I’d been living at the manor for six months now. Time really flew.
As I set the table for dinner, I thought back on my time here. To a young woman, six months were quite precious, indeed.
With a small sigh, I took a seat. Nadir remained adamant that we take our meals together.
“What’s wrong, Lady Brianna?” asked Nadir’s self-appointed friend, Abel, noticing my gloom. Self-appointed, incidentally, because Abel’s “friend” had never confirmed said friendship. Poor guy.
I looked into Abel’s droopy eyes and let out another sigh. “I’m homesick.”
Nadir, Abel, and even Ben, who stood behind them, all exchanged glances.
“You don’t seem the type to get homesick,” Nadir remarked. The other two nodded in agreement, likely sharing the sentiment.
Now what was that supposed to mean?!
“I’m homesick,” I repeated, defiantly ignoring Nadir’s words.
“For someone who loudly announced in front of a crowd that she’s still a virgin, you’re oddly sensitive,” Abel said.
“I didn’t think people who mocked others for wetting the bed could get homesick,” Ben added.
Apparently neither of them thought I could, in fact, be homesick. What did they even think of me? I mean, yes, I had loudly proclaimed my virginity, but not without a reason! I was no deviant! Also, the bedwetting incident had happened ages ago. That didn’t count!
“I’m homesick,” I repeated yet again, ignoring the two of them as well.
Nadir seemed conflicted.
Perhaps one more time would do it, I thought. “I’m homesick.”
And it did! Nadir raised his hands in surrender. “Fine. Go home for a bit.”
“Yes!” I exclaimed, beaming. “Thank you, Nadir!”
In response to my excitement, Nadir turned his face away. Um, rude? I was trying to show my appreciation here!
✦ ✦ ✦
It was true that I was homesick. Really. It was the first time I’d been apart from my parents for so long. I was dying to visit home.
Despite being quite pleased with having obtained permission to do so, though, I couldn’t rejoice, deep down.
“Your hometown is quite rural.”
Why was he coming with me?! Finally I got to return home, and Nadir just had to be there too for some reason. Baffling, truly.
“Um,” I mumbled. “I wanted to go by myself.”
“Bit late for that.”
Fair.
The carriage was only an hour away from my parents’ estate at this point. It would’ve been inefficient to turn back now.
“You know there’s nothing of note back at my home, right?” I asked.
“That’s fine. I’m not expecting anything.”
Well, that annoyed me a little. I mean, yes, there was barely anything there, but it was still my parents’ beloved home! Displeased, I puffed out my cheeks. Rude jerk!
Noticing my mood, Nadir handed me a pastry. “It’s popular in the capital,” he said. “Here. Eat.”
As if I’d take anything from some jerk who trash-talks my hometown! I thought, but then again, a trending dessert from the capital was very tempting indeed. Nadir was offering me a cupcake, topped with sugar confections. The decoration was colorful and pleasing to the eye, and the smell was incredible. Unable to resist, I took it and brought it to my lips.
“Oh, it’s delightful!” I exclaimed.
It pained me to admit, but I was a self-serving woman, and far too easy to placate with food besides. I was still savoring the first cupcake when Nadir handed me another. How could I have refused? In it went. Ah, so good. So good.
I was so busy being engrossed in my cupcakes, and thinking that if there were any left I’d give them to my parents, that I didn’t notice Nadir’s expression at all.
✦ ✦ ✦
Home sweet home.
“Father! Mother! I’m home!” I exclaimed in high spirits as I opened the doors. I’d sent them a letter in advance informing them of my arrival, so they were quick to come over to the parlor to see me.
“Welcome home, Brianna,” said my mother as I leaped into her warm embrace. My father, who arrived shortly after, watched us with a gentle smile.
“And welcome to my humble home, Lord Nadir,” he said.
“Apologies for the short notice,” Nadir replied.
“Oh no, please, we’re nothing but grateful for all you’ve done for us.”
My father’s cheeks seemed fuller than I remembered. So were my mother’s hands as she ushered me inside. Perhaps they were eating better now that Nadir had taken over their debt.
We reached the living room and a maid served us tea.
“You have our thanks for providing us with a maid.”
“And guards...”
Ah, the tea this maid brewed was leagues above anything I could make. It figured, I thought. She did use to work at a duke’s estate, and— Wait. Guards? What guards? I knew about the maid, of course, but guards were news to me.
“It’s no problem,” Nadir said with a polite smile. Where was that charming smile whenever he spoke to me? Hmph. “It’s the least I could do, having taken your precious daughter from you. Please do rest assured I will continue to arrange for these services.”
My parents thanked him for the assurance. “As for your accommodations,” my mother said, bringing a hand to her cheek in a measured gesture, “you mentioned wanting to share a room with Brianna. Is that right?”