"The absolute gall" she shouted. Lucius looked up from the document he wanted to sign and saw that his ardent wife had stormed in with a look that could kill anyone in a 5-kilometre radius.
"Mr. Tennison; we'll continue later" Lucius said to his administrative clerk upon which the man had bowed and exited as soon as possible.
"Narcissa, dear what is going on?" she softly asked his wife, in an unfruitful attempt to calm her because she looked furious. She walked over to his desk and threw the envelope right in front of him, Lucius grabbed it and started to read, and he understood why his wife was so angry because as he read on he was starting to get upset himself..
Dearest Cissy,
I spoke to Andrew about the incident in detail and he said that there had been a misunderstanding.
He says that Mara has been flirting since he came to Astella and was giving him mixed signals. He explained that the two of them were often discussing books in the library after Draco had gone to bed to which she had no objection to.
I wonder why a married woman would think it would a good idea to seek the companion of someone other than her husband that often, but I do not wish to judge.
It is obvious to me Andrew was misled into thinking there was more between him and Mara and Andrew acted upon this feeling. Yes, maybe it was wrong of him to do and he feels horrible now, because he is fond of Draco, but he is still quite young and should be able to learn from his mistakes.
Furthermore, he states he was very drunk that night and it must have clouded his judgment. Let us just call this an unfortunate incident, dearest sister because there was no harm and no foul done.
If you think about it.. In a way, he was trying to help. You do know that one of the requirements for this deal to work is that Draco fulfils his marital obligations? It is clear to even to an outsider like me that his relationship with Mara is very, very strained. I therefore think it would be wise if..
Lucius stared angrily at the letter and laid it down and then glanced up at his wife. Narcissa seemed to be a bit calmer now although it was clear to him that she was still in a bad mood.
"Andrew is no longer allowed to visit and the same goes for that snake of a sister of mine, although I doubt she has the guts to show her face again soon. She waits two weeks to write a response to my letter and.. and comes up with this RUBBISH", Narcissa spewed.
"Sit down darling" he said and Narcissussa took place across of him with a sigh and shook her head and brought her fingers to her face to rub over her temple.
"What a mess, Lucius... How are we going to get out ourselves of this? It is our fault you know, we should have interfered more with their relationship, try to help them and now she is gone.. You can hide things from me, dear, but that does not mean I don't have sources inside and outside the castle. Our citizens know that our daughter-in-law has left suddenly and there are rumours of a separation. They are already speculating about the possibility of going to war with Leidal again. I can't.. I don't want our people to suffer, Lucius and I don't want to think about sending our sons to- " Narcisssa didn't finish her sentence and suddenly started crying.
Lucius got up but before he could reach her, she had thrown herself at him, embracing him firmly. "It's going to be all right, darling.. "he whispered in her ears.
Narcissa released herself from his embrace for a moment.
"How? Do you really think Draco will manage to come back with her? Why would she, Lucius. If I were her I would never step foot again" and she shook her head pessimistically.
"Let us just hope he succeeds and then we'll see what happens. I'll talk to them both if they return but let us not think that far ahead".
"I hope he succeeds, Lucius" answered Narcissus but there was despair in her voice, and she grabbed her husband to hug him again.
Lucius sighed. "I hope so too sweetheart. I hope so too" but the pronunciation of the sentence had been full of doubt and a weary feeling inside him brew and told him all hell was going to break loose soon.
ASTELLA: SAME DAY, REVENIER CASTLE, DRAWING ROOM
She kept staring at him, trying to make sense of things but couldn't. Her mind was going wild with possible reasons why he was her and her foolish heart betrayed her for it was beating like mad.
The words "Why are you-?" came over her lips with difficulty, not that it mattered, a conversation was not going to occur just yet because her father suddenly walked in at that moment.
"Draco, son.. How good of you to come." And when he passed Mara he had looked at his Her father asked about Draco's parents and about Dante and they talked briefly about everyone, the essence of the story was that everyone was fine except Mara of course.
"Ah excellent. Well... I will leave you two alone, I think you have another one to discuss... We would love to see you both at lunch" and her father had been strict with her on the word "both of you" before he left the room.
They awkwardly looked at each other and an invisible competition was taking place about who should be the first to speak now. Draco lost because he realised that she had no intention of speaking and he broke the silence.
"How are you?" he asked and in another way she thought it was an absurd question, the thought that Draco wanted to know how she was doing, after all the months he had ignored her...It was ridiculous. It made her blood boil and suddenly she felt incredibly angry.
