As The World Became Dark: Chapter 2 (Part 2)

Kethane began to whimper at this sudden use of force. The tears in her eyes made the words appear blurry. Noticing this Alastir eased up, wiping her face with his hand. “I like you Kethane, which is why I want to reveal this scandal to you. You are innocent to these things, but you must know the bases if your master changes himself. Read it.” Yielding, she focused on the piece of paper in her face.

~My dear husband,

Through my vexation and sleepless nights I have come to a most imperative conclusion. Today will be the last time you see me. I can no longer face you in my shame. I have deceived you, a gracious man not deserving of it. The child I carry is not yours, but one of a lowly man. Charles, your faithful servant, has induced in me a renewed passion. I have fallen in love with him and such has been the case for over a year now. I am unwilling to continue in this deception, for it will hurt both of you. I am leaving the country with Charles and going to a place where we will have peace. I hope one day you will forgive me. Know that I am most grateful for the courtesy and respect you have shown me. And in my respect for you, I free you. 

-Your Wife,

Antonia~

            “You see my dear, I do sympathize with Edwin. For the most part, he is spared the sight and expense of a deceitful wench. At least his had the courtesy to leave the country and take her lover with her. I on the other hand, was to be led like a fool to my whoring wife’s lover, who I am sure, would have robbed me clean before they left me. I probed for my own protection, as I was not about to follow my wife into a county I did not frequent, nor without knowing all detail of her being there. Like Edwin’s wife, she attempted to confess this lofty sin in the hopes of gaining my trust, but to her shock I did not take such deception lightly... Though I did not plan on killing her, I was going to give her a good thrashing that she could take back with her. I do believe that’s when Edwin came into the scene…”

            Alastir folded the letter and placed it on the table. Still in his pin, Kethane was becoming restless. Muffled steps began to be heard in the corridor. Alastir maintained his position by placing his hand on the wall and the other behind her neck, pulling her closer to him. She winced as his lips unexpectedly brushed against her ear. He began to whisper.

“What will you do now, knowing he has no wife to look forward to? You are a free woman, amongst free men…”

“You judge my character too harshly sir. I am not a vulture… You forget sir that you and he are lords, and I am lowborn. I do not have the right to think otherwise, and you are lowering yourself greatly in the situation you have put me in…”

            “Well said woman, but I am a lowly man, a lord in name only. God save the Queen for that. I do not lay claim to some supernatural advantageous blood like the rest of them. Money is what separates you and me.” Alastir began to press his face into hers, smelling her hair and moving for her neck. Kethane nervously flinched.

“Why tell me all this? What do you want from me?”

“You think me a fiend do you? Perhaps I am. Either way, I am giving you a choice…”

            Edwin walked into the room to see Kethane against the wall, her hair unpinned and down her back, and Alastir sitting on the bed, enjoying his stew. “I’m glad our guest enjoys the meal. I wasn’t sure if he’d enjoy it, knowing his wife made it...” Alastir stared at his bowl in silence, and then went into laughter. “I was under the impression that Kethane made it, but no matter, she served me well.”

“Indeed she has. Why is it that you are on this wall my dear, in such vexed complexion?”

 Kethane turned around and smiled, picking the letter off the table before Alastir made a move. “I am not vexed. I was just in deep thought. Alastir was just telling me a very sad tale, one which I took to heart. No matter, it was all fiction and no need to be concerned about.” Alastir placed his bowl on the table, readying to say something. “If you two will excuse me, I have something to clean…” Kethane grabbed her bonnet off the floor and rushed out the room.

“What has gotten into her? What sort of tale did you speak of?”

“A nightmare, or perhaps a dream... If you will excuse me, I will go get something to drink. No need to wait on me.”

            Kethane had already made her way downstairs by the time Alastir reached the hallway. Delthine was still in the kitchen, reading a book, which spoiled her plan to burn the letter. She continued on outside, with both Alastir and Edwin in pursuit, who doubted Alastir’s intentions. In the moment of decision, Kethane was frozen, which enabled Alastir to catch her. He went for her hands, which waved about in avoidance like a fan.

