Vow Of Silence

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

1st PERSON: Pelomina Lorenzo-Capiz

Trying to push the feeling of impending misfortune, all I could do is look around, which was good alone by itself. There is so much to look at. I didn’t notice that Lykus was also finished with his food until he tapped me on the shoulder with a big satisfied smile.

Looking at the once-overfilled table behind him and how drastic and noticeable changes in amounts made me realize how driven this man is. That was a very whimsical junket, and he still has the determination to pull through.

“Satisfied, my lord?”

“Perhaps, would you like to walk around the castle instead?” he asked as he looked around with a grimace, “It smells awfully hypocritical and pretentious in this area,” he added in a whisper.

“My lord!” I scolded in a soft, hushed tone, lightly smacking his arm. He caught my hand and wrapped it around his arm,

“Shall we then—”

“Pardon the impudent interruption, lord and lady Vaustero,” a voice called from behind us, a man dressed somewhat like the guards back from the castle, but more… fancier. My leading observation would make me bet on my shiny necklace that this must be one of the royal palace’s guards.

Lykus raised a brow, not even fully facing the guard who lowered his head, “You are summoned to the drawing-room, his majesty the king would like to meet you,” the guard declared,

I gasped. My jaw is on the floor. I didn’t even know they actually refer to kings like that. I’m buzzed! I whipped my head to Lykus, who didn’t even bat an eyelash. Sighing through his nostrils, he nodded, “Then we shall meet the king, lead us,” he replied like he couldn’t be bothered to do this, but because he had no choice, he’ll pull through like he did with that table.

I don’t know much about ranking in nobility or the likes. I know that Lykus and I must be of noble lineage, but how we ended up getting married is beyond me, maybe because it wasn’t me who he exchanged vows with, but the thought that it must be an arranged marriage for the status crossed my mind just now.

Sure, I know that Lykus isn’t as bad as he seems, but for someone as allegedly timid as the real lady Pelomina, would she be able to handle such a crass and scandalous man? Then again, he is good company if he isn't throwing a tantrum.

The guard led us through the halls and as we walked further, the number of guests lessened until we ended up walking across empty halls, glimmering with silk-like curtains in the same crimson hue, and intricate glasswork for the lighting. Finally, we reached large oak doors. The guard pushed it open and bowed deeply as we walked through the doorway. Inside was a much more dim and solemn atmosphere.

The room was in velvety ambiance, even the fireplace cackled so elegantly it felt cozy and cold at the same time, couches were placed in a ‘U’ shape centered on a full coffee table of different confectionery and drinks which I thought was probably tea and liquor.

There were other separate seats where other people sat, talking amongst their group, but for this particular seating arrangement, I could tell that this one is jam-packed with royalty and high-ranking nobles, all donned with gold and diamonds, wearing furs and silk-like it’s cheap.

We took a few steps forward before he bowed down and so did I.

“Lykus, I’m glad you made it,” a man in a deep bellowing voice noted, raising his hand to acknowledge our gesture, motioning to the empty spaces on the couch. Once we straightened up, we walked closer and settled on the spot, the other guests nodded and smiled at us.

Yulsey wasn’t here, however, it’s just relatively older men and women.

With a goblet in his hand, the man tilted his head at Lykus, “I see you’re still rigid at events like these?” he remarked with a smile, once he said that my eyes darted to Lykus’ face, but it’s not like Lykus was scowling or anything. He's obviously not happy, but he's not flaunting it.

“I’m not one to have fun being around people, your majesty,” Lykus replied, shutting his eyes as if suppressing the urge to say more, but since he said ‘your majesty’ this nosey old man must be the king! Now, I’m not saying I look utterly heavenly, but if I did, it’s because Lady Pelomina is very beautiful, but he doesn't look like much, the king. He’s rather humble-looking, and why isn’t he wearing a crown?

I thought the coronation still hasn’t happened yet?

He chuckled, and took a sip from the goblet before setting it down, “I see… still no heir, I suppose?” he followed, giving me a quick glance.

‘What the f—Is that something you just casually ask around here?’

