"I assure you the situation is grave, Sire. We had hoped the marriage would bond the two countries, not drive them further apart", advisor Baris said with a stern voice. "But unfortunately, the public has not reacted favourably at all. The people feel fooled by this marriage and even though they appreciate the fact that the war is over, that does not mean that the resentment has disappeared. Nor does it help that her son and the princess have not yet appeared together anywhere under the guise of fulfilling their royal duties.".
Lucius looked at the clever young man, with jet-black hair and a friendly face who had made a fast career and had now become a junior advisor, how impressive the King thought.
"Aha I see, well that is a rather unfortunate development indeed. Anything else of importance I need to be aware of?" he asked his advisor.
Mr. Baris sighed and looked uncomfortable, he seemed to be arguing with himself internally.
"I don't know if I should discuss this with you but there is another matter... People are talking... There are rumours." and Lucius had frowned in confusion.
"What kind of rumours?", he inquired.
"I don't know much about it but what I've heard about the prince & princess staying in the castle but live separately. That her son is rather spending his time with two 'court ladies' instead of with Princess Mara.".
Ah. So Narcissa was right after all, he thought. "That is all I know, Sire. I advise you to ask the staff, including Mr Gleeson but also the head of the household, Madame Pomfrey, for additional information. Furthermore, I would think it would be wise if the Prince & Princess soon started to fulfil their royal duties in the country".
"Both are excellent ideas... Thank you, Mr Baris for her time.", Lucius said. The sheng man smiled, bowed and then left.
"Mr. Lewiston," Lucius called and not long after did his trusted servant enter the room.
"Yes, Her Majesty?". "Send a message to Ashwood requesting a meeting with Mr Gleeson and Madame Pomfrey and let them know that I want to see them as soon as possible,".
"Right away, Sire".
Left alone again, Lucius took his time to ponder on the matter. He had heard some very, very inconvenient revelations about the state of his son's marriage and it worried him. The negotiations with Leidal for independence hadn't started yet, even though they had send over drafts of the proposal but still to this day, the cease fire was at risk and the relations between the two countries weren't amicable. Certainly now Astella could not afford to make a mistake... What was his son thinking or what were his reasons? He didn't understand, the only thing he did understood that it would be wise if he got to speak to Draco soon so worse could be avoided.
In hindsight, October was a month Mara would have skipped in its entirety. Where to start? In the first place a severe case of homesickness had snuck up on her, affecting her quite horribly even though she had received letters from Hermione, who said that her mother was getting better slowly, thank God.
In the last letter Mara's mother had apologized for not visiting sooner, giving the excuse of "restoring Leidal" again and, like Narcissa & Lucius, leaving on a lengthy international state visit. Yet they were glad to inform her that they would be visiting soon, probably before the end of the year.
Oh great, she thought to herself. Just what she needed, more people prodding into her "marriage" to Draco. As if Draco's aunt wasn't bad enough. Yes, unfortunately they hadn't gone back yet, at least they were supposed to go back but they had decided to extend their stay.
What was worse, their son, Andrew had come over as well. Children resemble their parents either in appearance or character and it was clear that Andrew had inherited the unpleasant nature of both his mother and father. He was around the same age as Draco she learned. He looked a lot like his mother, with the black curly hair and the piercing brown eyes, only that he was much taller than Bella, in that regard he clearly had taken after his father. Andrew was haughty and arrogant, just like his parents, and had no qualms telling people exactly how he felt and often took a condescending stance, mocking the opinions of his nephews and even uncle regarding current affairs with Leidal.
She didn't like him for the reasons mentioned above but there was also something else. Initially she thought she were wrong and must have been delusional yet...on more than one occasion she had spotted him staring at her.
One time, to her horror, she had caught him sizing her up, from her neck to her chest... When she noticed he quickly changed his gaze to someone or somewhere else. It was no use denying it, Mara felt uncomfortable around the Black-Riddle family and was counting down the days till they left which was said to be around the first week of November.
Bella, for one took a particular pleasure in embarrassing Mara. A few days after the banquet she had been invited back to Arvendon but this time for a high tea amongst the ladies, which was scheduled on a Sunday unfortunately. This meant she couldn't spend time with Dante & Theo, who were supposed to come round, to her dismay.
Mara was quite nervous and not feeling at ease at the beginning of the high tea initially but fortunately it turned out to be not a total disaster for Bella seemed to leave she alone. At the end of the afternoon, she felt a lot more at ease, cheerfully engaging in conversation with mainly Andromeda who was lovely as always. Things were going great... until Bella directed her attention towards her.
