The morning sky dyed the golden crops orange, pink, and purple as we passed and it was truly beautiful. In the distance, I could see a large plantation house resting near the edge of the forest. The tall building was adorned with stone decoration and plants. Tall trees cast shadows onto the front yard and the vines crept along the ancient walls.
"Your family owns this land?" Jax asked, a hint of disdain growing in his voice.
"We don't, but Isabella holds a connection to Lord Bartne and his assets." I fiddled with the dresses' seam pulling at the loose thread. "
"That might make it easier." Jax looked away and we continued toward Isabella's house. "You and your sisters have influence, perhaps we can use that to obtain resources in the war."
"No." I shook my head, feeling guilty my only gift to the Spirits was my vicious ancestry. "I lost my title when I ran from my arranged marriage and Isabella was married off for a contract. We don't have power in the family, just pawns for my father."
I kept hurried ahead until I stood in front of the door, unable to take the last step alone. I waited for Jax to join me on the front step, his imposing figure soothing my growing nerves. I doubted that Isabella would be up at dawn, but she had always been an early riser. I grabbed the brass knocker and swung it into the door resulting in a loud bang that echoed in the house.
"There is a chance someone other than Isabella will answer the door." Jax steered me behind him and I was left to peer behind a tall frame. "If we need to run, I can distract the person long enough for you to escape."
I softened at Jax's words. I brushed my hand against his arm as I muttered a thank you. I let my arms drop as footsteps sounded behind the door, realizing my actions at the last second.
The click of metal on metal proceeds the groan of old hinged. I bit my lips, eyes squeezed painfully as I listened.
I swallowed a gasp as longing coursed through my body. "Who are you?" Isabella's voice filled the air. "Do I know you?"
Jax rolled his shoulder before leaning down toward the hole in the door. He looked suspicious with the dark hood, but I could imagine a charming smile playing on his features. It was enough to convince even the stubbornest of women and I had no doubt Isabella would fall for his character.
"Are you Isabella?" A large pause followed Jax's question and I could hear Isabella fidgeting behind the door.
"No one calls me Isabella. Who are you?" Isabella asked, her voice was more venomous than before, a hard note of steel in it.
My heart warmed at her words, leaving it to my sister to rebuff the Seductor. She had always been the stubborn one. I did not doubt that she could hold her own against any normal charmer, but she had never met Jax.
"My name is Jax and I am a friend of your sister." Jax gave a small wave, pulling his hood down. "Is there anyone here that your sister wouldn't want to see?"
Jax's question was innocent, but I could hear the sharp intake of breath. A pause froze my heart before the door was thrown open completely, the wood thumping on the wall.
"Have you seen my sister?" Isabella's voice was panicked and followed by heavy breathing. "Is she alright?"
I peeked out from behind Jax and saw the young woman wearing a blue silk dress and bodice. Her hair was disheveled and large bags rested underneath her eyes.
"Isabella," I breathed.
I ran around Jax to hug Isabella. Her arms wrapped around me and held me close. I clung to her, missing her smell and feel. I could feel the tears build up in my eyes and her body shook with relief as well.
"I didn't know if you were safe or if our father had found you and I've been terrified that one day he would appear dragging you with him." Isabella drew back and cupped my face as she used to when we were little. "What happened and who is this man?"
She pulled me closer, angling me away from the smirking Jax. The smile was replaced with thin lips as she studied him closely. I didn't miss her lingering gaze on his eyes and I prayed they would not flash.
I laughed and wiped the tears from my face, tugging on my sister's arm. She looked back at me, glancing between the two of us.
It was in her nature to be suspicious and curious, but for this one moment, I had her back. Isabella was alright and safe and I was with her again. I felt invincible.
"I'll explain everything." I turned to look at Jax who was studying us, most likely reflecting on my earlier claim that we shared the same features. "May we come in?"
Isabella nodded and ushered us inside the lavish front hall. The stairs curve along both walls leading to an upper floor. A chandelier hung above us casting light on the deep blue carpet and lavish artwork.
Isabella took my hand and led us into the sitting room to the right of the hall and called in a maid.
"Olivia, this is my sister and her friend. Please, when my husband returns, never mention them." Olivia nodded and studied both our faces, her eyes rested on Jax and I felt anger surge through my veins for a moment. "Could you please get us some tea?"
The maid in question had smaller eyes that seemed to sharpen when she saw me. I tensed, waiting for her to say something, accuse me of being a runaway. The world seemed at the tip of her tongue, but she just took a sharp breath and smiled. "Of course, my lady."
Oliva retreated from the room, throwing a glance at Jax over her shoulder. I narrowed my eyes at her figure and turned to look at Jax who was studying me with a small smirk playing at his lips.
"Maurea, where have you been? I heard that there was a storm a few days after you left and that all ships had retreated to shore."
Isabella's eyes were wide and she looked at me as though I had just risen from a grave. It was ironic because, in a sense, I had.
"I tried to find the ship, but matters arose and I was forced to retreat. By the sounds of it, that was a good thing." I looked over at Jax who was standing across from us. "Jax helped me and kept me safe."
Isabella looked at my clothing and Jax with his attractive features. I could almost read her thoughts as her eyebrow slowly began to raise. The male clothes, our proximity, it wasn't a large leap.
"He is a good and dear friend," I hissed at her, eyes wide and leaning forward.
"Alright, dear sister. If you say so." Isabella walked over and sat on the single couch leaving the loveseat and a small duvet." Please, take a seat."
I walked over to the loveseat and sat, expecting Jax to take the duvet, but he sat next to me instead. Isabella looked at me as if daring me to explain, trying to gain a reaction to my companion's brash action. I didn't give her the satisfaction and instead looked straight at her with thin lips.
