Civil? Nah

"How's the mountains sounding now Rox?" I don't hide the anger in my voice.

"Can't hear them." Rox says removing his hand to show a human ear.

Chris leans against the metal gate. He points to me than Rox.

"You're an idiot to think he will walk out of here alive. And you're an idiot to follow her here." Chris states. 

"Well they apparently knew where I was this whole time. Along with father has marriage plans already for me. Rox just has to offer a better deal than what ever one father stoked up." I retort.

"Good luck. Father got Marquess Ross Fuldger to draft a fairly decent deal for your hand in marriage." Chris shrugs having fun teasing me.

"Ross?! That old guy?" I shiver remembering the few encounters I had with him. The guy is pushing 50 years old and does not care for himself. The memory of his smelly breath about makes me hurl.

"Yea snaggle tooth Ross really wants you. Mother and father covered up you running off but rumors spread that you could be ruined. Father was beyond angry." Chris looks up over his shoulder at the two story mansion. "Probably still is actually."

"Oh joy." I murmur. Rox wraps an arm around me.

"I'm here and no one else will be marrying you but me." He whispers. This comforts me so I lean a little on him to show that.

"How long are you staying? And what's the plan?" Chris asks getting down to business.

Christopher is the reason I read the other parts of the church's Bible. He also took me on trips and I met so many new people. All of those encounters gave me courage to run away. Chris also helped get me out of this town so I know he will have our backs tonight.

"We are thirty minutes into his four hour limit. So by eight or before he needs to take a break or be done with deals. Along with Rox we are bumping your title from Earl to Marquess so we can spin your aiming for Duke." I explain the plan outline.

"That might be too good of a story for father to believe but I can help you spin it. Also if need be I can tell father that I wish to talk to Rox alone to find his true intentions. That will buy you some time to rest Rox." Chris kindly offers the idea.

"Oh you're the best brother." I say giving him a hug.

"I think ears here is jealous. Does someone also want to hug me?" Chris chuckles.

"Am not and I would never but thank you for offering to help." Rox defends himself.

Chris and I look at the lightly pouting disguised goblin. Rox offers his arm for me to take and I smile while doing that.

"Showtime." Christ says as the doorman opens the door for us.

The head butler guides us to the drawing room and brings us tea with scones. Then informs us he will be letting the Earl and Countess know of our arrival. 

While we wait, Rox does an impressive display of restraint while slowly eating a scone.

"I hate this place." I murmur looking up at the detailed painting of angels on the ceiling. 

"Earl Charles Stone and Countess Akkel Stone have arrived." The head butler announces with a bow. 

We stand up and bow or curtsy to them too. All because father enjoys it. Oh crud! We are saying Rox has a higher status, he shouldn't bow to father. Chris please save us! 

Father and mother come in and take a seat on the couch across from Rox and I. Chris is in an arm chair. Father's face is more stirn but oh so similar to Chris'. Mother's dress matches father's and Chris' outfit of white with blue and gold accents.

"Mother and father, this here is Marquess Rox Evergreen." I say as politely as I can.

"It is nice to meet you Earl Charles and Countess Akkel." Rox bows his head a little. "I have come to ask for your blessing to marry your daughter."

"I don't think I have heard of a Marquess Rox Evergreen before." Father eyes Rox hard.

"That's because you don't leave the area much father." Chris speaks up. "The Evergreen name has been around a long time. Their land is in the mountains. They make their money through.. what was it again? Monster eradication?"

I choke on my tea. Rox calmly hands me a cloth napkin from the table. I nod my thanks while taking the cloth.

"Craftsmanship and lumber. We do have to dispose of hostile creatures here and there though." Rox says smoothly thanks to lots of rehearsals.

"Will my daughter be safe in such a rugged environment?" My mother hides behind her fan.

"Sophia would be far from danger, safe inside the fortress." Rox reassures them.

Ha! Fortress! Safe with pranksters? Rugged environment? Heck I have a pet wolf now! Wait. These things would have scared me back in the day... Have I gone feral?

"Very well." Mother says fluttering her fan.

"I hope you have adequate sword skills too?" Father tries belittling Rox.

"Is that anyway to talk to the person that saved my life? The least you could do is act civil." I snap but politely.

"Very well since you saved my daughter. A Marquess from the mountains. You must be trusted with quiet a bit." Father says a bit on the judgmental side.

"I personally am since I will be taking over the roll of Duke once my grandfather passes." Rox says and takes a sip of tea.

I'm throughly impressed right now with Rox.

"Duke you say? The title is being passed to you and not your father?" Father seems impressed yet skeptical.

"My father passed so he can not hold the title." Rox's lie is convincing.

"I'm sorry to hear about your father." My father claims but I can sense a hint of joy for some reason. Perhaps just waving the title around is enough?

"It's alright he passed peacefully. I hate to be pushy on the topic but I sincerely wish for your daughters hand in marriage." Rox explains.

"Very well. We have a deal drafted up with another Marquess in town here. How ever there is no way for him to ascend to the title of Duke. What is the price you want for her hand?" Father's voice is firm.

"I do not ask for anything, just her. I can provide everything she needs or would ever want." Rox says with a gentle gaze at me. I feel the heat of blush on my cheeks.

"What has gotten you so fascinated with our daughter? Have you perhaps ruined her?" My father asks forcibly.

"Ruining her has never crossed my mind. As to why I'm fascinated with her. Everything she does captivates me." Rox says smiling my way. 

Aww he looks so proud when he used his new word captivates. But now I feel the heat in my ears. Rox looks away from me and to my parents.

"Dinner is served." The head butler says stepping into the room.

"Thank you Daniel." Father acknowledges him. "I believe that's all I needed to hear since Christopher here knows of the Evergreen family. After dinner, Rox let us sign the papers of our agreement for Sophia's hand in marriage."

Time seemed to blur due to the knowledge of father approving of marriage. I find myself at the dining table with a spread far greater than what we could eat. 

Father is at the head of the table. Mother to his left and Chris to his right. Rox is beside Chris and I'm by mother. The small talk around the table is the usual belittling of other houses. Chris supports Rox in the conversation where he can. Mother's and my job is to stay quiet and display ladylike behavior while we eat. 

When I look up from my plate I notice Rox's ears are slightly pointed. How do I get his attention? I try reaching him with my foot but the table is too wide. I can't join the conversation. I'm panicking. Father can not know! I would draw attention if I throw food. Maybe I can get this grape to slip?

Father's guard steps forward to my father and hands him a sword. Then he stands up.

"Well Rox. I'm not sure how you fooled my son or daughter but since it's looking like your not human. You're not welcome here." My father declares this and pulls his sword from the scabbard.