The Discarded Heir's Return

Episode 3

The sun beat down on the cobbled hill leading to the manor, a grand stone edifice perched high above the village.

At 12 in the afternoon, the grounds of the House of Peckham bustled with carriages and riders, all making their way to the Old lady's 95th feast.

Inside the great hall, a fire crackled merrily in the hearth despite the late spring warmth.

The Old lady, a wizened woman with a regal air, was seated on a heavy oaken throne, a pampered lurcher yapping at her feet. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren, all of whom vied for her attention and a larger share of the family's assets.

Lord Alistair, Elara’s father, and his brother, Lord Aethelred, stood dutifully before their mother.

Aethelred’s children, Lady Maren and Sir Godric, stood to the side, casting jealous glances at the gifts laid out on a trestle table.

The old lady, stroking her small lurcher(dog), beamed at the pile of offerings, a collection of fine silks, silver goblets, and rare spices. “Ah, such lovely gifts from my dear children,” she said, her voice a reedy hum. "But where is that commoner that called himself Elara's husband? The lurcher has soiled the floor again." She pointed a wrinkled finger at a dark solid liquid on the stone tiles. "Get that wretch to clean it up."

The whole room went silent. Sir Godric snickered, and his sister, Lady Maren fanned herself with a look of feigned boredom.

"Grandmother, Arthur isn't here," Elara said softly.

The old lady smile vanished. "What do you mean he isn't here? This is my 95th feast! How dare that pauper not show his face?"

Elara dared not meet her grandmother's gaze. "He... he is busy."

"Busy? Hah!" Sir Godric guffawed. "Busy doing what? Fetching water from the well? Polishing horseshoes?"

Lord Aethelred smirked, a cruel glint in his eyes. “He’s a common gormless peasant, Mother. Why would he know proper etiquette?”

The old lady patience wore thin. "Elara, tell me the truth. Where is he?"

Elara suddenly knelt down on the cold floor, her voice a whisper. "Grandmother, we are seeking an annulment."

A shocked gasp rippled through the hall.

Lord Alistair looked horrified. The old lady's eyes blazed with fury. "Annulment? You persuaded your grandfather, may his soul rest, to accept this marriage, and now this… this wretch wants to cast a stain on our family’s honor?"

Tears welled in Elara’s eyes. "Grandmother, I begged my grandfather to bless our marriage to Arthur, but now that he is gone… Arthur has become an utter beast." She took a breath, playing her hand. “He is having a affair with another woman.”

The hall erupted in a chorus of outrage. Lord Alistair’s wife, Elara's mother, put a hand to her chest in shock.

"An affair?! That scoundrel!"

The old lady shrieked. "We gave him a life he could only dream of, and he repays our kindness with this treachery? I will see him flogged!"

Elara cried openly, her performance in full swing. "I cannot bear the shame! What will people say of my family?"

Lady Maren snorted from her chair. "Oh, do dry up, Elara. How could he possibly stray? You're known as the greatest beauty in the kingdom, a shame your charms couldn't hold a common peasant."

"Perhaps he sought a woman who would actually bed him," Sir Godric added with a sneer. "After all, you have spent five years living like a nun, refusing to consummate your marriage to a pauper. I wouldn't blame him one bit."

Elara’s mother stepped forward, her face a mask of indignation. "Godric! How dare you suggest such a thing! My daughter's virtue is her greatest treasure!"

Sir Godric simply shrugged. "We all know you were saving her for a better match once you found a way to be rid of Arthur. Don't play the fool with me."

The old lady slammed her fist on the arm of her throne, silencing the room. “Enough! All of you! No matter what Elara did or did not do, that wretch has no right to dishonor our name! Get that beast here. He will face family justice!”