"Whew that is the last of it." XR grins as she finishes the mopping the floors. Ever since her father died, Draca, her stepmother, had been her guardian for over her 17 years. When she turns 18 she will have no choice but to be kicked out as her stepmother declared it. Luckily for her, she has saved her earnings over the years and she will have enough to leave and never look back.
'Not to mention my friend booster is letting me live there for the time being.' Her long time best friend Booster owns a farm and has kept in touch when he delivers food to their home.
He only does so because he and his parents made a promise to do business with her family and to watch over his daughter. The Munchap family had hoped to adopt her from her stepmother but she would not allow it.
'All to own her father's land and trades under her name.' She glared at the thought. The only remaining ownership her stepmother did not take was her father's old swords and her mother's wedding dress her stepmother did not know. She kept them safe beneath the basement her stepmother and stepsister Anya would not dare go.
Her step brother xander or XL was nicer and much considerate to her. 'It's ashamed he has to be a soldier for the next three months. What is worse, within a week, I will be forced to leave.' Nothing bad per say but she will not get a chance to say goodbye.
Don't worry XR, when I come back, I'll make sure mom won't make you leave. It'll be bright and shine like the sunflowers in the meadow!
Her step brother was a bit crazy but he is nice.
"XR!"
XR looks up to see her stepmother enter.
"I see the floors are mopped now go and stock the rice."
"There is no more Madame."
"Then go fetch some from town along whatever we need and not come until sunset. Your sister will need the privacy to sing, take the wagon with you."
'Then I guess it's a win for me.' XR made her way to the entrance.
"I wish time was quicker." Nos a nobleman glared as he was sitting within the hall to prep for the upcoming ball.
"Come on Nos, it's not so bad." Nos glared at his friend Warp. "Nobody knows who you are and your father wants you to marry a nice girl."
"By setting up this ball? It is no different than an arrange marriage." Nos glared.
"How about this, I'll do the preps and you can go in your usual clothes and take a walk in town."
Nos grins and made a dash to leave.
/
"Fresh air." Nos grins, seeing it was a cloudy day and free from the dreaded sun. He does enjoy the sun but most times the heat was horrible to bear. He was seeing it was a good idea to stretch his legs as he made his way to the town bookstore.
He enters in hopes to buy the book he has been waiting to read and reserved to be brought here. He will have another book to be added to his collection of poetry.
He enters to the store and grins in hoping to read the latest horror story of Edgar Allan Poe but saw the book he had hope to read was not there.
"Excuse me but what happened to the latest volume of sir Poe?"
"A girl paid for the book sir. She just left-"
"Do you know where she may have gone? I made it reserved to be brought here." He asked. The one and only few books that is ever brought takes nearly half a year and just when he finally has it, it is taken!
The man pointed behind him. "She has quite pretty yellow hair but slightly short from average."
Nos said a quick thanks and rushes off. He looks around for her and he catches sight of a girl with yellow hair. He walks up to her and taps her shoulder. When she turned he lost his words. 'More like beautiful.'
"May I help you sir?"
Nos woke up from his dazed and clear his throat. "Excuse me miss but may I buy off the book from you?"
"No." And she left.
XR glared at how he can just walk up and ask her to buy the book she has waited for so long and how lucky she was! But it was ruined when a stranger wants to buy off from her. 'At least he asked.' she thought.
"Miss please I have been waiting for the book just as you only I reserved for the book."
XR crosses her arms as she holds the book against her chest.
"Well I paid for the book as the amount it's worth and I am not letting it go." She glared at him.
Nos has never met a girl that is stubborn and will not back down.
"Let me make a deal with you. An equal trade?"
"No means no."
"Perhaps we can share until I can get a copy? I am willing to even work for it!"
XR sighs and got a good look at him. "How can I trust you?" She asked.
Nos grins showing his fangs to her. "Let me prove it to you right now. If I can carry the things on your list than you will share the book with me and if you wish to ask for it back I will."
