(Prologue) Chapter 3 - Talia in the Mansion (part 1)

The reason that Talia had ended up in the mansion was due to her unplanned delivery of the wedding invitation to the Western Duke's heir for heaven's sake. He was after all the groom's half-brother and as much as she hated it. The fact that their half siblings were tying the knot would make her and the blasted heir apparent into in-laws.

Damen Knightly is every woman's dream and nightmare. This was another fact that Talia couldn't debate with. (Why him of all people?)

Spending a gruesome three years with the young Duke when she finally found her long lost sister, had utterly been the most intoxicating years of her life. She had hated every second of it. No, she did not despise him for anything he did wrong. But it was because Talia had doubted that the young lord was a narcissistic two-faced and she never really was comfortable in the presence of men.

Damen had been raised in the Western Temple- the primary influence of the Western Empire. This paved way to a lifestyle and culture in which they are strictly accustomed to tradition. Flirting, pre-marital sex and early pregnancies were out of the norm (no boyfriends allowed). Lest, even the desire for independency at your coming of age was forbidden unless you have reached the systems financial and standing quo, only then can you receive an official license that states your right to move out from your maternal home. (Tragic isn't it?)

But as decades and centuries passed, the peasants who were low on labor and some nobles who found their lives a bore -were awoken from a long slumber. Sticking to the traditional ways had become unappealing. Young noble ladies were not allowed to meet men nor gossip about or even with anyone whom they were not introduced with by their families (imagine not being able to talk to anyone without permission from your parents.)

-But here comes Damen Knightly. The untouchable young heir of a Dukedom had stirred their longing cries and once and for all -reunited their frustrated hearts who sought for change in their old ways. The sight of him had broken down the customized barrier for all the ladies. His existence alone had caused various gossips and rumors had sipped their way through the Four Regions' thick walls.

This is Damen Knightly. He had only been outside the Temple a few times (actually just once). But Talia, who grew up in a different custom, always knew that men were wolves clothed in white sheets.

-

Talia, tired of her journey, had retired to a room that Sister Mia had prepared. There, a warm bath was prepared and she washed away her longing to go home. Her body embraced by the warm rose water, her mind drifted at the sweet sensation.

(Knock. knock)

The door was gently tapped and almost inaudible, but Talia was alarmed. She was still naked in her state, and like every Westerner would bathe –her tub had been placed a little far from the door but close to the closet with only a divider as a cover.

Talia: (Holy Mia, who comes in the room at a time like this?)

"It's me...Damen Knightly." The young lord's deep sultry voice echoed and Talia couldn't help but grimace at the thought of her naked exterior.

Talia: "... Please, talk from there!"