I felt a soft pressure on my hand when Lykus squeezed it as if comforting me before he answered, “I tend to stick around long before I pass the legacy,” he answered and the king huffed,

“What a valiant mindset, you continue to live up to what the nation expects you to be, and more…” he trailed off, raising his finger and gesturing for one of the servants, who I didn't notice until they moved, to pour us drinks. The maid poured one for Lykus. He nodded and immediately took a sip, but when it was my turn, he raised his hand at the servant and waved dismissively.

“You shouldn’t,” he whispered, “the liquor here is especially strong, I don't want you to be uncomfortable later,” he followed, bringing his glass close to my nose, and he was right, just the smell was enough to convince me. I nodded, and the servant left.

“Not drinking, Lady Vaustero?” the king asked, right—can I just refuse an offer from the king?

“Oh, if I recall, the lady has a weak constitution, tea would be more proper,” a woman intervened, draped in dark crimson silk that flowed off her figure like water, her hair adorned with golden flowers interlocked with the single French braid her hair is in. Her neck was wrapped in gold bands, her wrists as well. She gestured for another servant to serve me tea.

She simply looked… divine. When I think of royalty, this is the image that pops up in my mind, oozing with power and confidence.

“Ah, how inconsiderate of me, if it weren’t for my queen, the country would be in absolute ruin,” the king noted, looking at the woman. So she’s the queen, that’s figures.

“T-Thank you, your majesty…” I said silently, bowing to her as I held the tea in my hand, she brought her fingers to her lips for a faint chuckle, in contrast to the others who raised brows after hearing me speak.

“You’re welcome, Lady Vaustero, in return, would you be so kind as to accompany me… somewhere?” she asked, standing up. I had no choice, I wouldn’t leave the freaking queen waiting for me to get up to accompany her…. Somewhere. Lykus’s hand lingered on to hold mine, looking at me until it was time for me to excuse myself, following the queen’s trail as she left the room.

Her dress swayed blissfully against the carpeted floor. Now that I think about it, are we really that important for the actual queen to choose me, of all the people in the room, to have a walk with? Worst-case scenario, it’s because she’s not fond of me and she pulled me away to berate me without anyone knowing—is the queen secretly a bully?

No, what’s worse, what if I share a secret with the queen, no—no not me! The real lady Pelomina, and it’s an important factor in our relationship—I don’t know anything about it!

If only Lykus were here, maybe I wouldn’t be so tense, but why is the queen not saying anything? Am I doing something wrong? Am I supposed to speak fi—

“They… are going to discuss politics again,” she began, looking at me over her shoulder and gesturing to the spot next to her, “Come close, dear, it’s hard to have a conversation like this,” she followed, so I meekly lowered my head and walked next to her,

“Whenever alcohol is involved, they talk about things I’d rather not listen to,” she said and I hummed,

“Ah… I see what you mean, your majesty,” I agreed. Although this came as a mild surprise to me. The king really has high regard for the queen, and she acted much more regal and eminent. I wouldn’t be shocked to know if she handles more of the politics, but it seems she’s not the type to do so.

She sighed, “I pity your husband, dear… soon he’ll turn out to be somewhat like the king,” she said in a solemn tone, her brows already knitted, “Whatever happened to that loving and kind husband of mine," she said with a faint shrug to the side. She nodded to me over her shoulder as she continued, "He and Lykus had the same beginning, notorious image, formidable reputation…” she trailed off, looking into the distance as if reminiscing good times.

Maybe that's why the king didn’t act nor look like he was from high nobility. He didn't give off the aura that the queen so effortlessly achieves. If he was anything like Lykus, it'd be a sight to see to watch him act like some high-class bourgeoisie.

But why… would the queen tell me all of this?

‘Do we usually talk about things like this?’

“I have no one else to confide in,” she said with a sigh, and yet no matter how downtrodden she sounded, she kept her head high, I suppose that’s just how she’s conditioned to act, she is the queen after all.

“So when I read you’re finally healthy enough to attend, I was over the moon. It was so long since I last saw family,” she followed–

‘I’m sorry?’