{Zane's POV}
Something's not right here... As Garroth was eating his breakfast, he kept glancing over at me and looked away as soon as I looked back at him. Did he find out about Y/N? No, that's impossible... Or is it? Laurence is my big brother's best friend. Mother of Irene, did Laurence tell him?! The only way I'd know is if I followed him. Garroth seemed eager to get out and start his patrol. Maybe I'll tag along and see exactly just what he's up to.

Zane: Hey, Garroth. May I join you on your patrol today?

Garroth froze and stared at me for a long while.

Garroth: A-aren't there some villagers who are b-being wed today?

Crap, I forgot about that... Time to go with plan B.

Zane: Oh right, Richard and Raniyah. Well, maybe next time then.

Garroth: Y-yeah... Next time.

Garroth finished his breakfast and got up from the table.

Garroth: Father, I'm off for my patrol of the village.

Garte: Alright, son. Go ahead.

Garroth then nodded and ran out. I asked if I could be excused from the table and got up after receiving confirmation. I followed Garroth, but all the while tried to keep him unaware. He ran straight to Aubrey the Seamstress's workshop. He went inside and I stayed put, listening into their conversations and occasionally peeking through a small window to see what was going on.

{Garroth's POV}
I walked into Aubrey's workshop and froze in my tracks. When I walked in, I saw Aubrey with a B/H girl with long, light brunette hair. Her back was turned to me so I couldn't see her face. She was wearing a long blue dress with short sleeves and silver details. (See picture above) On her feet were white heels.

Aubrey: What do you think, Mr. RoMeave?

The girl turned around and looked at me. She had shining hazel eyes. I'd never seen her before in my life. Then I remembered Y/N.

Garroth: Aubrey, I hardly even recognized her! This is perfect, nobody will be able to tell its her!

Y/N: Garroth RoMeave? What are you doing here? Where am I?

Garroth: You didn't tell her anything?

Aubrey: I figured that it would be best if you told her everything. After all, you were there.

Garroth: True...

I stood there for a moment, thinking. Finally, I turned to Y/N and spoke.

Garroth: I have an idea, but we'll need to do a bit of walking. Do you think you can manage a hike in those heels?

Y/N: Depends. How long will it take?

Garroth: About fifteen minutes by foot.

Y/N: Then I'll be fine, but I am kind of hungry. Do you think I could eat something before we set off?

Garroth: That's right, I forgot you haven't had anything to eat... Alright, we can stop by the bakery for a short while, and then we must be off. You need to know everything in as little time as possible, because time isn't something we have much of right now.

Y/N: Alright, then shall we be off?

Garroth: Of course. Thank you so much, Aubrey. You will be rewarded for this, in time. I can promise you that.

Aubrey: It was my pleasure, Mr. RoMeave. Anything for the lord and his family.

I started towards the door and opened it for Y/N. As soon as we exited, I saw something scurry around the corner of Aubrey's workshop. It was probably a dog or something like that. I shook it off and led Y/N though the village. Occasionally, people stopped and stared at me with Y/N. One child came up to her and handed her a flower they had picked from the meadow nearby. She smiled and hugged the child as if it were her own, and I stood to the side and chuckled. We finally arrived at the bakery about four minutes later. When we entered, smells of freshly baked pastries and bread emitted from the small building. I told Y/N to stay outside while I went inside and got her food.

Y/N: Why? Are you too embarrassed to be seen with me?

Garroth: It's not that at all. You've drawn so much attention to us by allowing the villagers to see you with me, I don't want to cause a scene.

Y/N: Ah, I understand. Then go on, I'll stay right here the entire time.

Garroth: Good. I won't be long.

{Y/N's POV}
I watched as Garroth entered the bakery alone. I decided to sit on a bench that was right next to me so that my legs wouldn't get too tired before we left for our trip. As soon as I got comfortable, a person appeared next to me. I didn't recognize him at first, but then he spoke.

???: Who are you? And why are you with my brother?

I looked up and saw Zane towering over me. He had a mask on that was, once again, covering the whole lower portion of his face from the nose down. I soon got really nervous, remembering how I had almost killed him. I didn't know what to say to him, so I just stayed silent.

Zane: Not much of a talker, huh? Well, allow me to introduce myself. I am Zane RoMeave, second oldest to lord Garte. I've never seen you around O'Khasis.

Garroth: Zane, what are you doing?

I realized that Garroth had been standing behind Zane this entire time.

Zane: Garroth, I thought you were on patrol. What are you doing with her that is more important than your duties? Wait a minute... Is she your girlfriend?! Oh, this is just priceless! Looks like my big brother finally found himself a distraction from his work. So tell me, what's your name?

Y/N: It's-

Garroth: Mia!

Y/N: Mia?

Zane: Mia? Well, then it's a pleasure to meet you, Mia.

And with that, Zane walked off laughing.

Y/N: Mia? Why did you say my name was Mia?

Garroth: Because Zane can't know that you're... You.

Y/N: And why is that?

Garroth: I-I really shouldn't say...

Y/N: Garroth, I want you to tell me now.

Garroth: But, Y/N-

Y/N: Garroth!

Garroth: Because Zane wants you dead, Y/N!

Well, there's chapter 9 for ya, peeps. Once again, I was up all night writing this. And I need to say one thing before I start getting a bunch of hate. I know this book is seeming to start out like a Garroth X Reader fanfic, but I promise you that it's not. I've got big plans for the upcoming chapters. There's gonna be drama and all that stuff that all you peoples like. So yeah, I'm out for the night. I'm pooped.

-Riley🔱