Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 117: Scene CXVII

The time that had passed while in those terrains where love invaded her soul, feeling deeply for the man she once feared from ignorance; was now generating annoyance in the woman at the knowledge she acquired.

Nevertheless... If not for the wisdom of a past, her answer at this moment would have been different... Even her present would differ greatly if not for the measured attitude experience could enable in her body’s youth.

Hence, the time of quiet ponder was wonderful... For youth would be placated by her reason.

’It does upset me... Yet it is solely because I have a feeling now I did not have for you back then... husband...’ — Ewelina’s visage softened to the understanding of her heart’s conflict and decided not to hide it completely from the man with the return of his teasing.

"I am not upset. After all, knowing the inconsiderate ways of my spouse, it is not a surprise for you to behave like that." — With elaborate pride she said, glancing playfully at the man who smiled conflicted after hearing her sarcasm.

"I’m not always inconsiderate."

"... Yet most times you are."

*Snort~*

"Tsk. This darn horse."

"Hahaha~ Litilmenni seems to agree with its master’s wife."

"It’s a simple traitor, this horse... Alright. Come here Fatædi." — Extending his hand to Ewelina, Aslak continued to frown even when entertained. — "Mount it first."

"ah... But..." — ’Litilmenni is taller than other horses...’

Looking at the tall steed Ewelina hesitated. Contemplating the size of the steed while lost in her thoughts... Thoughts that the man would answer maliciously.

"... I’ll help. Since you’re short."

"Uf! You are so– *peck*!???"

"Sorry. I’m inconsiderate." — After sneakily kissing her while standing behind Ewelina, the man chuckled at the woman’s surprised eyes while holding her waist, purposely seductive, as he intended to continue to tease her. — "Here. I’ll lift you."

Immediately doing so, she had no time to retort while settling on top of the steed, becoming tame to then watch with fading blush how he easily jumped up the height she would have struggled without his aid.

"..."

"... Hm. Scoot closer. Your back will suffer otherwise." — Drawing her nearer with the easy pull of his hand, Aslak told the troubled woman. — "There... Don’t stiffen, it won’t help your body."

"I-I am aware... It is only that I need to get used to it."

"... Hah. But you do–"

"Do. Not... say it... It is not the same, brutish man." — Turning to glare at the man conveying mischief in his voice, Ewelina prevented his teasing.

"??... Fierce Fatædi, what can’t I say?"

"Oh. Do not feign innocence, savage man... This teasing of yours, I noticed in those malicious amber eyes you flaunt there was a desire to tell such tease the moment you announced I would ride Litilmenni with you."

"Hrmm... yet you like it when I say it..." — Leaning over her shoulder his hand went down her torso, looking around so no one would see as he whispered his enticement. — "... That you ride me..."

"... Halt your hand... Mind where we are, husband."

"... Ai... Hold my helmet." — Granting her request Aslak said. Not losing the opportunity to give a peck on his wife’s jovial cheek before straightening his back. Feeling triumphant as this kind of affection could not be reproached.

"!?... sly..."

"Mhm~" — Taking the reigns of the steed, Aslak sneered. Coming to speak loudly as he made them advance to the front of the men ready to depart. — "Jazhara’s Tail!!! We’re leaving! Feel the dirt underneath properly! We’re to come back to it either safe or with honourable blood to offer!"

Tremors from the feet of those seeing the lords off as well as those leaving resounded along the cheers of wild growls. Only to be ended by the rise of Aslak’s axe... To say his farewell to those remaining.

"This fief. Protect it along those below. Send word if needed... A King is below my people. I’m to come back at your call."

"... Deny a beast’s menace with amber sight."

"Butcher the hunt... And taste it well while I’m not here, lucky bastards."

A shared grin reigned between the Sortnerers, and turning the horse to look ahead towards the path the gates opened, the march commenced... to the centre of the Zaarmideos Kingdom. Where a king and others of privileged cradle would become acquainted with the unknown couple owning the only Archduchy of the Kingdom... whose power is a mystery to those in the rest of the common continent.

*******

The sound of the hooves of the horses was continuous and peaceful under the weather Sortnafeigr possessed. The men shared idle talk yet the silence of the surrounding nature was still strongly felt in the ears of the trope.

An Archduke paced ahead, tall while riding his proud steed that was in good mood carried its owner along with a fair woman it was attached to, who would stroke its fur at times, affectionately admiring its dark shade while having the time to do so during a tranquil journey.

Her body took some time to assimilate the height and position that, different to the previous occasion, was not accompanied by a little child, but instead, with her wedded man right behind.

However, comfort arrived along with resignation and her back then naturally leaned backwards to support itself on the prominent spouse riding their mount.

"... Although it is not the first time I cross these lengths... I believe it is only now that I can truly appreciate the sight."

"Is that so."

"Mhm... I was truly nervous the first time."

"Hm." — Aslak nonchalantly expressed. More interested in how his armour was an obstacle between himself and the soft wife resting on his torso.

’... Shouldn’t have worn this.’ — The man thought. Taking the attention of the woman with his noticeably quiet answers.

"... Is there something on husband’s mind?"

Accomplishing the meet of their eyes, both stared nonchalantly at the other, sharing a tense moment of silence while he decided to smirk to tell the woman the hint that would solve her curiosity.

"Wife can guess. Look into my eyes."

"... Goodness... Husband is an impossible man it appears." — Blushing at his wild temptation, Ewelina came back to look forward instead of his eyes which made her excited.

Nonetheless, even as she reproached the teasing, her voice was tender and loving; while she settled more of her petite weight between the reliable arms of Aslak, who leaned forward briefly... only to dip his nose on her curls and enjoy the result of his seductive playfulness.

"Mm. Yeah." — He said while in her fur. Inhaling her scent before straightening to declare it fully. — "I’m impossible, Fatædi."

Looking ahead at the wide terrain, his corners stayed held up. However, severity replaced friskiness for he knew it would be difficult to get into deep tangles while in the vast nature.