Vow Of Silence

CHAPTER THRITY

1st PERSON: Pelomina Lorenzo-Capiz

I feel terrible.

I’m not in pain or anything, but there’s this lingering bitterness that I could taste on my tongue. On top of that, my body feels a bit sore. Again, it’s not to the point of distinctive pain, but it’s there, not quite bothersome, just noticeable. What was I doing yesterday that I’m feeling this today?

“Urgh…” I groaned as I sat up. Still, it was futile because the softness and fluffiness of my bed were unmatched and can’t even compare to the couch on the drawing roo—

‘wait’

My eyes snapped wide as I looked around. I remained in the bed of course, but I could easily tell that this is not my room. This bed was notably bigger than mine, just as soft, but this is definitely not my…

“Gah!” I yelped as I noticed the thin chemise that I have on, the only thing that I have on.

Like in my room, it was accented gold with deeper tones of blue for its main theme, there was no vanity desk, only a large closet, and an equally large bookshelf, the vanity desk was nowhere in sight and was instead replaced by a rather large mirror. I didn't need to be the brightest detective of my time to know that this is definitely Lykus’s bedroom.

'Why am I in Lykus’ bedroom? Is this a joke?'

I slowly got up and peeled the blanket off of me, “I really didn’t expect to end up in this place,” I whispered to, particularly no one, who was I even defending myself from? I don’t know, but I felt like I should. I crawled over to the edge of the bed and hopped to land on my feet on the ground.

'This bed was even higher than mine, which would make sense considering that this caters to Lykus’.

Even so, my mind is starting to trail off. Who was in charge of me while I was knocked out? This medieval beer sure did a number on me, but considering the elements at play in that scene, maybe Pelomina’s tolerance to alcohol isn’t good either. At least I could remember up to the drawing-room…

Actually, that’s not worthy of praise because all I could remember was the drawing-room, and now I’m in Lykus’ bedroom with only a chemise and a feeling of soreness from places that shouldn’t feel sore just because I drink beer. Unless… I did more than drink beer.

‘No, it couldn’t be. I’m just panicking,’ I thought with a scoff. There’s no way. I walked around the room to try and settle the nerves, not in an invasive way. I’m just curious to see what I’ll end up finding in here, but there was practically nothing apart from the books on the shelf. He must be a big fan of reading.

Either way, I couldn’t help but have my train of thought delve into that topic. I doubt he and Pelomina are even that intimate—AH!

‘Are those hickeys?!’ NOPE! NO! WHAT?! I was just walking about and now that I passed the big mirror, I could see just how disheveled I am, with small reddish bruises all over my neck. That man acted like he saw me as a chew toy!

Did we actually—no. I don’t think so. I’m trying to look at it logically and not go into heavy detail. I could, but I wouldn’t dare. But based on how much soreness I’m feeling right now... I doubt, rather, I’m quite certain, that we didn’t do… something like that.

I sighed as I wrapped my hands around my neck; I heard some footsteps coming from outside the door; They don’t sound too hurried and it appears to only be one, so this can’t be the three attendants, Java, Eustace, and Keion. Don’t tell me that it’s who I think it is…

The door swung open and came in a seemingly refreshed and satisfied face of the lord of this castle, a faint smile fixed on his glowing face.

'WHY DOES HE LOOK SPARKLY AND ALL?!'

He raised a brow at me as we stood frozen and in silence for a brief moment. He was the first to break the ice and clear his throat with a small nod,

“Good morning, my lady,” he greeted,

I gulped as I did a small curtsy, “Yes… uh, good morning,” I was flustered yes, but the reason I was fumbling with my words was because I have so many things to say at once yet my mouth won’t allow it.

So I began with a hand gesture, pointing at the angry red marks and patches on my neck, “Uh… this,” I began and he immediately looked away and clicked his tongue. He seemed to have shame, at least. How the heck am I supposed to hide this?

I don’t even know what I’m supposed to feel yet. I felt like I was involved in an actual act of infidelity, but the grounds on this one are kind of complex to finalize judgment. There are many issues that branched out and caused this whole thing to happen, and yet, I could tell that this is all my fault.

He gulped, “Forgive me, I’m afraid I was too impulsive and driven by the… events that happened last night, that I…” he trailed off, still not making eye contact, “acted rashly, I should’ve controlled myself better,” he finished and I hummed, my eyes falling to the ground, even I would be shy enough to make eye contact with him.

Given that we didn’t do anything more than this, he sure took his sweet time and made the most of what he’s provided.

Is the medieval equivalent of a thick and fuzzy turtleneck made yet?

He walked closer and slowly looked at my face, “My lady, would you like to accompany us on the hunt today?” he asked, and like a switch, my mood dropped as I returned the gaze.

“Hunt?... what hunt? The bandits?” I asked, if the answer to my question is ‘yes’ in response, my answer would be a 'no’ I don’t think I could stomach that. No matter what timeline, I think just ending people’s lives is simply—

“Wife, certainly not, please I beg of you to forget everything that I said to you during my overaged and immature tantrum, I was simply going through such a troublesome and bitter mood,” he began, holding both of my hands in his, “Not a word I uttered is true, and I would never take you to our missions, never,” he assured,

I nodded. For some reason, I did slightly expect him to act differently once we set foot back in the castle, and by differently, I meant that he would revert back to his originally mean and crass personality and attitude.

To my mild surprise, he didn’t. Apart from whatever it is that he did to my neck, he was rather gentle. Now I see why Polly was so intent on our relationship. If one does take a close look at Lykus now, there was not even a shadow of his past actions on how he presented himself now.

Which was weird, because he looks exactly the same as he always does, the cape, the sword, the armbands, the boots, his hair was all down, still in braids, but not tied in his usual half updo, whether be it a ponytail or a bun, his earrings are also present, there was nothing in his appearance that changed, but one thing was certain his demeanor flipped.

The intimidation was there, but it was merely over how much taller he was compared to me. I fear that if this goes on, the mechanism that I put into work of trying to keep my distance from him would just vanish from not being put into use.

“Then… by hunt, you mean animals, my lord?” I asked, and he hummed, and just as I was about to open my mouth, he raised his hand.

“It’s also fine if you’d choose not to, I’d understand if watching animals be shot with arrows is not something you’d look forward to,” he interrupted and I nodded with a smile,

“Of course, but if I were to choose on coming, wouldn’t I be a nuisance?” I asked, and he scoffed,

“Wife, please, who exactly would you be a nuisance to?” he asked with that proud yet mischievous smile of his, and I huffed, squinting my eyes at him as I smiled.

“Then I would like to go and be your company,” I said, making him chuckle as he, once again, casually brushed a few stray strands of hair off my face.

“I'll tell your attendants and have them dress you accordingly, we’ll be off in an hour,” he said, with that he left through the door, closing it softly while I was left to see the marks he left on my neck once again.

“Ahh… Pelomina, you’re having it bad…”