XR pouted. 'The wagon is too far…' but she did eyed the man.
"... Alright but you must pinky promise."
Nos was confused until she held her pinky up to show him. He held his own out to her and saw her own wrapped in his. She is very beautiful when he got a good look at her. 'She is even cute when angry.'
"Well, I need to get two bags of rice, two gallons of vinegar and a box of sugar and other things."
Nos nodded as he followed her.
Throughout the time he was holding for her the rice and box of sugar that was quite heavy as she held the vinegar and a package of corn seed while reading the book. They had talked and described their interest and dislike in the world of m literature and even spoke of random subjects on their mind, both secretly, enjoying each other's company.
As she finally gets the bag of salt, he carries it as well, having to ask her for directions to go.
"How are you able to read it miss? You are carrying quite heavy items." Nos spoke as he was watching her read the scene of the red death.
"I have done this since I was a child. I'm Xerena but few I trust calls me XR for short."
"May I be the few? I am Nosfer but Nos for short." He smiles.
"Well you are kind to tolerate me so maybe." XR blushes shyly seeing the man now name Nos was smiling. She out of the whole time was admiring him and enjoying his company especially seeing him made her heart beat a bit faster.
"I enjoy your company, it is more fortunate for me."
XR blushes but felt guilt. "So even though I tried to make you give up, you didn't. Is this book very important to you?"
"Well," Nos paused and blushes, "at first it was but after I met you m-Xerena, I was hoping to gain your attention. But alas I am a man that keeps to my word."
XR blushes and looks the other way, "Well thank you but this is where we must depart sir."
Nos frowns and saw the book given to him. "You may keep it instead. It will be safer with you." XR spoke but saw Nos pushes it back to her.
"Perhaps we can meet if possible say tomorrow ten to noon?"
XR didn't have any chores especially since Draca and Anya will be here.
"Maybe somewhere else? At least until before sunset."
Nos grins and had the perfect spot.
"Meet me in the church tomorrow."
XR raised a brow, "You're not gonna make me marry you? I just met you."
"No it is always empty on the fourth day and that way I can take you elsewhere." But Nos partially had thought of such. He lifts his pinky before her and she did so and he wrapped his around her. "At least let me take these items to your wagon." Nos spoke.
XR smiles and leads him there.
/
XR takes in the items and held her book secretly as she hears her step sister sings off key. As she finally gotten in her nightwear, XR lay on her bed, wondering who he was.
"He was very nice and handsome. Knowing Draca, she might try to seduce him." Draca is a woman who would take men that catches her eye and when she is done with them she goes after another.
'I fear he might be like every other men if he sees her.'
She was then falling asleep, dreaming of her new friend and her day.
Meanwhile
"Warp I believe she stole my heart." Nos pacing back and forth as Warp was sitting and creating a house out of blocks.
"This is new from you. I mean you who would keep quiet and to yourself actually talked to a girl. She's as stubborn as you and pretty strong and you two talked for hours? You only talk to me for five minutes and that's only when I don't fall asleep. Better ask her to marry you or some other guy will."
"I am to meet her tomorrow at the church-"
"Nos you snake! Already asking her hand? And here I thought you were quiet."
"To take her to the special library out of town."
Warp looked utter disappointment to him. "A library? Nos you are a noble who owns three manors and lands but you pick a library?!"
"She does not know that. I may have not told her exactly who I am… I want to get to know her first."
Warp groaned. "This is the first time you find a girl that you like and you didn't tell her who you are?!"
"She has yet to tell me either so it is only fair." Nos glared at him and places a book in and grabs another in its place.
Warp was close to finishing his challenge. "You know that name sounds familiar. Did she gave her last name?"
Nos shook his head. "No she did not but if I do get her surname will you find out for me?"
"Sure I'll start looking up for her name, see what I find. If you're lucky and she's not married, you can ask her to marry you. That'll probably take a century, I feel sorry for her already."
