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Ch 31: Ghosts and truths
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2025-07-17 08:28:33
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The War Bride Ch 31: Ghosts and truths
Julian was fast asleep when we stepped inside Coral's chambers. His tiny chest rising and falling with the gentlest of rhythms. He looked peaceful, utterly untouched by the chaos he'd narrowly escaped.Coral's face softened the instant she saw him.The maid stood from her chair near the cot and offered a smile. "He just fed, my lady. I tucked him in moments ago."Coral nodded and moved slowly towards her bed. "Thank you. You may leave us."The maid gave a curtsy and slipped out quietly.I crossed to the other side of the room, watching as Coral eased herself onto the edge of the bed. Her fingers rubbed absently at her temples.I spoke first, "He might not know."She looked up at me, her voice not convinced. "He might."Her hands dropped to her lap as she stared at Julian, wrapped safely in linens of soft blue and ivory."Perhaps he found him," she murmured. "Or maybe it was Lady Annalise....am scared, Cici."I sat beside her. "Then I'll find out. See if he's guessing or he knows."She
The War Bride Ch 30:He might know
The scent of warm bread and sweet compote hung in the air as I sat at the edge of the dining table, my gaze drawn to the window.The snow was finally.Slush gathered at the base of the trees and trickled in tiny rivulets down the stone paths. The manor grounds looked waterlogged, worn but free. Like the house itself was exhaling after holding its breath too long.So much had happened this season.Too much.I was still staring when a quiet throat clearing made me jump.Lucien stood behind me, a hand half raised in apology. "I didn't mean to startle you."I placed a hand over my chest, laughing nervously. "You just....caught me deep in thoughts."He smiled faintly, before taking a step forward. "Understandable. It's been a long winter.""And longer days," I replied, eyes flicking over him. His tunic was perfectly pressed, dark hair tied back loosely, a ribbon at his wrist that didn't match the rest of his clothing. A ribbon that looked familiar.He stepped to the nearest chair and pulle
The War Bride Ch 29: To release a monster
The corridor leading to the dungeon was cold and still, the silence only broken by the faint dripping of melting snow from the stone ceiling. I stood before the iron doors, my hands hovering an inch from the handle.Just beyond lay Evelyn. And answers.But my hand trembled. Not from fear of her. From memory.Years ago, I stood outside here. My brother's scream echoing from inside as the guards showed him 'the weapon'. We were all innocent and framed.I pressed my eyes shut, inhaled deeply and reached for the door."My lady," a voice called behind me.I stiffened, turning.The butler stood a few feet away, bowing slightly, his expression unreadable. "A guest has arrived. He says he's here for lady Evelyn."My stomach dropped."For Evelyn?"He gave a small nod. "He's waiting at the front salon."I exhaled slowly, smoothing my skirt, and followed.The walk back up at the corridor felt longer than it should have. Like time had shifted.When I entered, the man standing at the hearth turned
The War Bride Ch 28: The witch, the Duke and the child
The room was quiet now, save for Coral's soft, shallow breaths.Young master Halden had done what he could, gave her a tonic to ease a fever, after we helped her into dry clothes. And then he guided her into a fragile sleep. Cerelith was pacing again.She moved like a cat caught in too tight a cage. She was nervous, irritable, but far too composed for someone whose nephew had just been stolen.I sat at the edge of the bed, watching Coral's chest rise and fall, brushing a damp curl from her forehead."How did Evelyn even get out of the room?" I asked, not looking at Cerelith.There was a pause. Her pacing came to a still."Must've been one of the maids," she said. "They're always running around, leaving doors open, losing keys."I turned to look at her. Her voice was flat and detached."Julian is just an infant, him out there is dangerous," I said slowly rising from the bed. "Because of a mistake. A slight, you said."She waved a hand vaguely. "Coral can give birth to another child. S
The War Bride Ch 27: White lies and winter cries
The air was crisper now, thinner, with the faint scent of thaw clinging to every breath. The storm had broken at last.Outside the tall windows, the servants were already hard at work, shoveling the snow and clearing the twisted, broken branches left behind. Winter was beginning to release its grip.I walked quickly through the corridor, a tray of warm broth in my hands, heading toward Coral's chamber.Just before I reached the door, Cerelith appeared, almost as if she'd been waiting."Clara," she said, stepping into my path.I stopped. "If this is about Evelyn, I've already had her locked in the guest chambers."Cerelith's parted as if to respond—but instead of her usual veiled sarcasm or passive condescensions, she sighed.Not a theatrical sigh, not a tired performance— just something quieter. And oddly hesitant."I'm not here to argue," she said. "I told you everything....I was scared. For Coral. For the baby, that's all."There was a flicker in her eye. Something tightly wound and
The War Bride Ch 26: Eyes at the Door
Coral screamed again, her voice raw, rising above the howling wind outside. The midwife steadied her knees, eyes sharp with focus."That's it, my lady. He's nearly here. One more strong push."Coral clutched my hand so tightly I thought her nails might break my skin. Her whole body trembled."You can do this," I whispered. "He's almost here, just a little more."With a cry that seemed to tear from her soul, She gave one final push.And then silence filled the room.A second passed, as if the world had come to a stop—A baby's cry pierced the air.The room exhaled in unison. Relief swept through us like a wave. The midwife quickly wrapped the newborn in linen, her hands trembling slightly as she turned and smiled."A boy," she said.Coral sagged back onto the pillows, eyes wet, lips trembling.I leaned closer, brushing damp hair from her forehead. "You did it. He's perfect."The midwife placed the baby in Coral's arms. He was small, flushed red and wailing, his fists curled tightly.Co
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