For an hour, the world of forest and iron vanished, replaced with a warmth I hadn't experienced since my mother died of cold.
In fact, I had forgotten how 'warmth' felt in the first place.
With a quiet, motherly efficiency, Lady Olivine helped me settle, her movements devoid of the sharp judgment I had come to expect from the court.
"You are safe here, Ardelle," she whispered, noticing the way I was tensing at every movement, at every word, fearing the judgement, My Lord's wrath.
But, her hands steady as she helped me set aside my travel-worn cloak, holding me gently that I had to doubt her gestures.
"Do not be so vexed. My brother's house is a fortress of peace, even if the men outside prefer to live in a storm."
"Thank you, Lady Olivine," I breathed, my shoulders finally losing some of their tension. "Your kindness is... I am not used to it."
"Then you shall get used to it here," She replied with a graceful laugh that compelled me to stare at her.
Later that afternoon, as I walked through the sun-drenched conservatory after changing into a luxurious gown offered by Lady Olivine, a shadow fell across the path. I expected the heavy clank of obsidian, but instead, I saw the expensive fabric.
"My sister has a way of smoothing the roughest edges, doesn't she?" Earl Emerson asked, falling into step beside me to which I instantly stepped aside.
"She is very kind, My Lord," I murmured, keeping my gaze on the path, maintaining a fair distance which couldn't go unnoticed.
"Sernic is a place for healing, Lady Ardelle. Not just for wounds of the flesh." He paused, slowing his steps to match mine as his tall, slender form blocked my view, staring directly into my soul.
"But for the soul itself. I had created this sanctuary away from the cruel world with incredible efforts. Do not be disheartened here." He requested in a melodic voice, offering me his hand.
My heart skipped a beat, my hands locked over my chest as I glanced at his pleasant offer and back to his face.
"A wise man once told me: You do not trust a stranger's tongue, no matter how charming it sounds." I let out a small smile, putting my hands up defensively, praying I wasn't rude to our host.
He was taken aback before letting out a pleased smirk, "You pick up on instructions quickly, My Lady." He complimented me.
"Thank you, My Lord. And currently, my foremost instruction is to stay in my husband's shadow. Therefore, I must leave." I replied gently, my steps retreating only to find him in my proximity.
"Kaldric is a fortunate man to have such a devoted bride." Earl Emerson continued, his gaze noticing the tremble of my hand and discomfort- fear of his vicinity.
"Though I wonder if he knows what to do with a jewel that doesn't belong on a sword hilt. I saw the way you looked at the gates. Like a bird expecting a cage."
"I am a wife, My Lord. My place is where my husband is called."
I looked away quickly, my cheek heating up when his warm, sweet breath reached me, weakening my knees unwillingly.
"A wife, or a shield?" Emerson countered smoothly.
"Kaldric is a man of war. He knows how to conquer, but I suspect he has knowledge on how to cherish." He stopped right at my face, a dark glimpse flashing in them.
"And I am intrigued to find out for how long will your head be present for his blade like an unimportant casualty?"
"I.. I must go, My Lord." I interrupted, my heart pounding rapidly, my throat drying. The slightest fathoming of the arrival of such a day frightened me.
I didn't let him finish, I couldn't stay to listen further. My conviction was unwavering, his persuasive words won't hinder my resolve.
If it ever came, I'd be nothing but a hollow on whom her existence will be a burden.
I turned and hurried back toward the main house, the sunflower he had given me earlier, I glanced at it for a heartbeat and glanced over my shoulder, back to Earl Emerson.
I stared back with determination and let go of his sunflower, stepping on it. He smirked wickedly, thrilled by my unforeseen display of loyalty.
I ran back inside, searching for the one who had made this sanctuary a trial for me. My priority was my Lord's conviction. My one wrong action would only result in a grave for myself.
When the sun finally set, the luxury of the estate felt cold, scary. I was lost in the endless corridors and collided on Sir Aldwin's chest.
He smirked, "Let me guess. Lost?"
I nodded innocently.
"Come. I will escort you, My Lady." He chuckled, guiding me and showing me a few landmarks to remember the way.
"And that is your room. At the end of this corridor."
"Thank you, Sir." I bowed slightly from respect. He smiled and left.
I took a deep breath, smoothened my dress and hair, hoping to present myself gracefully like a lady, forming a faint smile I saw on Lady Olivine.
And it was astonishing. I, who always struggled to conceal her beauty, was now attempting to expose it in order to gain some acknowledgement from my husband.
I returned to our assigned chambers, a room far too large and far too decorative for a man who preferred the mud of a battlefield. My eyes fell on the bed, a sparkle filling me.
For the first time, I was going to sleep on a bed. For the first time, I was going to sleep with… him. The flush and excitement burst in me simultaneously.
Lord Kaldric was there, already stripped to his bottoms and a thin linen shirt, undoubtedly dominantly enticing. He was staring out the window, his broad back facing me.
A smile adorned my lips as I quietly moved and poured a glass of water and offered it to him with expectation– the thing that was once non-existent for me– filling my gaze.
He turned, glancing at the glass and back to my face. When he took the glass from my hand, brushing his skin with mine, a spark traveled in my core.
He drank the water and placed the glass aside. I almost dared to stand beside him until I heard his next words.
"The Earl's garden is quite extensive, is it not?" he asked, his voice dripping with a mockery that made me flinch.
"I imagine the walks are much more pleasant when the company doesn't smell of sweat, iron, and blood." He hissed, facing me with a hefty aura that purloined strength from my feet.
"He only wished to show me the grounds, My Lord. I-I left as soon as I could." I stammered, my hand locked in front of me, seeking his trust.
"Did you?" He turned, his silver eyes flashing with a heartlessness that began to kill my brief expectations.
"You have a talent for 'leaving' that always seems to involve a lingering look."
His hand shot out without a warning in a painful grip, hovering over me until tears pricked in my eyes. The mistrust and rage murdering the light I walked into this room with.
"I warned you, woman. Sernic is a place of whispers, and you are already shouting to every man in the hall with those wide, green eyes. Why can't you just hide this face?"
He grabbed my hat and roughly tugged it down, his rage enhancing by each passing moment.
"Do you have to make it a spectacle for every soul? Do you think I don't see the way you preen under his gaze?"
"I do not preen for anyone but you, My Lord!" I cried, my voice cracking, shutting my eyes to block the resentful glares he sent in my direction.
"I am loyal to you. Why must you turn every kindness into a sin?"
A trail of tears rolled from the corner of my eyes yet I was too frightened to look in his stone-cold eyes.
"Because in your world, kindness is a currency, it helps you rise. You used this to marry me too." he spat, releasing me as I stumbled on my steps. My eyes slowly opened but not daring to look at him.
"Go to bed," he growled, turning his back on me again, jaw clenched, hands dominantly tied behind his back. He preferred to look outside than at me.
"I am tired of your face, especially these undesirable tears you let out thinking I will shed some mercy."