The attendants and envoys walked near the beasts, but Ro walked at a somewhat safe distance, absentmindedly holding the envoy's hand in a death grip. Her gaze never left the bears, as if waiting for them to pounce at any time now.
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 luxurious 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."
Ro followed the owner of the raspy voice and noticed the woman sitting in front of her. Her 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 without disguise.
The grey strands in the woman's hair appeared more prominent.
The woman's gaze lingered too long, and Ro fought the urge to shrink beneath it.
"Hello," she 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?"
Uncertainty clutched at Ro's throat. If she were to utter Tury's name, she would already be admitting compliance to this deceit. And she couldn't lie either. The envoys already had that name.
That aside, Ro could not shake the feeling that she was seated before a very important figure. Those sharp eyes of hers held Ro's gaze, seasoned and acute.
She could not deflect the question. It was rude, and the older woman would simply ask again.
She could end things then and now. But what if it caused a war? Especially when they realised the significance of sending someone like her here. They could even just kill her and head to Erzi.
Even if they didn't, Ro didn't want to go back.
"I am called Ro. Ro Mayweather."
She swallowed. She did not lie. That was the governor's name, along with hers. Tury bore that name, too. Even if the envoy relayed Tury's name to the others, it would be best if they assumed Ro was simply another name of hers.
Her throat remained dry.
'I do not even want to be called by that girl's name.'
Geneva smiled, her eyes narrowing as she tapped her bottom lip with a finger. "Welcome, Ro."
"Thank you, Lady—"
"Geneva is just fine."
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.
Geneva covered her mouth and laughed. Eyes shut and still laughing, she shook her head and touched her forehead.
The carriage started to move. Blood rushed to Ro's cheeks.
'You're embarrassing yourself!'
On another note, why was this noble woman laughing with such abandon?
"Pardon my manners," Geneva sighed. Her laughter slowly ebbed before comporting herself in her seat.
She adjusted the scarf wrapped around her neck. The brown material spotted a golden emblem partially hidden by neat creases and folds.
"I hope you can forgive me for my little outburst," Geneva spoke up, her voice gentle.
Ro's lips broke into a faint, nervous smile. "It—it's fine."
"Again, I apologise. That was wrong of me. I understand your uneasiness, but I promise you, Ro. You are in safe hands."
Ro relaxed. She was safe… for now. The noble woman seemed honest.
"I would like to know who… my husband-to-be is." A sour taste corroded Ro's tongue. A third time, she belonged to another man. She hated it. "I do not know much about your H
ouses or about Lispa in general."
'Once I get more information, I can find my way out of this.'
The jovial air vanished from the carriage. Ro paused, wondering if she had said something wrong.
She was sure she hadn't. Or was it something relating to the man she was to marry?
Her pulse pounded in her ears. Male nymphs, she could manage. She was no stranger to them. But the Lispans were a completely different race. At the very least, could she handle an abusive man?
She would need to do something. The best-case scenario right now would be for the wedding to happen later, not sooner. She could flee before then. Blending in might be a grave issue. She had seen no one who looked like her at the port, and it was certain to be the same thing within the nation itself.
She would find a way around it.
"I was lost in thought for a moment, my apologies." Geneva's eyes became more focused, but the pleasantness remained in her gaze. "You will be joining the Grimwald House. Iver will be your husband."
"I see…"
Geneva smiled. "He is a… kind man."
Ro let out a strained smile. She did not like that pause, but Geneva continued.
"You may be wondering why we refused your servants coming along…"
Ro nodded. "It is fine. I understand. I was made aware of the diplomatic arrangements. But I would still have liked to have at least one."
"We will consider it after some time. It must not be easy being so far away from home."
"Thank you, La—Geneva."
Geneva's smile widened.
"Now, you will have a tutor at the house, and she will guide you through our history and customs in detail. However, I will provide you with some crucial information."
The carriage jolted, lighter this time. Ro shifted in her seat.
Concern creased the older woman's forehead. "I hope you're not uncomfortable. The roads in the cities are more tame."
Ro simply nodded. "I am thankful for your care and concern."
Geneva reclined in her seat, a faint glow kindling in her eyes. Ro's skin prickled, followed by a cascading chill that didn't seem to come from the weather. Her 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, that ominous question.
"Do you know what we are?"