"Why were Godwin and Eruin shouting at us?" Adelaide's small voice quivered as tears streamed down her face. She clung to Ella, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Ella quickly guided the children to her room, closing the door behind them.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Ella let her tears flow freely, her body trembling. Rafael immediately pulled her into his arms, his voice gentle. "It's okay, Ella. They're just confused and frustrated by everything that's happening."
"It's not just that," she whispered, wiping her tears with a trembling hand.
"Ella, you know they were provoking you, expecting you to lash out. But when you didn't, it shocked them. It's clear they were looking for someone to call them out, to help them process what's going on."
"But why are they still acting like this?" Her voice was thick with sorrow, her eyes filled with uncertainty.
"They just need time to think. I'm sure they'll come around." Rafael's words were calm, but he watched her intently, noticing the way her gaze dropped to the floor. "Ella... you can tell me anything."
"Do you think the others feel the same way? About us?"
I simply don't care what they think.
"No. Your parents gave us their blessing, so how could anyone know better than them? Don't dwell on what your brother said. Maybe not today, but I'm sure he'll come to you one day, asking for forgiveness."
She nodded slowly, her head resting against his chest. "Thank you." They stayed like that for a while, holding each other until they had to leave to check on the children.
As the hours passed and night fell, Bella came to fetch them. "It's time to go, kids. We'll meet Mother outside."
"I'm not a kid anymore!" Both Willian and Adelaide protested in unison, making Ella chuckle despite the tension.
Outside, the mansion buzzed with activity. Four carriages waited, surrounded by soldiers, servants, and clerics. Avice was deep in conversation with a soldier, sending him away just as they arrived.
"Oh, you're finally here. Now we just have to wait for your brothers."
"I don't care what happens to them. Leave them behind," Willian said, his tone icy.
"Willian! They're still your brothers, no matter what. I managed to convince Eruin to talk to his father, but Godwin... well..." Avice sighed heavily.
"Don't worry, Mother. We did everything we could. It's up to him now." Ella squeezed her mother's hand reassuringly.
A soldier approached them, his expression serious. "Excuse me, it's almost time to depart. Please, get ready." He bowed slightly before hurrying away.
"Okay. Ella, Willian, and Adelaide, you three will ride with me. Robert, you'll go with Eruin."
"Mom, I'm not a kid anymore! I can't go with the girls." Willian protested, trying to assert his independence.
"Hm? You're right," Avice said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You can go with them." She reached for Adelaide's hand, but Rafael stopped her.
"Wait, I have something I want to ask you all. From now on, I want to be called Rafael."
"Ra-fel?" Adelaide tried to pronounce the name, her brow furrowing.
"Rafael? That's an unusual name. Why the change?" Avice asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I feel like the name Robert ties me to dark memories. Rafael... well, isn't he one of Heaven's angels? It just feels right." He looked at each of them, waiting for their reaction.
"Rafael? I like it," Ella said softly, her eyes meeting his.
"Well, we can talk about this later. For now, we have more pressing matters. Please, everyone, get to your carriages," Avice urged, taking Adelaide's hand and leading her away.
"Willian, why don't you go ahead and get into the second carriage? Rafael will be there soon." The boy hesitated, glancing between Rafael and Ella before nodding and walking to the carriage.
"You're really good with them. They're lucky to have you as their sister."
"Fufufu, stop that. I just love my family." Ella's eyes softened as she saw a young man exiting the mansion. "Eruin, I'm glad you're joining us."
Eruin avoided her gaze, his face a mask of unreadable emotions. "Godwin isn't coming, is he?" she asked, her voice tinged with sadness.
He said nothing, merely walking to one of the carriages. When he opened the door, he found four priests inside, staring at him. He quickly shut the door and hurried to the next one, only to find it occupied by more priests. "Fucking shit," he muttered under his breath.
Finally, he entered the third carriage, where Willian were already seated. Rafael and Ella couldn't help but laugh as they watched him.
"Man, I haven't laughed this hard in weeks," Rafael said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.
"Hahaha... I'm just glad Eruin is acting like himself again."
"But why are we taking the priests with us?" Rafael asked, his laughter fading.
"The Church is everywhere. It would look suspicious if we left them behind. The priests and high priest of the capital would ask questions, and if we said they were left to die... well..."
"Yeah, it's better to take them with us," Rafael agreed.
"Milady, it's time. Please, get into your carriage," Bella said, approaching them.
"And you, Bella? You're coming with us, right?"
"Don't worry, I'll be with the others. Now, hurry; we can't delay any longer." She walked away, her expression calm and composed.
"You came from the capital, right?" Rafael asked as he and Ella made their way to the carriage.
"Yes."
"Will we be safe there?" In the torchlight, Ella's beauty was almost ethereal. I hit the jackpot, Rafael thought, his heart swelling with affection.
"I promise, wherever you are, you'll be safe as long as I'm by your side." She smiled and kissed him softly before stepping into her carriage. But Rafael noticed the sadness lingering in her eyes.
This motherfucking war... Just wait. When I make gunpowder, you'll all suffer.
The wooden gates creaked open, and the four carriages, surrounded by soldiers on horseback, crossed the city under the cover of night. The transport had no windows, blocking any view of the outside. Inside the carriage, Rafael sat with Willian and Eruin, an uncomfortable silence settling over them.
This is a bit awkward... Rafael thought, shifting in his seat. If I'm part of this family now, we should get to know each other.
"You must be Willian, and you're Eruin, right? My name is Raf—Rafael. As you both might know, I'm Ella's husband."
Eruin didn't even glance at him, while Willian smiled and nodded. "A pleasure to meet you. If I may ask, how did you two meet?"
"Hahaha, well, it was a bit of luck, I guess. I went to the kitchen for something to eat, and on my way back to my room, I met her."
"I remember seeing you wearing those dirty robes that only priests and peasants wear, but now you're dressed like this! Who's the tailor of such fine clothes?" Eruin glanced at him for the first time, his curiosity piqued.
"Ah, well... All I can say is that I was lucky. Maybe someday, I'll tell you the full story." Rafael smiled, leaning back in his seat as the carriage rattled on into the night.