Chapter 392: Following Orders
Outside the bridal chamber, Joan and Ysabeau pressed their heads against the window, wearing mischievous smiles.
Kobe looked at them with displeasure. "Hey, how can you two eavesdrop like that?"
Ysabeau curled her lips. "We’re not eavesdropping. The Lady told us to record everything. How can we not listen?"
Before Simon’s wedding, Lady Isolde had specially brought Ysabeau and Joan into the castle and told them to keep track of these things, to calculate the time of Elin’s pregnancy.
After all, eunuchs recorded the intimate times between the Emperor and consorts.
"Really?" Kobe timidly glanced inside, seeing flickering candlelight and two shadowy figures. Curious, and hearing Ysabeau and Joan, she pressed her ear to the door.
Ysabeau patted Kobe’s shoulder. "We can listen, but you can’t. That’s disrespectful. If the matrons find out, you’ll be reported to the Lady." Kobe turned pale and gasped.
"But don’t worry. We have the Lady’s order. Since we’re sisters, think of it as helping us." Ysabeau teased. If the maid had been caught, she’d have been punished.
Ysabeau wanted to build a good relationship with Kobe. They would all live in the same courtyard soon and needed to get along.
"Hehe, thanks. I’m Kobe. What about you?" Kobe smiled happily.
Before, at the Baker family, she only served Elin and had no friends. Now, with Ysabeau and Joan’s kindness, she felt warm towards them.
"I’m Ysabeau, and she’s Joan," Ysabeau said with a smile.
While the three were greeting each other, the candlelight inside suddenly went out. The three were startled, and all pressed against the window again.
Soon, sounds came from inside that made their faces flush.
Ysabeau and Joan quietly laughed, while Kobe looked confused. "What are those sounds?"
"You’ll understand later." Ysabeau and Joan exchanged a mischievous look.
The next morning, Simon was the first to leave the bridal chamber.
Looking up, he saw the three maids wrapped in blankets sleeping at the door.
Seeing this, Simon was a little annoyed and embarrassed; these three must have been eavesdropping all night.
His leaving woke them up. Ysabeau and Joan stood smiling and said. "Your Highness."
Kobe called shyly. "Your Highness."
"The Lady is awake. Go serve her. Later, the Princess and I will return to the castle." Simon said.
The last part of the wedding was to go back to the castle and kneel before the Emperor and Empress. After that, the wedding would be complete.
The three nodded and entered the bridal chamber.
Elin had already gotten up, dressed in her underwear, looking at herself in the mirror with a smile and a hint of worry.
Ysabeau and Joan immediately went to the bed and noticed the white silk sheets stained with a bit of blood.
They exchanged a glance and smiled.
Elin noticed their looks and blushed. Before marrying, matrons had warned her about these cloud and rain matters, fearing that girls might unknowingly struggle and hurt the prince.
She was not ignorant but still found it embarrassing.
Kobe also saw what Ysabeau and Joan held and smiled softly. "Is the Lady going to have a little prince soon?"
"Stop joking! Ten months of pregnancy, how can she have a son so soon?" Elin rolled her eyes.
Simon was not ugly and had excellent character. After last night’s closeness, she was slowly accepting her new role.
After all, who among the Baker family daughters controlled their own fate? Having a good husband was already a blessing.
After tidying the bed, Kobe brought hot water for Elin to wash and also brought the wedding outfit for the castle visit.
By late morning, both were ready and rode in sedan chairs to the castle.
Sitting in the sedan, Simon looked at Elin. In the bright light, she looked even more beautiful. He was satisfied with his new wife, a perfect political marriage.
"What are you looking at, Your Highness?" Elin asked, unable to hide his gaze.
"I’m looking at you. To have such a beauty, what more could I ask for?" Simon said casually. Last night’s intimacy had brought them closer.
Elin smiled. "They say you’re a mighty hero, but you’re quite the smooth talker."
"You’re wrong, my lady. That’s my sincere praise." Simon joked.
Life in the Eldorian Empire was dull. Having someone to share it with, especially a beauty, meant endless topics to talk about.
Elin was pleased. Being praised by her husband made her happy.
Simon had none of the usual prince’s airs. She found it easy to be with him, never fearing he’d suddenly explode over a word.
Her sister often cried about being scolded by the Crown Prince over small quarrels. That was why Elin worried.
After giggling, Elin relaxed and asked about Brambleford.
Learning the newspaper reports were true, she looked forward with hope.
They chatted all the way until they reached the castle.
Together they got out and went to see Alaric, Empress Gretchen, and Lady Isolde.
"Prince Simon is truly lucky. Elin is even more beautiful than her sister. Now, you and the Crown Prince are family; you brothers should care for each other." Empress Gretchen said shrewdly.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Simon bowed.
Alaric said. "Simon, for your wedding, the Empress and I have prepared a grand gift."
He signaled Carl, who smiled and handed Simon the gift list.
Looking at it, Simon smiled broadly. "Thank you, Father and Empress."
Alaric nodded. "The Empress and I won’t stay long. Spend more time with your mother before we go."
They left together.
After the wedding ceremony, both Simon and Elin breathed easier.
Lady Isolde grabbed Elin’s hand and said. "A fine young lady you are. Simon, treat her well and soon have a little prince."
Lady Isolde looked at Elin with affection, making her a little shy.
Lady Isolde chatted warmly with Elin, often asking if she was comfortable.
Simon sat watching them, quietly planning when to return to Brambleford. Now that he was married, he saw no reason to stay longer in Eldora.
The recent assassination attempt left him with a shadow over his mind; Eldora was unsafe.