13 Witches Cursed ADELAIDE

Chapter 8

Adelaide was uneasy. The whole trip to her new home had been littered with near-death experiences. She knew she was cursed, but hadn't quite realized just how bad it was. Once back in the carriage, her husband seemed even more withdrawn than he had before. He still hadn't spoken to her and never even looked her way.

More than once, Adelaide felt compelled to thank him for coming to her rescue, but each time she opened her mouth to speak, she couldn't form the words. She did not feel at ease with him and wondered how their marriage would go. The first day wasn't one she would write home about.

They arrived at the palatial stone mansion in the late afternoon. The entire staff was outside to greet their new mistress. They curtseyed and bowed respectfully as they were introduced. Aadin walked away once the formalities were completed without even a word. Zahn also left once he was assured she was safely in the housekeepers care.

Lady Mayla, the housekeeper, was an older woman. She had kind eyes and an even lovelier smile. She made Adelaide feel instantly safe, as though she would have a friend in this foreign place. She ran into Talla's arms, her maid, grateful for a familiar face from home. Talla and Mayla clucked over her like mother hens, first showing her to her rooms in the master's chambers-chambers that adjoined her husband's, then giving her the grand tour.

Adelaide was prepared to run the house; she had been taught well. It was a large house with an equally large staff but she didn't feel overwhelmed. She was informed that her husband held many social engagements, many of which were last minute. The house was always prepared for those events, knowing that their master could plan a party for the same day and expected his household to accommodate. They spoke of him fondly, stating he was a kind master, which made those in his employ want to work harder. He paid them generously, allowed them their free time, donated food to the village constantly and helped where he could.

Adelaide was pleased to hear this news, as she too, had a yearning to help those less fortunate than herself, but the words spoken about her new husband was a far cry from the behaviors and demeanor she had already witnessed. It was confusing, but hearing from the staff that they loved their master did indeed help her feel more relaxed. Adelaide had to consider that Aadin may have been nervous and that was why he was acting so standoffish.

Her rooms were beautiful and she was told that once she got settled she could redecorate to her tastes. She felt comfortable in her new space, and felt that little would need to be done.

"The Master will be perplexed by that. He already established credit in your name with every shop and artisan in the district. He has been fully prepared for his new wife to start spending his money." Lady Mayla said with a chuckle.

"Oh well, I guess I could try, but these rooms are lovely. It is light and airy, the colors are peaceful...I couldn't have asked for more." Adelaide said shyly.

"Just give it a while. You will never be able to spend your husband's money three times over a lifetime...he is one thing if not rich." Mayla said.

"And his brother, Zahn...is he as wealthy?" Adelaide asked, trying to sound blasé.

"Oh yes. Actually he is more so. He has his own share of the family's wealth, but he has branched out on his own. He runs a very, very profitable cargo shipping company, controlling the only port in the district. He is very smart and a great business man."

Adelaide nodded thoughtfully, mentioning nothing else of Zahn. She had to remember to not appear at all interested in anything he did or said, so as to not give away their secret. The mere thought of Zahn made her ache to be in his arms...made her yearn to have her lips on his. The heartache was real and almost overwhelming and she had to learn to control her feelings.