Elwanda

Chapter 23 - Disunited Union

Going back to Rauloring wasn't exactly a pleasure. Not when the entire palace still recognised Elwanda as a vagabond and a trialed witch; and what with her unorthodox marriage to the Steward to which they would oppose.

But the atmosphere she met on arrival was an entirely different and unexpected one.

A grand welcoming of some kind was observed in the palace. It might've been done out of tradition or simple curtsey because only the servants wore genuinely happy expressions upon seeing the newly weds. Lord Haladar managed a smile that was more of relief than joy, and a couple other Lords of the council showed teeth in the way that angry tigers would.

All in all, the brief party relaxed Elwanda a tad. At least the idea of having her killed was out the window.

Given her new status, she would be attended to by Fylve and Serine for the second time and without pretence, at least. Both girls giggled joyously upon seeing her and vice versa.

"We're so happy to know you're alright, my lady." Fylve said, repeatedly bowing.

She wasn't certain just how many people knew that she was nearly executed in Raegros, but she felt sure that they did. However, they'd chosen to accept her in spite of the tension and drama. It filled her with gratitude that no matter what, there were women she could trust and relate with.

Entering into her new bedroom with a bit of scare, she discovered it was nothing like the one provided back in Raegros. It looked sufficient enough and had a sort of attractiveness she thought would last for a very long time. The chamber bed was king-sized like Alodie's, stationed in a separate section of the bedroom that felt even more private.

In fact, the entire room had a cozy feel to it that made Elwanda dare relax.

A thousand things began to swim in her head. Now, she was bound to the palace and its confinements. Possibly for good.

"My lady, you have been requested for by The Advisor." Someone announced, taking her out of her own thoughts.

Elwanda recognised him to be the portly fellow that had guided her to Alodie's chambers before her departure to Raegros.

Until the Steward threw her a glance, she'd almost forgotten he was there, too. Since he stepped foot into the palace and after being greeted by the Lords, he had fallen quiet. It was a behaviour far from unusual, but he observed a watchful silence that felt less threatening than what was common. That bit was unusual.

She stared at him, expecting a form of approval.

"Are you going to do as you're told, or stand there and ogle?" He questioned, lifting a brow.

With a little head shake, she followed the portly man.

On the way, he introduced himself as Phineas. The mood and tone with which he spoke to her felt different from the one he'd used before the Steward, in the sense that he appeared more relaxed around her. It resurfaced her suspicions about the entire palace staff becoming very stiff and mindful when near to the Steward. They certainly found him as intimidating as she did.

In no time, she was standing before Alodie's doors again. It almost felt like she never left.

"He's expecting you." Phineas ushered with a hand gesture after he had pushed the doors open.

Elwanda stepped in, cautious of the sound of her heels clicking against the floors. Even though it was bright and sunny outside, Alodie's room was dim, as if the foremath of heavy rainfall draped it through and through. Just like before, he laid in his bed, quiet and immobile and obscured from sight, until she drew very near to the edge of the bed frame.