MRS RÓDRÍGUÉZ - EPISODE 15 AND 16

Later in the day, Tarsia’ came to pay her friend a visit.
She seemed pretty excited about the visit for the fact that she couldn’t wait to get a full gist on how her wedding night was spent.

Her face faltered in disappointment when audrielle burst the bubbles, weighing the answer she wasn’t expecting into her ears.

“What do you mean he never slept in the room?”

“Maybe be did sleep. I just didn’t notice. I slept off right after I saw him Walk away that night” audrielle waved her hands in the air.

” He didn’t touch you??” Tarsia’s eyes widened, unable to believe the truth

” have you suddenly turned deaf or you’re just trying to annoy me? I just told you what Happened.
He came in. Took his shower and left. I pretended to be asleep though. But I peeked. I could swear he never spared me a glance. ” Audrielle shrieked.

“Ohkay. Hut that isn’t right. You guys are yet to consumate the marriage. You haven’t finally Become one. The rite isn’t complete till after consummation. ” Tarsia’ explained.

“I don’t really know” a sharp exhale followed as she took a seat beside her friend on the bed.

They were in Audrielle’s room. She preferred here for the two to have a quality time and privacy.

“Does the queen know about this?”

“Does she have to? I mean it’s supposed to be a private affair ” Audrielle retorted, giving a negative nod.

“A part of me felt really happy he didn’t touch me last night. Heaven knows I wasn’t even ready ”
She admitted truthfully

“What if it happens tonight? You can’t run forever”

Audrielle shook her head in doubt.

“I doubt it’d Happen. We barely even talked. .. since last night. I don even feel married. There’s no difference. The only thing reminding me of my new life is the changes around me. The room. Bracelets, dresses and All that. Other than that, I feel the same me” Audrielle sighed out.

There was a small silence.

“I spoke with my father. He let me stay with you” Tarsia’ announced.

“What? You certainly don’t mean it!” A slight gasp escaped from Audrielle’s lips.

Tarsia’ gave a vigorous nod and audrielle pulled her to a tight hug. She feels super excited about the news.

“I’ll go get a room for you. Or perhaps you could sleep in my previous room it’s better right? The room is spacious and all. You’ll feel relaxed”

“I guess this room is for both you and prince Antonio?”

“Yeah sure. I haven’t seen him since breakfast. He’s just too weird”

“Take things easy. You two will definitely come along”

“Waht if we don’t? I mean not all fairy tale marriages ends up having a happily ever after. Especially in marriage huh!” Audrielle felt so tired and weak.

“You’ll be fine. Trust me” Tarsia’ assured with a sweet smile

“Yeah let’s go have lunch. I’m hungry”

****

Right after the meal, they were seated close to the garden watching the peaceful view when suddenly Tarsia’ asked a question which took her friend by suprise.

“Do you believe in Magic ?”

“What?” Audrielle arched a brow at her like she didn’t hear what she just asked.

“Do you believe in Magic?” She repeated.

Audrielle scoffed. ” Like it even exist”

“What if it does? Or maybe used to. Remember the tale of Gweneviere and saphire? . The red and white Witche?…”

“Oh c’mon that a myth. It’s a $tory book”

“I think it’s more than that. What if magic is real?”

“There is nothing real about Magic. If it was, then the practice was long abolished in this land. I mean, there used to be magic but the past king’s made sure to rid the land off it. So as at now. There’s is no Magic. The Gweneviere and saphire witch story. Shouldn’t bother you cause it’s a myth. Trust me”
Audrielle waved off.

Tarsia’ exhaled sharply
“My thought too. I just over heard Old Esme telling some bunch of kids about magic on my way here. So I decided to listen.”

Audrielle chuckled lightly.
“You must be joking. Old Esme is a story teller and she’s old for anything serious… She doesn’t mean her words. Besides you of all people should know the practice of magic is an offence with a great punishment.”

Tarsia’ nodded and let out a soft sigh.

