Elara followed the maids as they guided her back towards the banquet hall. The Wine coursing through her veins made her feel as if she were as light as a feather.
"I must find out what the name of that wine is." She quietly mumbled to herself.
Back at the luxurious hall Elara glanced over towards the table where she had left Gabel. In the distance she could see all the knights still seated, except for her husband.
Where would he even go?
Stepping forward she Suddenly she spotted what looked like his robes. She Moved several steps to the side, trying to get a better look through the crowd.
Sure enough, there he was, a young blonde noblewoman hanging on his arm.
"That foolish rake."
She mumbled out under her breath.
Why was she even surprised?
Everywhere they go women seemed follow after him. A feeling of disgust hit her.
As if he could sense her presence, his head suddenly turned towards her. His eyes locking on hers.
She watched him hastily pry the woman's hand off his arm.
Elara had seen enough.
Quickly she began to move through the crowd, back towards the table.
The young knight Ulyseon jumped up from his seat, "Oh hello my lady, Sir Gabel has just stepped out for a mome.."
Strong hands yanked her back. Gabel anxiously glanced down at her while continuing to move them back through the crowd.
Not wanting to make a fool of herself in front of so many nobles, Elara let her self be pulled back.
"It wasn't what you think," he spoke over her head.
When they reached a small balcony outside he released his arm around her waist.
"Let me explain."
"You know what amazes me husband? It doesn't matter where we go, this just keeps happening. I knew that you use to be a rake, however I did not know that you in fact are still one!"
"My love, I swear I have never been disloyal to you. I am so in love with you that it physically pains me to think about another woman."
His hands ran up and down her arms.
Elara scrunched her face.
"And Yet, I find you with another woman clinging onto your arm?"
"Did you not see me pry her off? It was a harmless interaction my love. I told her I had come with my wife!"
Elara sighed and pushed him against his chest.
"Dare I ask just how many times you have seen that woman? You know what, I don't even care! I wish to drink some more of that wonderful wine and then I shall have a maid escort me back to our room so I can go to bed. That is all."
Gabel roughly grabbed her arm and yanked her back once more.
"Elara please, I swear it was nothing. I would have immediately turned her away but we are are surrounded by many of power, any discourtesy from the Remdragon knights would fall back onto my Commander."
She scowled, "Do not try to weasel your way out of your actions."
Why would he risk being seen so closely with another woman as a married man then? Would that not also bring Gossip on about the Remdragon knights?
She then remembered that they lived in a world that found little fault in married men deciding to entertain themselves with other women. Though it was immoral, it still happened and was silently accepted by many.
"Im not, I'm sorry. Come here."
He softly spoke and tightened his grip on her arm.
"I promise I will not let another encounter like this happen. If it pleases you I will shoo every woman who approaches me again. Please let me make the rest of this night enjoyable for you. You deserve to have a good time."
He leaned down kissing her gently on her lips.
When their lips parted Elara looked up into his eyes. Though it was extremely annoying to keep finding him with other women, she knew it was likely as he said, a harmless interaction.
Deciding she didn't want this time away from daily life to be ruined by a small incident, she nodded her head once.
"Very well. I wish to enjoy some more of that wine."
Gabel let out a strained sigh and smiled.
"Of course! Whatever you would like my love. Then perhaps you will grant me the pleasure of a dance."
"We shall see."
Gabel led them back inside through the crowd to their table.
When Elara sat down she noticed the two young knights Ulyseon and Garrow were no longer there.
Gabel must have took notice to her searching for them for he pointed a finger while handing her another glass of wine.
"Over there."
Elara followed her husband's finger towards the dance floor. A big smile spread over her face at seeing both of the young knights were dancing with noblewomen.
Gabel poured a glass of wine for himself before reaching over and filling his comrade Ursuline's Glass full.
The blonde knight scowled but brought the cup up to his lips.
"Mmm Rovar seems to need some work on his form, would you not agree."
Elara giggled at her husband's remark, then leaned her head closer to him.
"Garrow is so graceful! I did not expect that from him. Ulyseon looks very...flustered."
Gabel smiled and kissed Elara's cheek.
"Finish your wine, then we shall show them what graceful is yes?"
Elara flushed slightly at the intense gleam in his eyes.
When she finished her wine Gabel stood from the table and helped her up.
He swiftly guided her to the dance floor, that was still packed full with dancing nobles.
With immense skill he spun her around with grace.
Over his shoulder Elara caught a glimpse of what appeared to be the same group of Noblewomen from earlier in the day. Their eyes fixed on Gabel.
She tightened her grip on him and leaned up planting a kiss on his chin.
If they were to spread gossip about her now it would be because her husband was so handsome and graceful.
Just as the joyful melody seemed to be ending Ursuline approached, and laid a hand on Gabel's shoulder.
"The commander wishes to speak with us."
Gabel nodded and straightened his robes.
"Elara, the commander needs us for a moment. Let me take you back to the table."
He quickly led her through the dancing crowd, then pulled out her chair for her to sit down.
"Don't wonder anywhere. I will have some maids wait here with you.
I will be back."
He leaned down and kissed the top of her head before following behind his comrades.
She watched them as they left the hall in single file formation.
Behind her, two maids stepped forward making their presence known.
"Let us know if you need anything my lady."
She nodded then glanced back out towards the dance floor.
Her mind wondered to Maximillian.
She hoped she was enjoying her time, meeting her new niece, though she hoping to have been able to see her this evening.
As she reached for her wine glass a hand landed on her shoulder.
Elara turned her head and saw the young blonde noblewoman from earlier, standing behind her.
"May I join you?"
