24. Karul

Fara stands rigidly in my study, her posture betraying her anger and determination. I regard her coolly, waiting for her to speak. "Fara," I say smoothly. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

She fixes me with an icy stare, her jaw set in a firm line. "Let"s dispense with hollow pleasantries," she says sharply. "You know exactly why I"m here."

I cross my arms, unfazed by her hostility. "Do enlighten me," I reply calmly.

"Your little stunt," she spits out the words, "ruined my family"s prospects. We demand recompense." Her tone is clipped and forceful.

I give a humorless laugh, unimpressed by her demands. "Is that right?" I ask sardonically. "And what exactly do you want from me?" The tension in the room is palpable as we face off, both unwilling to back down.

"You will marry me as originally planned." She states it as fact.

I level an impassive look at her. "That won"t be happening."

Fara"s eyes flash dangerously. "You don"t have a choice in the matter."

"Oh, I believe I do," I reply mildly.

"If you refuse, my family will destroy you."

I rub my chin as if considering her words. "Hmm. Still no."

Fara looks outraged. "You can"t dismiss me so easily. There will be consequences."

I shrug. "I really don"t care. Now, if you"re quite finished with these idle threats, the door is that way."

I point helpfully, gesturing towards the door that leads to freedom. She stands there, gaping at me in shock and disbelief. For once, she is rendered speechless. I bask in a moment of self-satisfaction, knowing that I have outsmarted her.

But Fara"s eyes quickly shift from surprise to fury. Her entire being seems to radiate with anger and determination. "You will marry me," she demands, "to redeem my family"s honor." Her words are cold and calculated, leaving no room for negotiation.

Despite her threats, I remain stoic and unyielding. "I"m afraid I won"t be doing that."

"How dare you defy me?" she seethes, her voice laced with venom.

"I quite dare," I reply coolly, refusing to back down.

Fara"s face contorts with rage, and it looks as if she may strike me. "Do not test me," she warns through clenched teeth, "you insolent wretch! You will regret this outrage."

I give a slow blink. "Will I? How troubling."

"Enough of these games!" Fara screeches. "You will consent to this union or you will suffer dearly for it."

I stifle a yawn. "Fascinating. Well then, I suppose we"ve reached an impasse."

I gesture languidly to the study door. "I won"t be relenting. So I suggest you stop wasting both our time and see yourself out."

Fara stands rigid, quivering with anger. Her eyes promise murder.

I merely arch an eyebrow. "Very well, she-demon. If you insist on continuing this tantrum, let us have this discussion in my study."

Fara stands rigid, quivering with anger. Her eyes promise murder.

I merely arch an eyebrow. "Very well, she-demon. If you insist on continuing this tantrum, let us have this discussion in my study."

I gesture for her to precede me out of the room. She stalks past, posture stiff with indignation. I follow at a leisurely pace.

I take a seat in my cozy study, the warmth of the fireplace dancing across my skin. I fold my hands neatly on the desk and offer Fara a polite smile. "Before we continue this riveting conversation, may I interest you in some refreshments? A warm cup of tea, perhaps?"

Fara"s expression twists into confusion. "Refreshments? No, thank you. I"m fine." Her eyes dart around the room, taking in the bookshelves lining the walls and the delicate paintings adorning them. The scent of old leather and ink fills the air, creating a comfortable atmosphere.

I clap my hands. "Nonsense, I must insist. One should never neglect hospitality." I pull a cord to summon the servant.

When the tea tray arrives, I pour two cups despite Fara"s protests. "There, much better," I declare, taking a slow sip.

As the servant pours the tea, there"s a soft knock at the study door. Before I can respond, it creaks open and Jasmine peers in hesitantly.

"I thought I heard raised voices..." she says. Her eyes flick between me and Fara uncertainly.

I give Jasmine a reassuring smile. "Just a minor disagreement, my dear. Nothing to worry yourself over."

I subtly wave my hand, trying to convey the message for Fara to leave. The last thing I want is for her fiery temper to be directed at Jasmine.

To my relief, Jasmine gives a slight but acknowledging nod.

Fara sets down her untouched cup of tea with an impatient thud. "No more games. My patience is wearing thin."