Nos glared but smirked as he drops his heavy books on the table causing all the blocks to tumble down.
Warp was shocked.
"Seems you need a better structure. I feel sorry for the blocks. Good night."
/
XR adorned her simple usual attire as she waited inside the church as she saw her stepmother and stepsister talking.
'Wonder what they are talking about…'
"It's ashamed XR's mother's dress is hidden away. I hear her dead mother's dress is quite rare." Anya spoke. "It's a shame it is small."
"Anya the dress is no concern for you." Draca spoke. "Meriden was a good friend to me and I will have you not touch it. There are many other dresses for you to choose but keep out from that one."
Anya glared inwardly but was already thinking of ways to get the dress.
Draca sees a tall burgundy haired man although simple was quite handsome.
'Quite a handsome man.'
Nos was paying the man for a few pomegranates when he was stopped by a woman who was in her early 40's.
"Quite handsome you are young man. Won't you join me for a drink? I will make it worth your while."
XR groans to see Nos and fearing the worst but kept looking. Hoping he is different.
Nos internally was annoyed seeing he did not wish to be late. "No thank you ma'am, I need to go to church to meet my fiance for our vows."
Draca nodded as she saw he was hard to crack. 'Must be one of those faithful fools.'
"But if you ever need a moment, I can share my own." She purred and left.
Nos made his way to see XR and saw she was relieved and scared a bit.
"I figured you may be hungry so I bought us some delicious pomegranates."
XR smiled mad was relieved to see Nos was unfazed.
"Would you like to go?" Nos asked and sees her nod happily but paused.
"May we leave in ten minutes?" XR asked and Nos was curious but saw the side door. "There is a back entrance we can go through. It is easier and safer there from unwanted lookers."
XR nodded and saw his hand out and she reaches for it.
Nos grins as he holds her warm soft hands. He could feel rough palms but didn't care. 'They are beautiful.' He leads her out just in time as Draca enters to find no one in sight.
"You must have scared him off." Anya snickers and taunts her.
Draca rolls her eyes to her daughter.
'At least he wasn't forcing XR to marry him. I would have killed him…' she thought and left.
Nos helped her up on the horse as he got on but kept her in the front.
"It is for safety reasons." He smiled and XR was suspicious. "You're not a perverted vampire or a demon are you?" XR asked as they rode across the road.
"No but if I was, I could not enter in a church. And if I were, would you still enjoy my company?"
"Would you if I were? Knowing I could eat your heart?"
"Yes and I would not care if you did." Nos answers happily.
"Then yes and to be honest, I'd rather enjoy the company of one than two devils." She spoke.
Nos was quite curious who were the said devils but didn't push it.
She sees ahead a building that was almost like a castle and realized it was the library her father told her as a child.
Nos gotten off first, helped her down and lead her in.
"I figure since we both enjoy books, we can explore many others?"
"Are we allowed to go in?" She asked.
"So long as you stand by my side yes. The monks are nice but it usually depends on the day." He held his arm for her to wrap around and she did so.
As they enter in, XR was thrilled to see so many books here.
"I have come here many times to read as a boy. Their collection grew since I last came here."
"My father before he died, told me about this place. I never thought I could get to see it. My step mother wouldn't let me go here. It was either I was to get easily distracted or she actually did feared the worst for me."
"Why?" Nos was worried.
"I do daily tasks for my stepmother who pays no mind of me." XR frowns. "but as soon as I turn 18, I will be leaving."
Nos although glad she was not married, was worried. "Do you have a place to stay?"
"My friend who is like family is willIng to let me stay at his family's farm. I have also saved up most of my earnings so I can have my own home." Her smile falters. "My home no longer feels like a home."
Nos felt sad but decided to change the mood. "They have a wall full of poetry if you are interested?" He asked and XR smiles and lets him lead her there.
