Chapter 9

Clarissa

Clarissa’s only response to Stefan’s statement was a sigh. There was no point in arguing it right now. But she had no intention of getting married on their return. 

His dreams seemed a little lofty to her. But what mattered right now was bringing her mother home safely. They could sort the rest out later.

“Well then, we better be on our way.” She said and turned away from him. 

It was difficult to move out of the warmth of his presence but if she stayed like that much longer, she doubted she would be able to move away at all. He was captivating her.

As she stepped away, the white haired girl came floating into the room. She moved so agile and quietly that Clarissa didn’t see her right away. 

“Ah! Arcadia.” Stefan exclaimed. “Good morning. If you're hungry, check the fire.” He indicated with his hands.

Arcadia excitedly grabbed herself a piece of the meat with her bare fingers and took a bite out of one end. 

“You always were brilliant with rendering fat and meat delicious!” She groaned before turning towards Clarissa. “He doesn’t cook often but when he does…” 

Clarissa was amused as she watched the girl gobbling up the meat in her fingers. 

“He said he thought he was burning it.” 

“Oh, he does that so that you do not expect too much. Of course, once you taste it…” She let her voice trail off. 

Arcadia snatched another piece. “Anyway, Stefan,” She turned the name in her mouth as if it were alien to her. “I'll never get used to calling you that.” He gave her a warning glance. “Anyway, what are your orders today, sir?”

Sir? He made this little girl call him sir? Wasn’t he just so entitled? Stefan glanced at Clarissa as if trying to make a decision. 

“Return home to my father. Explain to him that my bride to be needs some assistance before we come back. I will be in touch with you if we need anything further.”

She stopped and looked serious. “But the bond won’t work that far away. How will you reach us?” 

He reached into his pack and pulled out a broach encrusted with gems. He pinned it to the collar of her shirt. 

“Keep this with you at all times, it will compensate for the distance.” 

Clarissa did not know what they were talking about but she didn’t care as long as they didn’t try to stop her from heading out towards her mother. Arcadia admired the broach for a few minutes. 

“It is beautiful.” She marveled. “Just like you to give me a piece of beautiful jewelry.” 

She snatched up a couple more pieces of meat before heading back the way she came. The short pudgy man wandered into the kitchen as Arcadia was leaving. 

“Stefan.” He said in greeting. “My lady.” He bowed his head quickly towards Clarissa. 

She blushed, unsure why he would show her that much regard.

“Good morning Evander.” Stefan greeted.

Evander walked up to where Stefan had left the food. 

He groaned and turned to Stefan before whining, “She ate all the bacon.”

Bacon? What an interesting word for such a delicious treat! Stefan chuckled. 

“The early wyvern gets the deer.” Stefan replied with an amused smile.

Evander took what was left of the breakfast items and stormed off. 

“Why did you eat all the bacon?” She could hear him demanding in the other room.

“It was good.” Arcadia teased in return. 

“Well, I am ready to go.” Clarissa told Stefan. 

He glanced her over and shrugged. “No, I think we need to head to town, first. You need supplies. That dress and those shoes won’t make travel very comfortable. And it won’t be long before they wear out. My wife will be dressed comfortably, especially on a journey like this.”

She shook her head. “I do not have time for clothes shopping! My mother is being held for ransom over a ridiculous piece of jewelry!”

He opened his arms wide and gave her a devilish smile. 

“The werecats are honorable people. They won’t harm your mother. So, we have some time to prepare. Besides, the walk will take weeks. If we get horses, we can make up for the time we lost and then some.”

His thoughts seemed infallible. It was infuriating. Of course, she was wrong again! 

“Fine. But I do not have much to pay for such purchases. Maybe the farm's mules will do it?”

“The mules would be slow. But no worries, it is my pleasure to provide the coinage at this point in the adventure, my lady.” He said with a slight bow.

She bristled. How much was she going to owe him for taking her in the first place? Would her debt ever end? 

“I do not know.” She murmured. “But I definitely don't need you to escort me!”

“You do not have to buy anything. I know exactly what we need. It will be no problem to pick it up in town.” He spoke matter of factly and completely ignored her refusal of help.

“How would I pay you back?” She questioned warily.

“Ah!” He exclaimed, as if everything made sense all of a sudden. “I am sure we can think of ways for you to pay me back.” He chuckled. 

She blushed and reached out a hand to smack him. He grabbed her wrist and gave her a questioning look. 

“You're my wife, it is my responsibility and pleasure to deliver you what you need.”

“I am not your wife.” She insisted but the words sounded hollow to her. “And you cannot buy me.”

He chuckled and pulled her hand up to his lips. Brushing a tender kiss across the back of it sent chills down her spine. He did not mention the fact that he had already agreed with her parents on a price for her. She was grateful.

“The journey will not be easy. We will both require proper gear to ensure our safety. If you do not want to accept it for yourself, then accept it for my benefit. Our lives may depend on it.”

She sighed but nodded. When he put it like that, she had no choice but to accept his offer.

The four of them walked to town together. It was a beautiful day. The unusually blue sky was emphasized by the brilliance of the morning sun.

“You didn’t have to eat all the bacon.” Evander pouted from behind Clarissa and Stefan.

“You're still on about that! Ugggh! Next time you can have all the bacon if you just stop complaining.” Arcadia sighed exaggeratedly. 

He sounded excited as he asked, “Really?”

She appeared to consider a moment before leaning over towards him and saying, “no.”

Evander growled and lifted his fist. Arcadia easily dodged his lazy swing. Stefan cleared his throat in expectation and the two stepped up closer to him. 

They walked quietly. Clarissa thought their relationship was so classic little kid brother and sister. It seemed silly on ‘seasoned warriors’.

Stefan nodded to Arcadia. “You get outfit duty. You will know better how to get her sized and it will be more appropriate for you to be there while she’s changing.” Arcadia nodded and held out her hand. 

Stefan smirked amusedly before tossing her a small brown bag that looked heavy. When it was in the air, Clarissa recognized the sound of coins clanging together. Stefan handed a similar bag to Evander. 

“She will then go with you to get a decent weapon. You are trained in the most weapons, take her to see what best suits her.”

“I will gather the supplies for both of our trips.” 

He looked confidently at Clarissa, who returned his gaze while holding both eyebrows up. He didn’t think he would be ordering her around like those two, did he?

 Instead he stopped walking, as he lifted her hand to his lips and said “my lady, it is important that you get ready. We already discussed the reasons at the farm. You realize you need to be there to get what fits you best. Just enjoy a little shopping time.” 

He handed her another bag that was about the same size as the ones he gave Arcadia and Evander. She gasped and tried to return it. How could she just take his coin like that? 

It was scandalous! He chuckled as he turned away from her, denying her the ability to give it back.

He started walking and Clarissa picked up her pace, almost running after him. His legs were much longer than hers and he was using that to his advantage. 

“Not fair!” 

Arcadia walked up to Clarissa and put her arm around her. “Face it, my lady, we are going shopping!” She raised her voice excitedly as she said the last word. “Time to dress for the fight ahead.”