Her Reunion

[DEMESNE EMPIRE, 456TH CENTURY, WINTER]

"Welcome home, Ophelia" Another figure greeted her in the dimly lit foyer, the soft light catching contours of his face.

"Hello, Lumiere" with a gentle smile Ophelia approached him with a graceful stride.

Lumiere Hyme, the oldest son of the Hyme Family. His raven-black hair cascading over his shoulders, stood tall and composed. He gazed upon Ophelia with alluring pair of obsidian eyes that.

They locked eyes, silently communicating.

Meanwhile, two other men lingered nearby, with expressions puzzled. Castor Alamos cleared his throay and stepped forward, breaking the silence.

"Excuse me, is everything alright?" Castor interjected with a cutting voice.

Ophelia's smile faltered as she turned towards Alamos, a sudden idea crossing her mind. Without hesitation, she jumped towards Lumiere and hugged him tightly.

"I've missed you" She whispered.

The room fell into a hushed surprise at the unexpected display of affection. All eyes watched as Lumiere, with a smile, returned Ophelia's hug, even adding a gentle head-pat.

"I've missed you too, Ophelia" Lumiere replied warmly.

The onlookers observed, exchanging puzzled glances, trying to decipher the situation.

After a moment, Ophelia released Lumiere and gestured towards the three men to take a seat. "Please, let's all sit down", Ophelia invited with a compised yet welcoming tone.

"Oh, ma'am, please, serve us tea—" Ophelia ordered, then turned to Lumiere, "Black tea, one with no sugar—this one does not like sweet things" She said with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Lumiere stifled laugh at Ophelia's playful demeanor towards the other men, leaving them eager for explanations. The room buzzed with untypical air as the tea was served.

"Enjoy, gentlemen" Ophelia said, lifting her cup slightly and taking a delicate sip of her tea.

The others followed suit, sitting together in a contemplative silence. Leander Deliante glanced around, the decided to break the tension.

"So, milady, where have tou been all along?" He asked, with a curious yet cautious tone.

Ophelia rolled her eyes playfully but maintained her graceful demeanor. "Straight to that question, huh?" She giggled softly, placing her cup back onto the table with a delicate clink.

"The real question is, will you believe what I say?" Ophelia challenged, her eyes sparkling with intrigue as she posed the question.

Curiousity rose among the group, each member drawn into Ophelia's presence and the mystery that surrounded her absence. The room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting Ophelia's response.

As the men leaned forward, Ophelia fixed them with a mischievous smile. "Well, you see—" Ophelia began, her voice lowering for dramatic effect.

"—I have been travelling through places where shadows dance and whispers echo…" She paused, letting the words hang in the air.

Leander's eyes widened, "Shadows?" his voice was skeptical.

Ophelia nodded, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Indeed, gentlemen. I've visited haunted castles on the north, where it is shrouded in mist, wandered through enchanted forests where mystical creatures roam, and a crossing path of long-forgotten souls"

Uneasy glances passed between the men, their curiousity mingled with a hint of apprehension, except for Lumiere.

"And what about the whispers?" Castor asked cautiously, his tone betraying a touch of uncertainty.

Ophelia leaned in conspiratorially, her voice barely above a whisper. "The whispers," she said, her eyes glinting mysteriously, "they speak of secrets buried in ancient tombs, of lost treasures guarded by a dark spirit"

The room fell silent, the only sound was the soft clinking of teacups.

"Surely, you're pulling our legs, Ophelia" Lumiere giggled.

Ophelia's eyes twinkled with mischief as she glanced at Lumiere, a silent understanding passed between them.

"Oh, am I?" Ophelia replied coyly, her voice tinged with intrigue. She gestured subtly to Lumiere, encouraging him to join the play.

Lumiere chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he played along with Ophelia's charade. "Perhaps we'll never truly know," he said, his tone teasing.

The other men exchanged uncertain glances, caught between skepticism and fascination, unsure whether to indulge in Ophelia's tales or dismiss them as a playful fiction.

Leander scratched his head, a hint of disbelief on his face. "You certainly have a knack for spinning a good yarn, milady" he remarked cautiously.

Ophelia's grin widened, relishing the suspense she had created among the audience. "Believe what you wish," she said, her gaze sweeping the room, drawing everyone into her intrigue. 

Then, Ophelia stood with confidence as she addressed the room. "Anyways," she began, her words cutting through the murmurs of conversation, "Could we have the room to ourselves? I am sure we have so much to discuss regarding the political situation"

Madame Viviere stepped forward, her expression apologetic. "I am sorry, but—"

"Please" Ophelia interjected sharply with a firm yet polite tone, leaving no room for further debate. 

The old lady sighed wearily as she dismissed all the maids, leaving just the four of them alone in the quiet, cozy chamber. With the servants gone, the atmosphere shifted, enveloping the room in a hushed intimacy punctuated by the gentle flixker of candlelight.

Ophelia glanced at the genlemen with a soft smile, settling back into her seat. "So, shall we get to the heart of the matter now?" she asked.

"I knew you were lying!" Castor blurted out.

Ophelia raised an eyebrow, her smile widening slightly. "No, the story was true. I was referring to the marriage" she clarified.

The man paused, his expression registering embarassment. "Oh…" he mumbled, sitting back.

Ophelia chuckled. "Indeed," she began, addressing the group. "This marriage situation is another challenge I've been dealing with, and I am against it". Her words shocked everyone.

"How so?" Leander asked in curiousity.

"Firstly, this arrangement was decided by the other dukes while I was unconscious from the cold air," Ophelia explained. "Secondly, I have always disagreed with the political concept of forced marriages"

"Gentlemen, this marriage could have profound implications for our families and our region," Ophelia continued, her tone measured. "Howevere, I beliebe there are alternative solutions we can explore to resolve the kingdom's economical problems."

The room fell into a thoughtful silence as Ophelia's words sank in. Each person considered her resolve for addressing the kingdom's issues. 

Yet, it was not enough to convice the men.

"Milady, I am very sorry, but I must insist that you reconsider," Castor Alamos replied solemnly. "You have nobody here with you," he continued, his words leabing Ophelia with a sudden realization.

The man stood up, his stance firm, followed by Leander Deliante who spoke with a hint of hesitation. "Indeed, I too, am skeptical about the path you are proposing, milady. Our kingdom is in chaos, and I believe this marriage may be the best solution. One of us must step forward…"

Ophelia glanced towards Lumiere, who had remained silent throughout the exchange. Lumiere nodded subtly to Ophelia, signaling that it was time to conclude the meeting.

The lady sighed softly as she rose from her seat. "I see," she said, her voice tinged with dissapointment. "I suppose we will need more time to gather our thoughts and reconvene"

"Please understand," she continued, her gaze earnest. "I need some time to clear my mind. Could we perhaps meet again the day after tomorrow?"

The room murmured with aggreement, and Ophelia offered a polite nod before the two men departed.

After a small conversation while waiting for the carriage to pick them up, Ophelia excused herself and slipped back inside the grand house. To her surprise, she found Lumiere waiting by the door.

"They left. Now, shall we, old friend?" Lumiere offered, extending his hand towards her. Ophelia smiled softly and placed her hand in his.

- - - - -

to be continued