Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 30: Scene XXX

The time they would meet again was not far from arriving.

A banquet as the Kindom’s traditions stated was to be done that evening in their Castle, to grant the delayed welcome their guests had to receive as nobles and to fulfil a compromise.

Every man serving the Archduke was to assist, along with the few that remained alive from the Baron’s escort.

In the Main Dining Hall, where celebrations were to be held in entertaining music of the bards, between the strong scent of tasteful food and booze along with the laughter, dancing and quarrel men excelled on creating showing their pride; The Archduke would head the event and by his side, his Wife was to be introduced in the tremors of celebration and in front of the family she had been taken from. Sealing any pending formality in their marriage.

Ewelina stayed in her chambers for preparation. Having the necessary rest to attend was a must, as well as the garments she was to wear so her Husband could puff his chest in victory at the envious eyes of men who couldn’t have her. And furthermore, flaunt her high grace to the people standing below her... Including her old Household’s people.

Carefully treated, her hair was left loose to wear a thin silver crown of distinct leaves from which, elegant pieces of tassel chains fell to mix with her light brown copper shade of curly strands. Exhibiting the beautiful amber gem on her forehead that represented the eyes of her Spouse’s representative beast. The Jazhara. Whose hues were as vibrant and prominent as the precious decoration. Meanwhile her body wore its fur’s shade in distinctive attire.

A dress which held onto her shoulders with thin strands to cover her chest and half her arms with its bulky and delicate fabric had soft prints of the beast’s fur mixed with the darkest of black in a marvellous yet barbaric belt, that fell elegantly in a long tail framing the birth of her curves.

Uncovered, her clavicle along her shoulders had been left visible to the eye. Nonetheless, wearing a primitive chained necklace of combining silver that embraced her neck and shoulders’ skin, some flesh was covered maliciously, allowing a peek of nude skin with wonderfully thin decorations in the same shape of her crown’s leaves, meshing gloriously with the elegant outfit that pertained Myrkzver’s culture.

’... Such a delicate piece... So unique and beautifully imposing...’ — Ewelina contemplated as her eyes observed entranced at her barbarous dignity.

Stronking the soft clothing, she followed the cold silver of her belt, tracing its shape that framed her waist in a downward peak.

’...Feels as if I am dressed for the wedding we didn’t have...’ — Ewelina timidly thought. Implying the outstanding beauty of the gown that was too portentous for a mere welcome banquet.

"..."

"Madame... Time has come. The banquet shall begin once you enter. The men are waiting."

"Ah... Yes. If that’s the case let’s not make them wait."

The servant broke the decorated woman’s blank ponder and Ewelina paced to the wide Main Dining Hall that had been raised as a separate building where the Lord’s feast could become as rowdy as the assistants desired.

The torches of the castle, those inside and those outside, illuminated her path followed by the two young servants that had helped her preparations. The noise of the anticipating people soon reached her ears and even in anxiety the young Archduchess continued to walk as she also held expectation to the joyful ambience a feast possessed.

"Enjoy your night, Madame..."

Bowing, the girls wished for their Master, proceeding to open the gates to the Hall where strong voices of rough men and furtive giggles of free women resounded under the effect of celebration.

To the sound of the creaking doors, the people’s rumour took notice. Gradually turning the place into quiet, solely to honour the entrance of their Archduke’s Wife.

Standing strong, Ewelina gracefully welcomed the intense light illuminating the Hall, along with the intense stares of the assistants as she commenced to march the path that the busy men had respectfully emptied for her to walk.

"Good evening, Madame."

"Good evening."

"Ai~ You’re finally here, Fine Master!"

"Oi! Watch your manners brute!!..... Pardon, Madame. It is good to see Her Grace has arrived."

Few familiar men welcomed her with energy. Those she had travelled with and sporadically exchanged greetings, being the last one Sire Kir, who she had not seen since arriving at her Husband’s manor.

"Thank you, Sire... It pleases me to see you again."

"... I am who is pleased, Your Illustrious Grace..."

Ewelina softly smiled at the man whose respect towards her had not changed. Nonetheless, no further conversation could be done.

"Woman."

The voice of that one man was heard, interrupting the leisurely pace of his wife.

Turning to see, at the end of the hall he stood, menacing on the Host’s platform. Tall in an outfit that although more simple, matched with hers.

Over the white blouse that exposed his chest, obsidian shoulder pads made him broader in his already big physic. And gloves devoid of fingers climbed until his elbow with the same beastly pattern her upper garment had, to give start to the white of his sleeve, which loose fabric could not hide the strength of the thick limbs the man possessed.

"...!"

Meeting his gaze, it was then that Ewelina jerked. Surprised by the intense impact of the obscure shade decorating the eyes carrying the amber hue placed on her thin crown. Making them immeasurably striking in the menacing nature they had.

"Don’t wander in your path. I’ve also been waiting." — Displeased, Aslak growled at the friendly way the men treated the woman.

"..."

She stared for a moment at the arrogant man looking down on her from his place. And bowing gracefully to the Sire beside her in palpable silence, Ewelina resumed her path wanting to respond to the difficult Spouse ahead.

Climbing the pair of stairs to the platform, she slightly lifted her skirt, finding as she closed the distance with her Spouse the presence of the Guests. Seating at their table, watching with displeasure at her appearance.

Graceful in her walk, Ewelina eventually arrived before her Husband. And with sincere expression, she answered his words.

"Indeed, I should not wander... It is His Illustrious Grace who I ought to greet first."

Reaching with her hand, Ewelina guided the severe man’s cheek, standing on her toes to reach his height and softly kiss his other side in affectionate greeting. That one kind of greeting that was permitted to show in public.

Cheers of the men resounded in excitement at the sight of their Lords and returning to stand flat on her feet, Ewelina smiled, gracefully at her scowling Husband.

"It is delightful to see you, dear Husband."

Finishing her motion also with an affectionate tone.