what do you have to offer?

Connor hurriedly bent to whisper something into Lucinda ears, his words made her gaze stray to the man known as Silas; his demure was quite and refined as it was dangerous, as he seated opposite her waiting patiently.

Connor stood to full height a slight scowl on this face studying the Lord before them. He couldn't believe it was him. Of all people why was he here and in front of his lady.

"Ah, so you are the rumored Lord Silas." It was more of a statement than a question. "I didn't recognize you for a moment". Lucinda voice was eerily calm.

"Not surprising. I didn't make my presence known much over the years" Everyone that suppose to be anyone , even the lowest of society knew about the rumored Viscount of the Quilvet estate. The man rumored to have killed every fiancée sent his way, more of all his very own family. His crimes were treacherous and he was regarded as inhumane by all who hear of him and his reputation that transcends him.

But not much people know of him on a personal level and the unfortunate ones that do meet him are not so fortunate to come back alive and tell the tale. A man like the monster in the folk tales of ever story. No heart, no regrets, he was just a vessel of brooding darkness. yet this Feared Lord, the same hated by everyone but yet desired by the same nobilities sat before her, offering a deal.

"Well apparently you are a liar not to be trusted" Lucinda stated matter of fact.

An un hinged grin stretched on his face "You are right! I'm a liar and definitely not to be trusted. But I'm also the only one you can find on such short notice to solve your problem. for a price not too complex I might add".

Lucinda needed to think fast. People like him are the ones that tend to take full control of the situation in no time.

With what she has heard so far, he was offering to help her, but she knew it wouldn't be that easy. Maybe it was the doubting she was so used to over the years but she believed a favour, one more like his must have a catch. And if she made the mistake of not meeting him head on, the later consequences may be too dire to handle.

"Your offer is quite tempting, but i have nothing to offer a man of your caliber". She watched every movement of him, her hand fan lightly tapping her other hand under the table.

"I see" he nod his head in thought like he understood.

"So what do you want?" Lucinda threw the question to him, trying to pry more into why he was really here.

"What can you offer me?" he threw the question back to her, his words making it feel like she has the reigns but he knew the way. "I believe everyone has something to offer, besides even the lowest of people without worldly treasures has something to offer a devil. Their soul perhaps". Lucinda raised her eyebrow at him. What in the world did he mean by soul. This man was just getting more complex by the minute.

Her rhythmical tapping of her hand fan ceased, coming to a decision.

"Entertainment". Her gaze came to rest on his as the once silent wind came to whistle pass them like a witness to her decision.

Silas cocked his head in intrigue at her words.

"In my quest of revenge, that's all i can offer you. The entertainment of watching me destroy my enemies" at his silence she added.

" with your help of course. That is if you'll still have me". That got his attention as his chuckle ran low and deep, his interested gaze meeting hers.

"Well Lady Lucinda, i have to admit that you do make quite an intriguing offer".

A small smile curve her lips. " if it's to your satisfaction. It works well for both of us. I want revenge and you want the entertainment that comes with it. With your influence and assistance, i have much to gain from this alliance.

He was fascinated. The unyielding gaze of the woman before him. Her firm resolve that stern from fierce protectiveness.

Silas finally raised his head in finality. "I have listened to your preposition and I don't find it lacking. And so i ask once more. What is it you want? And what is my role in your game?"

They were being quite blunt with each other, their intentions coming to play in the open.

At his question Lucinda gaze finally glinted, her gaze filling with malice for her offenders, ready to bring a roaring hurricane with her next words.

"Be my fiancé.." A proposal?

Connor who remained silent since he bent to whisper in his lady's ear physically jolted at her proposal. Calling out to his lady in panic before he could stop himself. Silas lazily shifted his gaze to Frederick who stood straighter beside him, others won't notice but he could tell, Frederick was tense. He suppose he has something to do with it, saying little to nothing of their purpose in this empire. Though his demure and expression might not be reveling he knew Frederick was worried. It isn't the first time Silas makes risky moves but this might have just topped it off. Getting involved with the lady before them will change the course of things. As the two men silently communicate with their gaze, Connor was quite outspoken as he tried to convince his lady to reconsider her decision. Bright eyes watching them from a distance, took in their reactions.

Lucinda cleared her throat her actions putting a halt to Connor abject refusal. He reluctantly stood straight and bowed his head In apology to his lost composure. With Lucinda gaze on Lord Silas once more, the ball was in his court.

Silas lips stretched in a cunning smile fully taking in the conniving woman before him.

"Well then," his smile turned devious "It seems we have a deal Lucinda" his words, the slight slur to his voice and dropping of formality, all but shows just how involved he was with her now. The floor has been open, and in this war, she plan to come in hot and ready, with an ace card up her sleeves. But instead of a king engraved on the card, she had a Viscount.

A man that caused everyone to tremble had just offered his alliance to her. And Lucinda plans to play her cards right.