Free Web NovelChapter 148: Chapter 148
The carriage rolled to a gentle stop in front of Lord Gracil’s home, the rhythmic clatter of hooves fading into stillness.
Through the small window, Circe could see the wide stone steps leading up to the grand entrance, flanked by marble columns entwined with creeping ivy.
The late morning sun shimmered over the manicured lawns and the wide fountain at the center of the courtyard, its waters catching the light like scattered jewels.
Inside the carriage, Circe sat across from Nieah. Neither spoke during the final stretch of the ride, though Nieah occasionally glanced at her, her calm presence a quiet reassurance.
When the driver jumped down and opened the door with a low bow, Nieah was the first to step out. Circe followed moments later, the hem of her beige silk gown brushing lightly against the carriage floor.
As soon as her feet touched the ground, two of Ragnar’s guards immediately flanked her, one on either side, their expressions impassive beneath the gleam of polished armor.
It had been one of Ragnar’s conditions before she was allowed to attend the luncheon. She was to bring two of his men with her. He had claimed it was for her safety, in case something were to happen while he was away.
But Circe knew that wasn’t the whole truth.
The guards were also there to watch her and to ensure she didn’t take advantage of Ragnar’s absence to attempt an escape.
Even from afar, he managed to be just as overbearing and careful as ever. Still, Circe couldn’t bring herself to resent him for it.
Ragnar was a cautious man, perhaps even a wise one to be wary of her.
After all, she had plans of leaving Lamora. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
She hadn’t made an attempt to do so yet, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t one day. Just... not today. Not when Rowen was still back at the estate.
She could never abandon him, and Ragnar knew it. That was precisely why he made it impossible for her to bring her brother whenever she went out. He understood too well that Rowen was her only anchor to this place.
He knew that if he kept Rowen here in Lamora, he could keep her too.
Even if she somehow managed to flee, what then? There was no clear path for her beyond the border, no safe passage for a woman and a small boy if they were to travel alone and she would rather die than risk Rowen’s safety.
If she were recognized, those loyal to Ragnar would return her to him in an instant, while others might seize the chance to harm her for her ties to Westeria.
The thought was enough to douse whatever desire she had to flee for now, at least until she had a solid plan of action.
Circe barely had time to take in the grandeur of her surroundings before a familiar, bright voice cut through her thoughts.
"Your Highness! I’m so glad you could make it!"
Lady Mina descended the marble steps in a rush of excitement, her golden skirts swaying around her ankles. She greeted Circe with a grin so radiant that even the sunlight seemed dim in comparison. "You look absolutely stunning. I spotted you the moment you stepped out of your carriage and haven’t stopped staring since. Your dress is immaculate. Come, come, the rest of the guests are already waiting inside." ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
The words poured out in a flurry, leaving Circe too stunned to respond at first. Mina’s energy hit her like a warm gust of wind.
She hadn’t expected this kind of reception. Circe had braced herself for stiff politeness and shallow courtesies, but not this. Not this kind of warm welcome.
The first time she met Lady Mina and her husband, she had assumed Mina’s cheerfulness was exaggerated, a performance for Ragnar’s benefit. Surely no one could be that happy all the time.
Mina apparently was. Circe was just realizing that now.
And Circe, for her part, had no idea what to do with someone like her.
Nieah stepped closer, offering Circe an encouraging smile.
Taking a slow breath, Circe followed as Lady Mina turned and led them toward the gardens where the luncheon was being held.
The garden pavilion where the luncheon was being held was a vision of elegance and charm. White silk drapes billowed lightly in the breeze, framing the open archways that overlooked the sweeping gardens beyond.
The scent of blooming flowers and fresh mint drifted through the air, mingling pleasantly with the faint aroma of warm bread.
A round table, covered in ivory linen, was set up inside the pavilion. At the table’s center stood a delicate crystal vase filled with pale pink lilies and fresh lavender. A small wicker basket of golden bread loaves rested beside it, still warm from the oven.
Only three women were seated at the table as they arrived, far fewer guests than Circe had expected.
Of the three, only one face was familiar. Even if Circe hadn’t recognized her instantly, there was no mistaking that poised bearing the woman possessed, and her striking composure.
Maelis Hawthorne.
Mina caught the subtle shift in Circe’s expression and gave a small laugh. "Oh, silly me! I forgot to mention who would be attending, didn’t I?" She gestured gracefully toward the women as they approached the table. "Here, let me introduce you."
Circe couldn’t help but notice how easily Mina moved between people, as though she had never known discomfort in a crowd. The woman exuded warmth so effortlessly, while Circe remained closed off from others and always found herself hesitant to get to know people.
"Your Highness," Mina began brightly, "this is my sister-in-law, Lady Sasha."
Circe inclined her head politely toward the tall woman with slick black hair and sharp, elegant features.
"And this," Mina continued, gesturing toward the woman beside Sasha, "is my dear friend Elara." The woman, dressed in soft pink, smiled warmly. Her short hair, curled slightly at the ends, brushed her shoulders with each movement.
Finally, Mina turned to the last guest. "And this is my aunt, Maelis Hawthorne. My uncle Soren’s lovely wife."
One by one, each woman rose gracefully and offered a bow.
When it came to Maelis’s turn, she smiled with a composure so refined it bordered on regal.
"Her Highness and I have already been introduced," she said smoothly, her gaze meeting Circe’s. Then, with a smile that was equal parts warmth and calculation, she added, "It’s a pleasure to see you again, Your Highness."
Circe’s eyes softened, and her lips curved faintly in response. "Likewise."
And Circe meant it. She was truly happy to see Maelis again, a woman who had fascinated her since the very first time they met.
