Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 181: Scene CLXXXI
*Swallow...* — She gulped down, composing the impulsive thoughts that had brought her to that spot, and giving birth to new ones as the eyes of the man sent a realisation to her mind. — ‘His appearance is formidably handsome... yet I can picture my blood carelessly painting those hands easily.’
Goosebumps traversed the skin of the woman for a second. Nonetheless, a step was given to come out of the corridor she chose as a hideout to glance at the door Aslak had come out from, meeting the sight of two stiff men was met. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺
‘After such menace... it is certain not a step near will be allowed...’ — Aware after witnessing, Dina conceived, also convinced that it was not with the step-sister with whom she wished to talk to... yet also having diverse thoughts on the possessiveness the man had of the Archduchess.
‘Such a beast... hah... It would not be a surprise if she suffers in his hold.’ — She thought pleased with the life Ewelina could be experiencing. Having mistaken thoughts, just as any other aware of the Archduke’s marriage. — ‘It is what she deserves... not even her mother’s territory was she able to keep, much less will she be able to control a savage... Death at his hands would have been better for her.’
Ill-intentioned convictions appeased her malicious heart, convinced that even if coming before her no gain would be earned... unlike with the Archduke... for she could still win from an exchange... as, just like her father, greed was vast in her soul and knowledge had been given to her by the deceased man... for it was herself who aided with the Archduke’s demand on his wedded’s state... giving Kelly the duty to deceive Ewelina, along with the Father that allowed it.
Walking around the palace once again, her presence was left alone by those who found her for her appearance was one of a proper noble.
There was expectation within her to hear useful information in the vast corridors where walls could talk and announce interesting news... however, no luck was in her path... Neither at the time nor on such day. For the news she was to receive was painful to her spirit.
Without satisfying her objective, Dina walked out of the palace, walking through the same gardens and squares the Archdukes would later stroll pleasantly around... Being found by the one who had searched her stances the evening before.
From the place he was sitting, away from the savages who were not inclined to befriend the northern guard at the loss of a fellow wild man, Gilead had view of the square the woman had to cross to get to the tower she was resident at.
Before, he had already seen the woman walk hastily across the square, unable to follow her for the brakian mainglousse child was having him as company, sticking to him as Gilead was the second northerner she had ever befriended after her Master’s wife.
Having freed himself of the child as it was Sire Kir’s reticence to let Nu in Gilead’s company, this time the previous guard of the Orteu found the opportunity to talk with the lady the brakian child would then mention...
Glancing briefly around him, Gilead went after the woman. Unaware of the curious child that would notice his suspicious behaviour and would also follow him, finding her hiding entertaining in her innocence.
At a contiguous corridor that would lead to the back of the kitchen he had heard of her presence, Gilead sped up to grab Dina’s arm... Surprising her with a determined grip.
“Gasp!?!! Who-?! How dare you! Let go of me!!?”
... Receiving her hits as he contained her manifestation and hushed her exclamations, Gilead then continued to talk with discreet sound.
“Shush! Milady Dina, shush! It is I, Gilead.”
“??... Gilead...?” — Still restrained from movement by the arms of the guard, Dina stared at the man. Receiving his confirmation shortly after.
“Yes, I used to serve at the Baron’s household... it is no surprise if the lady does not remember me however...” — Releasing her as he spoke, Gilead whispered to the Baron’s daughter.
“... I remember you... I-... I recall your face...” — Embarrassed by the sensation his grab produced, Dina gave a step back from the guard. Crossing her arms in suspicious protection from the man. Telling him she had memories of him, and recalling the last sight she had of her parents. — “I had seen you at our lands... And you...!? You left along mother and father!”
“Ah... yes, I-”
“Where are they!? You were with them weren’t you?! H-how come you are here??! I-is it that Father sent you with a message??” — Hopeful, Dina bounced upon the surprised man. Asking quickly what she craved to learn, overwhelming him with the energy her hues depicted. — “Gilead, do tell me all about it! I have been waiting impatiently to know of my family!”
“... Milady, please calm down.” — The man commenced, taking again the slim arms of the woman to separate himself from the noble she was. — “Your questions... I am to answer them if you desire so... truthfully, informing you was my aim from the moment I learned of your presence at the Palace.”
“!! T-truly?... I... I am so grateful to you Gilead... the uncertainty has left my nights of sleep restless... No notice has arrived from the Archduke’s territory in months... Seeing you here... at the very least lets me know... You made it safely to his castle...”
The lower of her head felt pitiful in the eyes of Gilead. For in her youth, the lady before him showed trueborn concern about the members of the family he had escorted to the Archduke’s lands. And so... his mouth began to speak without much thought in his schemes.
“We did make it there.” — Gilead started to tell the woman with forced harshness in his countenance. — “Thanks to the season, the hills we were to cross to arrive at the Archduke’s fief had no beast around. The travels were peaceful... just as his Grace had warned us beforehand. If we had been late, things would have gone different in those hills.”
“... I-I see...”
