Chapitre 16: Scene XVI
Ewelina exhaled, deeply yet discreetly. Relieved that her mannerisms had been successful enough to make the ones in possession of her Mother's name behave with prudence.
Although they would definitely attempt to shame her as their useless pride was not one to bend easily, this first taste of reality was the step she required to stand her ground before the ignorant ones who believed she was still the girl that was thrown away from her birth land. Miserably, like ageing cattle... Only useful to feed themselves on the worn-out bones they had worked on purpose til undernourishment.
Determined to send them off as appalled as she did from her Mother's home, Ewelina convinced herself to maintain the graceful showcase of an Archduke's Wife authority. And so, she led them into the deep marine ambience the stoned Castle flawlessly emanated with the marvellous assistance of the menacing sky outside.
Hues of dark green and bright white... Along with monstrous rays of coal smoke... Those that had traversed from the farthest peaks and cliffs further into the south of the Sortnafeigr region. Those that consistently evolve their grounds and shapes to accept the selfish climate with a hint of fake mercy.
It was ominous. Perfect to instill fear and thrill in their stroll to her Husband's lounge. That one who owned the treacherous territory.
"I hope our guests will not mind the scarce brightness. Here, we enjoy the shades of the sky this Spiked Eye elevates to grant our stoned walls... Yet it is also a need to appreciate them as to get a gist of the threats the end of this Zaarmideos Kingdom conceals." — The words she had heard from Uth as he explained what Myrkzver's people were accustomed when she had arrived took new shape as she told it to the guests. Purposely mentioning the danger their location held. Aiming to deepen the awareness of the place they had come to.
"That is alright... Although... It is quite a unique custom, if I may say." — The Baron replied, considerably bothered by the place she was guiding him into.
"Unique... Useful, I believe is more accurate a description, Sire." — Uth, commented.
"..."
"Indeed. Uth is this residence's warden. No one knows better what is and what is not in this domain."
"Her Illustrious Grace flatters me with undeserved kindness."
"Truth is no flatter... Ah... It is here. This is the Archduke's work stance."
"!"
"I shall announce your presence, dear guests of ours." — Turning to face the guarded entrance as the two ruthless men at its sides ogled at the unfamiliar troupe, Ewelina took a hanging ringed handle to knock on her Spouse's door.
"... Illustrious Grace..." — Gathering the air to enhance her volume she proceeded to announce. — "Your Spouse has come to you along with the guests we have been expecting."
"..."
"May I intrude in your presence?"
"..."
The dead silence coming from the other side was nerve-wracking. Not only for the one calling on his gate but the ones that had made her do so.
"... Come in." — Cold, the voice of a man who did not intend to make it heard reached Ewelina's ears.
Regardless of the uncertainty his tone provoked, she did not pause further than a second to open the gates... that would finally let her meet her partner again.
*******
"... Good evening, Husband."
"..... You say the guests are here?"— Indifferent to her greeting, the man at the end of the room inquired.
At his desk, the Archduke could be seen, nonchalantly glancing at the woman standing at his door. Silently. Trying to maintain composure and elegance in the tense ambience the man produced.
Seated in a comfortable position the man brought to his lips the long and antique pipe in his possession.
The most from the burn left his mouth vigorously. And then, the man stood, dropping the scrolls on the wide furniture that already had abundant sheets spread across it.
"Where are they that I hear no greeting from them?"
Her mind went blank for a moment. The first inquiry was deceiving and his second surprising.
At first impression, Ewelina had assumed that a display of contempt was being shown to her. Nonetheless, it was not her to who it was directed.
Turning to the nobles behind her, she gracefully asked the Baron. Delighted as her Husband's attitude possibly meant he had the same intent as herself.
"My Lord?... My Husband is yet to receive your salutes."
"! W– Greetings to the Illustrious Archduke of the Zaarmideos Kingdom! Do excuse my lack of words... The sight of the Majestic Castle you reside in had me speechless for an instance..."
"... Archduke to the South Eastern, Sortnafeigr. Containing from the Mutant Fines and Hœttr Hills you crossed to get here... Not the Kingdom... I have no Kingdom, Baron Orteu. Only quite interesting lands."
His pace from the desk was of a calm Jazhara in his territory. One rectifying the ignorant outsider with versed menace, in the familiar thrill his lands possessed.
"Ah, yes... Indeed..."
A grin of audacity was gifted from the Archduke to the shaken man. And coming to stand in front of the desk he had surrounded, the man leaned back on it leisurely.
"Come inside. Take a seat. Am I to permit every little thing?" — Limbs extended, he told them. Offering the seats in his lounge, entertained with a seemingly malicious expression.
The stammer of the nobles was a must, yet they entered along the thrilled Ewelina.
"Of course that is not the case. Then, if I may."
"Pardon us."
The Baron and Baroness responded as the Archduke scrutinized their walk, ending his gaze's trail on his wife.
It was a furtive exchange between the wedded. One that came with a quiet order from the man. Solely manifested by the eyes of his that were clear in their gesture.
'I suppose... That's where I should stand.' — Ewelina understood graciously pacing to the spot. For the Husband demanded his wife to stand beside him.
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone