Chapter 6 - The arrangement between us
GEMMA’S POV.
Governor Rhys leaned forward, his intense gaze fixed on me. "Remember, Gemma Bracken, our arrangement is crucial. You must keep your true identity a secret from everyone, even the closest members of my staff. You are to pretend to be my personal assistant, nothing more. Can you promise me that?"
I met his gaze, my expression unwavering. "Yes, Governor Rhys. I understand the importance of maintaining the element of surprise and avoiding any perception of a threat."
"If I act like your personal assistant, no one will perceive me as a threat. They will believe me to be ordinary."
He nodded, a hint of relief in his eyes. "Good.”
Curiosity getting the better of me, I asked, “Is there someone among your team you don't trust?!"
He hesitated for a moment before answering, his voice a mixture of resolve and caution. "When I went to the courtroom, the only people who knew I was going to be there were close members of my cabinet and my guards. And a resistant fighter managed to infiltrate the courtroom and tried to kill me. I am taking every necessary step that I can take..."
"The only person who will know your true position is Gabriel Stokes, my chief of Operations. And he is deathly loyal to me. He'll keep it a secret."
I nodded, understanding his reasoning. “Okay.”
"Excellent," He replied, a small smile playing on his lips. "Now, there's one more thing. I think it would be best if you moved into my home. That way, we can coordinate our efforts more effectively."
My brow furrowed slightly. "I appreciate the offer, but I prefer to live alone."
Governor Rhys leaned back, a touch of surprise in his eyes. "That’s an order.”
My lips curved into a half-smile, my tone slightly sarcastic. "You know, if I'd known saving your life would come with so much extra work, I might have thought about it more thoroughly."
He chuckled softly. "You have a smart mouth, Gemma Bracken."
His eyes turned dark.
"Watch your tongue around me."
I let out a small sigh, that was a close one. Sometimes I needed to remind myself that I was talking to the Governor. "I'll rein in the snark sir"
His smile widened. "Good. We understand each other."
I nodded, a grudging agreement in my tone. "Yes, Governor Rhys. I'll do my best."
"Can I leave now?!"
I asked and he nodded.
"One more thing.”
"When we're alone, you can just call me Rhys. The whole Governor Rhys thing sounds like you're mocking me when it comes out from your mouth."
I nodded.
"Alright Rhys."
.............
I stepped into my shop, my heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. As the door chimed, I looked around and saw Lou, my apprentice, rushing toward me with arms outstretched.
"Lou!" I exclaimed. Lou threw her arms around me, tears streaming down her face.
"Gemma, you're back! I can't believe it!" Lou choked out between sobs. "I missed you so much."
I hugged Lou tightly, my own eyes misting up. "Oh Lou! I was barely gone for a week. How could you have missed me so much?!"
Lou pulled away slightly, wiping her tears on her sleeve. "I thought you were gone forever. I was so scared."
I brushed a tear from Lou's cheek and smiled softly. "I'm here now, but only for a while. I need you to help me out with something."
Lou nodded eagerly, her tear-stained face still lit up with happiness. "Of course, Gemma. Anything you need."
I took a deep breath. "Lou, I need you to take over the shop for a while and handle my affairs. I need you to let people believe that I'm not in Azov anymore."
Lou's expression shifted from excitement to determination. "You can count on me, Gemma. I'll do whatever it takes."
I placed a hand on Lou's shoulder, I knew I could trust her, she would carry out whatever mission I had for her perfectly. "Thank you, Lou. I knew I could rely on you. But there's one more thing."
Lou looked at me with curiosity. "What is it?"
I hesitated, my eyes filled with a mixture of regret. "I can't tell you where I'm going, Lou. I've sworn an oath of secrecy, and I can't break it. But I promise you, I'll come back."
Lou's expression turned serious as she nodded, understanding the weight of my words. "Alright, Gemma. I trust you. Just promise me you'll be safe."
