Chapter 20: ~ A Discussion of Two

Luca waited patiently as he looked around the garden, sensing the tranquility that the place should have.

Before long, Darish returned, nodding to Luca and informing, “Sir, I've asked Bell to come to the greenhouse. He should be arriving shortly.”

“Thank you, Darish. Make sure the guards stay alert around this area,” Luca added.

“Okay,” Darish replied as he left.

A few minutes later, Bell appeared, accompanied by Sasha. She looked curious and a little worried. After they entered the greenhouse surrounded by greenery and pretty flowers, Bell looked at Luca with a serious expression.

“You called me?” asked Belinda matter-of-factly.

“Yes, sit down,” Luca replied.

Belinda took a seat in front of Luca, only to be blocked by a round table with two cups of tea, and sweet treats arranged on the table. The cookies were round and large, Belinda thought she could only eat half of them because they were so big. But she had no idea that the cookies tasted so delicious. There was even a distinctive aroma that tickled her nose.

“I'll serve black tea for you, ladies and gentlemen,” Sasha said, lifting the white ceramic teapot and pouring Ravis's signature tea that had a sharp aroma, but its flavor was unmistakable. It was so delicious that Belinda didn't know how long she had loved black tea.

Belinda looked at her glass of steaming black tea curiously. She reached for the cookies on her right and tore off a bit of the tip, releasing the tantalizing sweet aroma. One bite was enough to take her breath away.

“These are delicious,” said Belinda, unable to hide her smile.

“Do you like it?” asked Luca.

“Yes. There's no denying that the food here is delicious,” Belinda replied casually.

“The chefs here are really good at making dishes and snacks. They're all like wizards in the kitchen,” Luca replied.

Sasha was seen standing in the corner of the room, with her hands interlocked in front of her thighs, watching them with a curious gaze.

“So, anything you want to talk about?” asked Belinda, thrusting another cookie in Luca's direction.

“Yes,” Luca replied.

“What is it?” asked Belinda.

“Have you read and studied all the books I gave you?” asked Luca, seriously. His voice was slowly muffled by the sigh of wind coming through the open window.

Belinda nodded. She tasted the tea that had just been served, feeling its warmth flow through her body.

“I've read everything,” Belinda replied.

“So, is there anything you want to discuss with me?” asked Luca, looking intensely at Belinda.

Belinda sighed, as if preparing herself for something big.

“Why do we have to get married for this plan? Wouldn't it be better if we just be formal like this. And you can help me find the answer to what my relationship is with the goddess Bloodmoon?” asked Belinda.

Luca frowned, considering Belinda's question.

“I understand why you feel that way. However, marriage is not just about formal ties. It's about commitment and trust. In our world full of mysteries, having a strong bond can be a protection,” Luca replied.

Belinda nodded, still skeptical. “But I don't want to get caught up in something I might not want. My relationship with the goddess Bloodmoon is starting to bother me. I need guidance, not ties,” Belinda replied firmly.

“Perhaps our relationship as husband and wife can help you dig deeper,” Luca replied, his voice calm but firm. “This ritual is not just about creating a bond, but about creating the power of two connected souls. Perhaps, just by diving into our relationship, you can find the answers you seek.”

Belinda looked at him with a suspicious gaze, for some reason, Luca's answer this time was a little off. She really felt the weight of the decision she had to make.

“So, do you think, if we get married, it could bring us closer to the truth about the goddess Bloodmoon?” asked Belinda.

“Yes,” Luca replied, firmly. “But this decision is in your hands. Are you ready to face it?”

Belinda was silent, her mind spinning. She knew that the answer to this question would change the course of her life forever.

“And, if you become my consort, you will have security and honor. You can have easier access and more freedom if you get empress status,” Luca said calmly.

Luca looked at Belinda seriously. “And one more thing, it's about your safety and the situation around the castle.”

“Is something wrong? Am I in danger?” asked Belinda.

Luca nodded, but tried to remain calm. “There have been some reports of suspicious figures around the castle. I wanted to make sure that you felt safe and knew what was going on around you. You will be the target of enemies and Ravis who want humans. And if you're of high status here, the consort of the ruler of the North, then no one would dare to disturb you. Because if that happens, it means they're declaring war on this region!” Luca said firmly.

Bell looked surprised, but she tried to remain calm.

“I understand. But I hope it's just a rumor,” Belinda said. “At least, I'm safe so far. ”

“So is my hope,” Luca replied, looking at her sharply. “However, we cannot ignore the potential danger. I will do everything to protect you.”

“So, I have to be careful now?” Belinda asked, trying to digest all the information provided by Luca.

“Yes, more than ever,” Luca replied. “We'll be increasing the security around you. There are some extra guards that will be stationed throughout the castle and its surroundings. But the most important thing is for you to be vigilant. Don't go alone, and always let the people around you know if you feel anything suspicious.”

Belinda nodded, though her fear was beginning to creep up on her. “I didn't expect the situation to become this complex. Is there anything we can do to prevent this?”

Luca looked at her seriously. “There are several steps we can take, but we must act quickly. First, I will tighten surveillance throughout the region. Second, we can call in advisors to discuss our marriage. And lastly, we need to hear from anyone who can provide more information about this threat,” Luca explained.

“If anyone wanted me, they would already know that I'm here,” Belinda said, feeling heavy with the responsibility that seemed to be pressing down on her.

“No one would dare to go against the power of the North, especially when you're a great Mistress of this castle,” Luca assured her. “But we must be prepared. Remember, the king and queen are symbols of power. If they attack you, it is tantamount to challenging our power.”

Belinda took a deep breath. “Alright, I will follow all instructions. I don't want to be a burden to anyone.”

“No one will consider you a burden, Bell,” Luca said gently, ”So, show your worth.”

Belinda nodded, though her mind was constantly struggling with the worst possibilities that could come up. With Luca by her side, as she tried to calm her pounding heart, they stepped into the safety of the room, determined to face whatever might come.

“I need to get back to Earth. At least trust this gorilla in front of me, the moon is a big deal. Because there is no one I can trust here, other than the handsome demon in front of me,” Belinda thought.

***