CHAPTER TEN;Tamed by love

In the kingdom of valtania, King Ryker was seen conversing with his trusted guard. He handed the guard a sealed letter, the reply to the message sent by King Maric.

"Ensure this is delivered to King Maric immediately," King Ryker instructed his guard, his expression serious.

The guard bowed, took the letter, and swiftly departed to fulfill the king's order.

King Ryker added, his voice low and calculating, "And inform King Maric that I am deeply intrested in the downfall of nigel. See that he understands my interests in this matter."

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Arya, still dazed, recalled the events that had just transpired. She hadn't seen the table and collided with it, but before she could fall, Lord nigel had caught her. They had shared a fleeting moment, but it was interrupted when Lady Charlotte burst in, accompanied by the sound of the door bursting open.

As Lady Charlotte rushed in, Lord Miguel released Arya, letting her fall to the ground. Arya's face flushed with embarrassment.

Lady Charlotte's expression was one of concern, but also laced with a hint of accusation. "I was worried sick about you, Arya," she said. I thought perhaps you'd made another mistake."

Arya bowed her head, feeling ashamed. But then Lord Miguel spoke up, his voice tinged with embarrassment. "No, it's okay. Just...go. Both of you, please leave."

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Lady Charlotte turned back slowly, her eyes narrowing as she processed Lord Miguel's words. When she heard the word "please", she froze, her expression incredulous. Did he just say please? This man, notorious for his callousness, had uttered a word that implied respect, consideration.

" is this his first time of saying please? "

"Yes!

Arya whispered to Lady Charlotte: "Really?"

Lady Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise. "Yes," she whispered back, her voice barely audible. "I'm shocked. Even Lord nigel seems taken aback by his own words."

Lord nigel's face was a mask of confusion, as if he couldn't believe what he had just said. The air was thick with tension, and Arya, Lady Charlotte, and Lord nigel were all left wondering: what was going on with him?

As the rain subsided, Lady Charlotte escorted Arya to the maid's chambers before retiring to her own quarters. Her mind began to wander, recalling a visit to a renowned prophetess who had foretold the arrival of a lady in Lord nigel's life. This mysterious woman would cherish and soften Lord nigel's hardened heart.

Lady Charlotte's thoughts lingered on Arya, wondering if she might be the prophesied one. As a maternal figure to Lord nigel, Lady Charlotte had grown accustomed to his arrogance and outbursts, recognizing the pain and turmoil beneath his tough exterior. Though his softer side occasionally surfaced, it was often overshadowed by his darker nature.

Lady Charlotte held onto the hope that Arya's presence might bring balance to Lord nigel's life, rescuing him from the darkness that had defined him for so long.

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In the kingdom of Everia, a guard hurried in, handing King Maric a letter. The king's face brightened as he opened it, revealing King Ryker's reply. With eager hands, King Maric unfolded the letter and read its contents.

A warm smile spread across his face as he learned that King Ryker offered to lend his support. King Marek felt a surge of gratitude and relief, knowing that he could count on King Ryker's aid.

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Lord Nigel paced back and forth, his mind racing with unrest. Why was he feeling this way? He wasn't supposed to be soft. If he showed weakness, his enemies would pounce.

"No, no, no," he muttered to himself. "This has to stop." He couldn't shake off the feeling that Arya had awakened within him.

Frustrated, Lord Nigel stepped out into the chilly evening air. The rain had slowed to a gentle drizzle, but the cold still hit him like a slap in the face.

"Arya, Arya, Arya," he whispered, wondering what it was about this girl that had him so entranced. What was she doing to him?

Lord Nigel's embarrassment deepened as he realized Lady Charlotte had caught him holding unto aria,Lady Charlotte was like a mother to him, he valued her opinion above all others.

She had been a loyal maid in their household, and her devotion only grew stronger after his parents' tragic death during her brief absence. Lord Nigel had always been grateful for her unwavering support and trusted her implicitly, often tasking her with preparing his meals and overseeing his care.

But since meeting Arya, a part of him yearned to be near her, to understand her, and to unravel the mystery of his own emotions. Lord Nigel's thoughts swirled in confusion, unable to grasp the strange sensations Arya evoked within him.

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The next day, Davina, as the minister daughter that she was, sat while a maid washed her feet. Her mother entered, and they began to argue heatedly.

"Where did you go yesterday?" her mother asked.

Davina replied, "I told you, I went to see Lord nigel.

Her mother's expression turned skeptical. "I don't believe you. You wouldn't dare go back there after what happened. You came back crying, saying he rejected you. When will you learn?"

Davina bit back her response, knowing her mother's temper.