“Okay then. Let’s forget about that and focus more on your new life ”

” Don’t even think about it. Do we have to keep talking about this marriage thing. I’ll fall sick of it.”

“You’re stalked in it already. Or maybe not fully stucked since it hasn’t been consumated”

“Oh please! Let’s not even talk about that……. By the way, how’s Finley?”

Tarsia’ knew that question was to deviate from wat she wanted to ask. Still, she waved it off and let a huge hue occupy her cheeks.. blushing recklessly.

” He’s fine” she managed to reply.

****************************************

“I have the full details on her Lord Ashton” Mario began. Walking into the Master’s chamber.

“Good. Fill me in” Lord Ashton nodded with a smirk.

” The prince’s new wife, Audrielle Damiéné now a Rodriguéz has just a surviving mother and a little brother. She lost her father five years ago. He used to be a butler at the palace. There’s nothing really special about her background Lord Ashton. She is from a very poor background and no affluent”

When Mario was done, the shocked expression on Lord Ashton’s face couldn’t be hidden.

“You certainly have to be missing something. I asked for the background on the prince’s new bride and not some local low life?… A background on someone that’s presumed to have a greater offer than me. Perhaps, you search is wrong.
I forgive you for fooling me. You can start all over again”
Lord Ashton waved off, finding everything unbelievable.

“If I wasn’t so sure it this my Lord. I wouldn’t bother bringing it to you. You can as well asign other people on This, the outcome won’t be any different.
The bride of the prince is no princess or prime Minister’s daughter. Neither does she have gold or silver to offer.
Her widow mother and little brother stays close to the bank of the river, the fish to make a living”

Lord Ashton turned uncomfortably on his seat. Balls of sweat trickled down his head as his mouth tasted sour bitter. This must be a joke or something.

“The queen chose a poor thing over me!”
The lose on the throne kept raging in his head.

He got up. The heat in him couldn’t be contained.

The rage…..

“This isn’t over. This can’t be over. A poor bride can’t offer a dime of what I proposed…” He paced about and suddenly paused.

“Except….” He trailed off… Turning to give Mario a suspicious look

“Except… There is something working up under their sleeves. There’s something I don’t know which they do.

Mario….I want every detail. Find a way to give me a satisfied answer. I want to know the reason behind this marriage. I want to know why the queen said the bride brings a greater offer than me. A future, hope and peace for Scotland.

I want to know everything. Find a way to unbottle whatever it is..”

“My Lord”…

“I’ll pay you anything. Just as I’ve said. ” Lord Ashton grunted.
A greedy smile crept at the side of Mario’s lips.

His Lord certainly has no patience.

*****

In the thick of the night and into the woods, Mario waited.
It was no full moon. So it favoured his meeting and perhaps the person he’s about to meet.

” I received your letter.. do you always have to be too suspicious.?”
A lady figure appeared before Mario. She was dressed in a black hood.

“It’s important” Mario chirped in

The young lady removed her hood. It was dark and her face couldn’t be seen.

“What do your want?” She went straight to the point.

“I want a favor from you”

“Every favor comes with a price, Mario”
Mario smiled and then nodded.

Bringing out a small bag of coin, he gave it to her.

“That’s a 200. I’ll make it three hundred once this is done”
The young lady smiled. Grabbing it from him as she placed it inside her hood.

“What’s your catch?”

” I want a full detail on Antonio’s wife.”

“Audrielle?” She arched.

“Yes, Audrielle. From my research, she doesn’t Worth the position she’s in. She’s a pauper. I want to know why she was chosen as a bride for the prince”

” What is my business in that?” She gave out a disgusted scoff.

“Certainly it’s not your business. But the money is. Except you are not interested. I could use someone else for the job”

She frowned even if he couldn’t see clearly her face.

“Go on” she grunted.

“It’ll be easier for you. You stay at the palace. Find a way to get the required informations. And your balance awaits you.”
Without much hesitation, Mario climbed back on his steed and rode off.

The lady bit her lower lip consciously. Then covering her face back with the hood, she sneaked her way back into the palace without the notice of a guard.