The day of departure to Odelle city had come. The servants were bustling around to load the lined up carriages with baggage.
Mikael had assumed he would share a carriage with Beth for the journey. Just about when Mikael was about to climb onto the carriage designated for the servants, Secretary Cade stopped him.
His expectation turned to disappointment as he learned that he would, in fact, be sharing a carriage with Nicolaus. Secretary Cade guided him to the grand carriage designated for him and the Marquess, and Mikael's heart sank a little.
He stole a fleeting glance at Beth before he turned to follow Secretary Cade.
As they made their way, they walked across the soft crunch of gravel beneath their shoes. Eventually, they came to a stop beside a carriage.
As Secretary Cade opened the door, Mikael's gaze was met by the sight of Nicolaus already seated inside, waiting. There he was, watching Mikael with that stoic expression on his face.
Accepting Secretary Cade's extended hand for support, Mikael stepped up into the carriage. Just as his foot landed inside, he heard Nicolaus emit a chuckle, sending a shiver down his spine.
With his observing eyes watching Mikael take his seat, he said, "I'm wounded that you would rather prefer the company of the servants than your loving husband."
Mikael rolled his eyes and tightly pressed his lips together to keep his retort in check. Inwardly, he seethed, his thoughts swirling with irritation.
He was far from composed. Spending days with the person he least wanted to be around was infuriating beyond words.
When Mikael finally sat, the carriage door closed with a click, and Nicolaus' playful demeanor suddenly shifted.
"You know, Mikael," he went, his voice becoming serious, "as my wife, you'll have to do more than keep me company during our travels. You need to put in more effort than just a substitute for your twin."
Mikael was momentarily stunned by the directness of Nicolaus' words. His lips parted slightly in surprise, and he clenched his fists against his skirt.
"I did tell you to break this marriage," Mikael retorted.
Nicolaus only gave him another chuckle as if Mikael had cracked a joke. Then, leaning in closer, he lowered his voice, and a cold shiver ran down Mikael's spine as he listened to the veiled threat.
"If you keep bringing this up," Nicolaus whispered, his words carrying a menacing weight, "you can't be certain I'll spare your sister and father when I find them."
Mikael's bloodshot eyes locked onto Nicolaus. His gaze, a storm of conflicting emotions of fear, resentment, and anger, seemed to penetrate through the fathomless abyss within Nicolaus' eyes, where golden irises flickered like dancing flames.
Nicolaus leaned back, his arms crossed over his chest. "However," he continued, "if you'd be a good wife, I might consider showing them mercy."
As Nicolaus spoke, Mikael's fingers clenched so tightly on his skirt that his knuckles turned as white as bone. He shifted his gaze to the window, eyes brimming with tears of frustration. He felt trapped like a bird longing to be free but confined by cruel chains.
…
The wind tousled his hair as they drove through the forest. It had been quite a while since Mikael had journeyed out of the capital city. The open road stretching ahead beyond the forest trees gave him the thrill to explore.
Sometimes, in the past, Mikael had accompanied his father on trips to the mining grounds in Brunthe. He would watch the mining operations of human effort unearthing resources from deep within the earth.
The sights and sounds of the mining grounds had left an indelible mark on Mikael. The grit of the workers and the earthy scent of minerals had all combined to leave a vivid experience.
As the carriage continued its journey through the forest, leaving behind the city limits, Mikael's thoughts drifted back in time. He reminisced about those trips to the mining grounds that carried him away, tugging at his heart.
The forest seemed to sprawl endlessly beyond the carriage window with a medley of green leaves, brown trunks, and branches occasionally interrupted by the vibrant hues of flowers.
Time progressed; sunbeams danced upon the forest floor, announcing the gradual transition from bustling noon into a respite afternoon. And yet, despite the passage of hours, the landscape around them remained enveloped by the dense woods.
As the carriage ambled through, Nicolaus finally talked, his voice a soft murmur amidst the rustling leaves. "Best for you to avoid talking for the moment while we are out here," he suggested, a note of caution in his tone.
Mikael glanced at Nicolaus, his mind buzzing, realizing what Nicolaus was implying. He caught onto his message and understood it.
After a momentary pause, Nicolaus continued, revealing the device he had been orchestrating. "Don't worry, though. You will be able to speak freely once I get you the potion to change your voice."
"A potion?" Mikael's voice lifted with intrigue.
Nicolaus, however, seemed preoccupied, and he continued speaking without much regard for Mikael's questions. "The envoy I sent to the Middle East might take a month and a half to return by sailing ship, or potentially even longer, depending on the weather."
Middle East? Mikael's ears pricked at the unfamiliar term. And a potion to alter his voice? He had not encountered anything before. He hadn't been aware that such a concoction even existed.
Yet, Nicolaus punctuated Mikael's thoughts with a firm knock on the carriage's wooden frame, a signal that resonated through and prompted the carriage.
With a creak, the carriage settled to a stop, ending the noise of the wheels against the road. The footsteps of the knights and the steady beat of the horses' hooves also came to a halt.
Nicolaus' voice broke through the stillness, announcing their next move."We will set up a camp here," he declared.
Following his declaration, Nicolaus swung open the carriage door and stepped outside. Inside the carriage, Mikael remained, his mind swirling in a frenzy as newfound knowledge unfolded. It was as if a door had been cracked open, revealing uncharted territories before him.
"Hey," Nicolaus's voice broke the trance, pulling Mikael back. "My hand is waiting."
Only then did Mikael snap back to reality, realizing that Nicolaus stood there with his hand stretched out. Hasting, Mikael took his hand and emerged from the carriage.