"So, Mara...What's it like to be a married woman and live in Astella's court now? Did you adjust well to the change?", she asked sweetly and she thought that was unlike her but didn't think much of it. Maybe she decided to be nice to her, for a change? As always, she didn't quite know what to answer but in this case the best option was to lie again.
"Well I can't say that it wasn't an adjustment. As you may know I was used to being in my own company for many years but now things are different of course. I enjoy being married (lie) and being in this beautiful country of ours and exploring it has been pleasurable. (OK. Astella was beautiful yes and the people were lovely too). In fact, I haven't missed Leidal that much since I have come here". (Yeah that was a big fat lie).
"And how are you and Draco getting along?", Bella inquired. Narcissa was exchanging glances between she and Bella, to Mara she shot a compassionate one to Bella an inquisitive one, as if she wanted to know where exactly Bella was going with this "interrogation".
"Fine, we... We like spending time together" (fattest fucking lie ever), she murmured, hoping that would be it and she would change topics.
"IN the bedroom as well, I hope?", Bella suddenly followed up with.
She was glad that she had just taken a sip of her drink or else it would have come right out. Her face flushed immediately, and her eyes had grown big from the unexpected bomb that had just gone off.
"Bella!", Narcissa hissed to her sister to which Bella replied with a seemingly innocent "What?".
"There is no need to be embarrassed, surely we can talk about these matters freely. After all, we are sans our men now aren't we?" she continued.
"Or are our spouses hiding in the bushes and eaves dropping? ", Bella chuckled and she looked around smilingly, 'trying' to spot the male members of the royal family.
"I know we can discuss things in private among ourselves without the intrusion of our husbands but if you don't mind I am not keen to hear anything about what my son is doing in the privacy of his bedroom. Also, your question is immensely rude and highly inappropriate, Bella.", Narcissa hissed again.
Bella made a faux apologetic gesture with her hands.
"Oh come on I was only curious. It was an honest inquiry since you know Mara mentioned that she was single for many years. Just wanted to know if she enjoyed that aspect of marriage. We all know that it is vital to sync with each other in the bedroom. Really. Don't get your knickers in a twist, Cissy.", Bella said condescendingly to which Narcissa gave her a menacing glare.
That seemed to startle Bella a bit and she probably understood that she had gone too far.
"Well alright... if it appeases you, my dear sister, I will apologize", Bella reluctantly stated. This seemed to change Narcissa's disposition towards her sister slightly but only... slightly.
Bella looked directly at she and somehow that made she flush even more than she already had.
"Mara, I apologise for my inappropriate question. Forgive me", she said earnestly until two seconds later a mean and condescending smirk appeared on her face.
The only thing Mara could do was nod and then stare at her plate, hoping it would open the vortex to an alternative universe and swallow she up. It took a lot of strength to just sit there after the 'incident" having all those eyes on she and even worse, seeing compassionate gazes from her mother-in-law and Sophia, who was present as well.
Thankfully, her ordeal ended soon after and after quickly saying goodbye she just about sprinted to her carriage, in a strange way thankful she could go to Ashwood instead of staying here.
As the carriage moved slowly she started to, against her will, think about what had happened today.
That bitch Bella.
Mara would be happy to never see her again. She suspected didn't she? All of them did. And, Mara, as the idiot she could sometimes be, had just made things worse because she didn't answer Bella's question and basically added more fuel to the fire. Oh God. If Bella suspected, then Narcissa eventually would too and Lucius and then eventually somehow word would get out to Leidal and her parents!
This possibility made her head spin. When she arrived in Ashwood she couldn't find Draco anywhere and Dante & Theo had already left. Because she was still embarrassed AND had to gather her thoughts she went to her favourite spot here, the beach. By now it had become too cold to swim but that didn't stop her from an occasional walk.
There was another reason why she liked to go to the beach, on a sunny day, at a certain spot, if she looked closely she could see Leidal in the distance. Unfortunately, that was not the case on this day but still she sat down where she always sat. Immersed in thoughts she was oblivious to the visitor approaching she from behind until it was too late.
"So, this is where you come to avoid me," he said.
She looked back and she saw Draco standing there. Oh fantastic! Awesome! We have successfully escaped from the mean aunt only to be greeted by her equally spiteful nephew. Mara quickly she got up, wiped the sand off her dress and then faced him, she was in no mood to deal with his antics while she had just survived his aunts.
"Avoiding you? No... I am not. If I were to, it would mean that your presence is of such importance to me that I actively seek ways to not be around you. That's not the case, I can assure you " to which Draco chuckled arrogantly.
"Wow, wow. You certainly seemed to have changed from a meek mouse into a feisty one, lately. Hhhm, but it is evident that something is bothering you.. What happened? Did my aunt Bella rattle your cage again?", he smirked.
