Chapter 146: When Do We Leave?
DAHLIA POV
The gate of Lord Skarde’s residence was even more impressive during the daylight and when I’m not trying to sneak in, it also looked a little bit intimidating. It was so tall I had to crane my head up to look at it. On the ironwork of the entrance the detailed wolf and sword carvings symbolized protective power. The golden object shone under the sunlight as I stared at the skilled design. It was quite impressive, I would admit but it brought an uncomfortable sensation to my stomach.
Lord Skarde knew what he was doing when he had asked for this gate to be built because this wasn’t just a gate, it was a warning or a statement.
Whosoever enters here with bad intentions will not make it out alive! I should know because I had barely!
Drawing in a deep breath, I hiked my skirt a little bit and approached the guards positioned at the entrance. The guards showed no expression though their hands stayed close to the weapons at their belts. The guards silently stared at me as if they had no idea who I was but I knew they were just following protocols.
I straightened up then continued forward. Staring at the guards, I addressed them with formal words. "Dahlia of House Hawthorne, here to visit the lady of the house!"
The guards said no words although they gave a subtle nod in response before they turned to the door knocking on it twice. I watched the gigantic entrance open and I drew in another deep breath before I decided to pass through the creeping sunlight that entered the dim path ahead.
There was no use turning back now.
As I made my way inside I could see servants going about their chores with a grim expression on their faces. Some of them dared not to look up at me as I walked but it wasn’t out of respect, more like fear. The atmosphere in the air was thick and cold even though it was sunny outside. The chill wasn’t usual, it was the kind that was created from fear, created through the prolonged establishment of control, alongside constant suppression since long ago.
Few of the servants I met watched me with curious eyes but they moved away as soon as I stared at them. No one smiled, no one greeted me. The air throughout the entire house just seemed as if the air was suspended.
An exhausted boy no older than the age of twelve rushed by with trays of empty goblets that he carried with bent shoulders as if someone could walk up to him and strike him at any moment. He stumbled on his feet and I was approaching him to help but he picked himself and disappeared just before I could intervene.