Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 160: Scene CLX

Only once the slave had stepped outside did the arctic blue gaze of the Princess lay on Dina, serving her a tranquil gentle smile before showing her back as she paced to a decorated seat.

“Orteu’s daughter. The name is...?”

“It is Dina Orteu, Princess of Herklain.”

“Dina... Well, Dina. Tell me.” — As if it had been Dina herself who had requested a meeting with Dorothea, the woman confidently said as a sly flutter of her gaze observed the whole figure of the baron’s daughter. — “How can you be of my use?”

“...? Pardon? Was I not summoned by yourself?”

“Yes. So tell me. Tell me about yourself. The baron you are daughter to... who I reckon has not come to the palace even as it is no less than the King’s invitation to a feast that also celebrates one that was from your household.”

“.....”

“Tell me. Also about that one that is now Archduchess... You may also tell me about why your demeanour is this disastrous. I am willing to listen to anything as long it is interesting.”

The smile of the princess as she mocked Dina’s current state with a seemingly nice sound incited a light furrow of Dina’s brows that restrained further show of her displeased humiliation from appearing on her expression with the clench of her jaw.

Deciding to be clever as it was clear something to do with the stepsister was the reason to be standing before the Princess.

“If so... I am also willing to listen to why this interest to learn of all this is of the Princess’s use... Perhaps after learning such reasons... I will be inclined to tell what the Princess wants to learn.”

“Are you asking me to explain myself?... How reckless.”

“... It appears to be the most common course of action. After all, the Princess wants me to be of use. And although my current appearance is disastrous as you say, there are reasons to it that may make me inclined to be of the princess’s use.”

The moment when the women discerned a mutual foe was there for them was as simple as the hold of each other’s deep stare.

The awe at Dina’s bold gamble was then allowed to become apparent in Dorothea’s visage.

With a delicate blink of her blonde eyelashes, a soft and entertained grin briefly appeared on her countenance, to then look straight into the hesitant Dina’s hues and ominously announce her motive.

“Your stepsister. I want her dead.”

“...”

“Ah... this is wonderful.” — Smiling widely at the tremble in Dina’s gaze, Dorothea quickly evolved glad.

For in her eyes she could see... an animosity she would certainly find use to. — “Now I truly want to listen, Dina... I am even hopeful this appearance you have has to do with her.”

“... Your hopes seem correct.”

“Ah~ this is... fufu~ a great opportunity for you.” — Standing from her seat, the princess retrieved a wine container, and placing her hand on the back of Dina’s waist, as if also trying to seduce her with the unmistaken beauty her visage possessed, she invited Dina to follow her and seat so the story could be told. — “Do not stay standing there... come and join me... You may tell me all about your hatred, young lady.”

Even if doubtful, Dina did as offered. Taking the wine the princess shoved onto her, sipping on it to gain the resolve to share her story. How her life had changed ever since Ewelina had been thrown away by her father... who had yet to return along with her dear mother from a traditional visit to the wedded’s residence.

“... This hatred is only recent... yet my despise has always been of Ewelina to have... I am sure what I am to tell you will be of use. Therefore, princess... You ought to ensure it is only her who will suffer the consequences of this revenge.”

*******

Dinner, although it had been offered to be enjoyed at a vast hall solely for them, Aslak made it be taken to their chambers once more.

Reluctant to let go of his wife, the man had even roared from their place the permission for the servants to enter on their own unlike he accustomed opening the door himself when in Ewelina’s company. Causing her to feel shame, as his grasp declined roughly her wish to stand for a moment, solely so the eyes of the servants would not find disgrace in her as she was purely held by the spouse.

“Don’t. They’ll come and go anyways.” 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

“However-!”

"No."

No attempt to contradict the Archduke could make it out of her mouth. The servants had already entered their chambers, and, even as they were thoughtful to arrange the meal with lowered heads, signalling their respect to the guests... Her visage also lowered, avoiding to look at any of those rushing to serve them, ashamed by the circumstances the man had ultimately forced her into.

The glare and reproach she gave to the man later was of no aid. For his hand was firmly restricting her body to remain sitting on him... to the point he stood while easily carrying Ewelina with one arm so they could sit right next to the table decorated with delicious delicacies.

“!! This is unnecessary!”

“It’s not. Fatædi might slip away.”

Settling her roughly on top of him, this time Aslak even restricted her freedom with the table right before her, so his long limbs would have her in between while he also offered some of the dishes.

“Want wine? There’s bread and meat.”

“I am to serve myself.”

“Don’t eat too little.”

“Uff... impossible man... I eat the proper amount. My size-”

“Is not as big as husband’s... I know.” — Even as she was displeased by his ways, the spouse sweetly grazed her cheek, troubling Ewelina as she did not want the man to win her forgiveness as effortlessly.

“... Why is it that even as husband knows, he still persists?”

“No reason.”

“... why do what incites my frown...?”

“... Fatædi’s fierceness I nice.”

“... why?”

“.....”

Continuous questions like these were many times inquired to the man.

However, these would cease after the silence of the man who sincerely pondered on a proper answer also made the woman change the subject. Leaving behind the matter on which she was attempting to make Aslak find the path to the only answer she sought from her loved mate... whose maddening ignorance and caution frustrated intensely the soul of the tolerant Ewelina. While he solely wished to prevent another discussion like that one where the wife had shed tears from occurring.