Chapter 149: Twig

Lehi and Lila congratulated Hexel who was busy greeting the guest. The engagement got announced when their main household got rebuilt. Sienna shyly introduced herself and greeted their guests. Sienna looked stunning with her pure white and purple apparel. Her hair were beaded in seven waves. Most of the young nobles were in awe at her. Ophir, Nevi,Kiel and Ain rejoices for Hexel. Hexel had a matching outfit with Sienna. The people watched how the two dances in the hall.

Hexel felt comfortable around her. Hexel can say that she improved a lot. Sienna can now match his step and every motion. Hexel can see the attention she have earned from the noble men who was intently watching her every move. Hexel can read through her expressions. Her trembling feet already gave him the signal that the eyes upon her, overwhelmed her confidence. Hexel finished the last twirl and ended their waltz. He led Sienna to sit on their couch out of the crowd and instantly checked her feet.

"You could have told me that your sandals were bruising your feet."

Hexel scolded her not strong enough to offend her. Sienna just rubbed the part where the scratches are.

"I can't make a scene out there. The duchess will panick."

Hexel called the maid and asked her to bring his medical kit and some comfortable slippers.

Sienna felt a bit touched at how Hexel started to act concern. Hexel gently clean her bruises and put on some bondage. Hexel even helped Sienna put on her sandal. Sienna was just silently observing Hexel's action. Sienna got her eyes focused on his when he finished and remain in front of her as he spoke.

"Did you know that our family had a tradition, that if a man put on a sandal on that woman it means he is claiming her as his wife. Since I put one on you... then it means you can't run away again."

Sienna just furrowed her brows and replied.

"Hey I am sorry okay.. I was just shocked at how the duchess started to plan a wedding without informing that I am the bride."

Hexel just smirked and nod to say that he is pretending to have bought what she just said. Sienna just waved her hands in defeat when Hexel made a comment.

"wait, are you planning to ditch me again?"

Sienna just stated a annoyed No at Hexel who extended his hand to help her stand up.

"We need to go, or my mother might start a scene."

The engagement party ended with the duchess happily boasting and proclaiming how her most awaited dream came true.

Ham chuckled when the news reached his ears. Ham now had a new plan to stain the duke's household. Truth to be told he was lamenting for losing Gardenia. When Ham heared about her sudden death. Ham felt his heart broken, His passionate ambition got stolen when Cyrus married her but when she died all of his desire and passion got devastated. Ham planned to destroy the King's aid and have his ass sit on the throne but having Cyprus appear on his side made his dreams more unrealistic. Ham planned to destroy every power house within the Kingdom and he planned to start with the duke.

Eyel informed Hexel about the news. The women who are rallying in front of the duke's house made scene. The Tale Bearers headed to see the situation and heared the women shouting and throwing a fit as they wail and wept. The duchess looked stressed as she tried to calm them but the women kept on arguing and complaining. Ain made a way to enter the household without being noticed and they found Sienna being tended by the maids.

Hexel was horrified to see her state. Her hair were all over the place. Her dress were tore. Their are tomatoes and broken eggs all over her body. She got some bumps and nail mark on her neck and arms. Hexel asked her about what happened.

"The women who were linning up to be your bride got angry at me. They were questioning how I got under your bed. It sounds offending and painful. Since your here, I am going for a shower."

Sienna excused as she nonchalantly stood up and paced and spoke.

"This is one of the reason why I run away. You did not realise about this kind of consequences since you really never thought about it. I am hoping that you'll learn to be sensitive in the future even for a little."

Lehi and Urchin accompanied Sienna. When the door shut Sienna started to cry. Lehi and Urchin just comforted her as they listened at her broken words.

"Their words were too harsh and sharp. It dug right through my soul. I know I am someone you just picked up but their verbal accusations were abusive. I felt naked and trampled."

The women halted when Hexel and the Tale Bearers appeared. Thanks to Kiel's absolute authority the riot became a tea party. When Kiel inquired about their abrupt actions. Most of the women just gave them a unified answer.

"Someone said that the woman engaged unto our duke used a trick to have him be wrapped with her finger."

"We also recieve a note that the duchess planned to kicked her out."

"And we even recieved a warning that says the duchess wished to search for a new suitable partner for the duke. Our household recieved one of those letters."

Ophir and Nevi went to each household and collected the letters. Ain and Hexel visited and sent the women home as they apologise and inform them that the letter was not from the duke's house. Sienna soaked and took her sweet time with Lehi and Urchin. Lehi healed her wounds with her oil. Urchin giggles as he comb Sienna's hair. Sienna put on a simple dress when a knock was heared from her chamber door. Lehi opened the door and found the duchess and duke wearily checking on Sienna. Lehi and Urchin moved out and joined the Tale Bearers that are having their own meeting.