The bastard, of course he had to rub things in. She took a few steps in his direction and stood right in front of him, determined to ask him the one question she had wanted ever since she got here.
"I have had a lovely afternoon, thank you. I am sure you had one as well, in Katherine's and Pansy's company", she remarked sarcastically.
He shook his head and said that both ladies had not been in the castle today.
"Ah what a pity. Well if you'll excuse me.", she stated sarcastically, eager to walk away but he took had suddenly moved in front of she and effectively blocking her way. This slightly perturbed her, why was he eager to not let her leave? It was nothing like him, yet that didn't diminish her wish to get away in the slightest. She took ANOTHER step forward, but he repeated the same motion and by now it had started to get on her nerves until something dawned on her.
"OH. Wait a minute. I get it. You are here to ask me for another favour again am I right?" and she crossed her arms over her chest while waiting for her response.
He shifted nervously again, just like the first time he needed help and she could tell that her inclination was right. He briefly bit his lip before speaking and then decided to get things over with.
"They probably forgot to tell you today, I can tell. Next Friday is my father's birthday and we, well my mother is organizing a little surprise party. I was hoping that you would act just like the last-".
Mara started to laugh which surprised Draco because he was staring at her in confusion. After that, a thought crept into her head, a clever idea that might answer the one question she had for months now.
"You know what? Quid pro quo. I might be inclined to do you a favour if you answer my question and do so truthfully".
"This might be interesting, go ahead and ask.", he shrugged, trying his best to convey that he wasn't curious yet deep down he was. She gathered her courage and moved slightly in his direction and then gazed directly at him.
"I have been here for months but from the get-go. from the very beginning you have been acting horrible towards me. Why?", she asked him, hoping he hadn't noticed the trembling in her voice.
His entire demeanour changed from arrogance to insecurity and she clearly could see that she had hit an uncomfortable nerve. He didn't reply yet that didn't stop Mara to, once again, get a bit closer to him.
"What have I ever done to YOU? What? I don't understand. I didn't ask for this, just like you didn't. We are both in the same boat, together, can't you see? Do you think I wanted to leave everything and everyone to come and move to a hostile country and live with someone that despises me and everything I stand for?" and shit she was faltering, trying to keep it together but failing.
"Well. I have a novel idea to share with you, why don't you go back if you are so unhappy here huh?", Draco hissed meanly but there was a flicker of hurt in his eyes to be seen that she didn't spot.
"I would want to but I can't. I'm just as unwanted there as I am here" and there her voice went again and worse, her eyes started to tear up slightly too.
Something changed in his expression and it looked like he wanted to say something, but she didn't give him the chance. She sighed.
"Look, I -. ", Draco started but for some reason she didn't want to hear his explanation anymore, seeing how he reacted just now. It didn't matter anyway, and it was a stupid thing to ask.
"You know what... Never mind, forget I asked. I sincerely doubt she would actually tell me the truth".
His face visibly hardened after her sentence, but he didn't respond; just stood there semi-glaring.
" As for your request; I am sorry, but I am going to have to decline. As much as I respect your mother, I can't do it. I can't play the part of the loving wife because it isn't real and it doesn't matter if I do anyway, because they know, Draco."
This was the first time she had used his first name and very briefly it had taken him by surprise, but she didn't notice it.
"Who are they and what do they know?", Draco asked annoyed.
"Your parents. Your brother, Theo, your aunts and uncles, they aren't stupid. You should give them more credit; they are fully aware that we haven't spent one afternoon together let alone a nig-.".
A sudden wave of shame came over Mara making her unable to finish her sentence. He looked at her with a look of pity but soon his face hardened again. Wait a minute. SHE HAD done nothing to be ashamed of. He should be ashamed. Suddenly she got a feeling of courage and she stepped closer to him, eager to tell him just exactly how she felt.
"I simply do not want to keep appearances any further. Really, at this point all of them can be knowledgeable of the fact that I don't care about you at all,".
It was a heartless thing to say but hey she had learned from the best after all. She gave him a sarcastic smile and saw that his expression was a mixture of anger and annoyance.
Wonderful, she thought, got you, you bastard.. Happy with putting him in his place, she turned around and walked back but two seconds later something happened that she couldn't have predicted in a million years. He had grabbed her wrist and turned she around and before she could do anything, he'd taken the other wrist in his hands as well and pulled she towards him. He was breathing quickly, and his eyes seemed to change expression quickly. He was too close AND suddenly she regretted her earlier bravery.
"Now. Now. Miss Mara, haven't they thought you it is poor etiquette to lie or weren't she paying attention that day?", he said in a mocking voice and with eyes that wanted to pierce through hers.