I smiled warmly at Lou. "I promise. And I'll be back before you know it. You're stronger than you think, Lou. You can handle things here."
Lou took a deep breath, determination in her eyes. "I won't let you down, Gemma. I'll make sure the shop thrives in your absence."
I hugged Lou once more, pride and gratitude swelling within me, I knew she would do a good job running the shop alone. "I know you will, Lou. Thank you for being so understanding. Now, let's get started on what you need to do while I'm gone."
.............
My heart raced as I stepped through the ornate gates of the Amman mansion. Its grandeur left me breathless, my eyes wide with wonder at the sight of sprawling gardens, exquisite architecture, and opulent fountains that seemed to whisper secrets. I had never been anywhere so extravagant, and the mere thought of entering such a place made me feel like an outsider in a world of unimaginable luxury.
Guided by Rhys's men, I followed the path that led me deeper into the mansion. I couldn't help but marvel at the intricate details of every room I passed through, my fingers lightly grazing the delicate artwork adorning the walls. The air itself seemed to carry an aura of majesty, and I felt both awed and humbled in its presence.
As I walked further into the heart of the mansion, I saw Tywin, the imposing head of the household. His piercing eyes bore into me, and I sensed an immediate tension in the air. Tywin's lips curled into a faint sneer as he took in my appearance, his displeasure clear even before a single word was spoken. I looked at my clothes again, I thought they had looked good when I picked it out, but his expression suggested otherwise.
"Ah, you must be Ms Gemma Bracken," he said curtly, his voice cold and distant. "The Governor told me you would be arriving today."
My confidence wavered slightly under Tywin's scrutiny, but I held my head high and met his gaze. "Yes, Gemma Bracken," I replied, my voice steady. "I am the Governor's personal assistant."
A derisive snort escaped Tywin's lips as he crossed his arms. "And also a witch," he spat the word as if it were poison on his tongue.
"I honestly don't know why the Governor would elect someone of your kind..."
My resolve hardened, my eyes narrowing in defiance. Who exactly did he think he was?!
“I am here to work, not to cause any trouble. As long as I fulfill my duties to the Governor, I don't see why what am I should matter."
Tywin's lips curled into a darker, more ominous expression. "If you know the Amman's family history, you would understand why witches are not well liked here. We've not had a witch in this household for years."
My jaw tightened, my frustration barely contained. "I cannot simply vanish into thin air. The Governor employed me and you and everyone else that has a problem with it will just have to deal with it."
Tywin's eyebrows raised slightly, taken aback by my audacity. "You've got quite the tongue, don't you?"
A defiant smirk tugged at the corner of my lips, I wasn’t going to let anyone think they can berate me just because I’m a witch. "Perhaps. But I'm not here to appeal to anyone. I'm here to do my job and then leave."
Tywin's silence spoke volumes as he regarded me with a mix of surprise and begrudging admiration. After a tense moment, he turned away without a word, gesturing for me to follow him.
Wordlessly, we walked for a while before arriving at the second floor, Tywin led me to a set of grand double doors, which swung open to reveal a breathtaking bedroom. Moonlight streamed in through large windows, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the lavish furnishings. My breath caught in my throat at the sheer beauty of it all.
"This is your room," Tywin finally spoke, his voice noticeably softer than before.
I stepped inside, my eyes dancing over the spacious chamber that was fit for royalty.
"The Governor specifically asked for your room to be close to his, which is why I'm sure you can see it's more grandiose than a regular room."
A sense of awe washed over me once more as I realised the room was situated right next to the Governor's quarters.
Tywin's voice held a touch of grudging respect as he spoke again. "A word of advice, stay in your place, don't do anything out of place or go where you're not wanted. Avoid trouble as much as you can."
I nodded, my eyes locking onto Tywin's for a moment before he turned and left me alone in the room.
As the door closed behind him, I exhaled a shaky breath. Alone at last. And in one of the most stunning rooms I had ever been to. I could hardly believe it. I could almost pinch myself!
I was the Governor's personal assistant!