Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 196: Scene CXCVI

“That is how it should be, family matters should not be discussed in public.” — The princess said, grinning at Ewelina, seemingly affable. — “The ladies have many other questions as I recall, maybe now that the Archduchess is here you may have the opportunity to clear your curiosity.”

“Oh! Yet the Archduchess might not be comfortable with such talks...” 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

“I do not mind. As long as it is something I can answer, I shall not deny an answer.” — Ewelina said to another lady, who was still cautious, much more before the imposing Dorothea.

From then on, many innocent questions were answered as they were simple ones about the place she now was to come back as her home... and as it was expected to emerge between ladies in conversations...

“Then, Archduchess... I hope it is not intrusive on my behalf... yet... how is the offspring making going?”

“... Huh?”

“It has been a few months since you have married... perhaps... soon... a child will be born~?” — Excited, the women chuckled between each other truly expectant as the birth of an Archduke’s heir was certainly a great event for the Kingdom. — “Hearing how kind his Illustrious Grace is towards his wife...”

“Fufufu~! I saw him show proper affection as we came here~ The Archduchess, I am certain she will succeed in baring children.”

".... Children..."

Ewelina’s eyes lowered, happy to feel the excitement of others... yet concerned... for it was later today that an answer to her womb’s richness would arrive.

Hence, with a fond and optimistic smile, Ewelina gave them a simple yet demure reply.

“... Such is a complicated matter...”

“Haha... well indeed it is...” — The ladies laughed, diminishing their excitement as it was not returned with as strong intensity. Being then approached by the servant, this time with the tea Ewelina was waiting.

“Archduchess, excuse the delay. I was told this is the tea you are accustomed to drink.”

“! Oh, goodness, thank you.”

“... My pleasure.”

“!?......”

Silence was settled in the women as she received it and took a first sip. Whilst Dorothea sneered, pleased at the works the servant had pulled... gesturing with sly eyes to the man to disappear now that it was done... and breaking the silence of those around who would not dare to break the stillness out of bewildered shock.

“Hum. It must be truly a complicated matter.” — Dorothea told Ewelina, glancing at the others present, feigning the concern inhabiting her visage. — “For you to drink this kind of tea... and you are accustomed to it... I thought you have said you wanted children.”

“? Pardon?”

“Drinking that leaf... the womb’s withering leaf. I suppose the Archduke indeed does not desire to bring any children to his house.”

“... Oh... i-indeed there were rumours about it... his marriage was late to be arranged because he did not want offspring...” — One of the ignorant ladies added. And to it, Dina’s aloof confession came as if Ewelina was knowledgable of it.

“Sadly it is true.” — She began, almost failing to hide the enjoyment at the sight of a frozen Archduchess. — “My Father, Baron Orteu, told me months before her Grace was handed to the Archduke... that this tea she should intake, for he demanded a withered woman if he was paying for it. Kelly prepared the tea, isn’t that correct, Kelly?”

“!!?” — Surprised by being required to answer, Kelly met Ewelina’s shocked gaze... tightening her heart from the guilt, for she could see in the brown of the Archduchess’ hues, how desperation was being controlled maddeningly strong as the sounds of their voices continued to show her a truth she ignored. — “I-indeed... It was a request from the Archduke... hence the Baron aided with my hand.”

“My... so the Archduchess’ womb...”

“Truly... what a sad request the Archduke has... pardon f.. or.... we did... not know...”

The voices of the women became far and distorted in the ears of the Archduchess... of the old soul that was becoming numb from the strong pain stabbing her core.

The sayings of the women could not find reason in her head after living the affection her spouse showed on every occasion he found... and yet, the tea she was staring her cloudy reflex in... now tasted differently... toxicly bitter.

Aslak’s straightforwardness was the source that could not let her believe completely the truths the women had spouted with hidden contempt, for within herself... she trusted her loved spouse would tell such an important matter to his wife after seeing how honesty could not be kept within him because of wild roots.

Yet the circling headache that was commencing to form as a nauseating and revolting whirl... would not fade unless someone other than those sharing that table could confirm it.

‘... I... I need to speak with the physician...’ — Controlling the loathsome bewilderment invading her soul and heart, Ewelina decided so madness would not rule over her psyche. — “... miladies, I am to retire for a moment...”

“! Umh... is her grace alright?”

“... Yes, do not worry.” — Taking the cup of tea with herself Ewelina granted a conservative smile to the women, as proper as she managed... Aware that it was not convincing yet indifferent to it. Walking away from the table and going behind the wall where fewer nobles roamed, steadily moving faster the more the panic invaded her forced composure.

‘It... it m-must be an ill scheme!... it cannot be the truth!’ — Despair was taking clearer shape within the air in her chest... infecting it with its gruesome hunger, ruthless and inhumane. Finally finding a servant, a woman she had never met... who she stopped with a rushed need to learn. — “W-woman! G-good woman, wait a moment!”

“?? Yes what is-!?”

“This tea! Could you tell me what is its name?? D-do you know about its purpose??”

“??? L-let me see...” — Bewildered by the visible concern and persistence from Ewelina who even held tightly onto the woman’s arm, the servant tried to calmly answer her question... taking a moment to take a whiff of the teacup’s scent. — “... this is skreh bloom... it is known as the womb’s withering leaf here, it is so... as the name says...-!? Milady?!”

Unable to listen to any more words from the innocent servant, Ewelina ran away, dropping the teacup as she felt something else tear inside.

The fastest she could... Her feet rushed.

Gasping as with lost feet, she surrounded the place so no eye would fall on her as the woman escaped the feast held in her and Aslak’s name.