She said "fine" briefly and again an uncomfortable silence came between them. He took a step or two to the front, placed his hat on a table.
"Mara... I" but she didn't let him speak.
"Welcome to our beautiful country, Mr. Malfoy. I hope your stay is pleasant" she said with a restrained anger.
He had looked at her a little annoyed at hearing his last name instead of his first name, but he had said nothing. Then she turned around and walked out of the room.
Her mother was furious. Furious at her.
"Mara, have you gone mad? Whatever happened between you, he came here to make an effort, but you don't even want to speak to him! "and she had shouted the last part of her words.
"What are you trying to do? You are risking everything. Everything! Do you want war? Is that what you want? We had an agreement Mara, and you are sabotaging it! You foolish, inconsiderate girl!" her mother accused.
And that had been her breaking point, she was no longer able to hold on to what had aggravated her for so long and the volcano erupted.
"I'm sabotaging the agreement. I am? I have a good idea. Shall we talk about that dear son-in-law of yours you and father are so infatuated with? That son-in-law of yours that, in the six months that I had the utter misery of staying there, constantly ignored me, that I didn't even see for most of the time. And when I did encounter him he hardly spoke to me ever unless he needed me to pretend to play the happy wife when his aunts visited. Will that information be sufficient for you or do you want to know about how he slept with not one but two women and preferred that his concubines live in the same castle as I was living in; so, I was daily reminded about the fact that my husband was cheating on me. Do you wish to hear perhaps about the fact the wonderful Prince Draco wanted these same women to be my ladies in waiting, which I refused, and he got mad at me for it?
What else? Oh yes, that time when he left me alone for 5 weeks to stay at Arvendon while his parents were away on a state trip.. Don't you see mother? I have not been the one sabotaging the deal, he has been! And I honestly cannot keep pretending anymore. I am trying to do right by my country, but I have been miserable since I have left Leidal. "
She got up and walked closer to her mother and stopped in front of her.
"Don't you understand? He hates me, mother. He hates me." and her voice nearly broke at the end but she barely composed herself anyway. A second later she regretted confessing for her mother was staring at her unbelievingly, but the damage was done.
"I am sorry, Mother. I cannot do this" and then Mara had hugged her, opened the door but then saw Draco standing in front of her. It was clear that he had heard everything because he looked at her compassionately and there seemed to be an expression of guilt visible on his face.
"Excuse me" she said and then walked away quickly. She ran to the sea and sat down on the beach at her favourite spot. It was a bleak autumn day, and she was very cold because she had gone outside without a coat but that moment it didn't bother her. Instead, she focused on the waves and stared, absentmindedly ahead.
Even though the weather was miserable today, it was clear enough to see the circumference of Astella in the distance and a feeling of melancholy had engulfed her, coming out of nowhere.
Apparently, her stay in Astella had been influential and of consequence to her, she could not believe it but.. at that moment she felt a small degree of homesickness.
"May I sit with you?" she heard, and it came out nowhere. Mara turned around and saw Draco standing there and immediately she felt her stupid heart flutter yet again, but she turned away from him, so she didn't see him when she replied.
"As much as Astella likes to think otherwise Leidal is a free country, Mr. Malfoy. Do as you wish", she said with a slight touch of sarcasm.
He walked over and sat next to her, and his distance was not too close but not too far either, not that Mara cared (at least that is what she told herself). Silence fell between the two of them again, a deliberate silence because none of them had much sense to start a conversation like that.
Damn, it was cold. Damn her for running outside like a maniac instead of grabbing her coat because the wind seemed to cut right through her and at one-point Mara started to shiver. and Draco noticed this and shortly afterwards he took off his coat and draped it over her to her surprise and she allowed it, for reasons she did not understand, and, at the end, his left hand rested briefly on her back. It was over in a second, him touching her but she was affected by it anyway as she took a deep breath. She didn't look at him but muttered a "thank you" and she thought he nodded but wasn't sure.
"Why did you come here?" Mara wanted to know. She had looked him straight in the eyes when asking, which surprised him a little, because he did not reply immediately but preferred to do so a few moments later.
"I thought I could maybe accompany you to your nephew's wedding" he said, a tad insecure.
"And why would you want to do that?" she sneered accusingly but a second later she thought it was stupid why she wanted to know at all... It was of no concern to her and she really should not care why he was here.
So, when he wanted to explain she again did not give him the right to finish his sentence, got up, took off the coat and pushed it into Draco's hands. However, at that moment he had grabbed her right hand, very briefly but then let go because he remembered what had happened to her fairy recently.
