Our Little Secret (The Reborn)

His return

"May i, my lady?" Nicholas asked politely and confidently. Mariah wearing her jewelry over a sky blue corset bonding the body but not bizarrely exposing her cleavage. She turned to him with a daunting look on her face as he composed himself.

 "What have you got?" She asked sternly. Her Black lipstick depicted harm than good.

 "I have come to remind you about the your servant Ursula who's been locked for 3 days assigned...if...if it pleases you, can i carry on your..." He explained as best as he could.

 "...Silence, you coward!you dare not interrupt my beauty art all for a thief you call my servant!" She scolded "I am beginning to have strong doubts you, Nicholas!" She added

 "Forgive me, my lady! I have erred!"

 "Hmm?! Of course you have. Let her out when its 12 noon, and she must see me as soon as she washes off her stinky adornment. My son would return and she must not be seen any where close to my son! I can not bear the fortitude, are we cleared?"

 "Yes my lady! Shall i..."

 "You may leave instantly!" She dismissed him. He scurried out hiding his indepth excitement, he maintained a straight face as well.

Few minutes to Xavier's expected arrival, Marie has been deleting as always, mother supervised jisy a few things and also sent a later tied with a blue ribbon to invite the Cunningham's and the Preston's specially for their victory. It was custom in the Saxton's province that ruling families celebrate each other's dominance over properties, businesses and even people. The Salvador's referred those days as a big day.

Jim and Nathan had gone for a meeting, Jim wanted to expose Nathan to tycoons in the gameof politics and business. The poor would always crown their as tyranny while the rich would crown it as dominance over a prey.

The businesses the lower people survived on had either been taken away or given a higher rate to pay off taxes. The tax rate was high to the extent that others tried to protest, they were randomly killed from that moment on none had dared to revolt.

Tess was hanging some washed clothes on the line, the weather was favourable, it was chilly. She stood up straight stretching her sides then let out a sigh (phew!). Konan ran to her hastily like he's been chased but an agitated dog.

 "Tess! Tess!!" He called out panting heavily, he tried to calm. She was confused over his reaction, she folded her arms to listen to what he had to say.

 "Tell me Konan, what in the world is chasing after you?"

She waited patiently for his response once more, trying to condone his suspense.

 "Ursula would be out by 12 noon!" Konan blurted

 "Who told you that?! Everyone knows that the lady does not care at all and she's given no orders, i just hope Ursula does not die of hunger. Poor girl!" Tess said in reluctance paying less attention. She turned to the basket of cloths she's been hanging.

 "Chief did! He spoke to the lady earlier and she considered, isn't that amazing?!" Konan explained. Tess couldn't help her sudden tears, she embraced Konan instantly. She realized the awkward moment, madam Marie might just pass by or something. 

 "Oh I'm...I'm sorry! I'm very excited that Ursula would be out soon!" She explained

 "It's fine!" He smiled at her. "I've got to go, the lady's cart needs to be checked upon! I'll see you soon!" He said then patted her lightly on the shoulder as he walked away scurrying. She was dumb stricken, she wiped her tears of joy and tried to focus on the clothes instead. Madam Marie would not spare her life if her gowns had darted or slightest stains again.

The mansion was under pressure. The servants worked tirelessly to make the Salvador's dream lunch a success, especially when Xavier's was highly anticipated. He had written to them a day ago and stating that he'd arrive by noon.

Nicholas had been waiting patiently staring at the hour glass with out interruption. Finally, he headed to the dungeon. This time he needn't have to check around or keep a close watch, this was a order from the lady Mariah herself. He took a lamp with him while entering the dark room, he called out calmly.

 "Ursula? Ursula??" He searched the corner he saw her last but she wasn't there, he searched round again. The thickness of the dark made it a little difficult to find her in a large as this. He sighted lying on her back, he lifted her hand then it fell lifelessly but was flustered in fear and doubt then he placed his head on her chest, he was relieved from the heart beat her heard. He assumed she passed out due to dehydration and hunger. He tried to revive yet she didn't make a sound or move, but he was partly comfortable that she was still alive. He lifted her in his arms, he headed out and ordered a guard at the door to lock of the dungeon. He headed to the slave quarters specifically her room. Tess had been waiting as well but what she saw was discouraging, Ursula's pale skin, dried lips, unwashed body made her ferl very sorry for her. The clotted blood particles were stuck to her skin.

 "Tess, i need you to pay close attention to her, she's alive and would be fine." Nicholas instructed politely

 "Yes chief! I will do all i can!" Tess assured

 "Of course! The lady asked to see her right after she's been taken care of, take your time. She wants Ursula nowhere close to Sir Xavier! Please, take note!" Nicholas added

 "Yes chief!" 

He strode not wanting to leave but he had no option than to leave, he'd be needed in the mansion.

