Chapter 18 - Second Wife

"Seraphina?"

The voice echoed through the grand entrance hall, drawing Seraphina's attention away from her father and to the source. 

She turned to see a woman approaching from the side hall, her elegant light blue dress flowing behind her as she walked. Instantly, Seraphina could tell who the lady was.

Telphina Vorlam Willows, her father's second wife, and a striking figure that stood out no matter where she went.

Her blond-white hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, and her ocean-blue eyes shone with a warmth that seemed to welcome those around her. Her dress was a soft oceanic blue adorned with simple white engravings.

Calling her beautiful would be an understatement—as her appearance was naturally above that of a normal mortal human. A feat gifted upon her by the elven bloodline that flowed within her veins.

Her slightly pointed ears and youthful appearance were key attributes of that diluted elven blood. Giving the lady an appearance that could make any man fall in love with her.

Despite her outward warmth and appearance, however, Seraphina felt a slight chill run down her spine when she saw the lady.

It wasn't out of fear but rather worry—as she did not know how to act around the lady. She had rarely spent time with her; in fact, Seraphina had only met the woman a few times from her memories, and all those times, she was sick.

There was a certain distance maintained with Telphina, a barrier she didn't know how to break or even if she wanted to break it. While Telphina always seemed to care for her and was friendly to all, Seraphina found her affection somewhat strange and difficult to accept.

"Telphina."

Seraphina greeted, unsure what else to call her to remain respectful. She forced a slight smile as she looked at the lady, matching her in height.

"I am glad to see you're doing well."

Telphina's face lit up with genuine delight as she approached Seraphina. She cared not for personal space as she quickly pulled the unwilling girl into an embrace.

"Thank you, my dear, but you look much better. You look so much healthier; I'm so glad to see you finally able to move around freely."

Seraphina nodded and tried to slip out of the lady's embrace, finding it rather unusual. She spoke, trying to keep her tone neutral.

"Thank you. I've been feeling better lately, so I decided to pay father a visit."

Davien observed the interaction from the side, but he didn't say anything as he watched Telphina approach. In fact, he was glad that they could get along, but he had seen too many families split because of different parentages.

He knew very well that his first wife did not like his second wife—as they were both from vastly different backgrounds. Even so, he loved them very much.

"I'll leave you two to catch up. Seraphina, remember what we discussed. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Seraphina was unwilling to let the man leave her in such a situation, but she couldn't really keep him here as she knew he was busy.

"Of course, Father."

She replied as she watched him walk away, leaving her alone with Telphina.

The girl was finally able to slip out of the embrace when Telphina reached out and gently took her hands on her own. Her touch was warm, but Seraphina instantly wanted to shake them off.

"I can't tell you just how happy I am to see you here, Seraphina. We've all been so worried about you; the kids would love to spend time with you."

Seraphina managed a small smile, but it didn't reach her eyes; even then, the lady did not find anything weird with it.

"Thank you, Telphina. I've been working hard to improve my health, so you should be seeing me more often from now on."

Telphina's eyes softened with concern at the girl's words.

"And it shows. You've grown so much stronger. Your father and I have always believed in your strength, Seraphina. But please do not push yourself."

Seraphina's smile wavered for a second at the words. The words were kind, and she could tell that the lady was genuinely nice, but something within her just couldn't help but doubt her.

Maybe it was the memories of her past life, the skepticism of all the novels she had read, and the fact that the second wife always hated the first wife's child.

Maybe she was just giving the lady a hard time for no reason.

But at the same time, Telphina's affection always seemed too intense, too eager. It was as if she was trying to make up for something, but Seraphina couldn't pinpoint what.

She decided to give the woman a chance, to be genuine with her, and take it at face value for the time being. If she noticed anything suspicious, however, she would draw her line.

"Thank you."

Seraphina repeated, her tone polite but with a hint of distance still.

"I appreciate your support."

Telphina seemed to sense the distance in Seraphina's voice. She squeezed the girl's hands gently before letting them go.

"I know it has been difficult for you to adjust to everything. But please know that we are all here for you. I know I may not be your actual mother, but I've always treated you like my own daughter."

The lady seemed to hesitate for a moment as she spoke, then continued her sentence.

"If there is anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to come to me. I know I may not be of noble birth like your mother or father, but my family's merchants can reach anywhere in the Empire. Just one word, and I can get it for you."

Seraphina genuinely smiled at the lady's words; she could tell that the lady was actually being honest—and she preferred that over some fake sense of kindness.

"I will."

Seraphina replied as she locked eyes with the woman, her glowing violet hue staring into the oceanic eyes of the lady.

Telphina's smile faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly recovered as she took a deep breath.

"I'm glad to hear that. Now, why don't we stop standing around talking and visit my courtyard? I'm sure the children would love to spend some time with you."

Seraphina hesitated for a second, but the idea of spending more time with the lady didn't sound as off-putting as it would have at first. Plus, she did want to interact with her family some more—especially her siblings, whom she had rarely seen.

"Sure. I'd like that."

She agreed with a simple nod and motioned for the lady to take the lead.

Telphina's smile widened at the girl's acceptance, and she gestured for Seraphina to follow her. She held her hand and led her down the twisting hallways of the main house.

This place was massive, easily tens of times the size of her little mansion. This one house could easily house hundreds of people from its sheer size, and both the first and second wives had their own portion to themselves.

Telphina's portion was the Northeast wing, near the garden. 

As they walked through the grand halls of the main house, Seraphina couldn't help but look around and marvel at the decorations around her. Every detail was meticulously crafted, and the place was carefully adorned.

It was a testament to the wealth and power of the House of Willows—a family that had existed for hundreds of years. One of the founding families of the Empire.