Galen stood up and walked to the stage, wanting to lead the woman off the stage when Kavish spoke up again.
"Remove the chains on her first and get her some shoes. Her feets are far too pretty, what if she gets cuts?"
"..."
The room was in shock, everyone had seen how each woman had walked off the stage, so why was Kavish's method different?
Nesrin stared at Kavish slightly, she hadn't received a single humane treatment since she was trapped in this forsaken place.
So why was this man showing kindness to her? It would have been better if he was cruel, then she wouldn't owe him anything.
The shoes found for Nesrin were comfortable but because of the cuts under her feets, she couldn't walk properly.
Kavish noticed as she walked down the stage, no one probably noticed it, she had a pretty face with a tough exterior.
Maybe because he had been focused on her, he saw through each and every of her expressions.
She stopped in front of him and he bowed, taking her hand into his.
"Nice to meet you my lady, my name is Kavish Trevance, but you can call me Kavish. I'm here to take you home."
Nesrin's eyes widened, home? Was there a place she could truly call home? Is home with this man?
She bowed slightly, the entire room smelled like wet dogs, but this man in front of her.
Smelled surprisingly good.
"Galen..get the car ready.." Nesrin prepared to move when she felt her body leave the ground. She let out a quiet yelp and hook her arms around something for support.
That something was Kavish.
"W-what are you d-doing sir? I'm dirty, you'll get your clothes stained." She mumbled, she was dirty and smelly, why would he want to pick her up?
"Nonsense, the shoes are comfortable but I saw you wincing, when we get home…we'll get you tiptop shape" Kavish turned to the walkway and started moving, everyone probably had different thoughts in their heads but his main priority was to get this woman out of this place.
Kavish came to the auction with a total of 10 subordinates, with Galen being the only one who followed him inside.
These men bowed when they saw their master and the one designated to open the door, saw his cue.
"Welcome back, sir." He bowed and opened the door, the other men kept their heads low until Kavish had entered the car.
"Alright everyone. We're heading back to Maelwyn estate. Kavish has expressed that he would bring his lady his proper home first before taking her to mount Trevance."
Kavish didn't want to involve Nesrin into the politics house of Trevance had to offer so she would be living in a place that solely belongs to him, for her safety.
"Alright. Now let's get into our respective cars and head out."
The guards responded with a synchronised, low-toned, "Yes, sir," and dispersed without further delay.
The car's interior was crisp, polished in dark leather, subtly infused with the scent of cedar and spice.
Kavish didn't sit too close, but his presence still filled the space, it was undeniable.
Nesrin sat stiffly, unsure of what to do with her hands and unsure of what expression to hold on her face.
She expected him to say something, ask questions, press her with the curiosity everyone else had when they saw her face.
But Kavish said nothing.
Instead, he took off his coat, leaned forward, and spread it gently over her knees.
Nesrin blinked, taken off guard.
"You're shivering, my apologies.." he said simply, without any judgment. "We'll be home soon."
That word again. Home...
The car moved smoothly, tires whispering over asphalt as the convoy pulled into motion.
Kavish didn't speak again, but neither did he retreat into indifference.
He kept glancing at her, it wasn't obvious or intrusive.
He was just… watching. As though to reassure himself she was really there.
Nesrin let her eyes travel to the window, the city bleeding past. Everything was a blur of movement, noise, a place she no longer belonged to.
They drove out of the city's limits and into the forested outskirts, where the roads narrowed and the air thickened with the scent of pine.
The silence in the car was no longer uncomfortable.
Finally, through a break in the trees, it came into view, Maelwyn Estate.
It stood proud and distant on elevated ground, flanked by forest and mist, its blackened stone exterior softened by lush ivy and moonlight filtering down through the trees.
There were no grand, open gates. Just a tall iron barrier that responded to their approach with a smooth, silent glide inward.
The car eased forward into the estate's long driveway, hedged on both sides by low lanterns and sculpted hedges.
Nesrin's lips parted slightly.
She had never seen such quiet power.
The car slowed and came to a stop at the foot of the main house. Kavish exited first, circled the vehicle, and opened her door before the chauffeur could.
When she hesitated, he held out a hand it wasn't commanding or demanding. Instead he calmly waited for her to give him, her hand.
"I'll carry you if I must," he said, voice soft but tinged with that same earlier steel.
She sighed and reached out. He didn't pull or rush. He simply helped her out, one careful step at a time.
The front doors opened before they reached them, and staff stood waiting. They were in clean uniforms, had respectful gazes, not a single soul looking down at her.
"This is Maelwyn Estate," Kavish said as he led her inside. "No one will hurt you here."
Nesrin's head turned slowly as she took in the interior. High ceilings. A long corridor leading to a grand staircase. Everything was in shades of grey, charcoal, and soft gold.
Warm, but undoubtedly muted.
And yet, the space didn't feel cold. It felt... deliberate.
"This place is yours..." Kavish continued. "I only come here occasionally, so for the time being, you are its lady."
Nesrin looked up at him.
"You bought me.." she said quietly. "Now you're giving me a house?"
Kavish nodded, without thinking twice.
"I didn't buy you, Nesrin.." he replied, his voice lowering. "I brought you out."
She was too tired to argue.
A woman in her early forties stepped forward and bowed.
"My lady, I am Mira. I handle domestic affairs in Maelwyn Estate. If you need anything, from clothing, medical care, to rest, just tell me. There is a prepared room upstairs for your use, or a bath if you'd prefer that first."
Nesrin could only nod. Her throat felt tight.
Kavish's eyes flicked to Mira. "The room on the west side. With the view, that one's better"
"Yes, sir."
He turned to Nesrin.
"I'll give you some time. Mira will take care of you. You can sleep as long as you like. No one will enter without your permission."
Nesrin looked at him, the weight of his words settling inside her slowly.
"Why?" she asked softly.
He paused then gave her a smile.
"You're about to become my wife. This is simply...what you deserve."