The way fate works in a twisted way is truly fascinating. I prayed to become a shadow, to disappear, to be ignored, my prayers were fulfilled.
Just not in a way I had imagined.
The royal procession traveled deep into the highlands, and by the night, the luxury of light had been replaced by the efficiency of a military camp.
The Obsidian Pillars moved, erecting a sea of black tents in a clearing near a rushing stream. Before I could notice the scenery, my arm was pulled.
Lord Kaldric dismounted and hauled me down, dropping me onto the grass, I hissed in pain but caught the cloak carefully so it wouldn't expose me.
He didn't say a word as he pointed toward a large, central tent. Forming my lips in a thin line, not daring to question him, I entered the tent quietly, keeping my head low.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of leather and cedar. A single cot stood in the corner, that made my heart race.
I clutched the cloak tighter to myself when I sensed Lord Kaldric entering after closing the flap, shutting us from the outside world.
Lord Kaldric unbuckled his gauntlets and dropped them onto a table with a heavy thud. I blinked at their sheer weight, my body tensing at the power emitting from his aura.
Finally, he looked at me. His icy silver eyes narrowed, certainly not preferring my presence in the slightest.
"There are the rules of this 'mercy' you forced," his voice started dangerously low.
I stood still, clutching the cloak to my throat.
"First: You do not speak to the other Knights. You do not look at them. Second: You do not touch my things, and you do not cross into my space unless commanded."
He took a step closer, his shadow consuming me. My gaze cascaded to the ground, not daring to move an inch.
"You think you have saved yourself, no?" he whispered, the words dripping with venom.
"But you have just walked into a cage, woman. I will make your life a living hell until you beg for the shadows to take you back."
"I have lived in hell my whole life, My Lord,"
I slowly met his gaze, my heart thumping madly, my voice dying under his pressure yet I managed to let out a weak, triumphant smirk.
"At least in yours, I have a roof over my head."
He recoiled, curling his hand in an exasperated fist before turning on his heel. Without another glance, he walked out of the tent, leaving the flap fluttering.
I was alone. The silence he promised settled over me.
I sank onto the edge of the cot, the crimson wool of the cloak the only thing keeping me from shattering.
I had my roof. I had my safety.
While I was adjusting to my new world, observing everything I had never been privileged to see from up close. My hands extended, touching his gauntlet to feel the metal but someone entered.
"I- I was only checking the metal!" I put my hands up defensively, jumping back in fright only to find a younger knight there.
He had golden hair and beautiful blue eyes, his features were softer.
He saw the flustered reaction and smirked, "Aboslutely. I doubt you can handle the weight." He paused, picking the gauntlet and tossed it towards me.
My hands instantly extended, catching the heavy armor, clutching it to my chest with both hands though it was heavier than I thought.
"Oh? You did. How strong." He teased me.
I gulped, placing it back exactly where it was, "L-Lord Kaldric isn't here." I kept my words short, not wanting to break the rule.
"I know. Do you need something, Lady…?"
"Ardelle."
"Beautiful name. I am Aldwin Ornstein. Commander's in-command. Is there anything I can do for you?" Someone, doing something, for me? How rare.
"I… uh…"
"It is alright. You can let me know."
"Can I have some water, Sir Aldwin?"
"Absolutely."
"Thank you." He nodded and handed me a flask as I hastily chugged the liquid down, uncaring if it rolled down from the corner of my lips.
"Um, where is Lord Kaldric?"
"He is currently with My Liege discussing internal affairs. Sleep assured. The commander might be late." I nodded as Lord Aldwin left.
I sat on the cot again. Anxiety bubbling in me while I waited, my eyes getting heavy and after a while, he reached his own quarters and saw me there.
"I will not share a space with her," Lord Kaldric barked at the squire outside his tent.
"The King's orders, Commander," the squire stammered, eyes fixed firmly on his boots.
"His Majesty insists the marriage be seen as legitimate by the men. To house her elsewhere would invite... talk." He paused, "Moreover Lady is in nothing but your cloak, we cannot expose her to hundreds of men to feast their eyes."
Lord Kaldric let out a low growl that sounded like a cornered beast. He shoved the tent flap aside and stepped in furiously. My body shivered when I could feel his infuriated eyes locked on me.
He didn't speak. He moved through the tent like a whirlwind of suppressed violence, unbuckling his armor. The clatter of steel hitting the wooden chest was increasing my beats too.
"My Lord," I rose from the cot, my voice trembling, "I can sleep on the ground. I do not wish to take your—"
"Be silent." he snapped, not even looking at me.
He stripped down to his linen tunic, his massive, scarred shoulders heaving with every breath. He grabbed a single blanket and his sword.
"I find the air in here stifling. I will be outside."
"But the chill, My Lord... the frost is settling."
"I have slept in blood and snow, woman. Your pity is the last thing I require." He turned, his eyes raking over me with a flash of disgust.
"Stay in the shadows where you belong."
He exited the tent, leaving me in the piercing silence.