Alright a few writers notes
· I have edited the story and changed it from you-form to she but I am afraid there will be some errors along the way and I'll try to fix them later. One thing though.. I WILL NEVER, EVER, WRITE IN YOU-FORM AGAIN.. So glad I switched.
· My motto is now officially.. Why piss off TWO fandoms when YOU CAN PISS OFF three.. Yes I have added Benedict Bridgerton to the story, from the Netflix hit. Keep an eye out for Mr. Bridgerton for he'll return later.
· I have written a new fic about.. Bridgerton, if you want to check that out. This time I am focusing on Benedict's brother, Anthony and this is another "forced marriage" with another Mara but with a new last name.
· I will not abandon THIS fic EVEN THOUGH I have a tendency to start something and then not finish but I will continue!
· I have changed the tags, nay removed the "Draco x Y/N" ones for it would not be fair to keep having them since it is not technically x Y/N anymore, and I think it will garner less views now but it was the right thing to do.
· The group dance mentioned in this story during the wedding is based on the Turkish "halay".
· The name of the painter's work Benedict stares at is "Rutger Hauer" and a tribute to this Duth actor
· I HAVE BEEN DYING TO WRITE the dialogue between Dante and Theo because it has been stuck in my head for months. So happy to get it off my chest.. hehe
· As always sorry for crappy GRAMMAR/mistakes
She was not doing well. She pretended to but she wasn't for she had just woken up from another nightmare.
This time she was running away from Andrew though Ashwood Castle but tripped at one point. HE came towards her, laughing at her, mocking her and with a devilish grin and then started to bend over towards her, reaching for Mara with his arms and at that point she WOKE up thankfully.
She is out of breath and disorientated for a few moments until she recognizes she is "home", in her room.. Trying to recuperate and think clearly again her mind, for a minute there her mind goes totally blank and she thinks she is back at Leidal, that time has reversed itself, nothing has changed.
Her life is back to normal, she is back in her country living her life.. Until Mara remembers that she has a husband that is sleeping somewhere, in the same castle as hers.
Mara is at her favourite spot at the beach again, it was still early in the money, staring at the waves crashing on the shore and the odd fisher's boat in the distance until she hears someone ask her a familiar question.
"Do you mind if I come sit with you?". She turns around to see who the visitor is.
Tristan.
Mara looks at him intently for a second.
"Of course, brother", Mara says but it is not the enthusiastic response she would giving him before, something has changed and they both know it. He comes closer and sits next to her and both withheld from speaking for a while..
"Why didn't you tell me?", Tristan asks, a mixture of compassion and guilt visible in his eyes.
"Tell you what?", she answers as if she doesn't know what he is referring to.
He shakes his head briefly before responding.
"You know what I am talking about. If I had known.. Then I had- ", he starts.
"Done what, brother? There was nothing you could do. We were naïve.. We were naïve to think there would be no animosity between our countries. It may have been a good idea on paper but in practice it failed" Mara concluded.
"I wish you had informed me, sister. I wouldn't have let him treat you like- ", Tristan protests.
"Like dirt?", Mara answered with a sad smile and brother and sister were silent again for a while. HE could tell the last couple of months had been rough on her and knew she probably tried to bare it all without complaining because that is how she was.
Dutiful but even being dutiful has his limits and he wished his sister had told him about how things were for he would have done something.
"Mara.. I know I let you down, you asked for my opinion, you trusted me to help you, but I didn't. I thought that this marriage would be a good solution to our problem, but we should have never ... We should have sought other options instead of demanding you marry someone you did never know. But believe me... If I had known he had acted towards you this way I would have come personally to get you, months ago, regardless of the consequences.", Tristan concluded.
"I am so sorry, Mara. I am sorry for everything. Give me the word and I'll cancel the -".
She can tell he is being earnest an appreciates the apology.
In a way she is also glad to have cleared the air with him and hopeful they bring back their relationship to the level it used to be. They told each other everything, when Mara was misbehaving as a child he would always defend her towards the nanny/his parents. He had taught her so much, from horse riding, to playing tennis and chess and she had always felt safe and secure around him, until she had to go Astella. She had missed this, talking to him, confiding in him over the last couple of months. He had disappointed her then, yes but in hindsight, he must have genuinely thought they were doing the right thing.
And she could not, if she were honest to herself, fault him for or anyone for that matter, for doing the right thing was always the best in any case.
