The lord's Silent Bride Part 2

The golden light of morning spilled gently through the open silk curtains, casting soft patterns across the polished floors of the castle dining hall. The clink of porcelain echoed faintly, delicate and refined, as breakfast was served in elegant lacquered dishes.

Angel sat with perfect posture at the far end of the table — her hands folded in her lap, her white hair brushed and flowing like silk, a quiet glow in the soft light. Her embroidered robe had changed to a lighter red, decorated with silver butterflies and lilies, still formal but softer than the ceremonial one from yesterday.

Lord Ryo sat across from her, sipping tea without saying a word at first. His gaze lingered on her — not in scrutiny, but in thought.

*She hasn’t made a sound since I arrived…*

He cleared his throat.

“Where are you from?” he asked, voice low and steady.

Angel raised her head just slightly.

“Lavender Town,” she replied softly, her voice like distant wind chimes. “It’s a small village, hidden in the mist valley… I lived there with my father after my mother passed.”

There was no tremble in her voice — just acceptance. The kind of stillness that came from years of quiet endurance.

“How old are you?” he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly, studying her expression.

“Eighteen.”

That gave him pause. He was twenty — not much older, but her youth struck him now that she said it aloud. She didn’t *act* like a girl of eighteen. She was composed, mature, and… distant. Too distant.

“You have good table manners,” he noted. “You don’t speak unless addressed.”

Angel gently picked up her tea and sipped without a sound, then nodded once.

“My father trained me to behave that way,” she said.

Ryo set his cup down, watching her carefully. Something about her unsettled him — not in a threatening way, but like trying to read a scroll written in disappearing ink. She followed every rule he gave her without hesitation… but her silence wasn’t submission. It was control.

*There’s something behind those eyes. But what?*

Once breakfast was finished, Angel quietly placed her napkin down, then did something that startled him slightly. She raised her hand — like a student. Ryo blinked, unsure if he should be annoyed or amused.

“Yes…?” he said slowly, folding his arms.

Angel’s voice came gently, but with clear intent.

“May I ask two things, my Lord?”

“Go on.”

“Do you have a library?”

“Yes,” he replied, surprised by the question.

“And a garden?”

“...Also yes.”

She lowered her hand and bowed her head slightly.

“May I spend my time there, when I am not needed?”

Ryo leaned back in his seat. Of all the things he expected from his new wife — jewels, fine rooms, attention, complaints — **a request for books and flowers** was not one of them.

“You may,” he said. “But… why those two places?”

Angel paused, her fingers gently pressing the edge of the table.

“The library is quiet,” she said. “It gives me peace. And the garden reminds me of my mother’s voice.”

That answer caught him off guard. He didn't reply right away. Instead, he stood, hands tucked behind his back.

“Very well. I’ll have a servant escort you to both.”

She stood and bowed.

“Thank you, Lord Ryo.”

As she turned to leave, Ryo watched her — the way she moved like wind over water. Graceful, restrained. Not once had she looked him directly in the eyes.

*She’s either hiding something… or protecting it.*

He didn’t know which it was. But he found himself wanting to know.