Free Web NovelChapter 316: Chapter 316
By the time Ragnar returned hours later, the trail of blood he had left behind was completely gone. Snow and time had erased every trace of violence, leaving no sign that three men had lost their lives right in front of his estate only hours ago. The ground lay pristine and undisturbed, as though nothing grim had ever occurred there.
The large iron gates swung open the moment the guards stationed there spotted him approaching on horseback. As planned, Kostia had accompanied him on the outing, but now, as they returned, they carried an extra passenger, one who had not been with them when they rode out earlier. She sat at the front of Kostia’s horse, held securely before him, posture stiff as her gaze darted from one spot to the next, taking in her unfamiliar surroundings with cautious curiosity.
The hinges creaked loudly as the gates opened wider, the sound echoing through the courtyard. The horses surged forward before slowing to a halt upon reaching the center of the grounds.
Ragnar dismounted first, landing lightly on his feet, and Kostia followed suit moments later. As soon as his boots touched the ground, Kostia turned back to the woman that rode with him and helped her down with deliberate care, steadying her until she stood firmly on the ground.
Ragnar’s horse snorted softly as he patted its neck affectionately. At their arrival, a stable hand hurried forward, offering up warm greetings as he reached for the horse’s reins. Ragnar passed them over without a word, watching as the man led the horses away toward the stables.
Just as Ragnar turned to head inside the manor, a faint prickle of awareness crept along his spine, the unmistakable sensation of being watched. It was a feeling he had long since forced himself to grow accustomed to. With his reputation and his status as the king’s bastard, attention followed him wherever he went.
He lifted his gaze.
Circe stood at their bedroom window, peering down at him. When their eyes met, her face softened into a smile, and she lifted her hand, wiggling her fingers in a wave that seemed coy.
They said love itself was like a virus, that to fall for someone so completely was the same as allowing oneself to be utterly ravished by it. If that were true, then love had already claimed a good portion of Ragnar’s mind, and he couldn’t care less if it took the rest of him too.
He grinned up at her and waved back, momentarily spellbound by the way her eyes lit up in response. She lingered there for a while before finally stepping away from the window.
Only then did Ragnar realize how long he had been standing in the same spot, staring upward like a lovestruck fool.
Kostia and the woman had already disappeared inside, no doubt eager to escape the cold. Shaking his head at himself, Ragnar turned and made his way toward the front entrance.
The first thing that caught Circe’s attention as she descended the grand staircase was the unfamiliar woman standing beside Kostia. The woman’s head was lowered, her eyes cast down in deference. Circe recognized her immediately as the same person she had seen arrive earlier with the two men, and curiosity stirred within her.
Ragnar appeared just as Circe stepped off the final stair, and her attention shifted naturally to him. She held his gaze as he approached, and he must have noticed the unspoken question in her eyes because he answered before she could voice it. free𝑤ebnovel.com
"We have new staff joining our household, wife," he said. He then glanced over his shoulder, his gaze settling firmly on the woman. "Step forward so your princess may get a better look at you."
The woman obeyed at once, moving closer until she stood before Ragnar and Circe at the base of the stairs.
"Your Highness," she said, bowing deeply before straightening again. She was of average height and build, her features pleasant and composed. Light brown hair framed her face neatly.
She is human, Circe realized.
Ragnar turned his attention back to Circe. "She will be your lady’s maid from now on," he said. "She will assist you with whatever you need and accompany you on your outings if you wish. Anything you want, simply say the word, and she will see to it."
Surprise flickered openly across Circe’s face. She placed her hand over Ragnar’s wrist, her fingers curling lightly around him. When she spoke, she lowered her voice, choosing her words carefully, mindful of their company.
"You didn’t have to get me a lady’s maid," she said softly. "I was managing well enough on my own, and Nieah helped when it was needed."
She sounded flustered. Ragnar had been doing more and more for her lately, and each gesture left her chest feeling warm and flustered in equal measure. Words of thanks felt woefully inadequate, leaving her unsure of how best to express her gratitude.
"I know," Ragnar replied quietly, his voice meant for her alone. "But I want you well cared for, pampered as a princess ought to be. It is my duty as your husband to ensure that." His lips curved slightly. "Besides, having a lady’s maid will save you a great deal of time each day."
Humor laced his tone, clearly meant to tease her.
Circe’s lips twitched into a small, reluctant smile. Then she turned her attention back to the woman.
"What is your name?" She asked, stepping away from Ragnar to address her directly.
"Mirelle Renhart, Your Highness," the woman answered promptly. "I am beyond grateful that His Highness chose me from among so many others to serve by your side."
She bowed once more, her gratitude evident in every word. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
Circe’s brows furrowed in confusion then.
The way the woman spoke... it couldn’t be. The accent was faint, softened by years away from home, but it was unmistakable. Circe would know the way her people spoke anywhere, even if she heard it whispered from miles away.
"You are Westerian?" Circe asked, the words leaving her breathless, as though the air had been punched from her lungs. It was such a shock to her system, seeing another one of her countrymen here in Lamora of all places.
Mirelle nodded. "Yes, I am, Your Highness," she replied politely, her tone respectful.