"You don't have to go back.. You can stay, I'll talk to mother"..he wished to argue.
"You don't need to worry about me if I go back, don't know yet if I will but I already made it this far, Tristan. Just, 1, 5 years left", Mara sighs and then retreats to staring mindlessly at the waves again.
"Promise me you will inform me from now on. Write to me, Mara. Please", he pleads.
Mara looks at her brother, smiled and reaches for his hand to squeeze it lightly. He reciprocated the gesture and the smile.
"Promise", she replies and just like that everything is alright again between them.
Draco enters the dining hall expecting to find Mara and her parents there but the only one sitting there at the left side of the table is Tristan, who just like the other days, openly glares at him.
Oh, here we go, Draco thinks as he walks over to the table, sits down across of Tristan.
"Good morning" Draco says but Tristan doesn't reply, just continues eating. All good Draco thinks, he isn't in for a conversation/confrontation with Mara's brother anyway. Things are going relatively well now; he and Mara had made amends yesterday.. well, they had agreed on being civil towards each other and he had been happy with that result. Last night in his bed he had replayed the conversation in his head and before he knew it, he had smiled at the memory of a giggling Mara and then, a few moments later, her confession..
She had let him know that she didn't hate him, it was a sweet thing to do even more so because he deserved her hate after the things he had done to her, but she didn't.. And somehow that changed his perfective towards her, something had changed yesterday. Gone was the animosity, the resentment (temporarily at least) and he was relieved. Genuinely relieved and he started to feel hopeful that they could spend the remaining period in harmony instead. HE intended to better himself if she came back, be nicer to her, even if he still thought that this arrangement should have NEVER come into fruition and was ill thought, but he was willing.. Willing to work on getting to her better and to be kinder to her, that should count for something right?
Tristan was still glaring at the person sitting across. Draco's breakfast was served, and he had begun eating silently, the atmosphere was tense between them and unignorable and apparently Tristan had reached his boiling point. He loudly dropped his fork and then angrily stared at Draco and at this instance, Draco was getting annoyed as well.
"If you have any grievances with me Tristan, I would like to implore you to state them rather quickly. Let's get this over with before we leave for the wedding shortly. I would hate us having some sort of confrontation there, it would be quite inappropriate don't you think?", Draco argued.
He had not taken his eyes of Tristan when he had just spoke and continued eating as if there was nothing going on. The man had just smiled at him sardonically, taking a moment to reply, as if he is trying to weigh his words in his head..
"Alright.. I have heard about certain misconduct regarding my sister propriated by you", he began, and he directly stared at Draco.
Draco was at this moment choosing to listen instead of reacting wondering what he would say but Tristan took a few bites of his eggs before he continued, on purpose. He wanted to let Draco know that he did not care for him and that he had to wait to be spoken to.
"I know.. your kind of princes, Draco. Spoiled brats that think they are better than everyone just because they were born with a silver spoon in their mouth, highly, idle types that are keen on running from their responsibilities and chasing skirts all over the nation.. I have met quite a lot of you during the years.", Tristan said.
Draco didn't speak, yet.
"And you are the textbook definition of everything I just said", Tristan concluded.
"Well, thank you very much for the unwanted psyche-analysis but I don't know where you are going with- ", Draco snapped, the next second getting even more irritated for he was cut off.
"I will tell you where I am going with this and I would advise you to listen intently please" and Tristan paused briefly, as if he wanted to measure his words and made sure the message would get through.
"If, IF, I ever, ever hear about my sister being badly treated again by you or anyone in Astella, for that matter" and Tristan paused again..
"May God have mercy on you and Astella then, Draco because I will come for you and I will not come alone", Tristan determinedly said, without hesitation in his voice, meaning to convey he was serious.
Draco swallowed his throat for a second for Tristan had not minced his words but then quickly recuperated.
The statement was a clear threat and a bad, bad move, giving the current status quo between their countries and Draco had to let Tristan know.
"Do you think it is wise of you to threaten me, Tristan at this moment in time where a truce between Leidal and Astella can be so easily broken?", he sneered.
Tristan scoffed at Draco, unaffected by what he just had stated, and a sarcastic expression came across his features.
"I apologize, dear brother-in-law. I must have not been communicating clearly just now. I am not threatening you. I am PROMISING YOU and believe me, Draco, I always. I always keep my promises", Tristan concluded solemnly, and he intently glared across the table again.
