1.07

                                    

                                          

                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          
                          
the new captain and a wedding cancelled 
                          
~
                          
"Well," started Nathan, "how wonderful to see the brothers Dorianson again. Who's the lovely miss, Raymond?" The arrogant tone made his words threatening in a way. Raymond felt the urge to both growl and hide Joanna behind him. It was all too clear to him that she and Nathan would not be left alone in the same room... if only for his own reassurance. 
                          
However, the Lord of Wolveshire decided to take the polite approach for now. He cleared his throat to make sure his voice came out exactly how he wanted to. "All the same, Lord Fredrickson. I see you brought the beautiful Lady Olivia back to my grounds." The Lady in question tensed up at his tone and words. They were all but nice, and she knew it too. Raymond took Joanna's hand in his and walked down the castle's steps. "May I introduce you to Joanna, my future bride." He couldn't help but smile at his own words... somewhere inside him, he had always wanted to present his bride. 
                          
Shock was evident on both of the guests' faces. Future bride. Oh, that must have been a slap in the face. Joanna, on the other hand, sweetly played along and curtsied without any difficulty. "It is an honour to make your acquaintance, my Lord and my Lady."
                          
"The pleasure is mine, my Lady," Nathan said, dutifully reaching for her hand to kiss. Raymond could swear he saw Joanna's jaw lock... as if she already hated him enough to kill him.
                          
"I must say that I am surprised," Nathan continued, "My beloved Olivia did not mention that you were engaged, Raymond." He shot him a sly look. A challenging look. He knew this was an act.
                          
"Well, my Lord, I have known Raymond for a long time. It was only since his father," Joanna paused for a second, "well, passed away, that we met again. My father is a diplomat for the King of Vanaheim, you see. Our family had to move constantly. I met Raymond when I was a child, and my father had business on Asgard." She was, somehow, brilliant at lying! 
                          
"Yes," Raymond quickly came to her help. "I always wanted to propose, but never did I find myself in the position nor the ability to do so. When I became Lord of Wolveshire, I knew I wanted Joanna at my side."
                          
Nathan's eyes squinted. "That is a lovely story. I wish to hear more about it. Perhaps over dinner? My wife and I would like to rest after such a journey." His wife? He had already married Olivia... Why was Raymond surprised, the snake would not take his betrothed on such a visit. Only his wife.
                          
"One of the maids will show you both to your quarters," Raymond said tightly, "We will see you at dinner then." Without needing to offer it to her, Joanna quickly took his arm. Together, they went up the steps and into the castle. When he passed his brother, Raymond could see the pain in Silas' eyes. He would not let his brother attend dinner this evening, he would not be that cruel.
                          
~