Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 23: Scene XXIII

’He has no shame...’

In disbelief, she walked away as she listened to the rambling of the insignificant man and troubled woman trying to restrain his outrage. Still infuriated at the persistence of the Baron, who mistakenly thought to enforce an authority he no longer had over her life.

"Haaaah..." — She sighed strongly. Showing in her youthful visage the weariness from dealing with such an unreasonable person.

’I cannot believe he doesn’t know what happened at the guard’s dining hall...’

Her walk became slow as she watched the outside sky framed by the stone making the great entrance to the sturdy castle, while pondering deeply about her stepfather’s ignorance.

At the sight, Ewelina closed in, to stand below the peaked arch and observe the men, those that paced through the square and guarded the high inner wall, seemingly peaceful in their everyday nature.

"... Barbaric... They are, indeed..." — She mumbled to herself. Shaken by the news she was told yet struggled to conceive it as real.

’Of the ten men of the baron that assisted dinner... How is it that six are dead and the others are severely injured?’

Her gaze travelled to observe the people. Conflicted. For the sight could be seen as misleading.

Men and women, even young children paced joyfully in her sights. Seemingly common, like a peaceful town. Nonetheless, her eyes had also seen what surrounded them, along with the ominous sounds and air the earth in these parts expelled in warning.

’No creature appeared when crossing the hills... Yet I could feel the danger.’ — Recalling her journey a shiver invaded her spine to the mist and dark she crossed under a brilliant sun.

And watching again through the people that had certainly witnessed the threatening peril of these lands, she understood the wildness hiding under the calm view she is being shown.

’It is their nature... And I cannot judge such violence. For I can tell that in this castle, I am guarded from ever learning what they had to see and do in these murderous lands to survive.’

She pitied their fate. More so that one of the innocent children she sometimes noticed playing or working alongside the adults.

Nonetheless, under the circumstances Ewelina was in, their treacherous culture was currently her blessing. As she had learned that they did respect who she was and her position. And furthermore... They would act according to the loyalty it implies.

Closing her eyes, tired from the distasteful meeting with her old family, Ewelina inhaled the air of thick rockery dirt and humid moss growing in the walls, lightly frowning at the contradiction her lungs experienced.

’I am certain the weather is cold... Yet the air... It’s so dry and heated... It burns with warmth within my chest.’

She had yet to get used to every new sensation these lands gifted. However, an old soul she was. And she was willing to adapt. Eager to know more... For incoherent nature was the place her soul belonged to.

"It’s still early but... My friends might be missing me."

A soft smile crossed her, finding joy in the remembrance of the beasts she called friends. Causing her way to take a turn, leading her feet to where the stables could be found.

"Morning, Her Grace."

"Good morning."

"Ai! Ma’am! Good days!" — Another guard saluted from above the wall. — "Going to the stables so early? A day you failed, huh?"

"Good day, Sire. Yes. I ought to make it up for yesterday’s visit."

"Haha! The wicked one is about to make a tantrum! I’ve heard it all morning. I bet it will be happy to see her Grace."

"Is it? I shall go see him then."

"Go, Ma’am! Give ’em some apples."

Bowing to the guard, Ewelina greeted those she crossed as gently and found delight in the usually harsh people’s warmth they demonstrated on this day.

The wild ones had grown accustomed to her presence, common greetings would come and go. Yet today, a difference in their approach was conveyed.

No caution or judgement was hidden in their eyes anymore.

And Ewelina understood the source of the change.

The Archduchess had continued to be quiet and proper after the wisdom of a past awoke within her. It was natural of her current self. And she had done nothing to make a difference since that was the essence granted to her in this life.

However, the people wished for something. They wished for a reason to keep showing the minimum respect she was receiving.

And such was the Baron’s visit.

His visit had made a reason possible to be witnessed by the wild inhabitants.

’At least... Of one thing I can be grateful, baron...’ — She thought, pleased. Finally entering where the many steeds rested.

"... Hello." — She greeted, as gently as the tame beasts.

Nonetheless, the soft snorts of some were drowned by the erratic bangs and enraged neighs of one steed that suddenly started in welcome.

"My! You truly were about to make a tantrum!" — Aghast she walked with caution to the horse’s square.

Bang! Bang! Neeeigh! — The steed hitting with its back hoof continued to manifest at her voice.

"Ah! Don’t! No more or I will leave!"

Snorting displeased by her threat, the big beast shook its head conveying its hate to her words. Moving in its place trying to obey in the midst of a dying tantrum.

"oh~ oh~... Good boy..." — Still glaring at the dark steed, she slowly turned after stroking its fur. Commencing the care her so-called friends had missed.

*******

"... Was it me who you missed? Or was it the apples?... None of you cuddles me if I don’t give you any apples..."

Reproaching in an entertained pout, Ewelina conversed with the beasts in the lone stable. Always achieving no real answer to her sayings. Yet still finding peace at their company.

"... Am I petty if I lie and say I forgot to visit yesterday?"

Blow! Hoff...

"Haha... I guess it is." — Caressing the large body she softly giggled and said in a whisper.

"..."

’... My hips feel sore from moving so much...’ — To the little twinge in her lower half her brows narrowed.

"... Sigh... I suppose it’s best if I go back soon..."

Keeping silent to the contemplation, the woman continued to stroke the firm yet smooth fur, reluctant to truly leave this peaceful space.

The rustles of footsteps were not heard in her dozed state. And now unexpected company was with her in those stables.

He had made his way so far as to stand behind her, right next to the steed he had come to see because of the child’s sayings the last afternoon.

’... Again... She’s here.’ — He thought, for he had seen her at that same spot before. Reminiscing the day he had returned to his state.

’So it wasn’t a one-time occurrence.’

His gaze observed her back with curious leisure for a moment. And somehow, scrutinized her body, which was covered completely in luxurious garments his household wore. Ultimately turning his back on her to now observe the steed he came down to the stables for.

Nei~~gh!

"!?"

The steed manifested to his approach. Causing surprise in the dazed woman with a gasping sound.

"Sh..." — He shushed the loud beast greeting him.

As she who had woken at the noise turned surprised. Not saying a word although she found someone else at the stable.

He knew. Yet he ignored her stare. And as she watched his back... Contemplations commenced in her mind.

’... When did he enter...? Furthermore... it was him. He was who brought the wicked one that day.’

Recognizing the back of the man and his stance when bringing the steed that day they met, she whiffed in incredulity at the late insight.

’Brute of a man... So you had met me before that night.’

Ewelina felt foolish at the realisation. Yet she was already on a streak to demonstrate that she also had a wicked side.

"... So that one is yours... Husband."

"..... What makes you think it is?" — Seemingly indifferent, Aslak retorted.

Asking only to ascertain his deductions about her visits to an unkept stable. Yet expectant of the answers she would give after listening to the defying tone her gentle voice had assumed to address him.