Draco was too dumbstruck to react to that and even if he had wanted to say something, he couldn't have for Mara and her parents entered. Sensing the atmosphere, they glanced. worriedly towards Draco and Tristan but the latter mentioned gave them a reassuring smile..
"Well, there you lot are. Finally. It has been nice to chat among us but the more company the better I always say. Don't you agree with me, Draco?" and Tristan gave Draco a faux happy look a stage actress would have been proud of.
Draco just nodded in return and thankfully for all and the remainder of breakfast proceeded without incident.
Carenna Castle could be better described as a fortress than a castle for it was built on a sharp hill and surrounded by high walls. From the outside the castle looked daunting and ready to defend itself and the people inhibiting it. The ride over to Carenna Castle had been uneventful, Mara had taken a carriage with her mother and sisters and Draco was in the company of the King and his brother-in-law, the latter one acting like nothing was amiss. The gate opens and they drive a couple of few minutes to the entrance, via small detours, the vehicle goes up and down at a few points but eventually they arrive. Outside, a young man with brown hair and glasses is waiting for them and he walks up to the first carriage and opens the door.
"Hello, I'm so glad to see you." He hugs his aunt, Lara and Amelia and waits patiently for Mara to get off last.
"Mara! Dearest cousin!" he exclaims and then proceeds to her a long hug that seems to go on and on, then kisses er on both cheeks before hugging her again.
It annoys Draco... it bothers him somewhere deep down where he doesn't want to admit that it does. Harry then walks over to the male guests and greets Tristan and the King.
"You must be Draco! Welcome to Carenna Castle, I'm Harry. I'm glad you came along," Harry says genuinely friendly, extending a hand and suddenly the irritation Draco felt towards Harry is gone. Draco shakes his hand and mumbles something like 'nice to meet you'.
Shortly after Draco meets the bride and grooms' parents who also welcome him and seem to be genuinely nice, so he eagerly chats with them, basically he is on his best behaviour, and enjoying himself.
A short time later, the ensemble is expected at lunch. The gentlemen lead the way towards the hall and the ladies followed, talking busily to each other. Draco catches something he perhaps shouldn't have but hears it anyway, something Harry's mother says.
"Well, Mara... Apparently there is something to be something to be said for waiting. Lucky you, your husband is delightful", Harry's mother whispered but nonetheless so audible that people can listen in.
"Uhm, yes.. Yes he is. " Mara states a tad timidly, and a small smile comes to Draco's face. After lunch, it's almost time for the church ceremony but Harry asks Mara briefly if he can have a word with her and Draco frowns but says nothing.
They walk quickly to his quarters where Harry quickly goes to changes in the bathroom and then comes out showing two types of sashes, one red the other blue.
"Ok. I know this doesn't make any sense and you know I am the last person on earth to worry about these dumb, frivolous things but on the other hand.. it is all in the details so... What do you think, red or blue? I don't know, I can't make up my mind and it has been bugging me for days", Harry states a tad exasperated. She looks at both sashes before deciding.
"Blue... 100%" she answers determinedly.
Harry smiles in relief and puts the blue sash on himself and Mara looks at him, feeling very melancholic the next moment.
"How are you doing?", he asks a bit worried and then..
"I was astonished when I came back from Italy last month to find out you weren't there. And married.. Living in Astella. I had no idea. No one had written to me; I asked my mother about it and she said she and my father were instructed to-.. I mean I didn't know till I got back", he says, concerned.
So.. that was why she had not heard from Harry all these months. Got to love her sly, calculating mother of hers.
"If you ask me the entire thing.. is just wrong.. "and Harry shakes his head.
"Just wrong but I have to say Draco seems to be friendly.. I am a bit surprised because he doesn't have the.. best of reputations.. Does he, he treats you well? You're happy over there?", Harry asks a bit concerned.
"He does. I am happy.." she blatantly lies but her eyes tell the truth.
"Mara..", Harry warns, seeing through her but she doesn't want to talk about it and spoil her good mood.
"Honestly, I am doing fine.. Enough about me.. I can't believe you're getting married.. Feels like yesterday when you and I were building sandcastles at the beach", Mara reminisced.
"Oh... Well, I'm a bit busy today but I'll have time tomorrow" Harry grinned and Mara smiled.
"Glad you are here, cousin" and he walks over to her and puts a hand on her shoulder.
