Chapter Seven

Autumn ran her aching fingers through George's hair and he hummed in approval, tapping his long slender fingers on his long legs that was propped up on the burgundy circular table in the meeting room at Nobles sweet. For the past one hour, she had been massaging his scalp and he would hum in approval or tilt his head; her fingers were aching and she wanted to stretch them out but it didn't look like he was letting her off anytime soon. The silence in the room was sickening and the only sound that made the meeting room alive was the pendulum from the floor clock that swayed from side to side. The air was thick with tension and stunk from aristocracy which made Autumn cringe in disgust as she made silent eye contact with all the Nobles seated at the table without them knowing. There were about six of them and her ears seemed to sharpen, hearing the fearful gulp of some of the Nobles and the bobbing of throat from fearful swallowing of saliva- it was disgusting but she had to bear it for the mean time. The booming sound of fist meeting with hard wood made Autumn who was about to dip her fingers into scented oil on a high stool stop and the dreadful eyes of the Nobles in the room snap to look at Marlon who was directly seated opposite George, shooting daggers at him.

"If no one talks, I will". His gruff voice bounced round the sullen silent room, making Autumn stiffen because it reminded her of a certain morbid psychopath while the Nobles looked at Marlon like his head was on a stake. The tension thinned with every sway of the pendulum, making the Nobles drenched with sweat and suffocation.

"Sir George, you have broken two rules that was supposed to be followed closely and strictly". He raised his index finger to emphasize what he was relaying.

George chuckled heartily like Marlon had said something funny.

"That is supposed to be the work of the inner court not a Noble without a position". George spoke with his eyes closed and a dangerous smile grazing the corner of his lips while Marlon on the other hand seethed, the murderous expression on his face matching the visible veins that popped because he had been indirectly insulted and it stung, striking a cord.

"I totally agree". All eyes turned to stare at Riley who stroked his beards like he was caressing something dainty. He seemed to be in deep thoughts with the way his gaze lingered on the burgundy table, focused and unfazed.

"And what is it you agree on". Corey asked on behalf of the others, seemingly trying to shake off the tension that ate him to the bones.

"Sir George would need to report on the incident that happened today and why he didn't give instant judgement to the commoner who fought a slave guard". Riley stopped stroking his beard and shrugged, hunched forward to rest his elbows on the burgundy table, intertwining his fingers and resting his chin on top. Autumn hearing that stiffened but immediately covered her slip up.

"I never knew you paid attention to things going on around you Riley and the fact that you care for a slave guard? touchy!". George mocked and exaggerated dryly which caused Riley to stiffen.

"I- um- I". Riley stuttered and eventually kept mute.

"Don't you think it's such a shame that a commoner beat a so called guard?". He continued and questioned, silencing everyone.

"My business with the inner court and personal affairs has nothing to do with any of you". His voice deepened dangerously and alluringly, making himself clear, no room for argument which made Marlon snicker, his malicious brown eyes scanning the room and taking in the pathetic appearances of Nobles who held their head high outside like nothing or no one could trample on them but now an underage kid spoke and they trembled.

Pathetic cowards!!. He spat in anger.

"Even if I Marlon Elizabeth have no position as a Noble, I still have a say over a few things George". He called George's name like hot knife had been placed on his tongue which made shocked and anticipating gasps echo, shocked that he had addressed George without his title.

The fool seemed pleased with himself as he adjusted himself on the chair, supporting his head with his hand and elbow resting on the plush arm rest. Autumn could only shake her head at him; a Noble without a title addressing a Noble who was almost given the position of a Lord by his name.

"Marlon!". A sultry voice belonging to a lady with her hair held at the side called out.

"What?". 

"You've gone overboard". Lady Genesis glared at her older brother to shut up before her gaze moved to the seductive man who sat slumped on his chair without a care in the world and she blushed while Autumn rolled her eyes and snickered silently at the scene unfolding.

"Sir George". Lady Genesis spoke with her flaming red cheeks. "I apologize on behalf of my older brother". She blushed harder and bowed her head to hide it when her eyes met with his that were opening slowly. Lady Genesis raised her head and glared at the rest of the Nobles who sat like statues. Although they didn't have positions but title, she could still control some Nobles; they were at the tip of her fingers. Understanding the meaning behind that glare, they nodded feverishly and gave each other silent stares, daring themselves to awaken the sleeping lion. However, before any of them could take up the challenge, George raised his hand to silence them like he knew what they were going to say and Marlon scoffed, not liking the authority and effects George had.

"I have a direct order from the king". Saying that, George opened his eyes and his expression molded into a serious one, as though they weren't going to like what he was going to say. Autumn paused everything she was doing and stared down at George.

Was that her cue to leave? she wasn't suppose to hear sensitive topics especially a direct order from the king right?.