CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ONE

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ONE
Delora

I still didn't know why Esau's father was called to the castle or what he was told, but I knew something had changed, especially since the stranger started talking.

The breeze was cold as I sat outside waiting for Denise. She was supposed to come meet me around dusk so we could talk and eat. My stomach rumbled, reminding me of how hungry I was.

I got up and began to pace around. It was getting extremely late and I was beginning to get worried about Denise. She has never said she would show up and not show up.

It was beginning to bother me so much I was tempted to go towards the castle and ask after her but I promised Odessa I wouldn't come near the castle walls and I was not ready to break my word even though it didn't mean much to her it meant the world to me.

"Delora?" I heard Esau's voice come from behind me and I turned to see him walking towards me with a burning wood that he used as torch. Even though the stars made the sky bright it was still a good thing he held the light.

"Is everything well with you?" He asked and I shook my head as he walked up to me.

"It's Denise, I haven't seen her and I can't help but worry that something is wrong" I said. Unable to stand still I bit the tips of my nails.

"Did she say she was coming by?" He asked slightly lowering the torch in his hands.

"Yes, she told me she was going to meet me today and I haven't seen her. Do you think they found out she's been sneaking food out for me?" I asked with my eyes open wide and glistening with tears.

Esau sighed and bent down to pour sand on the flames to quench them. When he rose again he held my hands in his.

"I don't think that is the issue but Denise is a big girl, I am sure she's just busy and caught up with something. She would come, I can wait with you if you still want to wait" he said and I nodded.

We sat on the bare ground. As much as he was trying to get me into conversations to take my mind away from Denise's absence I could not help but let my mind wander. 

"..that was how she got back, I was so surprised that she came back" Esau said and I nodded with a smile on my face.

Horses were the last thing on my mind but I was glad the horse returned. The animals were more like family to the farmer and his son.

"Have you had something to eat?" He asked and I shook my head. There was no use lying to him. I was hungry and I knew he was trying to be nice by not bringing it up any time my stomach rumbled.

"There's porridge up in the house, you should come have some" he said and I smiled up at him.

"I would like that" I said in response and he got up to his feet.

"I can't leave yet, what if Denise comes around and she doesn't find me?" I said starting to panic again.

"I am very sure she knows my house, if she doesn't find you here and up at your building she would surely come to mine next" he said and I nodded. He was right.

"Okay" I said while he helped me up to my feet. 

"Just walk beside me, we don't have the fire lit anymore" he said and I nodded. If I had my wolf I would have been able to see in the dark like he was.

"Is your father home?" I asked as we neared the house.

"Yes, why?" He asked like he didn't know his father didn't like me.

"I don't think your father would appreciate me coming to your house for some porridge or any food at all" I said smiling sadly.

"He doesn't care but if you don't want to come in, we can sit right outside the house and eat" he said and I nodded.

"That's better, thank you" I replied smiling, he smiled back at me and kept walking.

Once we got to the front of the house he showed me where to sit and wait for him. He went inside the house to get the food while I waited.

Moments later someone came out of the house, excited for the food I turned around hoping to see Esau but I was met with his frowning father. I stood up immediately.

"I don't know what you think you are trying to do but please stay away from my son, your presence is going to cause him trouble!" He said and I nodded.

"I am sorry" I said. As I turned to leave Esau came outside.

"Father" he said staring at his father. I turned my face towards the floor so neither of them would see my tears.

"Goodnight Esau" I said hurriedly walking away. I heard him call my name but I didn't answer. I definitely didn't want to put him in trouble.

In haste back to my abandoned building I bumped into Denise.

"Are you crying?" She asked. 

So relieved to see her I hugged her and cried. She patted my hair as I heard Esau's voice draw near.

"Is there a reason he's calling out your name?" She asked and I shook my head.

"He didn't do anything to me but his father warned me to stay away from him and that's what I was trying to do, I-"

"What happened?" He asked coming to stand in front of us.

"Hello Esau" Denise greeted and he responded but his attention was still on me.

"Nothing, I just saw Denise from afar and came to meet her" I lied. I was impressed with how smooth it came out.

"Did my father say anything to you?" He asked and I shook my head.

"Okay, here's the porridge. Goodnight Denise" he said handing me a bowl which I reluctantly collected. He squeezed my shoulders and turned to walk away.

"Okay tell me what happened"