The Unwanted Wedding

Chapter 41 - Mother Knows Best

Alma 

I waited in the warmth that the small greenery offered, seated near the small fireplace. Reyna had snuck out outside, a short distance away. It was a short hour ago when she had spotted Vincent wandering about for a restless walk. He was laying in the isolation of the woods, on a rock surface, smoking. They were forced to live separately since the emotional arrival last week. I still had the image of both of them racing at the sight of that little gypsy boy, hugging him tightly to them, blurting out words of comfort and affection, sobbing in a touching display of parental love. I observed as both of Reyna's parents watched the scene with a mild sense of.... well, blandness. As if the thought of their mixed little family confused them.

On the first night, Reyna sobbed uncontrollably. Openly verbal about missing her husband's body laying next to her, his touch, his comfort. She made sure her parents heard everything she said, by god, I wouldn't be surprised if Vincent himself had heard it.

He now lived with only staff, the animals and that little boy to keep him company. His mother, in her outrage with the arrest of her man Cedric, along with the arrests of Mrs. Karyme Jadestone and my lady's friend, Lady Tierra Ellery, turned unspeakably violent at her son's reappearance. Everyone was struck silent as she had stormed up to him and slapped him so hard across the face that it caused him to stumble. She shouted and screamed, like an enraged animal. I got a chill when Vin, in the most cold and unfeeling tone I've ever heard, informed his mother that she was no longer welcome on his property and that she was to go to leech off someone else, her sister or her mother most likely. The next days were filled with her departure; Reyna made a point to me f wanting to go over there to comfort her husband. She worried that she might do something terrible to her son, that Abilia was unpredictable with her stormy temper and violence.

I stared into the blazing fireplace for a moment before thinking it a duty of me to at least check outside and see that they weren't doing anything to improper. My lord had made it extremely clear that he meant to see to that they never see each other again until a decision was made on the survival of their marriage. Even I was interrogated thoroughly on everything I may have witnessed between the couple. Even with my duty being tied to this house, my loyalty to my friend was more important to me. I informed him on every detail I could without acknowledging anything that could be seen as damaging, and made a point to mention the many nights and occasions that a rhythmically creaking bed could be heard. Every one of them.

I walked to the edge of the door, opening it slightly against the bitter cold of the night. I could see them clear enough. Sir Silvan was sitting up now, in a casual display, on knee raised while the other leg dangled off the rock. He's entire ensemble was black, from his boots to his breeches to his opened shirt. The sight was almost romantic as he took a drag and then tilted his head back to exhale the sensual pool of smoke into the air, without ever breaking his gaze from her. His jaw was scuffed with the stubble of a beard to come, and his blonde hair was free to dangle around his face. He passed what appeared to be a thin cigar to Reyna who took it, brushing her fingers with his. She took a deep inhale from it, then breathed out slowly, the smoke caressing her husbands smiling face. He said something inaudible, his face fading into a dark, frowning expression. Rey stared at his downcast face for a brief moment before taking another inhale from the cigar, holding the smoke in her mouth as she clasped his face to open his, in a intimate kiss she breathed the white swirls into his mouth as he sucked it in. Letting it flow out once more, they gazed at each other, Rey apparently responding to what he had said. They moved as though they were bout to kiss each other but didn't, instead they seemed to simply allow their lips to touch and brush against each other. His long fingered hand holding her chin, their eyes fluttered closed.

There was sounds of movement coming towards me, in a panic I picked up a small pebble from a potted plant and hurled it in their direction, wining Reyna's attention and gesturing her back inside. She turned back to her lover and this tie met him in a heated kiss before scampering back to me. Just the right amount of time to close the door as a few seconds after her father appeared, gazing suspiciously at us. He looked like a homestead father, woolen burgundy robe over silk trousers and nightshirt, oval glasses sitting at the bridge of his long aristocratic nose. His pale blue eyes stared, one eyebrow cocked, at his daughter standing there in her nightgown and wrapper.