Two noble brides. Two arranged marriages. One fateful mistake. When the brides are accidentally swapped on their wedding day, both women find themselves married to the wrong men—but perhaps the right destiny. As secrets, romance, and palace intrigue unfold, love blossoms where no one expected it. The premise echoes the classic "wrong bride, right groom" romance trope, where mistaken marriages lead to unexpected happiness
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Welcome to our world of addictive short dramas and emotional storytelling.
Here you’ll find viral micro dramas, romantic love stories, revenge series, dramatic plot twists, and binge-worthy vertical dramas designed for mobile viewers.
From billionaire romance and toxic relationships to heartbreak, betrayal, and unexpected endings — every episode is crafted to keep you hooked.
New short drama episodes uploaded regularly.
Watch anytime, anywhere, and enjoy cinematic storytelling in minutes.
Subscribe now for daily short dramas, trending micro drama series, and emotional love stories.
#ShortDrama #MicroDrama #VerticalDrama #MiniSeries #RomanceDrama #RevengeDrama
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Someone should take this cushion away. It's way too firm to sleep on.
00:08By tradition, newlyweds are allowed another hour before getting up.
00:12By tradition? What tradition?
00:16You were the one insisting we follow every rule.
00:19I insisted on... wait.
00:28Celia, what are you doing here?
00:41You... you're my sister's husband?
00:46Get dressed first, now.
00:50Merciful saints! Why am I in bed with the man who was supposed to marry my sister?
00:57Two weeks ago, my sister was to be joined by oath to the Lord of House Ashpington.
01:02A marriage forged for land, trade, and alliance.
01:07As her younger sister, I was the first to protest.
01:09So I offered a compromise.
01:11Then I'll marry the younger Ashburton Lucian, I said.
01:15If our houses must be bound, then one should be othersmiths, then bindend us both.
01:20As long as I stay near my sister, I agree.
01:24You always know exactly what suits me.
01:27But really, you're not wearing a bridal gown yourself?
01:30I did not come here to satisfy anyone's taste.
01:33I stand here as the head of House Valahart, that is enough.
01:37My lady, word has come from the Ashburton party.
01:40The storm has blocked the roads, the gentlemen's carriages have been delayed.
01:42The wedding may have to be postponed.
01:45This union is a pact before it is a celebration.
01:48The ceremony itself is only its outer shell.
01:51Since the grooms have not yet arrived, we proceed first.
01:56I know these are two great houses of the realm, but this has gone too far.
02:00Where are the bridegrooms?
02:12Where are the Ashburts?
02:13Was this not meant to be a Valhalt-Ashburgu union?
02:16Sister, weren't we only supposed to keep the guests from talking?
02:21You've had your eye on this old family ring for years, haven't you?
02:24Then wear it first and see how it feels.
02:27I have! Then yes, I'll gladly wear it!
02:36To be honest, the rest is a blur.
02:39Lady Celelia, we've arrived at the East residence.
02:42A storm raged all night, and I was half asleep on my feet.
02:46Number 8.
02:51My lady, this is number 6.
02:54That looks like 8.
02:56We passed number 8 earlier.
02:58Lady Celia's carriage already went that way.
03:00The leaves are hiding the rest of the carving.
03:02This one is definitely 6.
03:05So yes.
03:07Last night, fate's wheels came off the rails.
03:15Oh, this is awful! Why are you being so cold?
03:19I never meant to get into your bed in the first place!
03:23Enough tears. Put your clothes on.
03:27My dress, it's still in the dressing alcobe. Could you bring it to me?
03:31Does she take me for a chambermaid?
03:33Absolutely not. Fetch it yourself.
03:37All right.
03:44It hurts.
03:47You can't stand.
03:49Because of you.
03:50You were far too much.
03:58Stay where you are.
04:06Celia!
04:16Did Alaric force himself on you?
04:18No.
04:19No.
04:20Not exactly.
04:21You know how I am when thunder starts.
04:23I thought he was my bridegroom.
04:24And he said he was my husband, so I...
04:26And then...
04:26Then tell me this.
04:28What do you make of him?
04:29He was like...
04:31some wild beast.
04:34That was not the question I asked.
04:38Brother, she's barely more than a little songbird.
04:41And you truly showed her no mercy.
04:44Go on.
04:45Say one word more and I'll send you to inspect the furthest northern watchtower.
04:53As for you two...
04:56What happened in your chamber?
05:00Wasn't Celia meant to be the soft, sweet one?
05:06Amethysts from the southern traders.
05:08I had these made for my future wife.
05:10This cannot be the wrong room.
05:16Who is it?
05:18Who else would it be?
05:19Your husband.
05:21Husband?
05:30Then fulfill a husband's duty.
05:34What duty?
05:35Give House Fowlhaft an heir.
05:39Have you been drinking?
05:43What are you saying that you cannot?
05:46Cannot?
05:47You may test that yourself.
05:49The storm was fierce.
05:50The stone room markers were obscured,
05:52and the escort order was altered in the confusion.