He was beginning to care for her more than necessary, the last time he visited; he could not sleep round because her thoughts interfered his rest time. From the day she was brought into the mansion, he had his eyes on her. Ursula was captivating physically, she had a spectacular beauty, her countenance submerged every ill feeling but in the Saxton's province, young and old women were envious, her green eyes defines her magnificence.

Xavier and his men (eight) stood before the gate in black capes except Xavier whose cape was red. The were all referred to as men of arrival This dark countenance that engulfed was always exceptional, both the wealthy and servants trembled once they sighted him. Two guards opened the heavy gate while two others ran in to announce his arrival. They rode majestically into the premises, Xavier was in the middle, three in front, middle and behind. Mariah and Marie stood at the entrance elegant in sky blue clothings, their adorned fingers intertwined below the chest respectively, their french hair was perfectly pinned and adorned would never figet their red lipsticks that glowed making difference between their snowy skin, the lips and smoky eyes.

The men bowed before the elegant women, Xavier prostrated before his mother who was smiling broadly. He kissed her knuckles, he snuggled Marie's nose lightly then she smiled 

 "Welcome home, brother!" She said

 "Thank you, Marie!" Xavier acknowledged. He turned to his men and continued "I shall see you all at the party, tonight."

 "Of course!" Jason, his second and friend said. They rode out on their horses.

 "Shall we?" Mariah reminded.

They walked in and all the servants present prostrated. His eyes wondered around to see find Ursula, it seemed like his instincts redirected his find to her, he was somewhat saddened. His sister patted him lightly on the shoulder to bring back his attention

 "Xavier? The Cunningham's are here!"

 "Where"

 "Behind you!" Marie motioned with her eyes. He turned to their smiling faces. They exchanged pleasantries and afterwards the Preston's arrived with lord jim and Nathan.

They settled at the grand dining table, Nigel gave a disapproving look at Marie and Nathan, Xavier noticed but ignored.

 "We are very proud of you, Xavier! You have portrayed the importaance and impact of Saxton on his citizens." Lord Cunningham said while the others concurred. Xavier smiled faintly in response, Fiona stirred again

 "I think you should tie the knot soon...your father has paved the way, you only need to carry just like you've begun!"

Xavier was uncomfortable whenever it was about marriage. Ruby who was sitting next to him rubbed his muscular thigh softly below the table with a smirk, he gave her a daunting look abd she quickly refrained. The others noticed the awkwardness that Lisa Preston was compelled to ask

 "Arw you alright, children?"

They nodded in unison

 "It doesn't say much! Ruby is getting you angry, isæ she not?" Lisa asked again. Xavier was silent while Mariah interrupted

 "Come on, Lisa! They are only..."

 "...Yes Yes Mariah! Young couples like them act really ridiculous sometimes! You know children these days." She explained, Mariah was relieved because she didn't want to listen to unnecessary arguments.

 "Let them handle their issues! They act like enemies before us and act like lovebirds from a distance!" Preston taunted as they all laughed.

The lunch was going well as planned while Xavier was really curious to see Ursula, asking around would be strange. He turned to Marie and almost whisperimg

 "The servants are incomplete, what happened?" He asked sternly. Marie chuckled

 "Oh you mean Ursula?" She smiled and continued "She's been restricted from the event premises! She might just steal another fortuned."

 "What do you mean?"

 "She stole from mother. The jewelry father gifted! She just returned from the dungeon, she must have learned some lessons!"

 "That's...Ok! I hope she's been punished enough!"

 "Yes of course! She was beaten, almost to death!" 

 "Perfect!" Xavier feigned to be in support. He smiled faintly and turned to his parents who were already discussing politics. 

Everyone got up after dining and wining, they headed for a separate discussion. Xavier wanted to see Ursula at the quarters but Nigel came forth.

 "Sir Xavier! A word?"

 "Of course! Speak, i listen!" Xavier affirmed

 "I would like us to talk about something really important. Its a choke on my neck." Nigel boldly stated with a smirk while Xavier maintained a straight face.

 "Who's got a hold on you, Nigel?"

 "Someone from the Salvador's, i don't intend to blurt out just. We really need to talk!"

 "Come by tomorrow, early hours!" Xavier said

 "Of course! I'll see you soon and congratulations as well!"

Nigel smiled tightly and walked away, Xavier was certain that Marie or Nathan had gone diverse.

Xavier strode down to the quarters where servants sighted him and prostrated afterwards fled. His dark eyes scared them the most, he neither smiles nor talk to any of them abd once he did, it was a big problem. He walked into her room while Tess sat next to her holding her hands, Ursula had not woken up.

 "Why's she not awake? What happened while i was away!" He asked with a firm look, Tess couldn't look into his eyes, not for a moment.

She sprang up to her feet instantly almost quivering.