Be the Heir, Escort the LadyIt totally wasn't your idea. You had planned on finding Dave and sneaking off, but you couldn't find him and instead your dad found you. He insisted you take your lady for a walk. You couldn't say no to your dad. You couldn't have told him that you would much rather go on a romantic walk with Dave. So now you're walking through the moonlit gardens, the occasional lamp lighting the cobblestone path. Rose's hand is tucked delicately into the crook of your arm. You're both standing as close as necessary without having to get too close.For whatever reason, it's been established that you and Rose are fine with each other's company but you don't like to touch too much. You know why you don't. Touching her makes you uncomfortable. And you just assume she doesn't like it because…well, she's a lady and ladies don't like that sort of thing, right?The invitation had caught her off guard and afterward you explained it was your dad's idea. You've just been wandering and idly chatting. And honestly it's a very nice night so you're enjoying that. And Rose is nice company, even if you'd rather her hand not be on your arm. And the gardens look really pretty-Is that Dave?You'd recognize him anywhere, even from behind. You and Rose just rounded a corner and ahead you spot two people sitting on a bench, clearly a man and a woman. That in and of itself isn't that strange. Couples often take to the gardens at night to be alone. You were even doing it. What was strange was the fact that the man was very distinctly Dave, and you had no idea who the woman was.Even from a distance you could tell that he was relaxed. He was leaning back and his head was tilted to the side to look at her. Occasionally his shoulders shook with silent laughter. The woman also appeared relaxed, even if she sat like a proper lady. Even as you watched she lifted a hand to her mouth to stifle a laugh.A strange fire sparked to life deep within your gut. It bubbled and swirled and burned into a tight pit deep within your stomach. It's not anger, not completely, but anger is definitely in there. It's a torrent of dark emotion that you're not sure you've ever felt before. Your eyes narrow and your pace picks up ever so slightly as you and Rose walk in the direction of the couple."That's Dave." You say, trying to sound cheerful, but you sound strained.Rose glances in the couple's direction. "So it is." She says calmly, like it's not strange that her brother is sitting with a mystery woman late at night. Doesn't she understand Dave never sits with women of his own accord? Dave is yours! He shouldn't be sitting there so calmly and casually, practically laughing with some woman!Jealousy. Shit, you're jealous. That's what this tight dark fire is that's twisting your insides."Who is that with him?" You ask, surprised by how casual you sound. The black bubbling ooze seeping through your body doesn't bleed into your voice.You don't look away from them, but Rose sounds mildly surprised. She probably has her eyebrows raised like her family tends to do. "That's Kanaya, my handmaid." She says.A handmaid? A handmaid?! Dave couldn't even choose a lady of higher rank?By this time you've nearly reached their bench. Their backs are to you and you and Rose stop once you're behind them. "Dave." You say, a little louder than intended. His head snaps around, obviously surprised to see you. "Hey, Dave." You say again. Your lips are smiling but you doubt your eyes are."Sup." He says, far too calmly and it just fuels the fire burning in you."Kanaya." Rose says, nodding her head in greeting. The woman is pretty, you realize. Too pretty. She gives Rose a warm smile that lights up her green eyes."My lady."Bluh! Even her voice is beautiful. You can't take this. "Rose," You say, turning to look at your fiancé. "I have something to discuss with Dave. Would you mind excusing me?" You ask, all princely and polite.She nods and removes her hand from your arm. "Of course. I will see you tomorrow." She gives you a small curtsey and you give her a small bow."Dave, come with me." You don't even bother making it a question. It's a straight out order. You start to walk away and don't even turn around to see him get up from the bench. You know he's following you. You can hear his barely audible footsteps.