Chapter 7 - House of Wolves
GEMMA’S POV
I had just finished unpacking my belongings in my new room, admiring the elegant decor and the beautiful view of the mansion's gardens. The sun had begun to set, casting a warm glow through my windows. After such a long day and settling in, I decided to take a relaxing bath to wash away the weariness of the day.
I felt so rejuvenated and relaxed after the bath. I slipped into a simple dress while I waited for my hair to dry. My heart raced as I heard a soft knock on my door. A staff stood outside, her eyes wide with anticipation.
"Miss Gemma Bracken, Governor Rhys has returned to the mansion," the staff informed me.
My pulse quickened at the news, if she was personally telling me, maybe that meant the Governor wanted to see me. I took a deep breath, smoothing down my dress. "Thank you. I'll be right there."
Nervously, I followed the staff through the corridors of the grand mansion until I found herself standing outside Governor Rhys's study. I had covered my hair with a scarf since it was still visibly wet. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open and entered.
The Governor looked up from his desk, his stern expression softened slightly as he saw me. This was the first time I was seeing him in normal clothes. I would have said he looked ordinary in them, but he didn't. He just looked good in them and more relaxed.
“Did they show you to your room?”
I offered a small smile, my voice tinged with nervousness. "Yes, thank you, Governor. The room is lovely."
"Rhys."
He corrected.
He gestured for me to take a seat, his gaze steady. "Good. Now, I want to establish some ground rules while you're here. This is a delicate situation, I wouldn't have brought you here if it wasn't necessary. Which is why I need you to stay in your room as much as possible when you're not with me or working for me."
I raised an eyebrow, a little bit offended by that, a hint of mockery in her voice. "So, I'm to be a well-behaved captive, then?"
His eyes flashed warningly. "This is important.”
I feigned innocence. "Of course, Rhys."
Rhys reached into his pocket and retrieved a sleek, black phone. He handed it to me. "This is a direct line to me. I'll call you on this if I need you. You're to answer immediately."
I took the phone, I looked at it, it probably had tracking software installed on it too. If he was giving me a new phone, then he definitely wanted to monitor me.
"So, I'm also at your beck and call now?"
He leaned forward, his tone stern. "Yes, Gemma. You are."
I chuckled, clearly testing his patience. "Very well."
He gave me a warning look before continuing then he looked at her from head to toe, surveying me, I wondered if he could notice that I just showered.
"One more thing, change into something more appropriate. You'll be meeting my mother and sister shortly."
My eyes widened in surprise. "Your mother and sister? Are they here?"
He nodded. "Yes. I expect you to make a good impression, my mother is not too keen on witches."
I commented. “Just like you.”
He didn’t give me a reply, probably because he knew that I was right.
"Just change your clothes."
With a mock salute, I stood up. "Right away, sir!"
..........
I took a deep breath, adjusting the delicate folds of my dress as I descended the grand staircase. It was the best dress I owned and it must have been at least four years old. I snagged it from a rich debutantes wardrobe as payment for a simple spell. And ever since then I had kept it for special occasions and events.
Meeting the Governor's family certainly did qualify for a special occasion. So I had worn it.
The fabric rustled softly against the marble floor, and my heart raced with anticipation. It was also my prettiest dress, a flowing creation of silk and lace that shimmered in the soft glow of the chandelier above.
Rhys stood at the entrance of the family room, his expression cold and stern as usual. "You look appropriate,"
That was as close to a compliment I would ever get from him. "Thank you, Rhys."
As we entered the family room, my gaze swept across the opulent surroundings. The room was bathed in soft, golden light, with intricately carved wooden furniture and plush velvet sofas that beckoned guests to sit and stay a while. Ornate paintings adorned the walls, depicting scenes of grandeur and beauty.
Arabella, Rhys's mother, sat on one of the sofas, her presence commanding attention. Her eyes studied me intently, her expression inscrutable. She was a beautiful woman, but she couldn't hide her displeasure when she saw me and what I was. As Rhys introduced me, Arabella's lips curved into a polite smile, though her eyes held a glint of skepticism.
The woman was intimidating, despite the fact that I myself knew I was also intimidating.
Arabella's voice was smooth and measured as she turned her attention to me. "So, you're my son's personal assistant. He's never had one before...."