05:54That is how we were each led to the wrong doors.
05:56But since matters have already gone this far...
05:59Celia, then let us simply exchange the marriage matches.
06:05Serathine has only just taken full hold of House Fowlhaft.
06:07She needs Ashton standing beside her.
06:10So I have to make peace with this.
06:12I cannot keep acting as though the sky has fallen.
06:15Truly, if I may still remain near my sister,
06:17what does it matter which lord I am wed to?
06:20Well, we exchange the marriage contracts.
06:23Do you consent or not?
06:24The church record has not yet been entered into the final roles.
06:27If this preserve order between both houses...
06:29It will.
06:31Then I see no cause to oppose it.
06:33Our account to the court is simple.
06:35The wedding arrangements were altered in haste,
06:38and the message sent outward was mistaken.
06:40Neither pair stood before the hall in full public witness.
06:43It will hold.
06:45Very well.
06:47No!
06:48Wait!
06:48That is all?
06:49Just like that?
06:50And my say in this counts for nothing?
06:52Is there some grievance you wish to raise?
06:57You did not seem particularly engraved last night.
07:00I...
07:00That is...
07:01That is entirely beside the point!
07:05Brother, I implore you.
07:07Do not let her settle this so easily.
07:09You have no notion what sort of woman she becomes once she has decided on a thing.
07:13Last night was...
07:14If you wish to be released, say it plainly.
07:16I already have doubts about the strength of his bloodline as it is.
07:19The strength of my bloodline?
07:20Last night was an accident.
07:22I was on edge.
07:22That does not mean I am a...
07:23I can explain this.
07:25Properly.
07:26Only grant me a moment.
07:27Two moments...
07:28I have council matters to attend.
07:31I cannot see you off myself.
07:36Hey!
07:37We are not finished speaking!
07:38I ride for the city in two hours.
07:40You are coming with me.
07:42Yes, my lord.
07:44Young.
07:45Clinging.
07:46Trouble in silk.
07:47But at least she can be reasoned with.
07:55My lord!
07:57Here!
07:58We are going into the city for a short stay.
08:01Not marching on a campaign.
08:08She smells of...
08:10Orchard fruit?
08:11Fresh petals?
08:13Fresh petals?
08:14Something faint?
08:15Something distracting?
08:33My lord, are you unwell?
08:37Be quiet.
08:38Be...
08:39Quiet?
08:40Is that truly how lords speak to people plainly?
08:43To their own wives?
08:44Correction.
08:45Young.
08:46Clinging.
08:47Alarmingly effective.
08:48Defiant.
08:49And it seems wholly incapable of holding her tongue.
08:52Celia.
08:53We must settle something.
08:54Very well.
08:55What is it?
08:56This marriage is an arrangement of houses.
08:57You do understand that?
08:58I do.
08:59As Lady Ashbur, you will be required to appear at councils, feasts and court observances.
09:03You must preserve a certain dignity.
09:05You cannot simply...
09:05That one.
09:06The pale trunk.
09:07Will you hand it to me?
09:09These hands govern bannelmans, roads, levits, grain, trade.
09:13She wants them used for luggage.
09:15Look.
09:16You were far too rough with me last night.
09:18I can scarcely lift a thing.
09:27Lady Celia Valhart Ashbur.
09:30It slipped.
09:30It truly slipped.
09:31I did not mean it.
09:33No food in my carriage.
09:35Why not?
09:36Crumbs.
09:37Odors.
09:39Disorder.
09:41Do you never listen the first time?
09:43I know perfectly well why you are in such a temper.
09:46Because you are hungry.
09:48No crumbs.
09:49Hardly any smell.
09:51And with the straw, no spilling.
09:53I packed warm vegetable soup for you.
10:04Do not let this become a custom.
10:07You sound exactly like my sister.
10:09She says that all the time.
10:11Though when she says, do not make a habit of it,
10:13what she really means is, I will permit it at least 17 more times.
10:18I wonder how many times you mean, my lord.
10:27Have they been making this hard for you?
10:29The Duke is a little frightening.
10:31But Lady Eveline is so kind.
10:33Look.
10:34She gave me this.
10:35That bracelet.
10:36It is handed from Ashbur lady to Ashburne lady.
10:38Mother, then this means-
10:40Stay as you are.
10:41Choose what sits right in your own heart.
10:43Do not twist yourself to fit another house.
10:45Do you hear me?
10:46Follow her own heart.
10:47We have indulged one son into uselessness already.
10:50I will not stand by and watch another household be ruined.
10:52They have only just arrived.
10:54Must you begin this tonight?
10:56And that absurd head of his.
10:57What respectable nobleman goes about looking like that?
11:00It is silver hair, not treason.
11:02He altered its shade, nothing more.
11:04Surely that is not a crime in your debtor tree.
11:09Gods, that was magnificent.
11:11Lady Seraphine Velhart, I see now why Velhart placed its reins in your hands.
11:14You are certainly formidable.
11:16Yet for all that, as a daughter of this house, you seem to have learned nothing of your place.