"Games?" I feign surprise, trying not to show my irritation. "I simply thought we could have a civilized conversation over tea. After all, it wouldn"t be proper for me to be a poor host." As I speak, I gesture towards the elegant teapot and cups in front of us, hoping to diffuse the tension with hospitality.

Fara grits her teeth. "This is not a social visit. Now stop wasting my time and answer me."

I take another long sip before delicately placing my cup down. "My apologies. You were saying something about secrets and threats?"

I give her my most benign, attentive look as she seethes silently across from me. If she wants to make demands, she"ll have to work a lot harder than tired cliches. I have no intention of being cowed or rushed.

I set my teacup down and fold my hands expectantly. "You claim to know so much about me. So what is it you want?"

Fara"s eyes harden. "You will marry me as originally intended."

"I will do no such thing."

"Our families had an agreement. You will honor it and take me as your wife." Her tone brokers no argument.

I give a hollow laugh. "You must be joking."

"This is no joke," Fara snaps. "Marry me and restore my family"s lost honor."

Anger simmers in me, but I keep my voice deadly calm. "I will not be marrying you under any circumstances."

"You forfeited any choice when you spurned our engagement with your reckless antics," Fara spits. "The human is expendable. Our houses must unite."

I slam my fist on the desk, rattling the tea set. "Watch your words about her. That "human" is my wife."

Fara scoffs. "A contract wife only. Easily dissolved." Her smile is venomous. "My family"s power far outweighs yours now after your games. Do not defy me in this."

I am perilously close to losing my composure. I whisper through gritted teeth, "Is that a threat?"

Fara shrugs delicately. "Merely a fact. For your own good, you will marry me. Refuse, and you will regret it."

I lean back in my chair, steepling my fingers as I look at Fara. "Utterly amusing," I muse.

Fara scowls. "What is?"

I give her a thin, icy smile. "This absurd scheme of yours. Did you really think you could intimidate me into marriage?"

"You will regret mocking me," Fara hisses. "My family"s power-"

I cut her off with a dismissive wave of my hand. "Yes, yes, your might is unmatched, I tremble before you, et cetera."

I fix her with an imperious stare. "Let me make something clear, little girl - you are no threat to me."

Fara rears back, incensed. "How dare you! I could destroy everything you hold dear!"

I snort derisively. "Could you? By all means, go ahead and try if you wish."

I lean forward, my voice dripping with contempt. "In fact, your impudence provides a welcome distraction. I"ve been seeking a new passion project. Crushing you will fill that need nicely."

Fara pales slightly but sets her jaw stubbornly. "You underestimate my resolve. I will have what I desire, one way or another."

I drum my fingers on the desk. "What you desire is of no consequence to me. Now run along. I"m bored of these histrionics."

Fara fixes me with an icy stare. "You think my words are mere threats? I am simply stating facts. Defy my family at your own peril."

I meet her gaze unflinchingly. "I think you are grasping at straws trying to salvage a ruined arrangement."

"Ruined by your reckless behavior!" Fara snaps. She takes a breath, composing herself. "But I am willing to overlook this insult, as you are still a worthy suitor."

I scoff. "You flatter me."

I spread my hands placatingly. "Look, I understand your position. Powerful family, scorned bride - it"s quite the dramatic tale."

Fara looks incredulous but remains silent as I continue.

"And I"ll admit, I have much to recommend me - dashing, influential, absurdly wealthy." I give a nonchalant shrug. "Small wonder you"re loathe to lose such a prize."

Fara"s eye twitches, but she holds her tongue.

"But fret not!" I declare magnanimously. "For there are plenty of eligible bachelors who would love the honor of your hand."

I place a hand over my heart. "While our brief betrothal shall always hold a special place in my heart, alas, it was not meant to be. But chin up! Your fairy tale ending awaits out there somewhere."

I finish with an earnest smile. Fara looks torn between apoplectic fury and utter disbelief.

I make a shooing gesture. "Now go, seek your destiny! There is no need to pine after this scoundrel when better options abound. I believe in you!"

With a strangled noise of frustration, Fara wrenches open the door. "You will live to regret this," she hisses before storming out, sparks literally flying from her fingertips.

I blow a playful kiss after her. Perhaps I shouldn"t goad her so, but her pretentiousness brings out my impish side. Now, it is time to prepare a proper countermove before she tries anything rash. This damsel"s distress is just beginning.