"Would not have forgiven myself if I hadn't been. Now. Shall we?", she says, and Mara extends her arm to him and he hooks his with hers.
The ceremony is beautiful; short but sweet and everyone can see these two are madly in love with each other. After the ceremony, everyone hangs around a bit but then scatters to unity to prepare themselves for the reception.
Tonight, she will be wearing a light blue no, ice blue tulle dress with lace embellishments, her hair will be done "up', yet she has some locks of hair framing her face on both sides. She is looking forward to this evening and needs just that, to stop thinking about the events of the past few weeks. The ladies walk up to the ballroom and are met by their husbands.
Draco, as usual, looks extremely sophisticated; this time he has chosen a grey suit with an ice blue handkerchief to match her dress.
He thinks she looks beautiful tonight; the dress accentuates her skin tone and her body, and he must try not to stare. They take their seats and then dinner is served, and soon everyone is talking to each other before the first dance is announced.
Mara smiles at the happy couple and unintentionally she is reminded of her own wedding and her smile quickly fades. She doesn't realise that Draco is watching her but as she turns her head towards him she sees him staring with a look that she can't immediately identify but soon he focuses elsewhere.
After the first dance it is time for the traditional Leidallian group dance, the Centennial where everyone interlocks their fingers as they dance around the room.. To her surprise Draco also gets up to join them, but a bit late, so they position next to Mara is filled and he instead dances between his mother-in-law and Mara's sister Amelia.
Centennial is not a difficult dance to do but it is a highspeed one and Draco can't keep up as much as he tries and it is a comical sight to see, and Mara almost chuckles. After a few rounds around the room, they both simultaneously stop and go back to their table.
As they sit down he leans in to whisper something in her ear
"You do like seeing me squirm and make a fool out of myself don't you?" and she thinks he is mad but when she looks at him she sees that he is smiling.
"No comment", she says with a smirk on his face, and then she happens to glances at her mother who looks incredibly happy and saying something to her husband afterwards. The music has stopped playing and everyone sits down again.
Draco gets up from the table to congratulate the bride and groom and he talks with them both for a while, then the music starts playing, the customary waltz. Mara is in conversation with her sister about her pregnancy until she suddenly feels someone standing behind her and turns around.
"I think I know how to handle this dance... May I?" and he extends his hand to her. Her eyes grow big in surprise, but she gets up, takes his hand and by God, she will never get used to him touching her because as per usual it unnerves her, yet makes her heart beat so much faster.
They walk towards the dance floor, face each other and then he puts one hand on her back and as he does.. he very briefly, very inconspicuously grazes over her back with his fingers. With the other hand he entangles hers with his and they start moving. She tries to avoid his gaze by looking elsewhere instead but it is difficult as she feels his burning on her.
They dance silently and somehow that makes things worse, and more uncomfortable as they are also watched by her family. Out of the blue, he says something that surprises her.
"You look nice... I mean uhm, beautiful tonight, Mara", he says a bit.. shyly but it seems to be an honest statement.
She is so surprised at the sudden compliment she doesn't know what to say, just looks at him like a deer caught in headlights but he doesn't seem to mind the fact that she doesn't reply and smiles at her.
They avoid each other's eyes as the dance progresses a few times. When they do look at each other it feels awkward but also.. nice in a strange way. Like something has changed and Mara is aware of it but can't put her finger on it. A moment later the orchestra stops playing again and they re-join the other guests.
The rest of the night is a bit of a blur.. When it comes to an end some guests linger, including Mara to chat with Harry a bit more. Draco walks up to them, congratulates Harry again and mentions to Mara he wants to retreat for the night. She just nods assuming he has his own room made ready for him and she'll see him in the morning.
She says goodbye to the bride and groom and then walks with a servant to her hers. Mara opens the door and finds, to her utter shock, a partly undressed Draco with his shirt unbuttoned and his chest revealed.
Mara gawks at him a little before she realises she is gawking, and at this point and then quickly turns around. Draco can't help but smirk a little behind her back.
"Oh God.. I am so sorry. This must be a mistake.. I shall go and-" and she wishes to walk away as soon as possible but his words stop her.
"It's a suite", he says, she turns to face him and says she doesn't understand, although she does and darn well knows what a suite is.
"Uhm, it's a suite.. If you go through that door, there is another room. I saw them bringing your belongings in earlier", he explains.
"OH. OH. Right.. Right..", she can only utter, he still has not buttoned his shirt, so she tries not to stare but it is really hard not to stare at someone when you are in conversation with them.