She was too shocked to react to his accusation, let alone get away from him. He had completely startled she with this impulsive act and it had a disastrous effect on her. Her heart was stammering, and her breathing was uneven and to make matters worse she was completely mesmerized by the intensity in his eyes and the way seemed to be shifting from green to nearly silver at certain parts but eventually she regained her senses.
"What has gotten into you? Are you mad? Let go of me, right now", she stammered but she didn't let she go, in fact he was still holding her wrists in his hands and standing close. Too close.
"I didn't lie. I totally meant what I said just now, and I do not appreciate being called a liar", Mara said coolly but her voice had wavered and he must have noticed. Wanting to wriggle free from his hold, she attempted to pull her hand away but it was futile for he was just too damn strong.
" Hhm. Nice effort, but I still don't find your statement credible", he nonchalantly remarked.
"I...Well I", were the only things she could say, trying very hard to formulate some kind of words but utterly failing.
"No. I don't believe you. You do care about me, don't you Mara?", he stated with a soft voice that showcased vulnerability to her astonishment.
His eyes seem to plead with her to admit what both knew to be true, but the moment didn't last long because soon he was back to being his usual arrogant self.
"You know what, no need to answer. I doubt that you would be telling the truth anyway", he smirked. He had just taken her words from earlier and used them against she and the fact that he outsmarted she made him happy, she could tell from his expression.
He let go of her wrists and stepped back. For a second she glanced at the exact places where he had held her before and a variety of emotions seeped through her, from anger to being toyed with again to confusion but also... stupidly feeling immensely attracted to him and almost wishing she were "held" by him again.
"Don't forget. Friday. Sandlewood", he smirked. Friday. Next Friday? Oh No.
"Wait, Friday, that is the 26th..".
"Yes, so? Why? Do you have plans or something?", Draco frowned.
"No. No, I'll be there.", she reluctantly said to which Draco gave she a smile. It was unnerving. She knew it was a smile meant to mock her but r she couldn't help but being affected by it.
"Well, that's settled then. Now if you'll excuse me. I am feeling rather peckish and I believe it is close to dinner time", he remarked pompously.
"I assume that you will want to stay here a bit longer after I have taken up so much of your time. I'll leave you alone now" and then he had walked over the dunes back to the castle.
It took Mara half an hour to do the same.
Upon entering the castle, Mr Gleeson had quickly walked towards him before Draco could enter the dining hall.
"Your Highness, her presence is required at Arvendon ".
"At this hour? Why?", Draco asked, clearly confused, it wasn't like his father to demand his presence on a whim.
"I don't know, Sire. All I know is that the King is expecting you."
That was strange, Draco thought, but he ordered the carriage to be prepared. When he arrived, he went to his father's study and knocked on the door.
"Come in", his father said, normally friendly, but not this time.
"Sit down, Draco", his father said firmly and then sat down himself. He looked at his son and wondered where to start. He was angry, terribly angry, but on the other hand he didn't want to be too hard on his son either. He didn't like this, having to act like the strict father but on the other hand, him being too lenient on his sons might have gotten them in this mess in the first place. Draco stared at him tensely, whatever it was that bothered his father, it must be seriously bothering him and linked to him. Crap.
"May I ask what the hell you're doing, Draco?", the king asked after a short silence between them both.
"I don't know what you're talking-" Draco started but couldn't finish his sentence.
"Don't take me for a fool, son", Lucius interrupted sharply.
"I've heard some things about how you've been acting towards Mara these past few months", Lucius said while simultaneously gauging the reaction of his son.
"Oh, from WHO, then? Dante or Theo for sure? Those arseholes. I'll teach them to snitch on me", Draco immediately sneered. The king shook his head.
"Dante and Theo didn't say anything, probably out some misguided loyalty towards you, although they should have, and I'll speak to them about it. Now. I am going to ask you some questions and the only answer you can give is either a yes or a no. If you choose to not respond I will draw my conclusions. Does that sound fair to you?", he asked.
Draco nodded and that was the go ahead the king needed and he cleared his throat before speaking.
" Is it true, Draco that you left Mara alone for weeks while her mother and I were away, preferring to stay here in favour of Ashwood?".
Draco didn't say anything and his father continued.
"Is it also true that you insisted that Miss Parkinson and Edwards become Mara's ladies-in-waiting which Mara rightfully so rejected?".
"Is it also true that you spent her wedding night with Miss Parkinson and Miss Edwards instead of her wife and that the aforementioned ladies are staying with you at Ashwood?".
Draco's face dropped and he started to shift nervously on his chair. The next question was the most awkward one to ask, Lucius thought but it had to be done.
