The envoy laid his other hand on top of hers.
"Bears. Please, do not worry. These are harmless."
Ro shook her head in disbelief. One of the beasts yawned, exposing razor-sharp teeth as it bellowed hot air.
"Please, come. This way."
Ro's heavy legs moved on their own, the sand no longer an obstacle. While the attendants and envoys walked near the creatures, Ro walked at a somewhat safe distance, absentmindedly holding the envoy's hand in a death grip. She watched the beasts as if they were going to pounce on her at any time.
They got to the carriage and one of the envoys opened the door to reveal a rather luxurious interior… along with a pair of booted feet peeking out of a green dress. Without a word, the envoy helped her up the foothold and into the carriage. Ro stumbled into the seat and within seconds the door was closed shut, stunning her momentarily.
'What?'
"Your things will be taken to your new residence, dear."
The owner of the raspy voice sat facing Ro. The woman's slim figure was similar to Ro's, but she was far taller. Her crimson eyes paired well with equally crimson hair held back in full curls. She tilted her neck, observing Ro curiously.
The grey strands in the woman's hair appeared more prominent.
Her gaze lingered too long, and Ro fought the urge to shrink beneath it.
It was bad enough she had lost her life. But to wake up in a former enemy nation was something else entirely.
"Hello," the woman greeted.
Ro straightened in her seat. "Forgive my manners."
"It is fine." The woman waved a hand in the air before bringing it to rest on her chest. "It is fine. I am Geneva of House Iandi. Welcome to Lispa. You are?"
Ro couldn't shake the feeling that she was seated before a very important figure.
Uncertainty clutched at Ro's throat. She had to play along. Fevers hardly caused memory loss. It would not be a valid excuse. And if she wasn't careful, they could as well have her sent back to Erzi.
To a second death.
"Ro… Ro Mayweather. I'm sorry. I… I fell ill on the journey here. My mind is a little hazy at the moment." Ro's mouth remained dry as she spoke.
Geneva lightly frowned. She leaned forward. "Are you alright?"
A faint smile touched Ro's lips. "I—"
The carriage jolted, and Ro grabbed the seat, clutching the cushion. She flinched and looked at Geneva.
"Please, do not mind me. The journey has been so overwhelming. Everything here is so different from what I am accustomed to," Ro breathed, her words coming out in a rush.
The carriage started moving.
"Oh, I understand." Geneva leaned back in her seat and adjusted the scarf wrapped around her neck. The brown material spotted a golden emblem partially hidden by neat creases and folds.
She then offered a small smile, her eyes narrowing. "Welcome, Ro."
"Thank you, Lady—"
"Geneva is just fine." The noble woman stared at Ro. "I understand your uneasiness, but I promise you, Ro. You are in safe hands."
Ro tried to relax, but soon found that she couldn't. Nothing was comforting about this.
"Thank you," Ro murmured in response.
She then paused, trying to find the right words to say that wouldn't give herself away.
Why was she here?
'Wait, she had mentioned a house when introducing herself. A noble house, most likely…'
Ro spoke up, "I do not know much about your Houses or about Lispa in general."
She truly didn't. Even if this was diplomatic relations. She had discovered there were no Erzi servants from the governor's household on the ship.
That was very strange.
She had the right to ask. There were no diplomatic relations where one wasn't allowed to bring servants from their home nation.
Unless she was a captive…
But she had been treated so well. It didn't seem so.
Ro opened her mouth to speak when the woman beat her to it.
"I was lost in thought for a moment, my apologies." Geneva's eyes became more focused, the smile faded, but the pleasantness remained in her gaze. "You will be joining the Grimwald House. Iver will be your husband."
'Eh?'
Ro's pulse roared to an intense drumming in her ears.
What had she just heard?
Husband?
A bitter taste corroded her mouth as everything started coming into place.
She merely whispered, "I see…"
Geneva smiled. "He is a… kind man." Ro let out a strained smile, but the older woman continued, "You may be wondering why we refused your servants coming along…"
Ro nodded. "It is… fine. I understand. I was worried at first."
'If anything, It might be far better they didn't come along. Who had I seen in my chambers then?'
"Oh, please. Do not worry. We will consider it after a few days. It must not be easy being so far away from home."
"Thank you, La—Geneva," Ro responded, her head still buzzing.
On second thought. This was bad. She was in serious trouble.
Before Ro could take in the full depth of her situation, she noticed a faint glow kindling in Geneva's eyes. The older noble reclined in her seat, and Ro's skin suddenly prickled, followed by a cascading chill that didn't seem to come from the cold weather.
Ro's breath hitched as the carriage seemed to grow darker. For a heartbeat, she thought the whole world had narrowed to those fiery eyes, that raspy voice, and that ominous question.
"Do you know what we are?"