The War Bride のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 21 - チャプター 30

The storm had passed in the night, but the world outside was still wrapped in white. Snow fell in soft, ceaseless flurries, like the sky hadn't made its mind to rest or rage again.Inside the manor, it was a different kind of storm—servants hurrying down corridors, voices exchanging instructions in hushed tones, the clatter of firewood, boots and boiling pots echoing through the halls.I had awoken alone, the other side of the bed already cold. Darrell, ever dutiful, had risen before dawn. His absence was as telling as a kiss to the brow.Now, wrapped in a shawl and wearing thick gloves, I stood in the kitchen. It was bustling with energy: smoke curling from pots, knives flashing as root vegetables were chopped, and salted meat stacked neatly on broad wooden tables."Fetch more salt," the cook barked to a boy near the stores. "We've six venison yet to do."In the far corner, thick slabs of boar meat from the hunt were being inspected—sorted for preservation, some already being smoked

Snowlight filtered through the windows, casting soft shadows across the drawing room. A fire crackled gently in the hearth, doing little to chase the chill from the air. I sat near the window, a book in my lap unread, fingers curled around the spine but eyes unfocused.Coral sat from me on the velvet settee, needle trembling in her hand as she tried to mend a pair of tiny socks. She hadn't said much since last night. Not even inquired about my fight with Darrell.The door creaked open.Step, light and deliberate.Cerelith entered, swathed in pale grey velvet, her hair perfectly pinned, not a strand out of place. She smiled. A slow, composed one. The room went colder than it was before."Good morning," she said, her voice warm and gracious. "How lovely it is to wander this halls again. I had forgotten how pleasant company could be after so long in solitude."Coral's fingers twitched. I stiffened, the book forgotten.Cerelith walked further in, pausing to kiss Coral lightly on the templ

Two nights later, another storm howled against the manor walls, wind shrieking like a wild thing trying to claw it's way inside. Snow lashed the windows, fierce and blinding —but the hearths were stoked high, the larder stocked, and the staff well–prepared this time. No disaster, just unrest.I was brushing my hair by the dim firelight, dressed for bed, when the door burst open with no warning.The headmaid stepped in, pale and breathless."You're needed downstairs,my lady," she said curt, but flustered.Coral, was the first person that came to my mind.I stood at once, tugging on my robe. My maid quickly stepped forward to help belt it, but my eyes stayed on the older woman."Is Coral alright?"She didn't answer, only opened the door wider for me to follow.I moved quickly, the two trailing behind me as we descended the stairs. The flicker of candles danced along the walls, casting long shadows as we reached the front salon, the one reserved for receiving special guests.The door was

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

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