-Celeste-
-An hour earlier-
After slipping into some baggy clothes that Uriel had lent me, he escorted me to the dining hall, which was filled to the brim with a cheerful mix of men, all enjoying a pint of ale and a slice of meat. The atmosphere was pleasant, right up until I took my first step into the dining hall.
Their eyes shifted from their plates to my unfamiliar face, and for a second, I felt a little lost. A lady would raise her head high, greeting them properly with a curtsy, but I know that's what will get me hated in a place like this.
I smiled brightly, waiting until only the sounds of cutlery getting settled against the edge of their plates ceased. "It's nice to meet you all. My name is Celeste, and I won't hide it, but I do come from Richmond. Instead of judging me based on my birth place, I'd like to get to know everyone here as individuals, if you'd allow it."
Upon entering, I set all of my cards out in the open. Either this will backfire terribly, or it will benefit my revenge plan in the long run. One man jumped down from a table, grabbing a pint of beer from the counter, and slowly walked towards me.
I didn't flinch, I didn't quake, but I didn't look down on him either. As he approached me closer and closer, Uriel crossed his arms behind me, chuckling. The man finally stopped, inches from me, before producing the pint of ale and thrusting it into my arms.
He smiled brightly and said "Drink up if you're one of us now." he declared, and I grinned, accepting the challenge.
As I clutched the handle and slowly began to drink, the crowd around me cheered me on until I finished the whole thing in one setting. Upon slamming the cup down on the wooden table, they all cheered as one of the men lifted me up onto their shoulders, making me squeal with laughter.
I was passed around the men like I was their fresh new toy before finally sitting on a chair right next to Uriel. As per usual, he was leaning against the wall, seemingly amused. Looking up at him, he finally broke and doubled over laughing. I frowned, irritated.
"What's amusing you so much. I'd be careful with your answer." I told him, jokingly.
"I'm sorry, you just reminded me of a rag doll, getting passed around like that."
Alright, even a little bit of teasing won't turn my day upside down.
"Also, my apologies. We don't have any women in the castle, so I didn't know who to ask and where to look to find you a gown of some sorts."
I shook my head and smiled. "It's fine, really. Besides, these are much more comfortable than a dress. But you just mentioned that there are no women in the castle, what do you mean by that?"
He smiled. "This castle is like a military base of operations. Behind the castle, in a safe part of the forest, is a small village where women and children remain. Men who wish to join the army or patrols stay here full time. Most of the soldiers here get to go home every two weeks to see their family, so they do get to spend time together."
That's an interesting dynamic. Then, a question popped into my head.
"So, if I am marrying your Prince-"
"You'd still live in Fountainfall. That's the name of the village. Accommodation has already been settled for you and notices have been released to find you a lady-in-waiting."
I looked up at him, then frowned. "You're locking me out, aren't you?"
The atmosphere suddenly became dense, heavy to be in. Uriel stopped in his tracks before smiling.
"You know, when I heard that a lady from the Richmond family was coming here, I was expecting to deal with a gullible, selfish little brat."
He sure isn't holding back any of his punches.
"But you just proved that you're much more than that tonight. Just by saying a few words, you took control of the whole room. Not many people are capable of such a thing."
I smiled.
"Honesty, patience, hospitality." I mumbled under my breath. "Aren't those the pillars of your country?"
He turned towards me, and scoffed. "Okay, who told you?"
"The door told me. It was written above the arch, right?"
He shook his head. "That was in Ancient Attinian, no one can read that unless-"
"My mother taught me." I said calmly, staring at the floor in front of me smiling gently. "She was a scholar, a smart one at that. Well educated and had impeccable manners. The complete opposite of me."
"Is that how you see yourself?" Uriel asked. "Because though you might not be a lady, being one doesn't make a woman. That is my opinion, you can take it or leave it."
He's trying to comfort me. Am I making it so obvious that she's dead?
"Wow, Uriel. I don't believe that comforting me was part of your job description. You should be the castle's therapist."
He chuckled, then coldly replied monotonously "No. You couldn't pay me enough to listen to those idiots ramble on about their love lives and their issues."
I chuckled. Though he acts aloof, I can tell that at the end of the day, Uriel cares about the people and his country. If the Prince has a subordinate as loyal as Uriel, I wonder how the Prince himself is. I turned my head towards Uriel and decided to come out and ask him.
"Where is the Prince?" I asked. "Is he available to meet me tonight? I've got some things to-"
"Not tonight. In fact, he is busy every night."
That was quick. He didn't dare look at me. He's hiding something.
"So, when may I meet with your leader, hm?" I asked, as obliviously as I could. Uriel shrugged.
"The Prince wakes up very early in the morning to hunt. If you wish to catch him, you'll most likely have to sacrifice some sleep for it."
Somehow, this guy doesn't want me meeting his Prince. The 'sacrifice some sleep' option is seeming quite favourable.
-End Of Chapter 8-
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