Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 193: Scene CXCIII

The woman slowly turned to look at the prominent man to her right, who coldly stared at the people ahead and listened to the music already played by the bards the North sowed in excess.

Yet his stare did not take much pause to fall on his wife... noticing the nervousness he had discerned made no sense as Ewelina’s essence was to appropriately change before those his name demanded respect from.

“Fatædi, are you out for a hunt? There’s amber in your gaze, woman.” — Proud, Aslak smirked at the danger his pacific wife could showcase in her brown hues. Thrilled for what those at the feast would see in the Archduchess as he also knew the many other sides of her charming character. — “Danger inhabits you, truly.”

The smile of the wife was the finest at the time... and her grace turned from him after an adequate answer was granted.

“There must be such hint... after all, I am to never show disgrace so my spouse’s honour will not be tainted.”

Her elegance appeared distant for anyone else who was to meet her, yet for the Archduke, such essence was the fairest... hence, he leaned, conscious of the open place they stood at, purring to her ear as his nose caressed it enticingly faint over the crown’s decorations. — “You’ve always had it... such is my legendary lung.”

A bashful meet of their eyes instilled a delicious shiver that traversed their bodies as their intertwined fingers tightened their hold of each other.

“Deny them, Ewelina...”

“... Aie...”

Her lovely blush was the cue he took for starting their march into people’s sight... And so, once the two were noticed... music was halted entirely by the hand of an enthusiastic King, who from his distinctive throne for a table smirked pleased by the view his cousin and the woman he wedded gifted to the many curious eyes, showing fearful respect.

*******

The announcement came at Jollveld’s discreet order.

“Behold!... The celebrated... From the ancient and gruesome corners the rest of the continent cannot fathom to discover without their race’s force. Myrkzver’s Archduke, Aslak Ingvar Myrkzver and his wife, Ewelina Myrkzver. Recently wedded by the Zaarmideos Kingdom’s law.”

An applause that was forced by the intimidating appearance of the famous savage was their echoing welcome. Yet the woman to his side was to be observed by the many nobles present at the decorated garden.

The men and women’s eyes looked intently at Ewelina’s graceful walk beside the fearsome Barbarian and as the applauses faded the more the couple closed onto the table where the King sat, soft and the quietest murmurs commenced. For to the eye of any northerner, Ewelina appeared common and humble in figure... solely differing from every other woman because of the shade and shape of her fur.

Nonetheless...

“... the Archduke is to fear... however no sight of a shiver is in her... much more...”

“They are holding hands... from such a savage man... it is simply unexpected.”

In their path Ewelina found sight of some ladies she recognised had visited her step-sister while they shared residence, and as expected, Dina’s presence was also found. The other Orteu met her eye with clear contempt, even though the Archduchess was surprised to see her at the palace.

‘I did not expect Dina to be here... her parents are missing... I wonder if they sent her on their behalf...’ — Ewelina thought innocently and ignorant. Casually meeting the extremely confident smile of a princess, who enjoyed the breeze her servant gave with a fan. — ‘... how conflicting it is to see such confidence...’

Controlling the frown from appearing in her, Ewelina bowed gently at the woman who returned the greeting; coming shortly to peek at the man to her side, whose scowl was terribly deep and terrifying unlike the usual.

“... Husband, is something wrong?”

“I can hear these he-goats talking... want to shut them and take their eyes.” — The man growled between his fangs, visibly annoyed and gripping stronger the hand of the wife he was hearing being talked about. Offended, for even if humble...

“The woman looks nice...”

“It’s no wonder she’s still alive... he must be enjoying such an odd nature she owns.”

“I certainly would. Fufufu~”

“! A-aslak... my hand-!” — She warned in a discreet whisper, controlling her reactions to the strength he suddenly applied that if not halted would harm Ewelina’s hand. — “Please do not mind their insignificant words...!”

“!... Sorry.” — He apologised lessening his grip on her, looking at her this time; continuing to frown even though more concerned as his impulses were not good on this occasion for the woman. — "I didn’t mean to..."

“... I am aware of your dislike... yet do make deaf ears of their words... What they say has no value in the slightest.” 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

“Such a scary frown my cousin is showing again, huh.” — Then Jollveld interrupted, for they had made their way to stand before him. — “... You’re finally here, Aslak, Ewelina.”

“... These people you invited are a waste of the food you’ll serve.”

“You can eat as much you want so it won’t be wasted then.”

“Haha...”

“...?”

Entertained at the conversation the cousins were having, as Jollveld looked down at them from his higher spot, Ewelina gently chuckled, coming to look at the men who turned surprised at her melodic laughter. — “Greetings to the King and my deepest appreciation, your Majesty... husband was uncomfortable, yet your presence appears to be a good solution for the frown he was carrying.”

“I doubt it is because of me.”

“You’re right for once.”

“Fufu, goodness...”

“... Nevertheless, greetings to the Archduchess too. It’s already the most pacific beginning we’ve had with this brute present.”

“Nonsense.” — In a grump, Aslak scoffed while Ewelina continued to enjoy the cousins’ interaction. And giving no mind to Aslak’s contrariety, Jollveld lifted his chin, extending his limbs so this time the words he was to tell would be heard by those present.

"People!"

The lungs of the king were quickly filled by a whiff of air he steadily inhaled, bringing the attention of every assistant to lay more focused on himself with the strong clap of his hands.