Meeting

Selena sat stiffly in the carriage, her gaze fixed out the window as the Northern landscape blurred past. Beside her, Alex sat silently, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword.

The tension in the air was thick, and Selena could feel it pressing down on her chest. She had spent the entire journey bracing herself for what was to come. Meeting Nicholas was something she dreaded, but it had to be done.

"Do you think he'll actually listen?" Alex asked, breaking the silence.

Selena turned her head slightly, giving him a weary look. "No. Nicholas never listens. He's stubborn, entitled, and... Obsessed." Her voice trailed off as she sighed heavily.

"But I have to try. If I can get him to agree to annul the engagement peacefully, then I won't have to take this to court. That would only cause more problems for me."

Alex nodded, though his expression remained sceptical. "If he tries anything, I'll handle it."