It had startled her, the move to hold her hand but in the way Draco thought of, no but she quickly tried to ignore that.
"For God's sake. Can we, can we just have a proper conversation and will you please... PLEASE STOP running away. I am too tired to chase you all around the Kingdom, Mara." and he knew there was irritation in his voice even though he tried to hide it.
Bloody hell.
He was trying, here wasn't he? Trying to make the effort all the while being tired as hell from the journey. All Draco wanted was to retreat to a room so he could sleep and bathe, but he had not expected the extraordinarily bad start to the attempt of mending things between them. Well, he knew things were going to be bad but somehow stupidly hoped it would not be THIS bad.
Fortunately, his plea had worked because Mara begrudgingly sat down again. He wanted to drape the garment over her once more but before he could she had taken it and put it across her shoulders.
She had not noticed it earlier, but his coat gave off his scent, reminding her of teakwood, apples, and pine. It smelled lovely, correction, he smelled lovely. She could smell the delightful mixture of enticing scents also on him because this time she had inadvertently sat a lot closer than earlier and it was causing her to breathe faster again. Thankfully, Draco had not noticed this though.
"This was your parents' idea wasn't it?" Mara inquired sternly but Draco shook his head.
"NO.. It was mine but they approved of the idea and encouraged me to visit. They send their love by the way, everyone does. Dante, Sophia, Sara, Rey, and Theo.. The last one mentioned asked me to tell you that you should return soon because Dante is acting and I quote, obnoxiously arrogant; after a winning streak in playing backgammon and I quote 'needs to be taken down a notch or two'.
She could not help but smile at the thought but then an uncomfortable silence broke between them until Draco broke it.
"I... I went to Leidal when I was little, so I don't remember much. So, I think I would enjoy a new introduction to Leidal and perhaps explore your country together".
She did not say anything but looked straight ahead as if she deliberately didn't want to react... Draco cleared his throat for attempt number 2, but he should have kept his mouth shut.
"Pansy said that your hot springs for one are great and-" and Draco could not finish his sentence because Mara gave him a scathing look.
"Aah Pansy... Of course. How are she and Katherine doing? Have they already held a party in honour of my departure?" she said with venom laced through in her voice...
Draco turned bright red but didn't answer, Mara shook her head, got up and pushed the garment back into Draco's hands and quickly stepped back to the castle.
He did not follow her.
When she returned to the castle she was stopped by her mother and asked to come with her to the library. Mara hated the idea of having to argue and just wanted to retreat to her quarters yet at the same time she was curious to know what her mother would say. Would she be compassionate? Angry with Draco? Angry with her? She did not know. When she arrived at the library her mother asked her to sit down but she stayed. Mara looked at her and tried to decipher the look on her face, but it didn't really work out...
"I listened to you; I didn't say anything during your ... tirade... I would appreciate it if you wouldn't want to interrupt me either", her mother said, sporting a stern yet composed (at least for now) expression on her features.
"I... No, we understand that the last few months must not have been easy for you. With hindsight things have gone too fast and perhaps we, your father and brother, should have been a bit more cautious".
Her mother bit her lip uncomfortably.
"Having said that, dear Mara... Draco is still your husband and-".
Mara wanted to interrupt her mother but got a reprimand.
"Child, I told you not to interrupt me" and Mara said nothing more. The queen sighed and started rubbing her hands, apparently still feeling extremely uncomfortable.
"It's not, not easy to be a princess, I know that. We have duties that we must honour and often marry... we are more for convenience than love. That was certainly the case between me and your father but after all these years a certain understanding has been realised that I appreciate... ".
She waited a while before moving on.
"It is not easy being a princess, but it is worse to be a prince or a king for that matter. They have so much more duties than us and can be easily strained by the weight of their responsibilities".
Mara's mother took a deep breath before continuing.
"Therefore... we have to turn a blind eye when it comes to... certain extra-marital activities, so to speak.". Mara's mouth fell open, but she dared not say anything.
"I know this is exceedingly difficult, but it is something we are expected to do. As far as your treatment in Astella is concerned, do not worry, your father and I will speak to Draco about it. And you should have told us something then we would have taken measures however, dear darling... I am sorry... I cannot ignore the obvious, the reality, the harsh truth. The relationship between our countries has not improved yet and you coming here abruptly has not helped matters. Of course, you can stay here for a little while longer but after Harry's wedding you have to go back to Astella".
Mara shook her head and at that moment her mother began to lose her patience.
"Don't you know what's at stake, Mara? Our country, our people, and our independence! You've lasted six months in Astella, what is preventing you from staying the remaining one and a half year? How can you be so selfish? I would have never expected you to act like this and as your mother, I am severely disappointed by your behaviour!".
Mara got up and almost sprinted to the door, but she was pulled back by her mother so quickly she didn't know what happened. Her mother and she were now standing face to face and Mara expected another speech but could see the Queen was faltering. Her mother let go of her hand and Mara planned to walk towards the door, relieved this conversation was finally over, until a question stopped her in her tracks.
"You're still a maiden, aren't you?" the Queen had asked, and Mara stood still, as if someone had taken away her ability to move and to speak so The Queen knew enough.
Mara heard her mother walking towards her and then she turned Mara back so that they were looking at each other again. For a moment Mara could see a look of compassion on her mother's face until it hardened.
"Whatever you do, whether it be here or in Astella, make sure he takes your virginity. He must. You still have six months left and I suggest you try your hardest to seduce him, with whatever means necessary", her mother stated sternly.
Mara swallowed the lump in her throat, glanced at her and tried not to reveal her contempt, broke away from her mother's grip and left.
The rest of the evening proceeded without incidents, well, it helped that Mara stayed in her room and refused to come to dinner, yes she knew it was childish, but she really, really didn't want to. It hadn't mattered anyway she had understood from the butler that Draco excused himself, stating that he was exhausted from the journey and wished to retire to his room.
Thank God, her parens had arranged other sleeping arrangements for their son-in-law and he and Mara were not thrown together in the same bedroom just yet..
Mara herself tried to sleep herself as well after eaten her meal solemnly alone but she was having difficulty sleep and her mind drifted off what occurred today.
She had not expected to see him again in a million years. Her shock could not have been greater if she had been struck by lightning. It was clear what his motivation was... Even though he claimed that he had come of his own accord, it was clear who had influenced him. And what now? Harry's wedding was in 5 days. Her mother had given her the ultimatum to go back, whether she wanted to or not... Somewhere she wanted to go back because, even to her surprise, Mara was already tired of her stay in Leidal.
The unspoken accusations that she had done something wrong, the disapproving looks, she had seen it all but said nothing. Things got even worse because her annoying sisters were interested to know about Mara's non-existent sex life and wanted to know if Draco was "good as a lover", how her first time had been and even worse if Draco had a big...
Mara had indicated that she didn't want to talk about it the more her sisters insisted until at some point she lied that Draco had been sweet and careful the first time. However, she kept silent about the third question because as much as she wanted to confirm it, she had no idea if Draco had a big.. well, you know.
She sighed deeply, there were so much other pressing issues to think about like whether she should return or not. The possibility was as well painful as comforting, because while she had missed Astella, the royal family, she had not forgotten the fact that she had been miserable there. Fortunately, eventually she fell asleep and that night she dreamt about her and Draco returning to Astella and that they were.. happy.. In fact, she dreamt about Draco carrying her over the threshold with a smile to their bedroom (she was smiling too) and that he then laid her down on the bed, removed his jacket, proceeded to climb on top of her and..
She woke at that exact moment.
Slightly startled by the dream but quickly trying to forget about its Mara was currently experiencing a knot in her stomach the size of a balloon, because she knew in a few minutes she was expected at breakfast and that Draco would be here. Yet she forced herself to get out of bed, bathe and get dressed. She would not hide now, not from her parents, sisters, or brothers and certainly not from Draco.
The door of the dining hall was opened for her and she saw eight pairs of eyes staring intently at her, those of her parents, brother, and her ... husband. She tried to compose herself and wanted to sit down as soon as possible until she saw that she had to sit next to Draco and there were no other vacant spots. She sat down and said a curt "Good morning" as a greeting and then decided to start her breakfast listlessly.
Sigh.
Mara had her belly full of uncomfortable silences, she had already experienced enough of them to last her a lifetime with.
"I think it would be a good idea, dear daughter, if you would show your husband around Leidal today. Think for example of a visit to the Museum of Antiquities, so that Draco can learn more about our history. However, if you have better ideas than-".
"I'm sorry dear mother but me and Hermione had plans today", she lied. Blatantly lied because Hermione was feeling under the weather due to elaborate cases of morning sickness, due to her pregnancy.
Her mother gave her a deceptive smile because Mara sensed that she was truly angry with her.