Over the past few hours, both Nos and XR were thrilled to enjoy their love for books. They only spoke of their favorite poems and XR couldn't help but start to fall for him.
"I am curious to ask if you would like to attend to a masquerade ball with me? It is open to all so I will be going as the red death." Nos spoke hoping she will agree.
"Maybe… if I finish up on time with my chores." She answers.
Nos grins, "I can help you clean up. That way you can come."
"But that won't be fair on you. Besides they are small easy tasks so I can-!" XR paused and realized she said yes.
Nos internally was grinning. "Then I will wait for you inside by a large clock."
"Would you stay there even if I cannot come?" She asked.
"I would stand all night, even if my feet are bleeding." Nos smiles.
XR blushes and smiles only to see it was close to sunset.
"I need to get going!"
Nos sees her rushes out, follows her behind. Just as he leaves the library, he saw she was already half ways across. He got on his horse and rode and just as he got close, he, with risk, picked her up and carried her off to the direction she was going.
"Which way?" He asked and she pointed the direction. They made down the road just before the sun even set.
"Right here is good!"
He stopped and got off and helped her down.
"Thank you for the day but I must hurry," she was ready to leave only to rushes to his side and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for the ride!" She yelled it out and blushing deeply.
Nos heart was racing, blushing from the warmth on his cheek. He wanted to follow her but he too had things to do and preparations to be made. He felt he should but he had just gotten her to say yes, he cannot break her trust.
XR enters in and smiles happily thinking of Nos. 'He is such a sweet man.' She blushes more when she kissed his cheek.
"Why won't it fit?!"
XR was confused but rushes to the basement to find her mother's dress gone and luckily her father's swords were there. XR places them along with the book but chose somewhere else especially if they were sneaking around. She hid the book, wrapped in cloth and beneath a stone block. She made her way up the stairs to find Anya trying to wear her mother's dress!
"That is my mother's wedding dress!"
RIIIIIP!
XR froze to see she ripped it.
XR wanted to cry and yell but she didn't, not when her mother's dress is in her hands.
"Anya!"
Anya shrunk as Draca came. "I forbidden you to touch the dress and you went behind my back!"
"XR let me try it on! Didn't you XR?" Anya gave her a look.
"Did you XR?" Draca asked.
XR froze, she wanted to scream, to shout but instead, "I did."
Draca gave her a calculated look and glares at her daughter. "Anya you have more dresses to wear for the ball. Find something or non at all. Is there something you wish to say XR?"
"M- may I attend to the ball too?" She asked.
"Alright."
XR looked up surprised.
"If you do all your small chores before tomorrow and find a dress to wear. The list should only have a few, giving you time to still find a dress."
Anya glared at her and smirked and rushes to a different way.
XR got down and grabbed the beads and white buttons. As she finishes finding all the beads and turns to see Draca holding a mask for her.
"Your mother asked me to give you; this as an early birthday gift." XR holds it and was quite in awe by it. "And next time XR, do not lie to me when Anya does wrong especially when that dress is important."
XR looks up in shocked but saw she already left. XR knew she was scary but for some moments, Draca was considerate of her. XR places all the pieces in a small nearby box and went to her room and grabs the list and sees one task that was new and horrid. She then thought of Nos and seeing him waiting for her.
'I can do it, to see him even if it's the last time!' XR thought. She began to clean up the attic that was more stuffy.
/
"So tell me Nos, how are you going to introduce yourself while standing like an idiot under a clock?" Warp ask.
"I will be just not as myself."
"What are- wait are you going to tell me to impersonate your title while you wait under a clock?" Warp asked as he saw his friend restocking the books.
"Why yes. You can flirt with all the pretty women who wishes to dance with a rich man and you cannot say you are not one because you are."
"Say I agree, what's your father going to say?"
"I'll explained to him my reasons and besides Sirena will come with a date. They will be too excited to see her and not know the differences." Nos replied.
