Lord's Desire

DREIZEHN

We arrived at the Manor, more specifically at its gate. The carriage came to a halt at the gate; the area was heavily guarded, as evidenced by the presence of guards at every corner. The gate is massive, black, with gold details and maroon outlines; the top section has an arch with the eagle symbol and the fences; it had gold accents. This location astounds me. From the gate, you cannot even see the Manor.

I checked my phone; it was already 6 p.m., but the room was still bright. Because of the tightness of this dress, I do not even feel hungry. The gate was thrown open. As we passed through, Theodore's servants bowed. I am starting to wonder how well-known this location is.

The beauty of the place astounded me; the road was wide, and you could see the Manor on the way. The road we were on was a garden complete with fountains, benches, and table sets. The forest was strewn with Aphrodite's beauty, and the rising sun shone through the road. My gaze was drawn to the green-carpeted field. It was lovely to associate it with flowers. It had a medieval feel to it, which I loved.

As we approach the Manor, a large fountain in the center is surrounded by a flower bush. The eagle symbol was on the fountain. We were led to the entrance, which featured a grand staircase that led to the doors. I am speechless; I do not know what else to say. We live in an entirely different universe. Dozens of servants approached us, greeting, bowing, and curtsying.

The man with a watch in his pocket is the most intimidating. Perhaps he is the master-servant. "Greetings! Your parents, My Lord, The Former Noble Lord, Thomas Schwarzburg, and Lady Madeleine Huber are waiting in The Great Hall of the Manor House." Theodore's parents? I thought it would just be the two of us? Is he aware of any of this? Do you mean he lied? "Greetings," I said.

He took my hand in his arms. He did not even bother looking at me. It brought back memories of when I was younger. I lowered my head. We kept our belongings in the corridors leading to the Great Hall. The chandeliers made of jewels and crystals, the lanterns, and the torches placed in the hallway never failed to impress me. We then arrived at the great hall, which was quite large; perhaps this is where events are held.

A long table was set up with utensils, plates, and cups. There was a variety of food, similar to what you would find at a buffet. Make it a buffet, but make it elegant and expensive. That is all I have to say about dinner. Theodore's parents approached us. I curtsied as Theodore bowed. "Raise your heads," said Theodore's Father. "Greetings, Noble Lord, Lady Madeleine, your son has returned," he said as he bowed his head and approached her mother.

He then extended his hand for her hand, which his mother offered. He gently kissed the back of his hand. His Father was dressed in a tuxedo with a spade brooch, while Theodore wore an eagle brooch. He inherited his Father's looks, and he and his Father resembled twins except for one eye.

His mother, too, was dressed for the occasion but in gold. She shares Theodore's eye shape. She was breathtaking. "Greetings, Your Lordship," I said, curtsying once more. "Young Lady, raise your head."

After that, I raised my head. "Enough with the formalities we have here, feel at home," he said as he led his wife to the dining room. Theodore escorted as well; a servant then adjusted the seat, "Understood, My Lord,"

Appetizers were then served. It is a five-course dinner. We then went to what is known as an office. We sat facing each other after Theodore said he had something to say. Theodore and I were sitting next to each other, as were his parents. "Let me introduce her to you, Father and Mother," I said, their eyes fixed on us. "She's my fiancée, Mei Chen; please accept our graces," Theodore said.

What is going on? What exactly did he say? "Raise your head, Theodore; it is what I guessed; you rarely bring guests home, so I thought this one was special; from what house are you, Lady Mei?" I was still shaken by what was going on. My mind is unable to process what is happening right now. I drew a deep breath and gulped. "My name is Mei Chen, your Lordship, and I work as the secretary to the Speaker of the House of Commons. I am sorry to disappoint you, but I'm a Low-Born." I raised my head. I noticed a worried expression on the former Noble Lord's face and a disappointed expression on the Lady's face. What exactly is Theodore thinking? Tears welled up in my eyes.

Theodore took my hands in his. "Are you sure about that, Theodore? Mei? As you can see, our family is not ordinary, you understand that right?" He then turned to Theodore.

"Are you sure about that, Theodore? We're nobles. We have a lineage to preserve. You do know what this means, right?" he asked, frustrated. "She'll be fine, Father," Theodore assured him flatly.

"Are you serious about this, Theodore? Is she serious about what you are doing right now?" her mother asked flatly, her face expressionless. I am in a bind right now; from what I have heard, we are only supposed to dine here, just the two of us. "Wait-"

Theodore cut me off once more. "Yes, Mother, she is serious," he said once more. "Why should I give my grace to both of you?" His Father looked at me intently. He seemed to be reading my soul through his eyes. What am I supposed to do? Theodore is not thinking right now. They may expel me from this land due to what is going on.

"I want to spend my life with her, not just with the Noble Lord's work; I love her, Father." I am not sure if it was just my imagination, but he seemed sad when he said his final line as if he was trapped. I fixed my gaze on him. He reminded me of when I left him while he said something. "I love her," he said again. I am not sure why he continues to perplex me; I am still unsure whether he loves me or not, these feelings that I have tried to suppress for years.