Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 248: Scene CCXLVIII

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Shaken by the earth’s current instability, the beasts inhabiting the plains that surrounded his Castle tried to hinder the Barbarian Archduke’s path as their nature was disrupted by the earth’s rage, which they could feel stronger as part of it becoming wilder and brazen.

Nevertheless, thankfully accustomed to the treacherous battles, the savages lost few heads before arriving at the Barbican, whose long and unique road was welcomed by the Guards standing above with growls that although ready to aid their Lord’s back as his group rushed into the walls chased by relentless creatures, also conveyed there was a hint of relief at his arrival, for it meant the earth was to be confronted finally by him who it demanded.

“Welcome back Your Illustrious Grace.”

“... Did you start preparations? I sent Sibbi two nights ago.” — Aslak answered to the welcome a warden gave.

“Yes... We have been making preparations for your immediate departure ever since. Otrur Nolsvun was... he was already aware of your arrival somehow by the eye he possesses. He also has been preparing the villagers to join you.”

“... Cursed warlock. He only knows when disgrace comes.” — Scowling at the ways the head of the village had to learn of everything, Aslak arranged Litilmenni’s reigns on his own. Aware that the mount had become more difficult for others to take care of in the absence of his wife and being followed by the warden who was to inform of anything his Lord required; with lowered and solemn demeanour... Uth also noticed with a discreet eye that between the people accompanying the Archduke, his partner was amiss.

“Lord Aslak... if it is not an inconvenience for myself to ask... has the Ma’am not joined your travels? Her presence is missing between the men.”

“...”

“... Your Illustrious Grace?”

“... Don’t act as if you don’t know. Having me involved in Herklain’s issue must have given you an idea of what happened.” — Finishing his task when it came to the steed, Aslak only answered once his hands finally shook off the dirt that wouldn’t easily disappear from his palms. Starting to walk again, this time out of the stables that were already troubling him for the little memories of the woman, going directly to the Residence inside to the bureau he was to close himself in.

The warden, rushed while chasing the Lord who was not inclined to talk about his inquiry. Keeping himself quiet as people were around, yet following him until no ears were to listen to their exchange.

“It is true I had an inclination as to what such clash could have been born from... yet how come the Archduchess did not join you, my Lord? That Princess, I am certain you would never get involved with her-“

“Uth.” — Halting his steps dry to the ideas the warden seemed to have at the events for he was ignorant of the details, Aslak cold as if soulless addressed him. — “Whatever cursed idea you had just now, erase it completely. Don’t even begin telling it... Never even imply... I would tangle with another woman.”

“... I was not implying it, my lord, do not misunderstand. Instead, I am certain that would never happen... hence... The Ma’am’s absence brings this server’s concern and attention...”

“... Since your mouth won’t shut, let’s talk about this inside.”

Severe yet aware that his nerves were the ones trying to find fault in the loyal Uth, Aslak decided to tell the reasons behind Ewelina’s absence. Feeling drained of forces before the warden.

“... So she learned of the tea’s true purpose thanks to that Princess...”

“... Ou... She... She wasn’t able to endure the truth.”

“..... Your Grace I-”

“Shut up. Don’t even try reminding me of your warnings. I’ve had enough headaches accepting my guilt, Uth.”

“.....”

The Archduke’s head was lowered as his hands supported it while behind his vast desk. The warden’s solemnity became sorrowful while witnessing the man’s distress and yet, respecting the needed silence Aslak’s soul required as he admitted his wrongdoings, Uth opened his mouth once again.

“When his Grace says she could not endure the truth... does it mean the Ma’am has left this Myrkzver household?”

“...... Uth. This once I’ll let it go. Don’t ask what will enrage me.”

“I wish to believe your response denies my inquiry-!?”

*BANG!* — “Of course it does! Do you think I would tell you this so calmly if that was the case?! I wouldn’t be here to begin with!! I would let Sortnafeigr burn before allowing that!!!”

“Your Grace, please... I am ignorant of what occurred in its full. Beliefs I am also displeased at are to be born from ignorance.”

“And yet, after being by my side for this long you shouldn’t be ignorant of what could cost you your head.” 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

“..... Indeed... I apologise milord... Do excuse me, for it is an honest concern I have.”

Remaining composed at the Archduke’s abrupt outburst, Uth apologised allowing the Lord a moment for his reaction to settle down. Provoking his sigh as he sat back... staring momentarily at the ceiling for it was fair for the man who once was also wild to wonder how the matters between his Masters had turned in separated locations.

“I’ll tell you more of what happened. Only don’t tell me any more of those ideas you got or I might truly let you become one with the earth.”

“Do tell, I shall not say more as I crafted them from ignorance.”

The attempt of the woman to end her life was told to the warden as well as the hazard the days after became for the wedded as his hand extracted immediate revenge from those that had ignited the tragedy. Letting him know of the circumstances in which the couple separated to allow his presence.

“Grey arrived with your message the very day this nightmare happened... Everything was against us staying together... I couldn’t even ask her if she wanted to come since I knew there was no path on this cursed earth that she would agree. Ewelina didn’t say a word even as I left...”

“Her suffering must have torn apart her soul.”

“..... Aie.” — At Uth’s comment that although hurt the Archduke’s heart to its harsh honesty, was agreed to in sorry resignment. — “It wasn’t possible for her to come... not in the state she was...”