"Your sister's coming?" Warp grinned but heard the word date. "She has a date? With who?!"
"A soldier who protected her from a few crooks." He replies.
"So did you get her surname?"
Nos forgot and rubbed his head.
"Guess you didn't. Did you take her home?"
Nos froze and grinned as he grabbed a map of the land and place it on the table. He was looking from the library and the direction. "She was heading this way."
Warp frowns. "That leads to the other outer lands that many live. There are also farmers and older aristocrats. From what you're telling me, she's a simple girl."
"But at least we have a direction." Nos grins as he was thinking of her.
Warp shook his head. 'This guy is killing me here!'
Next day Afternoon
XR was already done putting away most of the pots that were done and saw she finished everything from the list.
"I just need to get the material-"
Knock knock!
XR made her way up to the entrance and opened the door to meet an old women.
"May I help you?"
"I was heading to town but I seemed to have wounded my arm, may I come in and rest for a bit?"
"Of course! Please come in."
XR helped her in as she walked her to the living room by the fire.
"Thank you my dear. You look familiar…"
"You probably seen me in town a few times." XR replied as she helped her arm that was scratched.
"You remind me of my goddaughter whom I am to see today. It's a shame she passed on."
XR frowned but tried to cheer her up. "I'm certain she will enjoy the company."
XR reassures her and wraps her arm.
"Thank you but tell me what is your name?"
"I'm Xerena R. Nebula but you may call me XR." She smiles but could not read her eyes as she saw something different.
"Thank you, may I repay you please?"
XR shook her head. "Don't need to."
"Why don't you need a dress for the ball?"
XR nodded but saw the woman reached out to her bag and pulled out materials.
XR sees the woman pulling out so many materials and wondering how big is her bag.
"Now here we go!"
XR was surprised to find the same material as her mother's dress and smiled. "Thank you! Very much!"
The old woman smiles and made her way to leave.
"Wait I didn't get your-!" but the old woman was gone!
'Where could she have gone?' XR shook her head. Grateful to the woman, she began to refix the dress.
2 hours later
"Thank goodness it's done." XR spoke tiredly.
"Milady you need some rest!" Hildegard the stewardess spoke.
"But I nearly forgot to get the bread-"
"-Rest deary, when I get back I'll wake you up."
XR nodded and fell asleep.
As soon as the stewardess left, Draca enters in to see XR asleep and the dress fixed.
'She has her mother's hands.' She smiled and grabs a blanket to cover her and places a pillow under her head.
She leaves but not without looking at her and seeing her friend in her. Just as she left, Anya glares at how well it was fixed. She grabs the scissors and smirk.
'Let's see with a few new trims…'
"Wake up m'lady!"
XR woken up to see the stewardess shocked.
"Your dress!"
XR looks to see someone destroyed it. Her heart sank.
'no no no no!'
XR was beginning to cry.
"Why fuss over a dead woman's dress."
XR glared at Anya.
"Why?" XR was controlling her rage.
"I can't have you embarrass me especially when it comes to the point of having wealth. Your dead mother should be-"
SLAP!
XR slapped her causing Anya stumbling backward shaking as XR began chasing her across the manor. Draca had put a stopped to it and threw her in the basement locked.
"I am sorry XR but your behavior was out of bounds." Draca gave a frown of disappointment. "You are better than that."
The stewardess was forced to go with them leaving XR alone.
XR began to cry wondering how Nos would feel. She was then realizing if she can leave him like this.
'Will he ever forgive me? Will he forget me?' XR cried so much and even more.
"Please don't cry XR."
XR looks up and shrieks to see a woman in a crystal blue dress smiling.
"Who the he'll are you?!" XR yelled.
The woman glares but tries to calm down and. Looks at her goddaughter. "I'm here to help you XR. I'm your fairy godmother."
XR raised a brow. "How are you my fairy godmother?"
