Chapter 107: Called Me His
DAHLIA POV
My whole body ached from riding, I hate to admit it but Reagan was right. Staying on the horse for too long while staying rigid and trying to ignore the warmth behind me was a not so wise idea. My whole body was filled with muscle soreness while my back remained tight with stone liked legs. I avoided expressing what I felt and my discomfort since Reagan would take absolute joy in teasing me.
My breath escaped in visible relief when I saw the manor ahead. I forced myself to sit up straight, the pain I was feeling long gone as I stared at the manor where a lot of people were waiting for us. There were loud cheers of welcome as the large gates swung open revealing a small crowd that cheered at the sight of us.
Right in the midst was also my dear family, each of them dressed in their finest. I swallowed the knot in my throat as Marina’s unsmiling face found mine, same with the rest of the family, although Celeste looked all too happy to see Reagan was back.
Reagan dismounted from his horse with well-practiced ease, then he turned to look at me and offered me a hand in response. I accepted the help just because my whole body felt stiff but immediately he helped me down, he was suddenly crowded with Celeste and Adeline who jumped and gave her brother a hug.
I moved to the side with a small smile on my face and turning to look at Heather, I made my way towards the house I would be staying but just before I could move Marina suddenly blocked my part. Heather immediately bowed her head while I stood still staring at her.
Marina met my gaze head on, staring at me till eventually and reluctantly, I gave her a slight bow I response. "My lady."
"You need a bath!" Marina responded in her typical condescending tone.
I managed to stop myself from sighing and swallowed down the words I wanted to say. Instead, I forced a smile on my face and responded as smooth as I could. "But of course my lady, I’ll see to it immediately."
Marina hummed, while assessing me with disapproval in her gaze and I mentally thanked the gods and Heather for packing a skirt for me to wear. I can’t imagine the look on Marina’s face when she saw that I had worn trousers that had been strapped with weapons.
So far the only ones who knew exactly what I was and what I had done was Nikolai but even I knew he wouldn’t tell Marina my secrets. He had said he had taken a particular liking to me and if he was willing to protect me from his best friend, I know he was going to be protecting my secret from Marina.
"Also when you are done, perhaps we need to have a talk in my private chambers about your..." Her eyes slowly appraised me, "Disorderly conduct." She said and there was no hiding the disgust at the moment.