Chương 56: Azielle's Unexpected Visit
A gorgeous, elderly woman dressed in a richly embroidered red gown arrived at Serenity House late at night. She held a polished walking stick, her steps supported by a dark-skinned, handsome man in a knight's uniform, his posture tall and poised as he gently guided her. The servants and guards greeted her with deep respect as she passed, their eyes lingering on her regal form. It was none other than Azielle Sarogath, her elegance undiminished by age, accompanied by Leonard Adrielle, her personal knight—known for his loyalty and having been a witness to the tragic shipwreck that claimed the lives of Evangeline's parents and elder brother.
As they entered the grand building, guards hurriedly closed the umbrellas used to shield Azielle from the night's mist. The woman's sharp eyes scanned her surroundings, taking in the subtle changes within the house.
"Ahh... he made some changes to the house. This is quite lovely," Azielle remarked, her voice calm and poised as she gestured for a nearby guard. "Summon Dominic downstairs," she instructed with a graceful wave of her hand. The guard nodded obediently and left.
Leonard, his commanding presence softened by his protective stance beside Azielle, surveyed the entrance hall with a soldier's keen attention to detail. His eyes lingered on the chandelier above before he gently led Azielle to the sitting room.
"It's been a while since I've seen little Evangeline. I hope she's doing well... and her health," Leonard mused silently, his expression briefly clouded with concern as he sighed softly, lost in thought.
Dominic sat at his desk, focused on writing a letter, but his mind wandered to the bold move he had made toward Evangeline in the dining room. His hand paused, the pen hovering over the page as a sly grin tugged at his lips. "I bet she enjoyed it and just won't admit it," he thought, his gaze flickering briefly in amusement. Caleb, who stood across from him, sighed heavily and fixed Dominic with an incredulous look.
"So… you didn't actually go through with it?" Caleb asked, his voice laced with curiosity and mild frustration. Dominic stopped writing, his left hand gently resting the pen in the ink bottle before leaning back in his chair.
"It didn't happen, Caleb. It's not time for that yet," Dominic replied, his tone calm but with an amused edge as he chuckled softly. "Though, I have to admit, it felt pretty good."
Caleb's brow furrowed in confusion. "Wait, what did you do, then? I thought you said it didn't happen between you two?"
Dominic, ever composed, raised his hand and wiggled his fingers playfully. "Not that way," he corrected with a smirk. "I just… teased her a bit with my fingers, but she knocked me on the forehead for it."
Dominic's nonchalance only deepened Caleb's frustration as he groaned, rubbing his face with his hand. But slowly, the pieces came together in Caleb's mind as he realized the extent of what had unfolded between Dominic and Evangeline.
"I honestly thought you two were about to… you know, Mate.." Caleb muttered, exasperated. "Even the servants were buzzing with excitement. They were expecting something more."
Dominic chuckled, his usual air of detachment shifting into a more sincere expression. He shook his head and put his hand back down, resuming his writing. "It was just a small token of affection. I miss her. I'm sure her legs are trembling right now," he mused, a wicked smile curling his lips as he dipped his pen into the ink. "But when the time comes for children, Evangeline has to be fully calm, fully willing. I won't rush it."
There was a glint of certainty in Dominic's eyes as he continued, his voice lowering slightly. "When I lay my hands on her, she'll be hooked. She'll never regret being in bed with me," he said with a quiet but assured confidence, his pen lightly scratching the surface of an empty sheet.
Caleb blinked at Dominic's reply, shaking his head in disbelief. "He's such a Nasty companion... and business partner. He never ceases to amaze me," he thought, trying to suppress a smirk. "But I can't blame him—he's married to her, after all... Camille and I aren't even married yet. Our time together was too short." He sighed, lost in his own thoughts, until Dominic's words snapped him back to the present.
The cough Caleb gave in response to Dominic's teasing only made Dominic chuckle as he turned his gaze toward him, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, don't worry, Caleb," Dominic said, leaning back slightly, his tone carrying a playful edge. "One day, it'll be your turn to tease your lover like this. I'm sure you'll have your hands full," he added with a smirk, his words dripping with irony.
Caleb could only shake his head again, this time with a mixture of amusement and resignation.