"I think Hermione would understand if you were to reschedule," she said with a pinched voice. "If you want, I can write her a note..."
"That won't be necessary" Mara said quickly, knowing that her bluff had been called. "I'll send her a note myself to tell her that our plans are not going through".
"Very well", The Queen said, and she glanced a look of satisfaction towards her husband. Her brother said nothing, but Mara knew her brother well. He knew it. It could be seen in his attitude but also in his compassionate gazes at his sister.
What kind of brother was he? He had thrown his own sister to the lions and left her to her fate in a hostile country that had a bad disposition towards his family. Draco had, from the start every intention to sabotage the agreement by treating his sister like shit. Inwardly he boiled with anger, but he could not ignore the fact that he, as her brother, had abandoned her as well. He hadn't written to her to ask how she was doing, once, not in six long months. Tristan had assumed that the matter had now been resolved and he could get ready for his training as king... He had been wrong, and he was so angry at the lack of respect his sister had gotten let alone their country and he was sure to confront Draco about it at one point, but he was biding his time for now.
Draco was not an idiot. If tins could kill he would have been dead by now. Tristan was angry, truly angry and it seemed to Draco a good idea to prepare for a confrontation with his brother-in-law because at one point it was going to happen.
"Fine, then you and Draco will leave after breakfast", the queen decided, and she was delighted, because her little plan had succeeded or not.
Draco and Mara got into the carriage and were driven to the Museum of Antiquities, none of them spoke. Mara didn't feel like it and Draco seemed better to remain silent for the time being after his previous stupid statement. Arriving at the museum, Draco got off, but Mara did not, and the former looked surprised.
"Why aren't you getting out? Aren't you coming with?", he asked a tad shyly, preventing himself last second from asking if she was going to come with HIM. She shook her head.
"I'm sorry Mr Malfoy but I have more urgent tasks than to guide you through Leidal. Mr Scottsdale and Mr Lassister here," and she pointed out the two security guards/soldiers will accompany you today. I hope you have a nice day". With her fingers she touched the ceiling, the sign for the coachman to drive away and he followed her orders. She looked back once and saw a prince standing, confused and in disbelief.
The next day she did the same, she quietly drove somewhere and then went her own way. To her surprise or shock that he had not betrayed her yet and even lied loudly when her mother had asked him, during two dinners, if they had 'had fun'.
This gave Mara the confidence to go one step further. The third day they were obliged to visit Mr Edgecombe, an old friend of her father's. Mr. Reginald Edgecombe was friendly, a gentle soul really but also very, very boring and had a drawling manner of speaking, which made it seem like one sentence took ages to pronounce. He could only talk about fish and she hated her former forced visits to this man. She knew that this time she couldn't get out of it, that she had to visit her father's friend because it would be quite rude, but she had devised a little plan.
To Draco's surprise Mara did get out at their destination and even joined them for tea, engaged in some talk, BUT quickly after had gone off to the rather large garden that had a massive maze in it, which Mr. Edgecombe prided himself for. When she eventually returned she had claimed to have gotten lost, a rouse the old man fell for, but Draco did not.
It was FRICKING WINTER after all and there was no way she could have gotten "lost". She purposely left him alone. Mr. Edgecombe insisted on coming back with them because he wanted to see Mara's father so Draco could not confront her on the way back but oh.. OH SHE COULD TELL he was ANGRY.
Upon return they were expected at dinner and yet again Draco lied about the events of the day.
"They had had a wonderful time".
Mara felt bad but a part of her found it ridiculously funny, she for certain KNEW that Draco did NOT have a wonderful time.
Mara had excused herself shortly after dinner, stating a headache but snuck into the library when no one was looking and her parents were occupied with Mr. Edgecombe anyway. She was not keen on reading today for she was still a bit giddy and preferred to sit near to the fireplace instead to do some embroidery. Her little stroll in the garden had given her some inspiration and Mara decided she wished to embroider some peculiar flowers she had not seen before. She was sure it came from abroad as in the harsher winter few flowers survived in Leidal but these purple flowers... were in full bloom.
She was lost in thoughts but suddenly the door flew open and an enraged Draco came in and barged in her direction, stilling himself a few steps away from her. She briefly looked up at him but then resumed working.
"Do you think you're funny?" he asked, clearly highly annoyed.
Mara pretended to be thinking before she glanced at him and replied.
"No, not really, but I have my moaments sometimes", she said and then stared back at her hands that started to fumble with the thread and fucking up her "work of art".
