Bought to be a Tutor?

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Lia:

"Now you listen. You have been my dearest companion for longer than I care to admit. I value your presence in my life more than you could possibly know. I am beyond grateful for all you have done for me over the years, but I'll not have you share my fate, whatever that fate may be. It's high time you lived your own life."

"But Lia-"

"I won't hear another word." I place my forehead to hers. "Find love, find passions, and have adventures. Live your own life now. You owe me nothing. My only regret will be leaving you before having a chance to repay all you've done for me. Now go."

Lia shoves her companion out the door and slams it shut. She turns to the man before her, head held high.

"You have quite the intimate relationship with your friend there "

"You would too, were you exposed to such circumstances as we were."

"Such as?"

"That is none of your concern."

He stared at her for a long moment.

“What of my mother?” 

He smirked. “She left, just as you came in, she went out the back.”

“I see.” He observed her again. She didn't look surprised that her mother abandoned her. She didn’t even look surprised that she had been sold to him. What a strange girl that stood before him.

"Well if you want to stay, you'll need a room. Follow me." He turned and took a few steps. When she didn't follow he grew impatient. "Well?" 

She sighs. " Come here a moment if you please." He eyes her warily before obliging. She searched for his arm and then positioned it so that it bent before her, placing her hand gently in the nook of his arm. "Like this. This is how must travel, anytime we're together." 

"And why should I accommodate such a ridiculous demand?" He asked incredulously.

"Because if you do not, my feet shall not move from this spot." 

He watched her a moment before submitting. This woman intrigued him, so he would go with her odd whims... for now. 

They walked in silence down the long corridor. She continued to hold her head in her regal way, looking straight ahead only. 

"You don't like the paintings?"

"Pardon?"

"On the walls, you've taken no notice of them." He had a new painting every foot or so hanging on the wall. All different artists, all different styles. 

"I- I”m not much one for art."

"I see." He eyed her once more. "What do you like?" 

She pondered this a moment, unsure what answer would be safe. 

"Music. I like music." 

"Hmmm," he mused. 

They walked the rest of the way in silence. Eventually, he stopped at a door at the end of the long hall. "This room will be yours." He said as he opened the door and stepped aside. 

She stepped tentatively inside. "Thank you." 

"Get some sleep. I'll fetch you in the morning." Lia simply nodded her head in acknowledgment and he shut the door, leaving his new dame inside. 

Lia waited for the sound of his steps to retreat before slumping herself against the door. She let out a sigh of relief. "Alone at last" she mumbled. She sat for a few minutes, trying to adjust to being on her own among strangers for the first time. 

Picking herself up, Lia felt her way through the room until she found the bed. She settled in quickly as she felt her exhaustion catch up with her. In minutes she was asleep.