Free Web NovelChapter 168: Men (2)
"Is there trouble between the border and the Castros or war brewing with another kingdom?" Scarlet inquired. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
"It is the first one. Many years later it seems they want to try controlling the border again. They are going to ruin a truce that has worked over the years. Our family never gave up the border and I shall not allow it. Luke doesn’t think," Ryan said, knowing it was Luke’s doing.
Scarlet found it odd that the palace would want to start an old fight. Long ago, the border and the Castro kingdom were at war and it took two people falling in love to make a difference.
"If that is what he is pushing, not only would he have the border against him, but also the Callahan knights and the Collins. He would destroy a friendship that had been around long before us. He is ruining what our great-grandparents started. He is a fool," Scarlet agreed with Ryan.
The three families had a close relationship and could help each other but if Luke went after the border, he lost two families loyal to the Castros.
"Do not worry about it," Ryan said as he had it under control. "There won’t be another war as I am going to end Luke’s little interest in the border. I won’t kill him."
"I wouldn’t have stopped you if you wanted to. He has a brother so we can have another king crowned right away," Scarlet replied, sipping on her warm tea made by Ian. freeweɓnovel.cøm
Alana couldn’t believe how they were talking about wars and death so easily. "I feel like I am not to be present for this conversation, but I must say that Luke doesn’t want a war. He is always nervous about your family being angry with him. Maybe there is a misunderstanding."
Even Luke wouldn’t be so stupid to ruin the truce.
"Now, did I hear something about a party?" Alana questioned, wanting to talk about something that didn’t concern death.
Alana tried to focus and not stare too much at Ian sitting with his fingers playing with Scarlet’s hair. It was a change to see Scarlet allow him to do it. She couldn’t help her curiosity over what happened between the two recently.
"Ian wants to hold a party for us. It was meant to be a picnic but the weather has changed it. I am preparing food for us inside the greenhouse and Florence decided to decorate it a little so it looks like a party," Scarlet replied.
"So, he is hosting a party using your resources? How typical," Ryan said, staring at the man he was trying to figure out.
Scarlet knew she shouldn’t have expected Ryan would just leave Ian be and not question him. "We were to go to his home but the weather changed. Are you not listening to me, Ryan? You know that I would never have anyone use me so do not ruin my day."
Ryan looked away from Ian to Scarlet, "Forgive me."
Ian didn’t mind the questioning. "No, let him continue. I want to get to know him as well."
"Well, I don’t want to hear it," said Scarlet.
She was already forced to watch them try to test who was strong and didn’t want to witness them questioning each other. Scarlet glanced at Alana who enjoyed how noisy it was. At least someone else was happy.
"Why is there a burnet area of grass outside? Are you having trouble with someone?" Ryan asked, ready to fight if that was the case.
"It seems so. It happened last night and they’ve yet to catch the culprit but I have a good idea who it might be. We should go to the greenhouse to sit. Ryan, you can go ahead with Alana," Scarlet suggested since she needed to speak with Ian.
Ian wondered if he was about to be scolded for something. Rather than worry, he looked forward to being alone with Scarlet even if it was just for a moment.
Scarlet waited for Ryan to leave with Alana and then asked, "Did you speak with Jack last night? Florence told me that you informed her of his calls."
"I did speak with him," Ian admitted. "I purposely angered him so it might have been him who set fire to your estate. I didn’t say anything scandalous about why I was here."
"It doesn’t matter since that is how Jack would take it. I am tired of him acting like I am his concern. Truthfully, he has been trying to reach me as of late. He might know of Beth’s lies now and wants to come back here. He never understood me," said Scarlet.
They were divorced but Jack should have some good memory of her to know that she would not welcome him back into her life. She would not even sit to have a drink with him. That part of her life was long over and time had already passed for Jack to do the same.
"He’s going to be a headache if this continues. Maybe I should have encouraged Dorothy to send him away. Tell me, when do men give up?" Scarlet asked as it shouldn’t be possible for Jack to keep interfering with her life.
At some point, shouldn’t it become clear that nothing was going to happen and he would move on? In fact, he was the one who moved on first and got engaged.
"It takes a long time and from what he speaks, the man is delusional so he shall annoy you a little longer. We have a party to attend so stop thinking of him. He’s so angry with what he lost that he will ruin himself. I promise you," Ian said and then offered Scarlet his hand to hold.
With how Jack acted last night just from hearing his voice and then bringing it upon himself to start a fire here, Jack was going to act like a fool until he ruined himself. Neither one of them had to be concerned with Jack since he was spiralling.
Scarlet placed her hand on Ian’s. "I hope that is true. Finally, there is a party that I might enjoy. No relatives prying into my life and wanting to speak of gossip they heard. Tell me, who won with the little handshake you and Ryan had?"
"I thought you were annoyed with us for it? The man is larger than me but I must say that I lasted long," Ian answered. Ryan was the commander of the Callahan knights for a reason.
"That was expected," Scarlet said, pleased with the results.
Ian pulled Scarlet close to him, pretending to be hurt. "You weren’t looking for me to win?"
"No," Scarlet answered honestly. "If it was up against another man, I would root for you but this is Ryan. He is not to lose a simple fight. Now, if you were to ever lose to someone like the king or any other man that annoys me, I would not be happy."
"I shall make sure that I do not lose again," Ian replied.
Scarlet and Ian headed to the greenhouse which was quickly prepared by Florence and the maids for the party. Alongside this party, there was one in the palace today.