"Look I am so you gotta trust me on this and I owe a favor to a stubborn woman."
XR was confused even more but didn't want to anger the scary godmother. "So first thing is getting you out of this stuffy basement."
She was about to grab her goddaughter but she paused.
"I need to get my mother's mask." She went to the side and grabs it.
Her scary godmother phased herself and XR through the wall.
"Now do you have a pumpkin?"
"We don't grow vegetables but we do have a pomegranate tree." XR answers.
"Even better. Pumpkins are the go to pick. Now please hurry and get one."
XR rushes to grab one and came back.
"Do you have a horse?"
XR nodded and made a quick to get Buzz.
The horse was a strong one and pretty fast.
"Bring him here."
XR pulled Buzz next to the pomegranate and the scary godmother flicked her wrist and wand and soon the pomegranate transform into a beautiful open carriage.
The scary godmother touches her head and her clothes were formed into a carriage driver.
"Now come on we better head out!"
"But I can't! My dress is ruined." XR looked down.
The godmother palmed her head, "I knew I forgot something. This guy is, he a prince?"
"There is a nobleman but the man I will be dancing with is name Nos who will be dressed as the red death."
"How romantic of him." Scary godmother spoke sarcastically, getting a glare from XR. "Well let's make you an angel." Scary godmother taps her head and XR saw her clothes shift to a pristine white and embroidery of crystal quartz.
XR was surprised to see it was similar to her mother's dress but more white and pale gold than silver.
"This is very beautiful!"
The scary godmother smiles and helps her into the carriage and head off.
As they got there, the scary godmother helped her down. "Remember the spell will undo by midnight. Get here soon before then."
XR nodded and rushes in.
/
Nos stood by wearing the skull mask plated in red and adorned a dark wine cloak.
He chuckles inwardly, seeing his friend being nervous around the said women. He sees his father looking to him with concern but nodded away to speak with other guests. He looks around to see if she came.
'She did say she had to do chores…' he then saw her enter. He knew it was her especially when he has seen those very beautiful topaz eyes glisten in the light, looking nervous and worried.
XR looks around trying to hide away from onlookers and how she was looking for Nos.
"Hey there beautiful."
XR looks to see who she could assume was the nobleman.
"Have you seen a man dressed as the red death? He is who I hope to dance with this evening." XR asked nervously.
Warp was shocked and groan. 'How does he do it?!'
"You're the girl he's falling for? He told me how beautiful and sweet you are." Warp asked and sees she is blushing. "He's over by that clock waiting for you. He's been standing there since this dance began." Warp then knew he could ask her now. "What's your name?"
"I'm Xerena Nebula -"
"XR!"
XR turned to see Nos dressed as the red death but the way he dressed was almost like a vampire. All she could do was blush as he stands before her and bows to her and smiles to see her look beautiful.
Warp groans and walks away. 'I give up!' but knew who she was at an instant.
Nos couldn't help but gaze just how beautiful she is. 'My angel from heaven.'
"Are you an angel? It suits you so well." Nos smiles as he tries not to blush.
"Thank you but I was worried I was overdressed. You can tell I'm not used to this." XR looks down embarrassed only to feel Nos held her hand and slips his mask just a bit to kiss her palm.
"No those other women are overdressed for the event. You are dressed perfect."
XR smiles but felt sad as she remembers this may be the last time to see him.
"May you honor me a dance red death?" XR smiles.
"I would be more than honored." Nos smiles as he holds her hand. "Forevermore." Nos lead her to the dance floor and as the music began so did they. Nos lead her as she followed him, as if he was hypnotizing her.
Nos had to hold her close and he felt his heart soared. He has not felt this happy nor complete for as long as he knew in his life. He knew she wishes to leave this land, he wants to be with her.
'Maybe I can go with her and give her a place to call home. I have a manor in England… I need to tell her now.' He leans close to her and whispers.
"XR may I speak with you alone?" He whispers to her ear.