Dominic's expression softened as he continued, shifting the conversation back to his wife. "But in all seriousness, I've already found ways to handle Evangeline. People can judge her all they want for her actions, but they don't know what she's been through. They don't understand her inner struggles," he said, his voice lowering to a more thoughtful tone.
His eyes darkened slightly as he added, "Now that I'm back, I'll deal with the obstacles, one by one. I'll handle things calmly—starting with her, then Richard. I know I've made my own mistakes in this marriage," he admitted, a brief flash of vulnerability crossing his features. "As a Brusward, it's my responsibility to make it up to her."
Dominic sighed, his demeanor becoming more serious as he picked up his pen once again. "But first," he continued, his eyes narrowing slightly, "I want to teach this spoiled princess a lesson. She's my wife, and it's my duty to look after her well-being. She may need a bit of training, but I'll do it in my own way."
With that, he resumed his writing, his focus now fully on the paper in front of him. The teasing edge in his voice had faded, replaced with the calm assurance of a man who knew what he wanted—and how to get it.
"Magdalene told me that Lady Evangeline… placed your family under house arrest because Edward ambushed Richard," Caleb said, his voice careful, watching Dominic's reaction. Dominic immediately stopped writing, the soft scratching of the pen coming to an abrupt halt. He raised an eyebrow, then scoffed with a smile of satisfaction.
"Seems like Evangeline has grown up a little," Dominic remarked, leaning back in his chair, his sharp features softened by the brief grin on his lips. His eyes gleamed with amusement as he tilted his head slightly, his hand tapping the pen lightly against the ink well. "A lot must've changed while I was away. I look forward to seeing more of Evangeline's reactions,in some matters" he thought, then added aloud, "Edward can't stop causing trouble. He's done enough damage to both Evangeline and I already"
Dominic's posture straightened as his tone grew more serious. "As for Richard… we both know he and Edward crossed paths because of business. Any personal issue between them is really none of my concern, but it's clearly affecting Evangeline because she hired him" His voice carried a calm frustration, though his movements were deliberate, betraying little outward emotion.
At the knock on the door, Dominic turned his gaze toward it and said with quiet authority, "Come in."
The door opened, and a guard entered, bowing his head respectfully. "Your Grace, we have a guest," the guard announced.
Dominic let out a soft sigh, his fingers resuming their rhythmic tapping on the table. His usually serene face showed a faint flicker of irritation. "I wasn't expecting any guests at this hour. Whoever it is, send them away. Tell them to come back later," he ordered, his tone cold and clipped, betraying his frustration.
The guard hesitated, then raised his head. "Your Grace, Lady Azielle has come to visit."
Dominic's eyes widened slightly, the hint of surprise breaking through his usual composed demeanor. "What an unexpected turn of events... and I haven't even notified her of my return," he mused, tapping his slender fingers more deliberately now against the paper. His mind raced, but his face remained calm as he addressed the guard.
"Alright, I'll join her soon," he replied, standing from his chair with a graceful, fluid motion. As he pushed away from the table, his tall figure seemed to command the room effortlessly.
"Caleb, let's go see Lady Azielle," Dominic said, his voice softer now, with a tinge of amusement. "She must have her reasons for visiting, and in this rain no less. She's as stubborn as Evangeline." He chuckled lightly, his lips curling into a small smile as he glanced at Caleb.
Caleb, who had been leaning against the edge of the table, straightened immediately and nodded. He followed behind Dominic, his expression thoughtful but silent, letting his friend's presence lead the way.
In the sitting room, Azielle sat by the window, her eyes following the gentle descent of the raindrops streaking down the glass, illuminated by the soft light of the night sky. Leonard stood faithfully beside her, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ready to assist at a moment's notice. The room was quiet save for the rhythmic pattering of the rain outside.
"My goodness… the weather is quite dreadful today," Azielle remarked with a sigh, her voice soft but carrying a hint of strength. As she spoke, her gaze shifted toward the staircase, where Dominic appeared, descending with the majestic grace of a man who commanded attention effortlessly. His footsteps were slow, deliberate, and yet somehow elegant as he walked down, his presence filling the room.
"Ah... Hello, son," Azielle said warmly as she began to rise from her seat. Leonard, ever attentive, quickly moved to assist her, but she waved him off with a gentle gesture of her hand, gripping her walking stick for support instead. "No need, Leonard," she added with a soft smile. Leonard bowed his head respectfully and stepped back.
