Chapter 8: The Tension outside.

"Let. Him. Go!" she growled. Rieka's face immediately clouded with anger as she jerked her hand away from Gaustav's grasp. "What is your problem, Talia? He introduced himself and shook my hand. That's all." "That's all?!" Talia snapped, folding her arms. "Is that how you lure men in? By playing innocent? Don't think I can't see through your games, Rieka!" 'Talia, that's enough!" Phillip's voice boomed as he entered the dining hall, a bottle of wine in one hand and a frown on his face. 'You're making a fool of yourself. Again." 'I'm making a fool of myself?" Talia hissed, turning her ire toward her brother. 'She's the one who keeps slithering her way into our lives! First you, now my fiancé!" He raised his hands in a placating gesture, though the grin on his face betrayed a hint of satisfaction. "Talia, calm down. This is some misunderstanding." "No, Gaustav," Rieka said, rising to her feet. "Let her speak. I want to hear what other absurd accusations she has about me. The others at the table remained silent and in awe of the unfolding drama. Mrs. Adams stood up, her face stern. "That's enough, both of you!" she ordered. "This is a family dinner, not a battlefield." Talia snorted, shaking all over. "Family dinner? She's not family. She's an outsider! And she doesn't belong here! 'Talia," Phillip began, his tone dangerously low, 'you're crossing the line. Apologize to Rieka now." 'I will do no such thing!" Talia spat. 'Not to her!" 'Talia, sit down." Mrs. Adams' voice was firm, and for a moment, the room stilled. The authority in her tone left no room for argument. Still furious, Talia stormed to her seat, never once removing her glare from Rieka. Gaustav, indifferent to the tension, leaned back in his chair, smirking. "I apologize for my fiancée's behavior," he said to Rieka, with a tone as insincere as could be. Rieka disregarded him and concentrated on relaxing herself. She had gone through worse in her life, but this family scenario was trying her patience. He set the bottle of wine down on the table and leaned in close to her. "Are you okay?" he whispered softly. "I'm fine," she lied, since her knuckle-white grip on her fork suggested otherwise. Dinner resumed amidst an uncomfortable silence, like a bullstorm brewing outside the house, ready to break again at any time. Later that night, Rieka was in the garden to cool herself off in the night air. The stars above were dimly twinkling, and the scent of flowers bloomed, which relived her briefly from the madness of the day. "You shouldn't let her get to you," Phillip said, breaking the silence. Rieka turned to find him behind her, his hands in his pockets. "I'm trying," she said. "But she's relentless." Phillip breathed in heavily, took a step closer. "Talia. she's always been this way. Protective, jealous, impulsive. But I never thought she'd act this way toward a guest." "I don't know what I did to her," Rieka wearily said. "It's like she's determined to paint me as some villain in her story." "You didn't do anything," Phillip reassured her. "Talia's insecurities are hers to handle, so don't take it personally."   Rieka smiled slightly at him. "Thanks, Phillip."   She hadn't been afforded much time before footsteps sounded again, breaking their conversation. Talia stepped from the shadows, her expression blank.   "What do you want now?" Phillip asked, his tone slicing. 'I came to apologize," Talia said, her voice surprisingly soft. Both Rieka and Phillip stared at her in disbelief. 'You're apologizing?" Phillip repeated. 'Yes," Talia said, though her tone lacked conviction. 'I… overreacted. I'm sorry, Rieka." Rieka studied her carefully, unsure if the apology was genuine. 'Okay," she said cautiously. She nodded and turned to leave, but not before shooting Rieka a look that seemed to say, *This isn't over.* Phillip shook his head in frustration. "Unbelievable." --- That night, Rieka couldn't get rid of the feeling that Talia's apology had left her with. Lying in bed, she replayed the day's events within her mind. Gaustav's smirk, Talia's hostility, and Phillip's kindness swirled in her mind, making her ask even more questions than she had. A soft tap at her door pulled her from her thoughts. "Come in," she called. The door creaked open, and Mrs. Adams stepped inside, holding a tray with a steaming cup of tea. "I thought you might need this," she said kindly, setting the tray on the bedside table. "Thank you," Rieka said, sitting up. Mrs. Adams was hesitant, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Rieka, I want you to know you are welcome here. Don't let Talia's behavior make you feel otherwise." Rieka nodded. "I appreciate that, but why does she hate me so much?" Mrs. Adams sighed, her expression pained. "Talia's always had a problem with jealousy. She's afraid of losing the people she loves, and sometimes that fear turns into anger." "That doesn't excuse her actions," Rieka said firmly. "No, it doesn't," Mrs. Adams agreed. "But I hope you'll give her time. She's not a bad person, just. lost. Rieka didn't respond, because she did not know if she was capable of forgiving Talia so lightly. Mrs. Adams patted her hand soothingly. "Goodnight, dear. Try to get some rest." As the door closed behind her, Rieka stared at the cup of tea, her mind racing. --- The next morning, Rieka woke up to the muffled voices of people speaking outside her window. She got up and peered through the curtains, very surprised to see Talia and Gaustav in a heated argument. "What now?" she said, curiosity getting the better of her. She quickly dressed and stepped outdoors just in time to catch the tail end of their conversation. "…you said you'd handle this!" Talia hissed. "And I will," Gaustav replied smoothly. "But you need to trust me." "I don't trust you," Talia snapped. "Not when she's around." Rieka froze, her heart pounding in alarm. *What are they planning?* Before she could retreat, Gaustav's eyes met hers. "Ah, good morning, Rieka," he called, his grin as unnerving as ever. Talia whipped around, her face a mask of fury. "This isn't over," she said.