XR nodded and he leads her away outside to the garden.
As he walks with her, he felt fear in his heart but continued on to help her sit.
"I know our time here is short and I know you wish to leave-"
"Please I-"
"I would like to join you."
XR was quiet. "Don't you have any family here? Wouldn't they miss you?"
"My sister lives in upper regions of Europe and my father would be glad to see me out then be here reading books."
"What about your mother?" XR was worried.
Nos looked sad. "My mother died when I was young. She died from a disease."
XR wanted to cry but felt Nos hold her hands. "I have no attachment to this land, I want to be with you XR."
'Nos…'
"I know we barely met but I feel this connection with you XR. I-"
"XR WE NEED TO GO!"
Nos turned to see it was a woman running up. "IT'S ALMOST TIME! SORRY TO BREAK THIS BUT SHE HAS TO BE HOME SOON!"
The scary godmother grabs XR and runs with her and Nos following behind.
XR rushes down, trying to follow her but trips and runs, leaving one of her slippers behind.
With XR in the carriage, her godmother goes in fast speed.
Nos seeing her gone, saw the slipper she was wearing was left behind.
Nos holds the slipper close and knew what he had to do.
/
XR was relieved she was home before they were there but she was crying. 'When I finally want to be with someone I can't!' She cried so much and heard someone coming.
"Milady you are to speak to Madame." She opened the lock and XR came through walking up the steps and into the dining hall to see Draca sitting and Anya smirking and standing against the wall.
XR shook from fear getting the dark look from Draca. The room was tense and cold.
"Was she there Hildegard?"
"Yes milady, she was there. Nothing on the door nor signs of escaping or attempt to escape."
Draca was a bit calmer. "What of the dress?"
"Torn and tattered as before." Hildegard spoke.
XR was fearing she was going to burn it.
"Send it to a seamstress and get it fix to it's original state."
XR was surprised as well Anya was shocked.
"Yes Madame." And she left.
"Mother-"
"Leave Anya." Draca stated to her.
Anya hesitated but left, leaving her and Draca alone. Draca stood up and stare at her.
"I will not ask you for your forgiveness Xerena nor do I pity you and I do not want that either."
"Then why?" XR was quiet now.
Draca walked to her and passed her only to grab a book. "Today is your birthday and although I treated you poorly and dread, I wish to make amends between us and get one thing straight. I did not marry your father for his money, I have enough for my own and more. Your father and I did marry for one reason. You."
XR was shocked and saw it was her father's book and within it a folded paper and hands it to her.
"Your father's heart was dying and he knew you were a child that would not be able to take ownership of his property. He needed someone to provide for you and make certain you were to not be taken away."
XR was reading it and began to cry. "You have been taught as he explained the importance of literature math and philosophy and learn to survive in the world."
"But why was Anya displayed more care? Why did you not accept me as your own. Or she followed the same path as i?" XR was crying. She was expecting anything hurtful or despised but did not hear it.
"There are two kinds of women in this world, you who will make it and Anya who will not. If I were to treat you as such, you will be just as cruel and greedy as her. I blame her father for that but I am no better." Draca stood in front of her. "I treated you as to give you an outlook in life, to read people better and hopefully make the right choices. Everyone can be kind and cruel and even use you like Anya and there are good people you can trust like that fellow you met."
XR wanted to cry but kept it in.
"I kept men from you because I knew those men father and they are not one to let you be happy. I am sorry I have been cruel but I only wanted to ensure that when you were ready to leave, I will know you will be safe and smart to make the right choices."
XR began to cry.
"This home will always be open to you if you wish to comeback but please be safe." Draca stated and was frozen to feel XR hugs her.
"The cruelest thing is giving me no reason to resent you." XR cried.
"I know dear but I only wanted to make your day happier. If you see that godmother of yours again, tell her to use the door next time. Her way is to much of a headcase." Draca spoke.
