The question was so sudden and unexpected that it took Evans a little moment to process and understand it despite it being so simple.
Once he came to understand it, he froze, shocked and bewildered.
His eyes searched Davion's face once again, lost at the seriousness of his expression. His eyes alone told Evans that the question was meant to be answered, and that was even more shocking. Why was he so serious about the girl?
"Don't make me repeat myself, Evans," Davion warned, and Evans swallowed.
"Forgive my… tardiness, your majesty," he began, pausing to collect his thought and phrase his words properly. But the more he thought about it, the more he became confused. What if that wasn't as straight as it sounded? What if it was a trick question? A test?
"Evans?"
"I do not hate the lady, my King. But I can not say I like her either," he replied but Davion squintted his eyes at him. "I could never covert what belongs to my King," he quickly added.
Davion didn't reply and just looked down at the piece of paper again, but Evans could feel the tension in the air dissipate. He let out a long breath. Just when he thought he could relax, Davion asked,
"Tell me, is Dariel still in there?"
Evans stilled.
"You don't have to answer that," he said but Evans frowned.
Does that mean he didn't care anymore? He asked himself.
"There are some things that we do not wish to remember. Everyone has one of those," Davion added.
Evans expression softened knowing and understanding exactly what Davion was talking about. Maybe not everyone has something that they do not wish to remember, but he knows for certain that the man in front of had more than one. A past more haunting than he could ever imagine.
"I thought Dariel was dead, but I was wrong. Her appearance made made me realize he is still alive. Suppressed, but never dead," Evans said.
Davion was sileny for a brief moment before he hummed and then asked, "Have you figured out who she is?"
"No, your Majesty," Evans said with sunken shoulders. He hadn't had enough time to investigate her properly, but he couldn't help feeling useless either.
"Go into the woods. You'll find the clues you need in there," he said, and Evans nodded. "what have you found about the Forbidden Lands?"
"Nothing has change just yet, but that is only the outside. I am yet to know what happened inside of it. It might require a trip down there. If you would permit me, I will go and find the answers, your Majesty," he stated.
Davion shifted in his seat, leaned back, his back resting in a relaxed manner, his finger intertwined together and elbows on the armrest. After a moment of thought, he nodded his head. "You may go. But you must return within the day and a half."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Evans said with a bow. He stood up and saw Davion looking at the sketches again, and his eyes followed suit. "If the lady is truly from the Forbidden lands, then I believe she would love them," he said.
Davion smiled subtly. "That is good then," he looked up amd added, "Have them tailored with the finest material and delivered to her. I want her to be as comfortable as possible."
"Yes, as you wish," Evans said and began gathering the pieces together.
Evans picked one from the many and gave a close look at it. "Let this be made in the royal colors and jewelries to match it. I want in her in this during the banquet," he said, and Evans paused.
"The banquet?" He asked, and Evans nodded.
"Yes, the coming birthday banquet. She will wear this. Get me something of the same color. She will be my companion then," he said, and Evans blinked.
Does he mean his birthday? Evans thought, and that single thought alone had him questioning himself.
When was the last time Davion held a celebration for his birthday? He never cared about the passing years or the increase in his age. Not even when the councilmen made a fuss about it. But this time, he was doing it willingly? He even remembered it? And… wait… his companion and matching attire?
"Is there a problem?" Davion asked, his tone tint with annoyance.
"No, there is none. I'll have it taken care of it immediately. I will also have the list of guests presented to you before my departure to Novara," Evans immediately said, pushing away all of his thoughts for the time being.
"Mhm," Davion hummed and handed the last piece to him. "Call her for dinner. She should be ready now," he said and stood up.
He walked past Evans, who could only watch his back.
Right from the auction house… no since in the morning, he had acted differently. Visiting a place like that and not just any but an auction house that was known to sell off slaves was not something he would do. He never visited the regular ones either. But today, he just decided to go there. Then there was the shift in him the moment he saw her. Despite him walking away and coldly ordering the destruction of the place, he didn't leave.
Evans didn't think much of it then, but now, he couldn't help thinking if Davion was hoping she would escape. Perhaps he did, but even he, Davion, himself didn't know it. How else could Evans explain Davion sparing her life. There was such a thing as "earned the right to live" when it came to Davion and those he has condemned to death.
Could they have met somewhere before? He thought.
If not this, then how else could Evans explain what was going on now?
"Change," Evans uttered under his breath. "But… is this a good or bad change? It can be such a scary thing."
He looked at Davion once more before he closed his eyes, hoping for the best.
Meanwhile…
Edith was seated before the dresser with Hildegard brushing her hair, doing her best to make her look as presentable as possible since she would be having dinner with the king.
"All this isn't needed, Hilda. It's night already," Edith said, but Hildegard pursed her lips.
The other three maids just stood a corner watching not knowing what to do since the lady had asked to leave because she didn't need them. But they couldn't leave, they were now assigned to her as her ladies in waiting, it was only natural to be by her side, and the fact that they were afraid of offending the king who ordered them to serve her.
They didn't know how much influence the young woman had, so they could not decide whether doing as she said and defying the king would be enough to keep their heads on their shoulders for long.
"You will be dining with his majesty tonight. It is only right to look your best, my lady. Impress the king and you might just…." Hildegard started but went silent when Edith glared hard at her.
"I have no intentions of impressing your king. He is already too much of a pain to deal with as it is now. I do not wish attract more of his attention," she said and stood up.
She began taking off the ornaments that were used to adorn her hair.
"No, my lady…" all four maids said in unison, but Edith didn't listen to them.
"This dress is already too much trouble to walk in, I do want more weight on me," she said, placing the last hair pin on the dresser. "Now, if you'll lead the way, I'll like to get this dinner over as soon as possible."