Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 237: Scene CCXXXVII

Meeting the eye of a relieved Guard, Ewelina nodded the sole order he should follow, and those that surrendered were taken under the Archduchess’ custody; ending a night that luckily did not bring as many losses as it could have gained in other circumstances.

Those few that remained at the campsite were announced about their allies’ victory with the melody of the Sortnerer’s hands, wrapping the night with the full takeover of her Mother’s lands.

*******

“... More than once have you carried a message from Sortnafeigr to Ramideos... to your owner’s cousin... I ask this of you once more, Grey...” — In the comfort of a slightly messy bureau that once was used by this life’s father, Ewelina tied to the leg of the hawk she had been returned by the King, that one letter that would tell the events traversed in Arbeumore and request the aid needed from the royal consignee so those that had fled the lands they belonged to could return to the houses that awaited them.

A little stroke of her hand was permitted by the surly animal, granting a lift of her corners as it moved ready to start its flight to the Centre of the Kingdom as its gentle wife’s owner required.

Its shape as it departed was observed while her smile faded and once her ears inundated themselves in the silence of solitude, her eyes closed... exhausted while an old soul ached in longing while also discerning the change the place had acquired in time and its users, as well as to the things she experienced at others hands.

“... I somehow appreciate the disorder in this place... It feels as though Cole was removed with the intrusion...” — Fiddling with the ring that pertained to her Father she contemplated while pacing back to the desk in which she had written the message. Not able to clearly recall that one of her blood that originally owned it, yet feeling the love a small Ewelina managed to grow while he was alive.

The texture of the jewel was mindlessly caressed by her fingers, and placing it in one of her thin fingers out of curiosity... she chuckled, for it fell loose in every single limb she tried...

“I suppose Father had big hands... I do recall my hand being wrapped easily by his...” — As she took it off Ewelina felt fond to at least recall some matters her body had engraved and, looking at the gem decorating the ring... she exhaled... for gems she had also received from a spouse, and has not worn them out of pride... even though in her deepest she suffered by not wearing it.

‘... He also has big hands...’ — She thought, unconsciously quiet for something within her did not want to talk out loud about the man, for she feared some restricted feelings could take further strength against her obstinate will... Yet still chuckling at the contemplations this idea provoked. — ‘He must have struggled while making it... haha... even searching the gemstones... He must have placed... a lot of effort in making it...’

“...”

‘... At times... he would appear clumsy with those hands...’

Still staring at the ring, Ewelina became severe recalling the meaning he had told about each gemstone placed in the bracelet he gifted. Tightening her lips to the bite such realisations made her give in regret to his absence.

Nonetheless, the Archduchess was not to wear the bracelet born from a tribe’s tradition even after encountering great danger... for there were few matters she needed to settle in the lands of her parents before allowing herself a little step into forgiveness.

The rays of the day arrived while the people were still busy finishing their settling in the Orteu’s Castle, and Ewelina paced around the manor, recognising the rooms and surveilling the work as some slowly arranged them back into order. Finding the sense of belonging, for many years she had spent under these ceilings, even if many were difficult for a young Ewelina.

It was as she walked around that she caught sight of the servant she had been reluctant to think of after seeing her in pain. Catching sight of the woman as she moved some of the little goods they had brought along with great difficulty while the child that hurt her also aided.

“... Sire.” — She told to a passing knight who bowed respectfully, stopping his walk to request a favour. — “May you tell that woman... to come to my presence? I am to receive her at the Lord’s bureau.”

“Yes, Archduchess, I will inform and send her to you immediately.”

“... Blessed thee earth.” — Bowing gently, she turned to walk away before the man would announce Kelly’s summoning. And clenching the dark cloak she continued to wear even though her travels had ended as she reached their destination, the woman ignored the hardened bit her hand clasped around her neck which had absorbed Felios’ blood... wishing to remind herself of the events as she knew pride, hate nor sorrow should hinder her soul’s gain of ease for any longer.

Once back at the bureau she briefly vacated, her nervousness was distracted by the wish to place some order in the room, trying not to mind the spot right in front of the desk where many times she had stood and fallen to let a distasteful Cole satiate his rage; unable to do much... for the woman she summoned did not hesitate on heeding the Archduchess’ call after praying to the skies to allow if only a brief meeting so her regret could be thoroughly conveyed.

*Knock knock*

To the sound, Ewelina flinched slightly... taking a moment to grasp the courage to face who had given the tea that would whither the womb of a wife. Listening to the voice of the woman right after, for the pause both took was to pray for wiseness to guide their words once facing the other.

“Uhm... Y-Your Illustrious Grace, I have come to your call... It is I, Kelly.”

“... Come in.” — Ewelina said as she already moved to leave some adornments back on the desk, listening to how behind her, the doors opened slowly... Reminding with its sound how she also opened it many times with similar trembling caution. Frowning to it... at what it provoked within. — ‘It has not been enough time away I suppose... the sound still makes myself nervous although Cole is no longer walking around.’