/
Nos was listening to his every word.
"Xerena Nebula is the daughter of the nobleman that died years ago and kept by her stepmother Draca Le baroness. Baroness has been keeping in check of her fortune that way when Xerena is of age, her fortune and her father's trade belongs to his daughter. Apparently Draca has been making certain she learn everything she can so that when she's ready to leave, she is prepared."
"Where does she live?" Nos asked, too impatient as he wanted to go see her now.
"Look I'll bring her here. You need to go to England and speak to your father about the whole choosing a wife, I got the replica slipper ok?"
Nos did not wish to leave but he needed to speak to his father about such. He nodded and left.
/
Warp knocked on the door to see the girl that had smirk like a devious Cheshire cat adorning her night gown.
"How may I help you?"
"I need to speak with Xerena Nebula."
Anya glared inwardly but grinned. "I am she."
Warp raised a brow but knew how to prove it. "May you wear this slipper?"
Anya was shocked to see it was tiny but smiles. "Of course."
Anya at first slipped it on only to find it was not fitting! "My feet are too sore!" She answered but Warp sighed and got up. "Right so wanna tell me where she is?"
/
"Here you go XR." Draca hands her mother's dress and father's swords in a case to her along with her father's will. "In England there is a bank that holds all of your father's ownership; speak to the owner and only him. His name is F. Zurg. Safe travels there."
XR although awkward by the caring side, smiled.
"Anya will be married to a man up north of Spain and hopefully does not for her sake present wrongly. Please let me know if you need anything else."
"Thank you Draca, I wish you were more nicer earlier than now."
Draca pats her head. "I wish too but for your sake I was looking out for you."
XR made her way in and waves to Draca. Draca waves back and turns to see the man she saw with XR in the church.
Nos frowns not being able to see XR and even more when he sees the older woman.
"Please Madame-"
"Your fiance is in that cart. Best get to her now Mr. Zurg." And she left. Nos was surprised and rushes inside.
XR was reading the dark poetry and couldn't help crying that she may not see Nos again.
"Excuse me miss but may I buy off the book from you?"
XR looks up to see Nos but in fine clothing and sat next to her.
XR wanted to cry but he held her hands.
"I am Nosfer A. Zurg, the nobleman no one has ever met or seen. I have fallen in love with you Xerena and I am terribly sorry I did not tell you who I am-"
Xerena hugs him tightly as he was surprised by this.
"I don't want to ever leave you. I'm sorry."
Nos hugs her back and smiles. He pulls away and holds her hands. "Xerena R. Nebula, I love you and wish to ask your hand in marriage."
XR hugs him close and kisses him for the first time.
Nos holds her as he kisses her back.
/
"Mother stop your evil tyranny!" XL shouted to see his mother was fixing her books.
"Hello to you XL." She spoke calmly.
"Where is XR?! You better not-"
Draca pulls his ear and glares. "I have not spoken to you and not gotten a single letter and you have the galls to yell at me?!"
"Owowowoowowowowoowow!" XL was then felt her release his ear.
"I did no harm to her XL. I just made amends and she went to get ownership to her father's trade and other properties." Draca was fixing the table.
XL was surprised "... Who are you and what did you do to my wicked witch mother-!"
Smack!
He got hit with a book. Draca walks up to grab her book and glares at her son. "I am not a witch and besides I gave up such nonsense before I met your father." She sighs dreamily. "I miss your father so much. He was-"
"No please don't say that!" XL shudders.
"Mon Cher?"
Draca looks over her son and glares at him.
XL was shaking. "Um Sirena I'm gonna be running out from my mother, I'll come back." He kisses her and ran.
"Are you his fiance?" Draca asked.
"Wi! I wish to marry him with your blessing."
Draca smiles and pat her head. "I am not upset about that, I can see you are a sweet girl for him. I am upset how my son does not tell me anything. If you will excuse me." Draca then began to run after her son.