Olivia returned with a tea set and placed the silver lightly on the glass and steel table. The pot and cups were painted with small violets like Isabella and I used to pick when we were children. I reached forward to pour the red tea into each cup and the smell of hibiscus and orange filled the air.
"So why did you come here, Maurea," she said while preparing her cup. Sugar with minimal tea as usual. "I missed you terribly, but there has to be a reason."
I cupped the delicate china in my hand while passing Jax one. My fingers curled around the warm dish as I thought about what to say. I didn't want to scare Isabella, but she needed to understand the danger she was in if she was not already aware.
"We were worried about you," Jax started.
I looked over to see Jax leaning on the armrest, sipping his tea. His eyes were fixed on me, waiting for me to keep speaking.
"Thank you, Jax. We worried for your safety," I continued. "With my disappearance, you would be blamed and Nicholas might blame you for my departure."
The partial lie rolled off my tongue and I took a sip of the blood-red liquid. The tea warmed my lips and traveled to the rest of my body. The taste also alerted my stomach to the presence of something other than air. It released a low groan and the sound drew the attention of my companions. I must have been out of water long enough for my stomach to need nutrients.
Isabella laughed and stood up. She placed her teacup down and I followed her example.
"Why don't we have breakfast as I recall everything that has happened since your disappearance. After all, you've always been rather short-tempered with an empty stomach."
I bit back my retort, daring Isabella to continue as Jax chuckled lightly. Her chin jutted out, refusing to atone for her jest.
Isabella led us to the dining room. Before I could sit, Jax pulled the chair out for both Isabella and me, respectively. I was stunned. I had not given Jax enough credit, he did want to impress Isabella.
Isabella rang the bell and the small chime carried into the kitchen as Jax took his seat.
"You look surprised, do you think that in my long life I would never learn how to treat a lady?" Jax spoke under his breath, my sensitive ears picking up his voice over the maids. "We need her."
"You've never hinted at them before," I retorted, put off by the sudden realization that I didn't know Jax as well as I had thought or rather assumed.
Olivia and another maid appeared and set the table before Jax could respond. I looked across the finally made tablecloth Isabella who was staring into my soul.
The kitchen doors opened and the smell of eggs and toast made my mouth water. When the plates were set down, I immediately began eating and filling my empty stomach. The food was delicious and I forgot how long it had been since I last ate. I could see Olivia and Jax watching me with opposite expressions. Olivia looked like she was trying to hide her disgust while Jax looked like he was trying not to laugh. I knew I was eating at an alarming rate, but my starved stomach demanded more food as soon as I swallowed.
"You are excused, Olivia. Please bring Elizabeth and wait in the servant's quarters." Oliva bowed her head, and left, lingering at the door for a fraction of a second before disappearing through it. We sat in silence for a minute, Isabella watching the door as if judging her maid's curiosity.
"After you left," Isabella started, "Father came to see if you ran here. Rest assured he found nothing," she hurriedly continued upon seeing my expression. "There was nothing left for him to find and I claimed I hadn't written to you since your engagement. Then he sent out the men to find you. My husband, father, and your fiance, or rather ex-fiance, left two days ago with a promise to return in a few days. Until then, you can stay here to plan your new escape."
I finished eating and listened to Isabella's account. I needed to stay here long enough to earn her trust and steal her away.
"Great," I grit through a tight smile.
I glanced at Jax and he nodded, understanding that we would need to keep her safe. She was no longer just my sister, but the greatest hope the Spirits had of learning about the Hunters before they found our refuge.
"Why don't you run away with us?" I leaned forward, taking her hand, "We can get a ship and sail away. We can take some mementos and jewels and make a new life for ourselves away from our family. We could-"
Isabella interrupted me with a hand on my wrist. She had a sad smile, but her eyes were light, accepting.
"I love you and would love nothing more than to run away with you," a deep breath, "but I have responsibilities I cannot abandon."
I looked at Jax and back at my sister. If Isabella wouldn't come with us willingly, I would have to force her. If lying was needed, it was a small price to pay, but she wasn't giving in to my request.
"What responsibilities?" I asked, my stomach rolling from more than the sudden food.
"Something you will not need to know about now that you are free and as for conditions," Isabella placed her hand on her stomach. "There are some things I can't run from."
It took a moment for my brain to make the connection. I felt my face pale as I suddenly realized how much harder our task had become.
"You're pregnant?" I stuttered.
I felt my eyes tear up. I was going to be an aunt, but the parents harbored no love for each other. Isabella would make an outstanding mother, but now I was responsible for saving two lives.
"Yes, Maurea. As much as I hate it, I can't be going on an adventure right now and running away from everything. I am finally starting to become happy here and, as long as you're safe, I can live in peace with this decision."
"I'll leave you alone to talk." Jax stood up to leave the room, but a sharp glance from Isabella stopped him.
"Maurea, can I please have a word with Jax?"
I glanced at him in confusion as he sat down. Isabella let go of my wrist and shooed me out of the room. I stood just outside the door, but I couldn't hear anything. Defeated, I sat in one of the chairs and looked out at the workers in the field and the carts passing by. I waved at a man and he tipped his hat up at me. After a few minutes passed, Jax opened the door and waved me back in with a serious face.
"Your sister wants to talk with you," Jax offered, adjusting his cloak, not meeting my eyes.
"Did she say why?" I asked, feeling my nerves fire.
"Nothing much, but you were wrong about her." Jax stuck out his chin and puffed a non-existent chest. "She seems to like me. Though it did take a bit of interrogating on her part."
"What did you tell her?" I suddenly panicked, thinking of the woman I was about the face.
Jax didn't reply, choosing instead to cross his arms and stare at me with mock menace.
"Never mind," I brushed past him, "I'll find out for myself."
"Good luck," Jax laughed as the door closed leaving me with my sister.