hmph! Copycat!", I said.
"What? I am sorry If I had known earlier you were wearing this I would have worn the other suit, I would saved myself the embarrassment of dressing similar to a pig.", He said.
"A what?!", I said, bewildered at his sudden disregard to etiquette and manners.
"A pig! Didn't hear me right the first time?", He asked.
"You...", Before I could retaliate properly, I heard a voice.
"Elizabeth! Come down.", Father said.
"Yes, Father.", I said back, "I will see your end at the ball", I said.
"Let's see.", He said giving a smirk. An annoying, handsome smirk! Argh! I hate him!