Dominic reached the bottom of the stairs, his tall figure moving fluidly across the room toward her. "Good evening, Your Grace," he greeted her, his voice calm and smooth. "What brings you here at this hour? The weather is harsh—you could have waited." His concern was subtle, but the warmth in his eyes gave it away.
Azielle chuckled softly, her hand resting on her chest as she smiled up at him. "I was notified that you returned from your business trip today, so I came to see if you were well," she said with a hint of grandmotherly affection. "I'm sorry, this old lady came to bother you. You must be exhausted from your travels. But my patience," she laughed lightly, "doesn't seem to improve with age. There's nothing like the joy of seeing one's grandson-in-law."
Dominic's lips curved into a genuine smile, his demeanor softening at her words. "I understand, Your Grace. It's always a pleasure to see you. And since it's raining and quite late, why don't you stay here for the night? This is your home as well."
Azielle reached out and gave Dominic a motherly pat on the shoulder. Her touch, though gentle, was filled with affection. "No, no," she replied, her tone laced with energetic elegance. "I would have come earlier if I planned to stay. I simply wanted to see you personally and ensure you were well." She chuckled with that familiar twinkle in her eye before adding with a sigh, "That stubborn girl won't even come to greet me, will she? Ah, even when her grandmother traveled through this dreadful weather… I suppose she's still angry with me. But I understand."
Her words hung in the air, but Dominic, ever composed, nodded with understanding, his expression soft as he stood beside her. "I'm sure she'll come around soon," he said, his voice reassuring, though he could sense the undercurrent of tension between Evangeline and her grandmother.
"She must be fairly tired by now," Dominic thought as he studied Azielle's face, noticing the subtle signs of fatigue. "Considering her fragile health, she's refusing to stay because of Evangeline. Evangeline has never been fond of her grandmother ever since she married her off to me."
His thoughts were interrupted as he spoke aloud. "Well, Your Grace, you must be tired. May I escort you inside so we can have our meeting?" Dominic asked, offering his arm with a gentlemanly grace.
Azielle smiled warmly, chuckling as she took his arm. "Of course, son. Remember, you're family."
Just as Dominic prepared to escort her, the air in the room shifted, tension creeping in with the sound of a familiar voice. "Grandmother, you've been cheated by that man," Evangeline's voice echoed from above, cutting through the tender moment like a knife.
Both Azielle and Dominic turned toward the stairs, where Evangeline stood with her arms folded, her posture regal yet defiant. Her narrowed eyes locked onto Dominic with a mixture of disdain and judgment. The glow from the chandeliers caught the soft waves of her hair, casting an elegant but stormy aura around her. Her elegant demeanor was laced with that familiar spoiled, bratty edge, but beneath it all was the sharpness of her emotional intelligence.
Dominic chuckled softly to himself, amused by her fiery entrance. "It seems her legs have stopped trembling," he thought, deliberately avoiding her piercing gaze, choosing not to engage her accusations just yet.
Evangeline descended a few steps, her presence commanding. "First," she began, her voice dripping with judgment, "he handed me the most ridiculous document and tried to force me to sign it. He's threatening to cut off all the privileges we've offered to the Eight Families at the hotel. He's undoing the traditions that you and Mother worked so hard to establish!" She scoffed, her gaze burning into Dominic's as if daring him to challenge her.
"You've made a mistake meddling in my family's business," she thought angrily, continuing her tirade. "He's so focused on the yearly losses that he can't see down the road! Grandma, I know how important this is to you, and you would never let this happen. He even colluded with his family to poison me and had the audacity to point a gun at me. How can you possibly think it's a good idea to leave the Viceroy's position and hotel business to him?" Her finger shot toward Dominic as she finished her accusation.
Azielle sighed, her eyes flicking between her granddaughter and Dominic. She turned to Dominic with a calm yet inquisitive expression. "Is it true that you asked her to sign it?" she asked, her tone steady despite the tension in the room.
Dominic, ever composed, nodded with quiet sincerity. "Yes, I did," he replied, his voice neutral and unshaken by Evangeline's accusations.
