Page 4 of Sold to the Devil
“Don't worry, it's my duty to make my father proud.”
Sorrow fills his eyes and he nods in understanding.
“Mine too. That's why I became a disciple during the summer. Are you...?”
“Not yet. I don't know when, but I'll get it.”
He nods before grabbing a plate and filling it with food. “You can eat in your room if you're more comfortable. There's only Mattheo, you, and me at the Manor; everyone else has left.”
I shrug, grab a plate as well, and help myself to some chicken and potatoes. “I don't mind sharing my meal with you. Besides, I'm sure he hates me,” I sigh.
He turns to me, his brow furrowed in confusion. “Why do you think that?”
I tell him what happened earlier and he sighs before giving me a warm smile.
“My cousin is an idiot. Don't worry about him, he should be delighted to have such a beautiful woman to marry. He sleeps with a lot of girls, so I'm not surprised by his inability to love, but he could at least treat you with more respect.”
“I'll treat her as I wish, Leroi.”
I jump at the sound of his raspy voice. His brown eyes are dark and he glares at Arthur. The blond rolls his eyes and huffs.
“You're an asshole, Rigast. You think she asked to marry you? She only does what both of your fathers want, you could at least show her some respect. I mean, she's going to have to deal with your shitty personality, so show her some empathy!”
He sits down at the table and smiles at me, inviting me to join him. I smile back and sit across from him. I take a bite of my food, only now realizing how hungry I am. Mattheo mutters something under his breath before helping himself to his food and sitting down in the chair next to me. I'm slightly taken aback and glance at him, but his gaze is focused on his plate, completely ignoring us. My eyes return to Arthur, who shrugs.
“So are you excited to enter the Academy?” He asks me, smiling softly. I nod.
“I'm also looking forward to seeing Nancy again. It's been so long since I've seen her. I really miss her,” I smile, nostalgic.
“She'll be delighted to see you too. Oh, and I think the others will love you!”
Mattheo snorts disdainfully, making me look at him. He smiles devilishly, his head lowered towards his plate. His eyes flicker to Arthur, but he keeps his head down.
“Do you really think they'll like her? A shy little daddy's girl who doesn't dare to speak up for herself?”
I look down, ashamed of myself. How can he be so mean? I haven't done anything to him... Arthur slams his hand on the table, making me flinch.
“Don't insult her, Rigast! You have no right to say such words when you yourself are your father's little bitch.”
I see Mattheo's fist clench, his knuckles turning white, and I clear my throat.
“Arthur,” I call, making him look at me in confusion. “His words don't bother me, I know why I don't oppose the marriage and I stick to my decision.”
My attention is drawn to Mattheo who is staring at me.
“I heard what you said earlier about our marriage, and again, I agree with you. You don't have to love me or treat me as an equal, all I expect is for you to let me bear you an heir so we can make our families proud. I don't need your respect, nor your love. I'm doing this for my family, for my father, and to prove my loyalty to the Dark Mage. Whether you like it or not, we need to be married. The least we can do is pretend it's not an arranged marriage in public. Other than that, I don't mind you ignoring me in private. I know you probably hate me, but Arthur's right; I didn't ask for this either. So I'm sorry if this upsets you, but I intend to play my part and be a good wife, as expected. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed. Good night, Arthur, Mattheo.”
I get up, ignoring their shocked faces, put my plate in the sink and go up to our bedroom. I go to the closet, change out of my hoodie into a red tank top, and get under the sheets, facing the window. The silk is cold, but I like the fabric, so it doesn't really bother me. I close my eyes and try to sleep.
It isn't long before I hear the door open. I don't move or open my eyes, not wanting to argue with him anymore. I hear him undress, probably taking off his shirt and pants before I feel the mattress sink a little. I feel the heat of his body next to mine, but I don't move, afraid of upsetting him. I hear him sigh quietly and I tense up, waiting for a sarcastic comment. Seconds pass, and he doesn't speak, so I relax a little, finally feeling sleep come to me.
I slowly open my eyes, blinking rapidly as the sun is directly in my face. I'm still in the same position I was in when I fell asleep. I freeze, remembering that he went to bed yesterday too and glance behind me. I relax when I see his empty side. So no fight this morning. My eyes fall on the clock, it’s 7:34 AM.
I get up, yawn and go pick out an outfit. Mattheo mentioned we have to go into town to buy our supplies, so I need to get dressed. I grab a green top with a knee-length gray skirt and head to the bathroom to freshen up. Then I brush my hair, apply some light makeup and brush my teeth. I spray on some cherry perfume and decide to go down to the kitchen for a hot cup of tea.
Arthur leans against the counter, sipping from his glass of juice. His face lights up and he smiles brightly once he sees me.
“Hello there! Did you sleep well?”
