We're Married, After All - Chapter 64
The fact that the only space I was allowed was this small garden surrounded on all sides by iron bars never leaked to anyone outside the estate.
At times like this, what happened at Baron Rodio’s estate felt like a dream. Back then, Danel was so concerned about any sound escaping that he would clamp my mouth shut to prevent the world from discovering that the married couple staying as guests couldn’t control their lust. That Danel no longer existed. Once he abandoned his desire to avoid my resentment, he became a completely different person.
Oh, of course. He still never explained anything to me.
After much trial and error, I managed to uncover only a small part of the truth. It seemed his reason for temporarily “imprisoning” me was the child. Afraid that I might harm the baby in my womb, he didn’t even let me drink water on my own. Anything sharp was forbidden—he didn’t even allow me to hold a fork.
That’s why, on the days Danel left the estate, I took self-destructive walks to the point of exhaustion. Naturally, Danel didn’t approve of the way I drained my strength so recklessly. However, it was he who had proposed that I would be allowed outside as long as I didn’t skip meals. Perhaps because of that, he didn’t stop me. He would simply return late in the evening, carry me back to the bedroom, and put me to bed.
“I purchased a new oil. It’s said to have a mild scent suitable for pregnant women struggling with morning sickness.”
“……”
I ignored Danel’s words and stared out the window.
I rarely suffered from morning sickness. I simply ate the bare minimum and moved as much as possible. Danel, with his extensive knowledge of medicine, surely knew this. He just chose to attribute my emaciation to morning sickness.
I wasn’t even sure if tormenting my body to upset Danel was the right approach. Still, I continued because it was the only thing I could do on the days he was at the estate. The more I wasted away, the more Danel seemed to grow gaunt as well.
Since this was the only way to impact him, I planned to keep doing it—for now.
But… how long can I keep this up?
As I glanced toward the barracks, Danel entered the estate. Moments later, he swiftly ascended the stairs.
The first place he went was the second-floor bathroom, where he placed me into the largest tub in the estate. Soon after he left, the maids would undoubtedly come in. It was yet another reminder that everything within this estate moved according to Danel’s control.
Are even my thoughts part of Danel’s expectations?
A tender kiss landed on my forehead. As his dry lips touched mine, I drifted into thought.
I replayed the scenes I observed during my walk—the barracks where the knights resided, the facility closest to the garden.
There was only one reason why Danel built this small fenced garden in a secluded corner of the estate: it was surrounded by knights. Even if I managed to climb over the bars and escape, the knights would quickly catch me.
I hugged my knees and closed my eyes. All the while, the dry kisses continued endlessly. They were so routine that they evoked no emotion.
But surely you know that I’m not afraid of the knights.
Most of the horses stayed in the stables, but the knights on patrol often tied their horses to a tree near the barracks for convenience.
Usually, there were at least two, sometimes five horses… Even late at night, one would likely remain.
I recited the script I had written and erased in my mind countless times.
From the moment I woke in a windowless bedroom sealed by shutters, my sole thought had been to escape this place. Somehow, I needed to reach the Veloce estate. Even if my family, the March of Temesio, wouldn’t help, Countess Veloce would surely save Petios.
To get there, I needed a horse. But not one from the stables—they were always guarded. I would have to steal one from elsewhere.
A warhorse could run for days without rest. As long as I can mount it, it won’t throw me off. They’re sensitive creatures…
I pictured the horses tied under the tree by the barracks. Judging by their build, they could handle mountain trails. While they all seemed temperamental, I doubted they would attack me.
An emaciated pregnant woman wouldn’t intimidate a horse.
Before I knew it, Danel had left, and three maids entered to bathe me. I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep. Once I woke, it would either be breakfast time or I’d be in Danel’s arms—just as it had always been since I was brought back from Lamprey Castle.
Replaying my plans and maps felt like a ritual. It was the only thing keeping me alive.