Suddenly, Davina stood up causing the maids to tremble. "I need to go somewhere today, urgently," she said.

Davina had already prepared, dressing in all black. Her mother asked, "Where are you going again, Davina?"

Davina replied vaguely, "Somewhere, Mother."

She quickly finished getting ready and rushed out of the house. Her mother sighed, "Will this girl ever learn?

Davina stepped out of her house and into a waiting carriage. Only she knew her destination. After a lengthy journey, the carriage stopped at a secluded, bushy area.

"Wait here," Davina instructed the carriage driver. "I'll be back soon."

The driver exchanged a confused glance with his companion, wondering what Davina could possibly wanted in such a remote spot. Davina ignored their curiosity and ventured into the bush.

As she walked, she stumbled upon a large, peculiar-looking hut. The hut itself and its surroundings appeared immaculately clean. It seemed Davina had found what she was searching for –

Unsatisfied with the first witch's advice, Davina sought a second opinion from another wizard..She hoped this doctor would provide the answers she desperately sought, answers that would help her capture Lord Nigel's attention and secure his affection.

Davina met with a male wizard, seeking answers. He offered her a seat, but before she could sit, he spoke, "I know why you're here. You're here because of the Lord of Ashwood."

The wizard continued, "But let me tell you, the Lord has someone destined for him. She's already by his side, and soon he'll fall deeply in love with her. No power can separate them."

Davina refused to believe it. "What nonsense! I went to a witch, and she said the same thing. Did you both plan this?"

Her anger slowly subsided, replaced by desperation. "Please, is there anything you can do? I really want him."

The wizard shook his head. "Sorry, there's nothing I can do."

Davina's eyes narrowed. "Then tell me who this lady is."

The wizard hesitated before speaking, "She's a maid in the palace."

Davina's mind reeled. Who could this maid be? Why would a mighty lord be destined for a poor, lonely maid, while ignoring her, a rich minister's daughter?

The wizard seemed to read her thoughts. "I know what's going on in your mind, but there's nothing you can do. She's the destined one for the Lord."

Davina made up her mind. She stormed out of the wizard's house, determined to take action. She instructed her carriage to return to the starting point, then devised a plan.

She called upon one of her trusted maids, instructing her to disguise herself as a palace maid and spy on anyone close to the Lord of Ashwood. Davina's eyes gleamed with determination, refusing to give up on her pursuit of the Lord's heart.

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Aria woke up late to an empty room. She assumed the maid had already gone about their daily duties. After taking a bath, Aria headed to the kitchen, where she found Lady Charlotte.

"I'm so sorry," Aria said, feeling a bit guilty for sleeping in.

Lady Charlotte reassured her, "No need to apologize, child. Sleep is essential."

Aria's thoughts drifted back to the previous night's events, and her face flushed with embarrassment. Lady Charlotte noticed and offered words of comfort.

"You shouldn't be embarrassed, Aria. Instead, feel honored that Lord Nigel held you.

Lady Charlotte's face lit up with excitement. "I have something to tell you," she said, leading Aria to a breathtakingly beautiful garden. The garden was a vibrant oasis, filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers.

Aria gasped in wonder. "This is incredible.

Lady Charlotte's expression turned mysterious. "This garden is forbidden to everyone else. It's a secret place, hidden away from prying eyes."

Aria's curiosity was piqued. "Then why are you here? What brings you to this forbidden garden?"

Lady Charlotte's eyes seemed to hold a thousand secrets. "Let's just say I have permission from the one person who matters. Lord Nigel himself allows me to visit this garden, and I come here to think, to reflect, and to remember." She sat Aria down and asked, "Can you do me a favor?"

Aria's curiosity was piqued. "What favor?"

Lady Charlotte's expression turned serious. "Can you purposely spend the night in Lord Nigel's room?"

Aria's eyes widened in shock. "What?!"

Lady Charlotte explained, "I didn't mean to barge in on you both earlier. If I had known...I would have left you alone. I thought you had made another mistake, and I wanted to intervene before it was too late."

Aria's mind was reeling, but she composed herself and asked, "Lady Charlotte, are you close to Lord Nigel because you've been kinda disobeying him..maybe something like that and he's been overlooking it?"

Lady Charlotte's expression turned nostalgic. "I was a maid for his family when they were still alive. I went on a brief vacation to attend my sister's wedding, and that's when...I heard about the tragic death of Lord Nigel's family."

Aria listened intently as Lady Charlotte continued, "Lord Nigel possesses unimaginable powers, but after his family's death, he began to change. He grew harder, and his dark side emerged.