"And finally. Is it true that you.. and Mara have not... consummated the marriage yet and that she, in fact is still a maiden till this day", the king asked with trepidation.
Draco looked down and then nervously went through his hair and then took a deep breath.
"Since you're not saying anything and seeing how uncomfortable you are, I can conclude that the rumours are true.", Lucius concluded with a sigh and he shook his head.
"Why are you doing this, Draco? Why are you jeopardizing the already fragile agreement we have with Leidal? Do you wish us to go to war again? I DO NOT UNDERSTAND, please explain herself further".
"Of course I don't want us to revisit the past, Father.", Draco stammered.
" Are you sure because your words don't seem to correlate to your actions at all! One thing, my boy, one thing I want to make clear to you if we were to... God forbid go to battle with Leidal again, you AND her brother will join in battle. I did her mother a favour last time because I knew it would break her heart if something happened to you both. However, if there is another physical altercation with our neighbour she and Dante will fight as men among your men. Is that clear?" Lucius concluded angrily.
Draco nodded in confirmation and suddenly he felt quite stupid about how he had behaved and wished he had done things differently than he should have heard this lecture now and it was clear his father wasn't through with him yet.
There was an awkward short silence but the next moment the king spoke again his voice was a bit gentler, fortunately for Draco.
"I understand that it is not easy, to have to marry someone you do not know. I understand and we really appreciate what you have done for is because everyone knows that you reluctantly agreed to this but... but... That doesn't give you any right to behave horribly to someone who is; just like you, innocent in the matter. Above all, me and your mother did not raise our sons to be a bad. I am quite disappointed with you if I'm honest. Look, we never expected for you to fall in love with her although granted that wouldn't be a horrible notion. But that's up to you... I can't force you to love her but I am curious, Draco.".
"What is it that WE see and she don't?", he inquired.
"She gets along well with your mother, Dante and Theo and their respective girlfriends. She could have complained to her parents, to whomever in Leidal about the stunts you have been pulling a long time ago, but she hasn't. She hasn't. It is clear to me and probably everyone that she has good intentions and is trying her best, but you seem to do everything in her power to sabotage her and our efforts".
The King took a quick pause before continuing.
"I have decided on a couple of things and I would like to inform you about some new rules you will have to obey. From now on you are going to behave normally towards Mara. I'm not saying that you should suddenly shower her with compliments and flowers, but you will have to behave civil towards her. No more stunts, Draco which means Miss Parkinson & Miss Edwards will have to leave the court as of tomorrow".
Draco looked shocked and wanted to say something, but his father shook his head.
"No need to argue with me over this. It has been decided. And also..." and Lucius paused for a moment.
"You are aware; surely; that I dislike discussing matters like this with you but... it is now a couple of months later and you haven't spent the night with her yet. If Leidal were to find out that she is still a maiden, it would be a clear violation of what we agreed to. Also, the date is not set in stone yet but I heard her parents will be visiting soon. Don't you think they will inquire about her... ehm status quo? Who knows, maybe they let a physician check her...-"
Lucius sighed deeply, good God, this was such an awkward conversation to have but luckily it was almost over.
"I know she might not be you type but do you really find her so unattractive then?", the king desired to know.
Draco thought about this question for a moment but remained silent. He thought back to what had happened in the afternoon and only then did he realise what he had done. On a whim he had grabbed her and didn't want to let go. He didn't understand what had gotten into him but somehow he couldn't stand the idea that she didn't care for him so he acted impulsively, for reasons he clearly denied were evident.
He also suddenly remembered how close she had been to him and that he had secretly liked it, how she had looked at him like a frightened deer with big eyes and that she had had more effect on him than he had thought. And... that Mara didn't look so unattractive up-close, on the contrary, she was rather beautiful if he was really being honest. That would be too much to admit though so once again Draco opted to refrain from comment.
"Whether you find her appealing or not. One of these days you are obligated to visit her bedchambers and if I were you I would do so soon."
There was yet another interlude before communication was exchanged again.
"Well that is all I wished to share with you. If you want you can spend the night here and go back in the morning. Your mother is in the drawing room and will be happy to see you".
Draco got up quickly, thankful this immensely awkward chat was over, but then understood that he had to say something before leaving.
"Father, I'm sorry for...- ".
"It's all right, son. Just please don't make the same mistakes again" and Draco nodded again and walked towards the exit. He was just about to leave until Lucius spoke again.
"Draco?", his father asked and Draco turned around.
"I'm not the one you should be apologising to", Lucius reprimanded.
Draco allowed his father's words to sink in for a moment and then walked out of the room.