Two days after Arthur had left his father house, four days after his encounter with Lady Philippa, Arthur was really pissed at himself . Pissed that Lady Philippa does not even want to see him. Pissed that she is yet to find any evidence that could set him free. Pissed that he allowed himself to be seduced by Elara and he did it with her last night. Arthur clenched his palm tightly. He was seated with Elara at the back of the finely appointed six-horse. Despite the recent sorrow, a pure joy shone in Elara’s eyes. Elara leaned her head affectionately against Arthur’s shoulder. “My Love.” she murmured, her voice soft. “I would invite a few lesser ladies from my former acquaintance to your manor this evening for a small celebration. Hope you don't mind?" Elara, of course, would not have to take Arthur’s permission to entertain guests at the small manor house they had lived in for the past six years. She was talking about the grand manor Arthur now lives in now. His keep was now

To Gideon’s surprise, Kenric stopped, pulling a small leather pouch from his belt and offering a silver shilling. He then spoke with a chillingly easy smile. “Tell me, cousin, is the Lady Elara truly the most beautiful maiden in all the central shires?” Gideon was still recovering from the rejection of the corner family, but the sight of his cousin offering him a silver shilling, left him perplexed. Kenric had always openly disdained Gideon often refusing the costly gifts Gideon would offer in the past. Why did Kenric offer him this silver shilling now? Gideon accepted the silver shilling and spoke, forcing a casual laugh. “Lady Elara is not merely the most beautiful maiden of the Central Marches, but I swear on my honor, she is the most captivating woman in the entire Kingdom of Atheria! I have seen countesses and queen’s ladies, yet none can compare to Elara!” “Even the great beauties of the Duke Court in the North cannot hold a candle to her grace!” Kenric’s smile grew wide a

The clerk and other workers where going on about their usual duty. Those who were in charge of keeping record were busy dipping their quilm into the ink by their side. While some of the clerk carried the recorded ledgers into Arthur's office. Elara and Philippa stood near the big entrance door, both dressed in a different colour gowns. Elara was on pink gow and Philippa was on milk colour gown. Elara’s gown was a newly tailored gown with expensive lace from the top tailor in Square, signaling her new status. Philippa wore a more practical but equally fine dress of milk silk-wool. The difference between the two women were clear. Elara possessed a breathtaking, girlish beauty while Philippa on the other end commanded the fierce, undeniable respect earned by competence. “The Head’s woman is a vision of grace!” A clerk whispered to his neighbor as they passes Elara and Philippa and into Arthur's office. “She is blessed with the gods favour, that is certain,” said another, quickl

Agatha was in her inn. She sat hunched near the bar. She was holding a piece of parchment in her hand. It was from Elara. Agatha's eyes traced the parchment one last time as a genuine smile spread across her face. Elara had just wrote to her that she pregnant. Agatha smiled and folded the parchment neatly, tucking it into the bodice of her simple wool gown. Just then, a figure leaned against the the wooden table bar directly in front of her. He was tall, dressed in a finer-spun tunic and hose than most SqudCity men. He was, to be blunt a handsome man. Agatha’s breath stopped. By the saints, she thought, if a maiden were to draw a picture of her heart’s desire, it would be this man. He was a hundred times more handsome than her own husband. Snapping back to the moment, Agatha gave a quick, professional nod, her smile returning as she reached for the pewter tankard. "What may I draw for you, fine sir? A cup of our best ale?" Looking at the man, it was clear that he was not a l

Even though Kenric made Elara's heart pound, she kept her face calm like she was not interested. Elara nudged Agatha with her elbow. “What silly talk is that?” Elara ask. “He only desires a beautiful lady like me I would never cheat on Arthur again.”In Elara’s mind, her Arthur was now perfect for her. He was everything she had ever wanted in a man. Even though he probably don't love her like before, he would definitely come around. Agatha shrugged. “Why not just see what happens? I know you and Arthur are in love, but a bit of fun won’t hurt. I’ll tell you a secret, Kenric’s family has chests of gold and great titles. He’s just as rich as Author or perhaps more rich.!”“What?”Elara’s mouth fell open. ‘Why did I never meet a rich noble before, but now that I’m married, even a man I just met is wealthy?’Because Kenric had threatened her, Agatha had to keep praising him. She leaned in. “Elara, Arthur might one day find out about you and Gideon Sterling. Also, you treated Arthur badl