Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 194: Scene CXCIV

“Come nearer, nobles of the Zaarmideos Kingdom. It is my pleasure to have you gathered before these foods prepared with the greatest care... My dearest friend and blood, linked to the Throne of the Kingdom by the history our ancestors built, The Archduke and His Archduchess from the Honoured Myrkzver lineage, are to be celebrated with no restrain in the commodities this palace possesses.... My blessings are to fall upon their marriage once and many times more, as well as the Kingdom’s... Celebrate together! My family’s bond!”

After a pompous and enthusiastic introduction, the Archdukes were invited to share the table with the King, and sitting side by side, the young princes that played around them were observed with entertainment by Ewelina who watched their innocent smiles and rejoiced with their laughter while she also conversed with the King and spouse.

Many nobles came near to greet them briefly and solemnly. Granting their congratulations and good wishes as if a second wedding was ongoing. Nevertheless, at a certain moment, once afternoon was at its warmest to welcome the cold of the evening, there was an invitation from some of the young ladies who had paid their respects to the Archdukes.

“Your Illustrious Grace, the women have gathered at that table, I am to humbly invite you to join us. It would make our ambience much more enjoyable, I am certain.”

“What a kind invitation.” — Ewelina replied, gracefully. Glancing at the table she referred to with solemn dignity. Turning to the spouse to her side who simply drank the mead brought especially for him, placing her hand on the leg of the man to request his attention as he glared at those enjoying ignorantly of a luxurious and stiff feast; so very different to those Aslak held at his vast lands.

“Husband.”

“?... What.” — Surprised by the kind of gesture Ewelina chose to get his attention, Aslak stopped his hand from drinking. Appearing rough in his reply while the woman knew he was acting as usual when before people Aslak found distasteful.

“I am to join the other ladies at that table. Will it be alright if I leave your side for a moment?”

“... Where.”

“There, it is that table under the arched tree.”

“... Don’t leave for long.” — Peeking at the place she signalled with her eyes, Aslak said. Taking advantage of the slight lean to come near her temple, and purr after a brief graze of his nose, indifferent to those watching. — “Come back as soon they get noisy, Fatædi.”

“!... I doubt such will happen, yet I am to not be away for long.” — Keeping herself calm so those watching would not exaggerate further their reaction, Ewelina stood up. Turning from the man, whose amber lay on her lower half, where her hips could be glanced at as she walked.

The cup he was drinking from was then taken back to meet his lips, gulping it down, thirsty, for he had deprived his hand of the wish to playfully slap the woman’s buttocks... solely for Aslak was aware a reproach would come later from his wife.

‘... Anytime now... she should be told to go to our chambers.’ — Aslak recalled, in an attempt to calm his frustration. For the preparations he had done along with his cousin were as such.

“She went with the women, huh.” — Then Jollveld commented, leaving the conversation with his son out of curiosity. — “It’s good she’s making friends.”

“... Right. But that Dorea is near... look. She’s already going where my Fatædi is.”

“It’s Dorothea... You say it wrong on purpose don’t you?”

“In any way I say it, her name’s annoying, just as herself.”

“... Ewelina’ll be fine. She has guts I didn’t think she would have. Must be from reasoning with you so often.”

“Hmph... my Fatædi’s no ordinary woman.” — Proud, he filled his cup with wine this time. Smirking at how nicely Ewelina had placed the Princess in her place the time they first met.

“Oi. Ya shouldn’t drink that much. Remember you have to do well at your chambers.”

“This much’s nothing...”

“It’d be better to smoke herbs.”

“Shut it.“

“......”

“Haaaah..... Cursed be time, Jollveld.” — Suddenly, he sighed seemingly angered. — “I’ve had the urge to say it so many times already since yesterday... Not even if a Jazhara was before me as hunt would I be this... this......”

“... anxious? Nervous?”

“... excited.”

“Hmph.” — Pleased by the Archduke’s frustration, Jollveld looked at the place the cousin’s eyes could not help but drift to. Ultimately placing his hand over the man’s shoulder in a show of support. — “That just means you want to make it work. You’re holding it in truly well, ole.”

“Tsk. Get your hand off.”

“Hahaha. Don’t growl at me. Is this what I get for helping ya?”

“Ya only bother me.” — Aslak growled back, drinking another sip... and keeping quiet for a moment of serious pondering. — “... It was you who forced me to marry.”

“... Ou... it was around time, I’ve told ya. I’m repeating myself darn it. Twenty-six years on the earth and you were still ignorant of a woman’s body... Can’t understand ya.” — Jollveld said as if tired of telling it.

“I wasn’t interested.”

“Even so. Women lurked your lower half and nothing you did. You killed that one I sent when ya were seventeen. Darn barbarian, poor woman.”

“She was stupid. Slipping into my mattress when it wasn’t long since I returned from the Framikanna ritual... You sent her to death. Idiot.”

“... Sigh. Whatever. It’s a matter from the past.”

“...”

Silence was held by the two, as both turned to look forward at the arched tree where Ewelina was now seated at the woman’s table. Finally letting Aslak say what he initially intended by mentioning his marriage. — “Jollveld, it’s the only time I’ll say it... but blessed thee earth, darn cumberworld.”

“... I’m sure I’ll hear it again later. Once ya get to have children.”

“Hah... Effing shit. Don’t push your luck.” — Smirking this time Aslak pushed him playfully, pleased for having Jollveld not take seriously his gratitude... And excited... for even if the decision was difficult, Aslak was to take it for his wife’s happiness.