Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 167: Scene CLXVII

Nevertheless, albeit the king and archdukes knowledge, the sound of the door opening without an announcement from the guards outside would interrupt their merry ambience. Turning it sour even if it had been tasteful to their hearts.

"I have heard a wonderful meal was being enjoyed with the recently arrived guests." — The blonde princess said with a seemingly soft and sweet sound, pacing gracious in a sleeveless large tunic that showed a great part of her skin as the lower half had long openings where her limbs could peek outside as she walked. — "... King of Zaarmideos, would it be alright for me to join this meal? It has been a long time since I last saw my dear and Illustrious Grace..."

"... Princess Dorothea. I had arranged this meal solely for myself and the archdukes for a reason. How come you show yourself here."

"I was informed Aslak was here with you. I wanted to see him." — As if no permission was needed, Dorothea paced calmly to sit across the Archduke, right next to the king... glancing briefly at Ewelina who remained graceful; sitting elegantly next to her spouse who indifferently drank from his grail while also stroking the feminine hand in his possesion. — "... Yet not even a glance I am given. Aslak, am I not to be welcomed?"

"... You shouldn’t be here to begin with, Doreta. I dislike even seeing you." — More inclined to stare at the grail become empty the Archduke growled, scowling at the sight of an empty cup that he knew could aid his temper.

"My~ don’t say that, my wild man."

"Tsk. Effing earth."

"Princess Dorothea, be mindful of Aslak’s wife. Addressing him as such isn’t appropriate."

The King as he sat down again told the shameless princess, right after the disgusted mumble of a curse was told by the archduke, siding with the quiet Ewelina who calmly watched the scene unfolding before her as the princess made her seem invisible.

"Oh... His wife..." — Now looking condescendingly at the woman, Dorothea lifted her brow, smiling gracefully to feign friendliness with a sour comment. — "Young lady, I hope you don’t mind this fondness I have for Aslak... Admitation and like is a must when before men like him. Nevertheless... Married women tend to become pitiful minding such unimportant little matters don’t you think so? I hope you are not one of those."

"..."

*Tak*

The wise Ewelina gently listened with a composed demeanour, noticing how the man holding her hand stopped caressing it as his cup also moved to hit the table, evidently displeased by the princess’s attitude...

For his growl was about to come out.

"They do become ’pitiful’ as the princess says." — Ewelina replied with a soft smile while her other hand also came to lay over her husband’s as a manner to halt any impulse he may amass. — "I used to believe the same as the princess when I was lacking a partner."

"Then I suppose you don’t mind it! How wonderful!"

"Oh. No... You are mistaken. Surely I mind it." — Looking straight in the eye of the fake happiness the princess demonstrated, the humble Ewelina appeared honourable, lifting her corners in what a confident grin warned the disrespectful woman of her reckless insinuations. — "My spouse... even to his Majesty he does not doubt reminding him I am his sole woman... Hence, I am to do the same, Princess Dorothea. Aslak is my man... would you be so kind as to not call him yours ever again? I do not mind becoming pitiful as you say married women are."

"... Hahaha, what an interesting answer your wife gave, my dear Aslak."

"Do as my Fatædi says, dreadful woman. I’m nothing of yours."

"... Don’t say that." — The princess muttered with hatred in her gaze. While those around feigned ignorance, in sight to end the tense exchange.

Ewelina who although felt pleasant with her husband’s ruthless reply glanced at the princess, finding a dangerous expression invade what appeared to be a gentle visage.

"I hope the princess will not take badly our honesty." — Then the archduchess conveyed. Just as sly, yet furthermore elegant than the bitter princess. — "Your straightforwardness is one we are accustomed to return... Your Majesty, as to the princess’ company, do allow her to stay. Our meal is almost finished and truthfully, I do not mind your presence here, Princess Dorothea. If it is for myself... do feel free to stay."

"... How kind of you."

"Do not mention it."

"... I don’t want her here." — Frowning then the archduke blatantly added, telling it directly to Dorothea, whose patience was running out at such relentless showcase of disinterest in her person.

Turning to look at the tender wife to his side, the man continued to growl, failing to be discreet and solely nicer in tone to tell Ewelina why she should deny the distasteful Dorothea to remain in their presence. — "Fatædi... don’t be nice to this woman. She’s darn annoying."

"Cough! Ahem... lad, bring more wine. Quick." — The king coughed in an attempt to distract himself, clearly nervous as he was between two difficult to control people.

Meanwhile, Ewelina’s eye also saw how Dorothea’s visage fought it’s enraged contortion while looking at the man leaning on her ear... that then met her gaze and scowled with visible contempt.

"..."

The wife’s head lowered, turning so she would face her spouse, softly whispering with confidence... — "It is alright... I understand what husband meant."

"..."

Slightly separating, the couple’s eyes met. Instilling in him a smirk that... indifferent of those around lightly grazed the wife’s temple, placing a tender kiss on the woman’s forehead... pleased by the purity and danger hid in her brown hues.

"... Good wife."

"It is a pity his grace does not wish my presence to remain here." — Yet suddenly, Dorothea spouted with joined brows in a visible frown of disgust at the innocent show of affection Aslak had granted his Ewelina. — "Truthfully, I had come here solely out of curiosity... for I wished to meet the new Archduchess that has joined your household, Aslak."

"..."

"If so, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Princess Dorothea. I was told the princess was a guest here as well so I have been wondering when our first meeting would come."

"Is that so?"

"... It is so."