I met Arabella's gaze.
"Yes, Mrs. Amman. I manage his schedule and help him stay organized."
Arabella raised an eyebrow, her gaze piercing. "And why does the Governor need a personal assistant now? He's always been perfectly capable of managing things himself."
I wanted to retort that she asked him herself but I held my wild tongue. I was hardly liked here and I was sure the Governor wouldn’t hesitate throwing me back in prison if I disrespected his mother.
Luckily, he stepped in smoothly, his voice calm. "Mother, Gemma's efficiency in handling my affairs has been invaluable. With her assistance, I can focus on other important matters."
Arabella's lips pressed into a thin line, but she nodded slightly, clearly not completely convinced.
My heart skipped a beat when Arabella turned her attention back to me. "Tell me, Gemma, as a witch, do you practice magic?"
My mind raced, recalling Rhys's warning. I would have to lie. I forced a smile. "I am a witch, but I don't practice magic. It's just a part of my heritage."
Arabella's gaze bore into me, as if trying to discern the truth. She was staring at her as if staring deep into my soul would get her the answer she so desperately wanted. Surprisingly, she nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer.
Arabella's tone softened as she smiled. "Well, Gemma, we'll be having dinner shortly. I hope you'll join us."
I hesitated. I was already uncomfortable enough, I didn't want to think of what a dinner with the woman would be like. It was already enough that I would have to spend my days with the insufferable Governor. Must I suffer his family too at dinner time?
I had to turn them down now.
"Thank you, Mrs. Amman, but I wouldn't want to impose or make you uncomfortable. I'll be fine on my own."
Arabella's lips quirked, a hint of approval in her eyes. "Very well. You're a sensible girl."
I also decided it was best to set things straight now in the nicest way possible and I met Arabella's gaze squarely. "I want to be clear, Mrs. Amman. I'm here to do my job, I do not care if I am not well liked. My focus is on assisting the Governor."
Arabella's gaze held mine, and after a moment, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I appreciate your honesty, Gemma."
............
I slowly woke up to the warm embrace of a new day. The sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow upon my face. As I stretched, a soft knock at the door drew my attention.
"Good morning, Miss Gemma. It's time to wake up!"
The voice called from the other side of the door. I was too lazy to get up. I raised her hand and opened the door with a wave of her hand.
The staff walked in briskly, she didn’t seem to care about the door magically opening itself.
"Morning already?"
The staff entered, her uniform crisp and neat.
"Governor Rhys requests your presence for a brief meeting. I also wanted to inform you that breakfast will be served in thirty minutes. What would you like to have?"
Was this how it was living in the Governor's house?! Breakfast in bed?! Looks like I was going to have a blast, I thought as I stretched some more while thinking of what to eat.
"Pancakes, please. With some fresh fruit on the side."
"Certainly, Miss Gemma. I'll have it brought to your room shortly."
With a nod, the staff left the room, leaving me to freshen up. After a quick shower and change of clothes, the delicious aroma of pancakes filled the air as breakfast arrived in a gorgeous breakfast tray with fresh flowers.
Once I was done with my meal, I headed to Governor Rhys's study. As I entered, her eyes fell upon the Governor, who was dressed casually in a T-shirt and shorts. Shorts?! I thought as my eyes raked over his bare long legs.
My heart skipped a beat as I was struck by his undeniable handsome boyishness.
"Good morning, Gemma. I hope you had breakfast already."
" Yes, thank you. It was quite nice."
"Is there a reason why you called me here?! I think you mentioned yesterday that you weren't going to the office today."
He nodded briefly.
"Yes. You're right about that... we have a trip to Rusa in a few hours.“
My jaw dropped. Rusa was Azov's neighboring country. And I had never been there. I heard the streets were paved with gold and the palace was covered in gold.
"Rusa? But I wasn't prepared for this. I don't even know what to take with me!"
The Governor seemed to ignore everything I said.
“I've arranged for a personal stylist to assist you. They'll find suitable clothes based on your measurements. It's very important that we make a good impression when meeting the Governor of Rusa."
I raised my eyebrows. "Are you saying there's something wrong with my clothes?"
He grimaced.
"They are not work appropriate, so I will change your whole wardrobe."
“My whole wardrobe?!”
He looked up and nodded.
“Everything.”