The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 3 Love Each Other Isolde stood in the shadow of the corridor outside the main hall, hearing voices carry from within. “Matilda, you're Eleanor's aunt. I leave this matter to you. My mother wishes to settle the marriage between Eleanor and William before my father returns to the Royal Court." The speaker was Agnes Valen, sister of William and wife to Lord Felton. That voice-Isolde could never forget it, not in ten lifetimes. Matilda offered a gracious smile. "Oh, Lady Felton, you're too kind. For Eleanor to marry into the Marquis's estate is a great blessing. I will see to it that this comes to pass." A cold smile flickered across Isolde's lips. Before her ttravel, she hadn't heard these words. She'd foolishly believed everyone acted in her best interest, that such were the virtues of noblewomen. Drawing a steady breath, she stepped into the hall. Her eyes immediately found William. The cruel visage from her memory flashed before her-her own tearful pleas as she knelt on the cold ground, the blinding fire, Lady Prudence Blackwell's stony face. The echoes pressed on her mind until she nearly choked on the bitterness. William turned to look at her, his expression startled. He had seen her only twice before—both times garish in red and green, gold ornaments glittering in her hair, her painted face more frightening than fair. Today, dressed simply, she was a vision of quiet beauty. "Isolde, you're just in time!" Matilda called warmly, her satin gown embroidered with curling vines, her demeanor gentle as she beckoned Isolde over. Isolde's gaze swept past William to Eleanor. Eleanor's pale cheeks were stained with shame, her reddened eyes brimming with tears. She wore a white gown delicately embroidered with green bamboo at the cuffs, her frail form trembling as though the slightest breeze might carry her away. She looked up at Isolde briefly, then dropped her gaze, her tears falling harder. Beside her, William took her hand and spoke softly. “Do not fret, Eleanor. I am here." Eleanor's lips quivered, her cheeks blooming with a shy blush as she leaned into him, every movement soft and demure. Isolde watched the display with icy detachment. A perfect pair-what envy they must inspire. Agnes turned to her with feigned warmth. "Isolde, I trust you know why we're here. Your mother always said you were gracious and understanding. You and Eleanor are cousins, after all. Surely you will honor that bond and allow her to join the household." Isolde seated herself opposite them with measured calm. Agnes, resplendent in crimson silk and golden embroidery, pearls and jade gleaming in her hair, radiated haughty elegance. Isolde's voice was smooth but pointed. "And what matter might that be? I seem to know nothing of it.” Matilda's smile tightened. “Isolde, do not play coy. Eleanor carries William's child. She must be brought into the family." "Is that so?" Isolde's sharp gaze shifted to Eleanor. "Is it true?" Eleanor's cheeks burned crimson, and she whispered tearfully, "Isolde... forgive me. We... we couldn't help ourselves." Couldn't help yourselves? Isolde's voice cut like frost. "In Windermount, we call that disgraceful conduct. Such offenses are dealt with by drowning." "Mind your words!" Matilda snapped. "Eleanor and William have long loved each other. If not for your interference, they would already be wed." "Love, is it?" Isolde turned her glare on William. "Then why agree to marry me? Your so-called love reeks of nothing more than baser indulgence." William's face darkened. "Watch your tongue! No respectable woman would speak so shamelessly. Have you no dignity?" Isolde laughed, cold and bitter. "Dignity? At least I've not brought shon my family with a bastard child. Perhaps such behavior is acceptable here in the capital, but in my lands, we call people like you adulterers." Matilda blanched. "Isolde! Such vulgar words do not befit a daughter of the Duke's house! "Vulgar? You've yet to hearcall her what she truly is—a whore." Eleanor's sobs broke the silence. "Isolde, I know you won't forgive me. I cannot live with such disgrace. I'd rather die here and now." She shot to her feet and stumbled toward a pillar. William sprang after her, catching her wrist. "Eleanor, no! Ignore her. I swear I will marry you." "No, William!" Eleanor wailed. "Letgo! I'll take our child withto the grave!" Matilda turned on Isolde furiously. “Look at what you've done! Apologize to her right now!" Isolde's voice was sharp and unwavering. "Apologize? For what? Am I the one carrying a bastard? Am I the one who brought shto my name? No-she hardly deserves an apology." She rose to her feet, striding to stand before Eleanor. Leaning in, her voice dropped to a whisper laced with venom. "Didn't you say you'd die? Then do it." Eleanor sobbed harder, clinging to William. "William, letgo! Please, letgo..." William's face twisted with rage. He raised his hand to strike Isolde. Isolde caught his wrist mid-swing. Twisting sharply, she pulled him off balance, sending him stumbling backward. He staggered, barely regaining his footing as he glared at her, stunned. Isolde stepped briskly in front of him, her expression cold and unyielding as she glared at Eleanor. "Well? No one's holding you back now. Go ahead-die if you must!" Eleanor froze, staring at her in shock as if she had never known her. "What are you waiting for?" Isolde's voice rose into a sharp roar, jolting Eleanor so violently that she trembled and began to sob uncontrollably. "Why are you doing this to me, Isolde?" Eleanor wept, her voice shaking with hurt. "If I've done wrong, you can scoldor strike me—but must you go this far? Why treatwith such cruelty?" Isolde's response cswiftly—she raised her hand and struck Eleanor hard across the face, delivering slap after slap until the girl's cries faltered. Only then did she stop, her voice low and merciless. "You wantedto hit you? Then I'll grant your wish." Humiliated, Eleanor had no idea how to respond. Instead, her body went limp, and she collapsed to the ground, feigning unconsciousness. Matilda hurried to her side in alarm, lifting her up as anger darkened her features. "Isolde Langley!" she thundered. "You are a lady of the Duke's estate, yet you act like a common savage. To strike someone publicly-have you no respect for me, your own mother?" Isolde's reply was scathing. "Respect for you? Do you even regardas your daughter? Never mind everything else—you side with these disgraceful people against me, yet dare call yourself a mother?" Agnes shot to her feet, her face ashen with fury. "If you cannot bear Eleanor's presence, then this engagement ends here. The Estate of Eldermere will not tolerate such vulgarity. To think we would wed my son to a woman so coarse of tongue and temper-it is unthinkable. I'll have the betrothal contract returned at once. William, we're leaving." "Yes, cancel the engagement!" William said eagerly, seizing the opportunity. He had never wanted the match and would happily see it undone. As the commotion unfolded, Isolde's sharp eyes flickered to Eleanor, who had "fainted." She saw her eyes snap open for the briefest moment, a spark of triumph glimmering within them. "Wait!" Isolde's voice rang out, cutting through the tension.