Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Elspeth was dragged into the house and forced to complete the wedding ceremony with Edmund, then she was pushed into a room. The stronger servants told her to stay in the bed and never take her veil off unless stated. Then they tiptoed away. “Damn it. I knew I couldn’t rely on Harper and Gilbert.” She rolled her eyes and took off the veil. Then she tossed it onto the ground like it was a piece of tattered cloth.

Despite her foul mood, Elspeth still kept her eyes on the entrance. If Edmund steps through that door, I will stab him with this dagger. That’ll teach him not to mess with me. Just when she was wondering what she should do with Edmund, she heard the door creak. Elspeth hid the dagger behind her and held the hilt tightly while staring at the door. A familiar figure stepped in, but it was Arthur. “Why are you here?” Elspeth heaved a sigh of relief and stood up, but her dagger fell. The clang rang across the silent air.

“If my idiot brother hadn’t proposed to you, I wouldn’t have to come here.” Arthur’s gaze shifted from her to the dagger on the ground. “Someone really hates marrying Edmund.” Even though Arthur was trespassing, he waltzed into the room like he owned the place, then he sat before the table.

“What do you want?” Elspeth didn’t know what Arthur had in mind, but it was probably worse than what Edmund was planning. She took a few steps backward and put some distance between them.

“Calm down. I’m not here to hurt you. I want to help.”

Elspeth almost burst out in laughter. Oh, you’re not here to help. You just want to lead me out of this place and take me for yourself. Elspeth moved backward and put her hand behind her. “I don’t need your help.”

“Oh? Then why are you holding your dagger?” Arthur smiled, pouring himself a cup of tea.

Elspeth held her dagger tightly. She had an extra prepared just in case, but Arthur didn’t try to take it from her. He was still drinking his tea.

Arthur took a whiff of the tea. Hm. Aphrodisiac. “He spiked the tea.”

tea?” Elspeth’s face fell. She was focused on the escape plan so much that she didn’t realize Edmund had spiked the drink. If I had played along and drunk that tea because I needed an opening, he would have gotten to me. Terrifying. “Wait. Why are you here anyway?” Sweat was pouring forth from her

I’m here to save you. Nothing

for a long time, so cut the crap. Don’t

days ago. What’s with the change? He

I don’t think what I did was wrong.”

old guy, but somehow, he feels wrong today.

saved my life. I owe you one, so this time, I’m repaying my debt.” Arthur put down the cup of tea, stood up, and

mean any malice at the moment, but she was still worried. “How can you even

This place used to be my friend’s estate. I know all

froze. “What?” He’s… odd. Full of mysteries.

that small

different. He used to be a hypocrite. A snake, she would say, but now he felt

If Edmund comes back, none of us can

down her shoulders. Next, she took off her heavy cape and dress, leaving only the last layer, which was a white shirt, on. That would make escaping easier.