"You can stay here, I mean there" and he pointed to the other room.
"Only if you want of course" he continued to say shyly.
Mara only nods, stands there a bit a bit longer, for whatever reason, before realising she really, really should go.
"Well then, goodnight" she says.
"Goodnight", he says with a nod.
He closes in on her...
Grabs her and then reaches for her throat.
She can't shout, can't speak and she feels the rest of her body is immobile as well.
He inches closer.
Aims for her mouth, kisses it hard, muffling the screams she can't let out.
She wakes up with a jolt and unknown to her, this time she had screamed.. Her breathing is irregular and as with every time she tries to console herself with repeating to herself over and over, in her mind, that it was a dream, and he is not there. Not anymore.
It also helps when she hunches over, grabs her knees, positions her head between them and starts to focus on bringing her breath down but then she hears a knock on the door and it slowly opens after.
Draco walks in, wearing a blue pyjama, slightly dishevelled after being woken up from likely a deep sleep.
In a second, her face is up again, and she looks at him startled but then, somehow, reassured.
Draco is there, it sounds in her mind, but she doesn't know why she thinks so. He looks at her for a while, slightly concerned and compassionate.
"Andrew?" he finally asks. All Mara can do is look away, but even if she does not answer her question he knows the truth.
"Are you alright?", he asks, genuinely seeming to be concerned.
"Yes... I'm fine thank you... Sorry... I woke you up" she says apologetically, feeling genuinely embarrassed that she had, and he was standing there, in her bedroom, with pyjamas on, nonetheless.
Way to embarrass yourself once more, Mara as if your life had not been a continuous string of unfortunate and embarrassing incidents.
He makes a waving gesture with his hands to indicate that it doesn't matter but then glances at her again, this time a bit more intently and he frowns slightly next.
"Are you sure you are OK? You want a glass of water or anything? I could-" he asks again, not believing her earlier statement,
"I am sure and no thank you.", she answers but he doesn't exactly buy it.
She looks completely out of it, shaking, obviously still frightened and trying to recuperate herself and on the verge of tears and obviously lying but she said she was fine, and he shouldn't press the matter further he thinks.
"Alright then, uhm.. try.. I hope you get some rest", he says awkwardly, and she replies by giving him a sad smile, so he sets out to leave, even reaches the door but the next second he is stopped dead in his tracks.
The sentence is barely audible, but he hears her plea, nonetheless.
"Draco.. I.. lied., I'm not doing well.. I.. I'm scared".
She had gotten up out of her bed and stands there, vulnerable, for she asked him a question that he might give a negative answer, but she somehow had wanted to let him know.. that he wasn't doing okay, that the brave face she had tried to put on for months was a façade and it was cracking, willing to let her soul and secrets bare and as much as she wished she couldn't do anything about it.
He turns and looks at her, slightly bewildered at her statement, then the oddest thing happens. It but it happens before he knows what has come over him. In a second he has walked over her and reaches for her with his arms.
Without knowing what comes over her, she lunges herself to his embrace, and holds on tightly.
It is so strange... Draco realises that this is the first time he has held her.. the closest he has been to her and it.. doesn't phase him or appal him not at all, instead it feels natural and in particular, somehow.. long overdue.
She sobs a little and he tells her it's alright, that she is safe.
He makes fast soothing movements with his hand over her back in some way, to get her to stop shaking so much.. It takes a while, but she eases into him and her heavy breathing and quivering stops and then..
They just are, lost in the sensation of embracing each other it seems. Mara takes in his scent and he smells lovely, so, so lovely, this time reminding her of the forest, for whatever reason, and he, well his motions are a lot slower now for some reason as if he is trying to adjust his body to hers, and he does this unconsciously and unintentional of course..
Right?
She breaks free from his hold, understanding the sudden awkwardness of this situation, her holding somebody and especially who so she tells him she feels better now..
"Thank you for.. ehm.. thanks." she stammers, and her face flushes because she is embarrassed at her behaviour, lunging at him like that.
He just nods and takes a step back and he too is a tad flushed but doesn't try to let on.
"You are welcome" he says and then he proceeds to move away and heads for the exit, leaving an affected Mara behind, who starts to wonder..
What the hell did just happen?
