Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 52

Eisheth was resolute in her plan to marry off her daughter, Charlotte, to Alastor for his wealth. She burdened Charlotte with endless chores, leaving her no time for anything but work. In a desperate attempt to control her, Eisheth even forbade her from speaking to Alastor.

"He's going to marry Lute, not you! Don't even think about trying to steal him away, you little tart!"

Yet, despite her efforts, Charlotte and Alastor continued their secret meetings in the barn at night, their connection deepening with each encounter. Each embrace provided a refuge from the pain of her stepfamily's cruelty, and every kiss was a promise of the joyful life they envisioned together.

Even Lucifer could no longer ignore the undeniable love blossoming between them, especially as he witnessed the happiness radiating from his daughter—happiness she hadn't felt since before her mother's death. This newfound joy prompted him to reconsider his stance.

"Perhaps we should consider giving Charlotte's hand to Alastor instead of Lute's," he suggested to his wife one evening.

"What?!" Eisheth snapped, her eyes wide with disbelief. "The plan was for him to marry Lute. We agreed she would be the more suitable bride."

"Yes, but he doesn't want her; he wants Charlotte. And I think she wants him too."

"You said he wasn't good enough for her."

"He's not. No man is good enough for my Charlotte. But if he can make her happy—"

"She's better off staying here with you. She's so naive and innocent; he could take advantage of her. My Lute is experienced; he won't be able to deceive her."

"But maybe he's not trying to deceive anyone. Perhaps I've misjudged him. With his skills, he could become richer than I am, yet he still works for me. Clearly, it's not money he's after."

"He will marry Lute, and that's final!"

"I can't force him to marry her!"

"You could if you wanted to," she replied, sweetly kissing his cheek. "A strong, powerful judge like yourself could have him thrown in jail unless he marries Lute."

Lucifer sat up in bed, incredulous.

"Woman, have you lost your mind?" he exclaimed. "I swore an oath to uphold the law and serve justice! I'd be risking not only my job and my very soul but possibly my life! I could be hanged for such an abuse of power!"

"There's no need to get upset, dear," she replied calmly. "Of course I was only joking. I would never ask you to use your judicial position for personal gain."

Lucifer cast her a quiet, scrutinizing glance, momentarily questioning his wife's true intentions.

"Focus on your own affairs and let me handle mine. If he doesn't wish to marry Lute, so be it. But if he seeks Charlotte's hand, I'll... I'll think it over."

"Whatever you say, dear husband," she replied obediently.

But in her mind, she thought, "Curses! He has too much backbone! Alright then, Mr. Morality, I suppose I'll have to get a little creative.*

Instead of returning to sleep, she lay awake in bed, plotting on how to satisfy her greed and envy. It was two hours before sunrise when she heard the front door creak open and footsteps ascending the stairs. Peeking through the door, she spotted Charlotte sneaking into her bedroom, clad in her nightgown and robe.

"What has she been up to?" she wondered.

The following night, she ordered Lute to spy on Charlotte and report back. Reluctantly, Lute complied. She watched as Charlotte slipped into her room, waiting until the door opened again, around the time she could hear her stepfather snoring. Lute observed Charlotte sneak out of the house and into the barn, where she spent the night beside Alastor. Before dawn, she returned quietly inside.