Evangeline scoffed, her lips curling in smug satisfaction, expecting her grandmother to side with her. But Azielle's reaction didn't match the sharp, victorious response Evangeline had hoped for. Instead, there was a measured calmness to Azielle, leaving Evangeline simmering with frustration.
Azielle chuckled softly, her voice calm but carrying the weight of years of experience. "The Eight Families… Ah, when it comes to them, things do get complicated. I'm not sure where to even begin," she said, her eyes twinkling with a knowing look. She glanced at Evangeline, who stood at the stairs, her brow furrowed. "And as for the poisoning, my dear Peony, it was the Vorenforth family that sponsored the poisoned pea tea. They've been targeting you because of their vendetta against me. They saw my fragile health and didn't care whether Dominic was a Brusward or not."
Azielle's words hit Evangeline like a brick wall. She stepped back, gasping, her fingers curling into fists as she tried to process the revelation. Her grandmother continued, her voice steady. "Unfortunately, this wasn't revealed in court, but I notified Prince George. He stripped the Vorenforths of their properties and had Sein executed before he could say a word. The rest of his family is now rotting in jail."
Evangeline's mind spun, her heart pounding as she felt the ground shift beneath her feet. The sheer gravity of the news left her breathless. "They did this... and it's already over?" she thought, struggling to comprehend.
Azielle turned to Dominic with a rare warmth in her eyes. "It seems like you've dealt with that problem well. I'm proud of you. It's something neither I nor Evangeline's mother could accomplish. Very good indeed," she said, her tone filled with genuine praise, as though she were addressing her own son. Dominic, always composed, bowed his head respectfully, accepting the compliment.
"What?!" Evangeline blurted, her voice shaking slightly. "Then what about the other families? Are you letting him remove the traditions of the hotel?"
Azielle's gaze hardened, her expression becoming firm as she addressed her granddaughter. "Young lady, you must understand that I did not make a mistake wedding you to Dominic. As the Viceroy's wife, your duty is to protect the interests of the country and stand by your husband, not question his every move. Leave the hotel business to him. Politics and family affairs are far more delicate and complicated than you seem to understand."
Her words hit Evangeline like a hammer, and she stood there, frozen, unable to form a response. Azielle then turned to Dominic once more, her voice softening. "Come, let's go," she said, taking his arm again.
Dominic nodded, his majestic bearing unshaken by the tension in the room. With a quiet grace, he escorted Azielle out of the room, leaving Evangeline standing alone, struggling with the emotional weight of what had just transpired.
As the door closed behind them, Evangeline's thoughts raced. "Good? How can she say that's good?" Her chest tightened with anger, frustration, and heartbreak. "How could Grandmother, of all people, dismiss my concerns like that?"
She clenched her fists even tighter, feeling the sting of betrayal. The woman who once stood as her protector now seemed to side with the very man she had been trying to fight.
Flashback – Natalis 5th, 1806
Thirteen-year-old Evangeline moved gracefully down the hallway, her platinum blonde hair shimmering like moonlight. She wore a puffed-sleeve blouse paired with a green gown, her delicate hands adorned with large bows that matched the ribbon holding her curly ponytail. Her gown fluttered as she walked, making her appear almost fairy-like, ethereal in her youthful elegance. The soft sound of her giggle echoed through the office as she entered, her steps light but confident.
Azielle, seated at her desk, looked up from the papers she was reviewing. Despite the strain on her health, a warm smile spread across her face as she stretched her arms toward Evangeline. The young girl eagerly ran into her grandmother's embrace, wrapping her thin arms around her.
"Hello, Peony… How was class today?" Azielle asked, her voice gentle as she stroked Evangeline's soft hair.
"Class was fine," Evangeline replied, her face lighting up with excitement. "Learning martial arts has really improved my ballet skills! I can balance better now," she added, her eyes sparkling with pride. Azielle chuckled softly, patting her granddaughter's head.
"That's wonderful, my dear. But don't forget to take your medications," Azielle reminded, her tone becoming slightly stern yet affectionate. "I'll be attending an event later—would you like to come along?"
Evangeline's face lit up even more, her excitement unmistakable as she nodded eagerly. Her gaze drifted to the papers scattered across Azielle's desk, alongside a pile of heavy books. Her curiosity piqued, she leaned closer.
"Grandmother, what are you studying? What is all this?" she asked, her head tilting as she reached for a paper.
