Chapter 86 - Welcoming The New Bride

The rest of the evening went by like the wind, the celebration of the peace treaty, and then like a snap it was OVER. I rode back to the castle with Mother. According to her she said the princess will be arriving at our household tomorrow, I didn't say anything, I didn't make a sound ever since my encounter with Cedric. I felt silence was best for me right now.

The moment the carriage stopped I was out before Mother could say anymore, I rushed the stairs raising my gown, I felt a burning stare at my back I knew it was no other than Cedric, I needed to be out of here fast, I didn't want to look at him.

"My lady," Olivia said with a smile and a bow. "Let's go," I said as I continued striding straight to my chambers, "My lady, is anything the matter?"

☆☆☆

The birds chirped at the base of my window like they usually do, I didn't have an ounce of sleep, for I was awake all through, the will to sleep didn't come to me, for I just laid there staring at my windows or whatever pleases me. Seeing the shimmering sun shining into my chambers, I knew it was morning, the bird's chirps getting louder. I moved out of my bed getting to my window, my orbs fell on the green rose I planted, a gift from Lawrence, it had already spun many branches and more roses, about five of them now, they were even more beautiful and it reminded me of his eyes, feeling pain to my chest I quickly looked away.

The doors barging open, I knew it was Olivia.

☆☆☆

I took small bites of my food, making sure I forced myself to eat. I didn't want to starve myself, for it would hinder my health. I should remember Mother's words and stay strong no matter what.

"Are you sure you should be here Sylvia?" Mother asked, keeping her printed paper to the side, and turning her attention to me.

"Mm," I just made a sound, I knew what she meant, about me not dining with Cedric.

"Sylvia, you cannot avoid your husband for you still have duties" she implored.

"I know... Mother," I replied, she didn't seem convinced by words, was I not sounding convinced?

She sighed, taking my hand. "Duties are very important Sylvia, especially a child to carry the Hartford name"

"Well Princess Alice will be more than happy to have his children," I said with clenched teeth, chewing on my food.

"My word Sylvia," she said in awe, it was the truth, Princess Alice will one day carry his child, she was after all his Empress to be, the thought of another woman bearing babies for him made my chest tighten, a struck of feeling that runs deep, I hated saying the words as I hated the possibility itself.

The doors barge open, as a servant rushed in. "Madam, My lady" she bowed as she greets.

"What is it?" Mother demands at her hurried actions. "Princess Alice has arrived"

☆☆☆

Mother and I waited at the entrance, why was I here? Of course, Mother said it was my duty to be here, I should have just locked myself in my room than experienced this, of course, I didn't hate the Princess or anything, I didn't even know her but being here was hurting, especially if it was welcoming Cedric new bride. Speaking of Cedric he wasn't here, wasn't it HIS duty to welcome his wife? Well, I didn't want to see him so he shouldn't have come.

The carriage came to a halt, I noticed a guard come down in fur clothing to open the door, she steps out carefully while taking the guard's hand, she wears the same clothing as she did yesterday but a different design. she raised her skirt a bit as she slowly sauntered up the stairs, it took some seconds before she got to us.

"Mrs. Hartford" she bowed.

"Welcome Princess Alice, for you're yet to marry my son I will allow that name for now," Mother said in a firm tone. "This is Lady Sylvia Hartford of the house" she introduced me. Her blue eyes met mine and it went wide.

"Forgive me for staring at you because you are so beautiful," she said breathlessly before bowing. My cheeks tinted pink at her compliment.

"I-I-It's alright," I said faintly. According to my mother, she said I shouldn't bow to her. She wasn't married yet, not Silver-haired. She was just a bride and held no status yet.

"I have heard stories about the rare species of Silver-haired blessed into these lands, I never knew they held such beauty second to that of a goddess," she said with a warm smile, Her words got me blushing like an idiot, I was always shy when someone complimented me, Get Hold Of Yourself Sylvia.

"Also the rare gift of giving birth to next-generation warlocks, it's an honor to meet a Silver-haired," she said, with a bow.

Mother raised an eyebrow. "Well I'm Silver-haired in case you didn't notice"

Her mouth dropped and I almost laughed at her expression. "Forgive me, Mrs. Hartford, I thought the white hair was due to age," she said flushed.

Mother scoffs. "Most certainly not!"

☆☆☆

"Well now you should know about what we know in the Empire, I know you have traditions, but marrying here will change some things, I hope you understand" Mother whirled to her, she came to a halt at her action.

"Y-Yes I understand".

"Good"

"Mother"

She turned to me. "May I go now? I have some reading" I said, not only that I really needed to go, I still didn't sit well with all this. It was like a constant reminder.

"Books, you have books?" Alice asked elatedly.

"Y-Yes well... the household is versatile"

"In the north we barely have books, we make do with scrolls, and trust me they don't have all the information. May I see it please"

I opened my mouth to speak but the words just hung.

"Please Lady Sylvia"

I looked at mother and she shrugged, ugh I thought she wanted to show her the castle? And rant on her about laws, I turned to Alice I couldn't resist her looks, her orbs were very pleading, like a child awaiting candy.

"O-Of course"