Owl in the Daylight

Chapter 11

Cheers of well wishes could be heard as Signy and Audwin started for the tower. Bursts of fireworks brightened up the night sky while the newlyweds were greeted by applause and whistles outside the palace gates.

Chief Minister Arthur previously arranged for a carriage and several guards to accompany them but Signy insisted on journeying alone with Audwin. After all, she wasn't an heiress anymore. In the end, they settled with just two palace guards. One of which was her friend, Ben.

The couple leisurely strolled hand-in-hand while the guards followed at a respectable distance.

After trudging some distance, Audwin's patience was wearing thin. He could feel a pair of eyes trying to bore a hole at the back of his head but he was trying to bear it for his wife. Irritated by the unwanted company, Audwin leaned close to Signy and offered, "Shall I fly you home?"

She shook her head and beamed while waving to the townspeople, "I want to walk with you. I want them to see that I'm happy with my choice."

"If you say so, wife," he grinned at her calculated move, then raised a smug brow and smirked at their escorts as if saying Hear that? She's happy.

"Besides, our tower isn't that far. I always walk when I go there," she continued. "Though the darkness makes it hard to find. And when I do, I can barely make out your face in there," Signy frowned at the displeasing thought of not clearly seeing her husband's face. She loved his face.

It was a more-than-good-looking face.

Audwin chuckled, "What makes you think it's still a dark tower? Maybe I did some adjustments for you."

"Ooh, since when are you this thoughtful?" she teased.

"Ha! I guess you don't know me well enough yet, wife," he puffed out his chest proudly.

"Well, we now have plenty of time to get to know each other. Besides--," she raised a brow, "I'm holding you to that promise to tell me everything now that we're married."

Audwin sobered up. He trusted her vow to stay by his side but he knew it wouldn't be easy especially once she knew the truth. "Of course. You will know all of it."

They stopped by the edge to the forest and Signy turned to thank the palace guards, "We can take it from here."

Ben, with a grim look on his face, inquired, "You sure, Princess?"

Having enough of the bullcrap, Audwin burst out, "Come on now. I wouldn't harm my own wife, would I?" He glared at the annoying boy, tapping his foot impatiently.

"Well, I wouldn't put it past you," Ben snapped, forgetting himself in concern for his friend.

Audwin sneered, his eyes not at all amused as he subtly took a step forward.

Signy quickly came between them, blocking Audwin's path and preventing the escalating situation. "Ben, it's fine. Trust that I am where I want to be."

Quick to take the cue, the guard slightly bowed, "Of course, Princess."

After giving Audwin one last glance, the two escorts departed without further incident.

***

The tower was almost as bright as the palace.

Besides the dove lanterns on top of the light posts along the pathway, there were lamp versions of her friends Brushtail, Big Ears, and Fawn by the main entrance. Signy couldn't help but giggle upon seeing her squirrel, rabbit, and deer companions.

I should visit them in the forest someti--

"Oh!" she gasped as her train of thought was interrupted by Audwin lifting her up in his arms. She held on by his shoulders and looked at him questioningly.