Chapter 12

He looks at me like he's expecting me to give him an answer any time soon. I'm not sure I have any answers to give, so instead I have questions. I'm not sure he knows just how much a roof over my head and food inside my belly appeals to me.

I'm not sure I've that sort of assurance ever since my parents died. I'd always been living with one foot out the door when it came to my aunt. "What part am I supposed to play in this quest of yours?". He quirks an eyebrow like he's also thinking exactly what role I have to play in his life.

"It's not all that simple actually. Christmas is a big celebration in my family. We have people from all over the world coming to our winter mansion to spend these two months there. What I suspect the council has in mind is that we show ourselves capable enough to deal with these people, without necessarily causing any trouble".

He looks like he wants to say more but he's stopping himself. "Just say it, you know I won't be calm if you don't". He sighs heavily at this and runs his hands through his hair. "This little arrangement we're having, that is if you consent. I want you to know that you won't be forced to do anything you don't want to do. Sure you'll meet some people that are especially callous...". I think I have to interrupt him there. "If you think I'm going to be controlled by some people who don't even know me then count me out".

He dosen't even complain or give any signs of having qualms about me having interrupted his explanation, and I find I like that about him. It's not every day you meet someone that will take kindly to an interruption. "What I actually meant to say was that you don't have to fear being forced to do anything you don't want to do. Even I won't do that to you. If at the end of this year I have achieved what I have set out to, then If you wish it, we can dissolve the marriage".

His words hold a simplicity to them, a sort of simplicity that I know betrays the fact that every word he speaks is true. This is going to be a simple arrangement. It's going to be nothing more and nothing less. His offer is enticing and I can already see myself feeling like some spy at the whole scandalous nature of it all. "What's in it for me?" I ask and he chuckles.

I'm not really expected to participate in such if there's nothing in it for me, "I'll help you get your fortune back, I'll help you live the life you were meant to live. You can be with whoever you want after this". The words he speaks takes the breath out of me. Is that even possible, to get my inheritance back "I don't want that"I hear myself saying. "I want revenge".