The next day, after lunch, it's time for the newlyweds to go on their honeymoon and everyone kisses and hugs them goodbye. Harry says she and Ginny will come visit Mara in Astella at one-point and she tells them they're always welcome to visit. The ride back to Revenier castle is a pleasant one, for Mara sleeps throughout and is only woken by her sister when they arrive.
From that point on she immediately goes to hide in her quarters, even refusing to come to dinner, anything to avoid him but she has no such luck when he finds her in the library later..
She looks up at him from her book as he enters, walks over to her, and just like the other day takes place next to her.
Being this close to him brings up memories of last night and she instantly feels embarrassed again and feels like must explain. Must tell him she should not have acted this way, but he decides to bring up another subject.
He pauses a few moments before he speaks..
"I have to go back to Astella", he says solemnly.
Oh. OH. Her heart sinks unwillingly and her face must have dropped, clear for him to see but he doesn't call her out on it but instead answers the question she is dying to ask him but a tad afraid to.
"Monday.. I'm going to leave Monday", he answers, biting his lip, Mara thinks it is something he does when he is feeling uncomfortable. Strange... That she notices these little quirks as if she slowly is getting to know him better.
"I understand, well.. give my love to- "she starts but when he cuts her off mid-sentence.
"I was hoping.. I" and he nervously goes through his hair..
"I was hoping you would come with me" he says with an earnest expression and her mouth drops open..
"I meant what I said to you a few days ago. I'll try.. I will act.. be better.. towards you. I meant that.." and he takes a deep breath.
"You don't have to answer me now.. I just want you to know that I'd like it if we return together. If you want to stay however, I can't possibly stop you", he concludes.
"Think about it. Sorry for bringing this up last minute. I wanted to talk to you sooner but I.. I don't know.. I should have definitely told you sooner", he summarizes, now slightly stammering and it's embarrassing for him.
He smiles briefly at her, reaches for her hand and gently, also very briefly, squeezes it and then leaves her to be alone with her thoughts again..
That night, she tries to sleep again but can not but this time it is not thoughts of Andrew that keep her up. She thinks about what to do.. thinks about everything that has happened the last months, the hurt she has felt, his demeanour towards her but also the change in behaviour towards her now.. Should she give him a chance to prove that he is telling the truth or.. or was he pulling yet another wool over her eyes.. Would he fall back immediately into his old ways? Or could he tell the truth? There was only one way to find out.
So, when Monday comes, she said goodbye to her family and left her home country once more, this time at least she knows what she is getting herself into.
ONE MONTH LATER ASHWOOD CASTLE, ASTELLA,
JANUARY
Draco had been truthful, he was trying to get along with her more, asking her more questions at dinner and engaging her in activities with Theo and Dante, and genuinely acting a lot nicer towards her. He even liked to play jokes on her. His new hobby was to disturb her while playing her piano, by suddenly running past her, deliberately pressing a few keys, and then running away again. The first time, she had looked at him in amazement, as he had needed a book, but ran past her on the 'way back', deliberately taking her out of her concentration by slamming on the keys.
She had looked at him in surprise but when she saw his mischievous smile she knew there was no harm in it. He continued to do this, walk in the room, say he needed a book and then run up to her and her piano.
Just like today, but this time she was ahead of him and grabbed his hand.
"Don't you dare, Draco," she said smiling and the two looked at each other, then at their hands that were wrapped around each other before one, Mara, shyly let go and after a flustered exchange of glances between the two, Draco had walked away.
That was not the only change in the castle. One day Mara was walking through the building towards the library when she saw a man in a black suit staring at a painting.
She nodded politely to him as she walked past, and he curtsied to her but neither said anything.
Throughout the days she kept finding him staring at a variety of works in the castle and her curiosity grew.. Who was this man?
The last time he was staring at another painting, quite for a long time and she didn't know why but she needed to know why and who he was, so he addressed him. He was still deep in thought analysing the painting until her question startled him.
"The storming of the temple of Artemisia... You like this one, I think, for you have been looking at it for a considerate amount of time. Are you a fan of Rutger Hauer?", she asked.
He turned to face her.
"I am, he is a master at capturing the ordinary but making it extraordinary", he answered, politely and that point Mara finally got to look at him.
He was a tall man, with dark brownish hair which had a nicely coiffed tuft on top. He was dressed nicely, wearing a blue jacket, a beige shirt dress shirt and around his neck a bow that matched the colour of said shirt.
In all fairness, an attractive man to look at, even more attractive when he smiled.
