psithurism

v: to have a husband

"W-What?"

"Hurry up and get dressed, Mama!"

I was not thinking straight when Charlotte pulled me out of bed. My feet touched the cold floor and my child helped me put on my sandals.

I was still daydreaming as Elle helped me get dressed. She made me bathe in a water adorned by rose petals. She picked my most expensive dress.

What's the point?

It's not like His Grace is actually serious with having a breakfast with us. After dressing up, another handmaid entered my chamber and fixed my hair while Elle applied my makeup.

"Wow, Mama! You look so beautiful!"

I smiled shyly at Charlotte when she complimented me. She then pulled my arm down the stairs.

"Don't run, child," I said softly and smiled.

She looked at me and frowned. "But Mama, Papa's been waiting for us since sunrise!"

I pitied the hope in her eyes. How can I tell her that His Grace would never join us for a meal?

We arrived at the dining hall and the first thing I saw are the busy servants and banquet on the table. My eyebrows immediately furrowed. Is there a feast?

I almost flinched when I heard the voice of a knight. "Her Grace, Duchess Naomi, and the Young Lady Charlotte had arrived!"

Hearing the knight's announcement, the maids made way and stood in the corner, revealing Sir Jaundre, standing beside a man, sitting on the center of the table. His mere presence made me froze in my place. What shook me even more is that Charlotte freed herself from my grip and ran towards the man, saying that one word that made my heart sank to the most abysmal depths.

"Papa!"

The man looked at her with a tight smile on his lips. He opened his arms and let his daughter sit in his lap while I just stand there, watching the two.

"Mama? Come here! Let's eat!"

Hearing my daughter's voice pulled me from my reveries and that's when I met the man's eyes staring at me. I immediately avoided his gaze, unable to stand his attention.

I immediately walked toward the table and sat on my usual spot, still unable to look at the stranger on what's supposed to be an ordinary meal. I can feel his eyes watching all of my actions which made the air in my lungs tight. I almost couldn't move.

"C-Charlotte, s-sit beside me. H-His Grace m-might be u-uncomfortable," I whispered out of nervousness. Charlotte pouted but did as she was told.

The servants started putting food in our plates. Then, Sir Juandre took a taste of our food to check for any poison before he nodded, signalling us that the food is safe.

Charlotte almost immediately started digging in while I'm keeping my shivering hands under the table.

"Why aren't you eating, wife?"

I felt a tingle down my spine hearing that deep voice. I clutched at the hem of my dress, chastising myself from looking at him. I forced myself to grab the utensils and eat despite having a hard time swallowing the food.

"You seem to have no appetite. Is the food not to your liking, wife? Should I kill the cook who prepared them?"

That made my eyebrows furrow. How dare him say that in front of a child?

Hearing that, I couldn't help but look up at him, earning me a good view of his face. But what shocked me was the familiarity of his stance.

"Finally, you looked at me."