“What’s the meaning of such a childish sight as this?” Edwin bellowed, in his offense to the apparent harassment of Kethane. The two stopped struggling, allowing Kethane to hold the letter behind her, which Edwin noticed. “What is that there, which spawned such a fuss?”

            Kethane moved back, as Edwin continued into the courtyard. “Let me see it Kethane.” Alastir began to beam in triumph, as Edwin stretched out his hand in wait. “My lord, I-I just do not…”

“Come on now dear, just let me see it. Hand it to me.” Kethane handed the letter to him in a gloomy wave, her head down and her movements slow. Edwin seized it, not understanding her glum mode. As he opened the paper, Alastir moved behind Kethane. Edwin’s face became still, in expressionless thought, as his eyes remained on the paper. It appeared as a good five minutes before Edwin let the paper fall to the floor. His expression was unreadable as he walked back into the house, which greatly concerned Kethane. Before she could follow, Alastir grabbed her hand.

            “Leave him be. He is much different than I am. He will think many thoughts on how to deal with this. He needs his solitude.” Kethane snatched her hand back and slapped him in the face. “You leave him be! You caused all of this sorrow. He did not need this right now.”

“And what would have happened if he found out later, finding his wife in the embrace of another man? You think he will question her if she says left a note to him? You would be in far more trouble if you had hidden such a thing. I do believe I saved you from future grief.”

            Kethane went inside, leaving Alastir to linger in the garden. She went upstairs to see the last room in the corridor opened.  Edwin was inside, looking out the window. He remained still as she walked in. She remained at the entrance of the doorway, head held down.

“My lord I am so very sorry. I beg for your forgiveness!”

“What is there to forgive? You had no part in this. What you did, you did out of love for me… I knew of the hints of treachery before she even thought to write this note, yet I did not question her. Just as I did not question her request to come here unattended by maids, driven by a man not usually in my presence. I did not question when she asked me to stay while she came to a large villa all by herself. I did not question the trunk full of money she packed with her…” Edwin let down his firm hold, turning to Kethane. “All these things were meant to happen, so I do not question them.” Edwin turned back to the window, his face turning to concernment as he looked out.

“What is it sir? Edwin I mean…” Kethane walked next to him to peek out the window. She saw a man in a black officer’s uniform accosting Alastir, with two others behind him. “Wait here dear. I will see what the trouble is.” 

Outside, the leading man in uniform questioned Alastir’s business on the property. Alastir in his unyielding manner refused to address them in anything, rather insulting them for lack of propriety. Upon seeing the two men unsheathe their swords in annoyance, Alastir retreated into the house while Edwin made his way outside. Upon seeing the face of the man in black, Edwin kneeled before him. “Your Highness, I did not expect to greet you here. Please forgive the lack of respect and decency this fellow has shown you. I am sure he was unaware of your importance…” The man motioned his cohorts to sheathe their swords as he walked towards Edwin. He placed his hand on Edwin’s shoulder, making him look up.

“No need for such formalities old friend. Stand up and let me take a look at you.” Edwin rose and the man proceeded to embrace him. “It’s been years since I have seen you old chum. Long, dreary years…”

“It is good to see you as well. This proved to be quite a refreshing surprise. Come, let us talk inside my villa, with warmth and refreshment.”

Engrossed in her book, Delthine was startled as a train of men walked past the kitchen. They settled themselves into the living room, which had been previously unoccupied. As they walked in, Edwin pulled the sheets off the chairs and sofa. “I’m sorry for this untidiness, for I wasn’t expecting any important company today.” Edwin motioned to Kethane, who was fixed at the door way, unsure of the present company. “Here is my… assistant, Kethane. She will assist in making you comfortable. He slightly motioned to the door. “If you please dear, go fetch some spiced mead and make haste.” At that Kethane went off to the kitchen. Edwin took his seat on the chair opposite to the men, who were easing into the sofa. After a few short glances and a smile of recognition, the man in the middle began to speak. 

“Indeed… It has been some years since we gathered here last. It’s unfortunate that we have been gathered again under such rushed circumstances. In truth, I am here because I need you Edwin... It’s the Queen. She is in need of us.”