Azielle chuckled and gestured toward the documents. "Ah, Peony, why don't you see for yourself?" she replied, her voice interrupted by a light cough, a grim reminder of her fragile health—something that had plagued her since the tragic loss of her daughter, Evangeline's mother.
Evangeline's face grew serious as she picked up the paper and read aloud, "Serenity Hotel… Anniversary plans?" She looked up at Azielle, her youthful brow furrowed in thought.
"Yes, my dear," Azielle nodded. "If you recall, that's the day our family hosts the grand event at the hotel. It's an annual tradition where we spend time with our guests."
Azielle coughed again, this time harder, and Evangeline rushed to her side, her fingers gently resting on her grandmother's arm. "Grandmother, are you alright?" she asked, her voice full of concern.
Azielle waved her hand dismissively, though her breaths came a little heavier. "I'm fine, Evangeline. Don't worry about me. My health has always been delicate, but I'm doing what I can to ensure your mother's work is continued... Before she died, she set the path, and now, it's you who will take her place. You'll become the next Viceroy of Verdaselles, and you'll oversee the hotel business as well."
Evangeline's smile faltered briefly, the weight of her grandmother's words settling in. She handed the paper back to Azielle and stepped back. "I'll be back soon, Grandmother. I just need to rest before joining you at the event," she said, her voice brightening again as she gave a small wave before gracefully exiting the room, her light footsteps barely audible.
Azielle watched her go, a fond but worried smile on her lips. Once the door closed behind Evangeline, the smile faded into a sigh. She leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping lightly on the papers in front of her.
Azielle sighed deeply, her frail fingers absentmindedly tracing the edges of the papers on her desk. "Evangeline can't do this alone," she whispered to herself, her voice tinged with both love and concern. She stared at the closed door where her granddaughter had just exited, the weight of her thoughts pressing down heavily.
"It's been so tough on her... too much for someone so young," Azielle thought, her chest tightening. She coughed lightly, her failing health an ever-present reminder of her own mortality. "My health isn't improving, and I won't always be here to guide her."
She looked out the rain-speckled window, the sky as stormy as her mind. A protective grandmother, she had always wanted to shield Evangeline from the harshness of the world, but now it seemed the time had come for decisive action.
"I must continue with my thoughts for a marriage alliance," Azielle resolved silently, her mind racing. "She needs someone who can protect her, someone who can offer stability when I am no longer able to" she muttered softly to herself, the idea forming more clearly in her mind.
Her eyes narrowed, filled with both determination and worry. "I need to make sure she's safe, away from the dangers that circle her. This alliance might be the only way to ensure that."
Azielle leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes for a brief moment, as if praying for strength. Her thoughts lingered on Evangeline's future—on the responsibilities that awaited her and the enemies lurking in the shadows.
Back to the Present
Evangeline clenched her fists in frustration, her nails digging into her palms as she paced back and forth at the top of the staircase. "She's gone insane," she muttered under her breath, her voice trembling with both anger and disbelief. "Ever since she forced me to marry this Brusward, she's been blinded by him—bewitched my grand-uncle... and then had the nerve to give him the position of Viceroy!" Her breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. "And now, he's been given authority over this house and the hotel as if it's his birthright." Her voice cracked slightly as she glared down the empty hall.
"My grandmother, Azielle Erya Sarogath, has gone mad," she hissed. "How could she trust him of all people?" Evangeline's mind flashed back to the look on Dominic's face, calm, calculating, and yet… she hated how, despite everything, she was always drawn to his presence, always finding some twisted part of herself fond of him. But not as a Brusward. No. Never as a Brusward.
She sighed, her frustration boiling over, and clenched her jaw. "And the Vorenforth family? That was unexpected. That's why Dominic pressured me to sign that document." She shook her head, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over her. "Ugh, whatever… I'm tired of all this. I need to check on Richard."
As Evangeline descended the stairway, her elegant dress trailing behind her like a shadow, Leonard caught sight of her. His eyes softened, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Lady Evangeline has grown up so much," he murmured quietly, his voice filled with nostalgia. "Lady Adrielle… I hope you're watching from above. If only you were here to see her." He sighed deeply, shaking his head, knowing how much Evangeline still needed guidance, and how much her mother's absence weighed on her heart.
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