He was quiet for a moment and Mara appreciated the silence as it gave her the opportunity to calm her stupid heart that was beating like an idiot again, touched again by its proximity.
"I know what you're doing, Mara... And this is nothing like you", he argued.
Somehow this statement annoyed Mara and she proceeded to glance directly at him.
"And how would you know? How would you know what I am like?", she asked him a tad more accusing than she had wished. He did not answer and even though she lowered her gaze.
"I'm sorry if your day was unpleasant-" she started but Draco quickly came up with an answer.
"Unpleasant? No.. It was far more worse than unpleasant", Draco sneered.
"Do you have any idea how boring that man is...?", Draco wanted to know.
He took a big breath before continuing and then he gave a perfect persiflage of Mr Edgecombe.
"There's a specific swordfish, Your Highness, which I'm sorry I haven't been able to catch yet. A beautiful beast, with striking colours but make no mistake, very deadly. The teeth alone..." and Draco stopped there for a moment. Mara tried her best not to chuckle because she was aware of Mr. Edgecombe's stories, she had a soft spot for him, but he could be tedious.
"Are you aware, Prince Draco that there this a small but deadly kind of fish living in the Amazon region that is so thirsty for meat it can attack humans!", Draco re-enacted.
"I am sorry but.. why would I care about some stupid creature that eats humans? Humans in general are terrible and a nuisance to nature and probably deserve to be eaten anyway", Draco argued.
It was getting harder for Mara to stifle her laugh, but she was still holding it together, barely though. Draco was on a roll however and not intending to stop spewing about his awful day quite yet.
"Seriously, on and ON about fishes (the variety, what they eat, where they can be found) and how to catch this fish this way and the other differently.. At one point I was ENVIOUS of the fish he had caught because they at least were DEAD and didn't have to listen to him!".
That was the stroke that broke the camel's back. Mara couldn't help it, but she burst out in laughter, eventually gazing up again to see a still pissed off Draco which only made things funnier and she continued chuckling.
"I am glad you find my discomfort amusing, Miss Leidal, especially since you are the cause of it!" but the sentence came out of his mouth a lot loss sternly than he had aimed for.
Even if he had wanted to be harsh with her the sight of a solemn and introverted Maria laughing hysterically was funny to him.
He could not help it, but he started to chuckle himself and then extended into a full-blown laughing fit
"Look I know you hate me but please.. please do not subject me to that man again.. It is too much punishment even if I deserve it", he concluded with a smile.
It was a silly moment but a meaningful one, they both could not remember a time during the last six months where they had been so amicably. They looked at each other now, both smiling before shyness overtook Mara again accompanied by yet another uncomfortable silence.
Mara was staring at her little piece of cloth again that still looked terrible, to gain some confidence as to what she should say next.
She took a deep breath and spoke softly resuming the conversation between them.
"I don't hate you, Draco.. Try as I might.. I don't" and she could feel her face getting redder by the minute. When she had the courage to look towards him she saw him standing there a tad awkwardly and biting his lip.
In a few strides he was near her, to her initial panic which was worsened by the fact that he took place besides her and her eyes had unwillingly followed him.
He sighed.
"I don't hate you either, Mara but I know that I have given you that impression over the last couple of months and I regret that, I sincerely do.. I have treated you badly and not given you the respect that you deserve, and I have been a horribly bad host and representative of my country as well. It is probably too late now but I want you to know that.. if.. if you want of course I fully intend to.. to change things in Astella and maybe.. get to know you a bit better. But that is entirely up to you, I won't force you into anything you don't want to do, and I will make it clear to your family that they should not either. We will find some solution to the issues between our countries if need be but.. I would like to give this agreement another chance but again, only if you want to", he finished.
Mara had stared at him, too taken aback to interrupt him. He seemed sincere but was he truly, she did not know what to answer yet for it was too soon to decided and he understood that, understood that she was still confused and probably somewhere deep down, very hurt.
"I will respect whatever decision you'll make, Mara" he said, and she nodded and somehow beyond her comprehension smiled at Draco, briefly and to surprise he smiled back at her.
"Now.. to bring about another subject. I meant what I said. I would like to accompany to your cousins wedding if you allow me of course".
"I wouldn't mind that" she somehow was able to muster, it was a brief admission, but it changed the atmosphere between them.
"Great! Now then.. "and the extended a hand out to her.
"Truce?", he asked with a grin.
Mara glanced at this hand, took it, looked at Draco and replied:
"TRUCE".