The war has finally come to an end, and the nation celebrates the return of peace.
People slowly make their way back to their homes.
In the grand entrance of Eleanor's mansion, the heavy doors swing open, revealing the strict, stoic, and wicked figure of Eleanor, accompanied by the cheerful Thomas.
Eleanor's expression is still clouded with the weight of what she has experienced, her footsteps heavy and weary.
Thomas, on the other hand, can barely contain his excitement, his eyes darting around the opulent surroundings.
"Wow, Eleanor! This place is magnificent! Look at all this grandeur!"
Thomas eagerly dashes into the mansion, exploring each room with childlike enthusiasm.
Eleanor, not in the mood for festivities, remains at the entrance, her arms crossed tightly.
"THOMAS, BE CAREFUL! THIS ISN'T A PLAYGROUND. SHOW SOME RESPECT."
Thomas playfully sticks his tongue out at Eleanor, continuing his exploration.
"Oh, Eleanor, where's your sense of adventure? We've just survived a war! Can't we enjoy the spoils of victory?"
Eleanor's patience wears thin, and she strides towards Thomas, a warning in her voice.
"Thomas, I'm not joking. Be respectful or you'll regret it."
Thomas, still grinning mischievously, takes a few steps back, feigning fear.
"Oh, I'm shaking in my boots, Eleanor! Please spare me your wrath!"
Eleanor rolls her eyes, her frustration evident. She walks past Thomas, making her way to the elegant sitting room. She gracefully lowers herself onto the couch, her exhaustion evident.
"Tea! I need tea! Summon the maids, Thomas!"
Thomas, momentarily taken aback by Eleanor's commanding tone, raises an eyebrow in surprise.
"My, my, Eleanor. Demanding tea already? Shouldn't we be grateful for the service of others?"
Eleanor turns her gaze sharply towards Thomas, her anger simmering beneath the surface.
"Watch your words, Thomas. I've had enough of your jokes. Show some respect."
Thomas, sensing the intensity of Eleanor's anger, takes a step back, his hands up in mock surrender.
"Alright, alright, calm down, Your Highness. I'll make sure to be on my best behavior."
"See that you do, Thomas. We've come a long way, and I won't have our victory tainted by irreverence."
Thomas, ever the jester, bows dramatically, a grin spreading across his face.
"As you wish, Your Majesty. I shall tread lightly and be the epitome of decorum."
The doors swing open, revealing Astrid, her face etched with concern. She rushes forward, her steps quick and anxious, until she reaches Eleanor and envelops her in a tight embrace.
"Eleanor! Thank goodness you're safe! I was so worried! Are you alright?"
Eleanor, her expression stern and defensive, pulls away from the embrace, her anger apparent.
"I'm fine, Astrid! I don't need you hovering around me, acting like I can't take care of myself! I don't even need you to be in this mansion!"
Astrid was slightly hurt by Eleanor's harsh words. She turns her head away, trying to compose herself.
As she does, her gaze falls upon a young boy standing nearby, his clothes stained and tattered.
Astrid's eyes widen in surprise because Eleanor isn't the type to bring visitors.
Thomas, noticing Astrid's reaction, follows her gaze and finds her beautiful.
Astrid, regaining her composure, offers the boy a warm smile and extends her hand for a handshake.
"Hello there. I'm Astrid. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Thomas, unable to resist a playful quip, chuckles under his breath and proceeds to wipe his hand on his shirt before accepting Astrid's handshake.
"Ah, the privilege of shaking hands with a lady. Let me make sure my grubby hands are presentable."
Astrid, unfazed by Thomas's jest, maintains her smile.
"No need to worry about that. It's a pleasure to meet you, dirty hands and all."
Thomas's playful demeanor softens, a genuine smile forming on his face as he shakes Astrid's hand.
"And it's a delight to meet someone as kind as you, Astrid."
Eleanor, observing the exchange, feels a twinge of guilt for her earlier outburst. She takes a deep breath, her anger dissipating.
"Astrid, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. I appreciate your concern."
Astrid's eyes light up with relief, her smile returning.
"It's alright, Eleanor. I understand. I'm just glad you're safe."
Eleanor and Astrid sit side by side on a plush couch, engaged in a quiet conversation.
Thomas, unable to tear his gaze away from Astrid's beauty, watches her with fascination.
But before he can gather his thoughts, Aiden, a hesitant figure, enters the room and approaches Eleanor.
Aiden, though initially apprehensive, musters up the courage to greet Eleanor, his eyes briefly flickering to Astrid by her side.
His hand tentatively rests on Astrid's waist, a gesture of support and affection.
Thomas muttered under his breath, "Who's this guy?"
Aiden, catching Thomas's remark, turns his head and locks eyes with him. He notices the dirty state of Thomas's clothes and smirks, ready to engage in banter.
"Well, well, look who's graced us with their presence. Did you lose your way, street urchin?"
Astrid, her protective instincts kicking in, shoots Aiden a sharp glare.
"Aiden, cut it out! That's not funny."
Aiden, taken aback by Astrid's stern tone, raises his hands in surrender.
"Alright, alright. I'll stop. No need to get all worked up."
Astrid's anger subsides, and she turns towards Aiden, her voice softening.
"Thank you. Now, be polite and introduce yourself properly."
Aiden rolls his eyes playfully, but complies with Astrid's request, albeit in a somewhat rude manner.
"I'm Aiden. Astrid's... fiance"
Thomas, catching on to the tension between Aiden and Astrid, decides to lighten the mood with a touch of humor even though his heart already sank.
"Ah, so you're the lucky one who gets to be Astrid's fiance? Quite the privilege."
Aiden, surprised by Thomas's response, chuckles and shakes his head.
"Lucky? You have no idea, my friend. Astrid and I... We're expecting a baby. She's already five months pregnant."
Thomas's heart sinks, a mix of emotions sweeping over him. He feels a tinge of jealousy.
"Wow, congratulations. That's... that's wonderful news."
YOU ARE READING
Black Magic
Mystery / ThrillerA woman in the 19th century curses her husband with black magic, she doesn't know the exchange of that, it might end her whole bloodline.