"Allow me to introduce myself, Benedict Bridgerton, Your Highness" and he made the appropriate gesture to acknowledge her stature again.
"Mara..Raven- Malfoy", she answered.
"It's a pleasure and honour to meet you, Your Highness", he amicably said.
"Please, Mara is sufficient", she wished to let him know.
"Oh.. I'll try to manage calling you Mara, but I can't promise you anything. Please don't judge me if I fall back into decorum."
"I am happy to have run into you by the way.. I have finished painting your brother-in-law and his expected wife, and I have done a first sketch of your husbands, so you are the only one left to paint", he stated to Mara's confusion.
He then explained that he had been commissioned by Lucius and Narcissa, that they had an artist to work at three portraits of their family every year, and that they wished/wanted Mara to have hers painted as well.
It was a lovely gesture by her in-laws for it meant that they truly considered her as family as well, yet three portraits seemed to be a bit much, but he explained these were to centre around different settings, like for instance in front of the castle, in the library etc.
They talked to each other for a while until he said he was looking forward to working with her and she politely stated she would do. Then they parted ways, he intended to find another painting to analyse and as she walked way away from she could not resist but glance back at this man.. this curious but interesting man.
"Where's Mara?", Theo wanted to know. It was Sunday and she usually joined them on their activities, but she was absent. They were playing pool in the cigar room and chatting throughout.
It was Dante's turn now to play now.
"Oh.. She uh, has her portrait done if I am correct. Right, Draco?" he said as he successfully hit with his cue, scattering balls across the table into two pockets and then turned to Theo, smugly.
Draco sullenly nodded.
"Ah I see.. Guess we'll have to play chess without her. Shame, really.. I always like to see you lose, Dante" he smirked, and Dante gave him a glare, but followed it up with a grin. He then looked at his sullen brother who had been silent all morning.
He could see something was bothering him.
"What's the matter, little brother?" he wanted to know, and Draco said "nothing", but Dante pressed on.
"Come on.. You can tell us"; he told his brother reassuringly.
"It's nothing really", Draco began.
"I just.. I feel like we shouldn't let Mara be alone with someone since you.. know what happened last time", Draco argued.
Dante frowned and shook his head in confusion..
"With Ben? Nothing to worry about, he is a true gentleman. Very well mannered, after all he comes from a renowned family in London, genuinely nice as well. You have met him for crying out loud and told me yourself you thought he was a nice lad...", Dante concluded.
"Right, right", Draco said and then something dawned on Dante...
"Unless" and he couldn't help but grin slightly, yet he did not finish his sentence but instead looked at Theo, who somehow understood what Dante was implying.
"Aww this is so cute" Theo beamed.
"It is isn't?" Dante replied with a big grin.
"You know, Rey told me something like this could happen and I flat out laughed at her. I feel bad for it now", Theo regretfully stated then chuckled afterwards.
"She did? How astute of her to predict this. What a clever young lady", Dante noted.
"Yeah she is" and Theo beamed at the memory of his girlfriend.
"Will any of you please tell me what the hell you are on about?", Draco asked, tired of being ignored and desperately wanting to know what they were on about.
"Are you going to tell him or should I?"', Dante addressed Theo.
"I'll do the honours, I don't want him arguing with you later" Theo dutifully replied, and she scooted a bit forward on his chair, crossed his hands and intently looked at his friend but paused a bit, as if he wanted to add dramatic effect so the message got through.
"I think you.. maybe, maybe be a tad jealous", and the last part of the sentence came out a bit hesitantly.
Draco's mouth flew open in fake indignance.
"What? I am not jealous? Why would I care... I mean.. I do care because.. because I don't want her to get hurt, that's all", he tried to argue weakly because his voice had faltered, and he knew it.
They could not help it, but they burst out laughing, his friend and Draco and brother. Draco shook his head angrily.
"I am leaving. Find me when you both aren't acting like idiots".
"Aww come on, don't leave!. STAYY", they both said but their plea did not persuade Draco one bit. He was about to reach the handle of the door and intent on leaving until he heard Dante address him.
"Draco", Dante said with a soft voice and he could help it, he was too curious at what Dante wanted to say so he faced his brother again.
"It is okay.. if you like.. It is okay to like her. I hope you know that. You don't need to be embarrassed about it", Dante said earnestly.
Draco glanced at his brother and for a moment wanted to say something but didn't. Instead, he walked out of the room.