11:19I am joined to this house by his wife and Celia's sister.
11:22If you demean either of them, Your Grace, you do not stand apart from me when you do it.
11:26You speak boldly for a woman who cannot even keep her own sister in proper order.
11:29In my sight, she requires no correction. She is exactly as she ought to be.
11:34But perhaps you should ask yourself something, Your Grace.
11:36One son stayed away from this keep for years.
11:39Have you never wondered what drove him from his own home?
11:41How dare you? Every one of you, insolent, unruly, without the least shred of breeding or respect.
11:47Say what you please of me if it satisfies you.
11:50But do not speak to my sister that way.
11:54Father, Celia is my wife. Her nature, her wishes, the way she carries herself.
12:00None of these are yours to sit in judgment over.
12:02She will come to know this house and its customs, in time and not by force.
12:06Until then, as long as she stands beside me, her dignity is mine to defend.
12:11Her joy is mine to guard. She is mine to answer for.
12:21I saw you looking at these before. It seemed a pity to let leave without them.
12:33White Keep is not an easy house to enter.
12:36We keep too many rules and I will not pretend otherwise.
12:39But do not let them press the life out of you.
12:42As you are now, child, you are lovely enough.
12:47Thank you, Mother.
12:54Alaric, stay a moment.
13:00I know this marriage was not made in the manner anyone intended.
13:04Still, that girl's heart is clean.
13:07She is kind in a way this world does not often spare.
13:10And perhaps she may be precisely the wife you require.
13:14Your father has filled your mind with talk of what a lady of Ashburg ought to be, I know.
13:19But hear me well, my son.
13:21A contented wife is worth more than the most faultless mistress of a castle.
13:25Do not wait until she is beyond your reach to learn that lesson.
13:28I hear you, Mother.
13:37I tried, truly.
13:39Separating them was impossible.
13:40A contented wife is worth more than the most faultless mistress of a castle.
13:44Three months.
13:45If she still behaves like this, do not expect me to acknowledge her as Ashbur's daughter by marriage.
13:49Three months.
13:51Three months.
13:52Can I truly shape Celia Veilhart into a lady fit for House Ashbur?
13:54Sit properly.
13:57Celia!
13:58I heard you.
13:59I simply chose not to answer.
14:02If you keep lying about like that, your back will suffer for it.
14:06Then I thank you for the advice.
14:08Lying straight must be better for one's bones.
14:11When others are present, you must conduct yourself with some measure, with the berry of a grown lady.
14:15What would people say?
14:16If this is how you mean to go on, you may return by yourself.
14:27Stop the carriage.
14:30I beg your pardon?
14:31If House Ashburle holds my sister in such contempt, then we have remained here too long.
14:36I will not sit by and hear her slighted.
14:38This betrothal ends tonight.
14:49If my sister will not remain in House Ashton, then neither shall I!
15:06Celia!
15:06You drove your own wife away!
15:08What in God's name has that to do with me?
15:10I have no wish to lose mine with her!
15:13What possessed you?
15:14You humiliated a young lady in front of everyone, and now my marriage is paying the price for your temper.
15:20She is too headstrong.
15:21Someone had to-
15:22Then scold your own Duchess in private!
15:24Do not drag me beneath the same cartwheel!
15:27I never agreed to be crushed with you!
15:29Seraphine is not an easy woman.
15:31She will overrule you at every turn.
15:33Is that truly the life you want?
15:35Yes.
15:36You do much the same to me already.
15:40Yes, yes I do!
15:41I never once said I required some meek little saint for a wife.
15:43I care nothing for that!
15:44Go after them and bring them back!
15:46Brother, what is the matter with you?
15:48You can govern a keep, command men, settle disputes, outthink half the realm.
15:51But where the heart is concerned, you are hopeless.
15:54You complain that she is noisy and troublesome, yet all the while you watch her shield her, tend to her
15:58as though she would be a child.
15:59If you were the one thing in this world you cannot bear to see harmed, did you think I did
16:02not notice?
16:03In the Duke's front hall, in the dining chamber, in your own bedchamber, even the inner room, you were forever
16:08looking after her.
16:10You imagine things!
16:38I am telling you this once, and you would do well to heed me.
16:40I am telling you this once, and you would do well to heed me.
16:41If you do not go after her now, there may come no second chance to set this right.
16:48Halt the carriage!
16:49Halt the carriage!
16:51Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
16:57Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
16:58Celia!
17:03It is deep into the night.
17:05She does not answer, and those two women are alone out here in the...
17:26Stand aside make way
17:39Not them, thank heaven.
17:44Sarah, why is Alaric folded over there like a great frightened bird?
17:51Men who grow too certain of their place are sometimes best corrected by fact.
17:59Celia, I thought you had...
18:01Thought what, exactly? You did more than anger me tonight.
18:05You offended my sister too, and that was a very poor choice.
18:09You truly challenged the wrong person.
18:13Sarah, this berry cream is heavenly. May I taste yours?
18:16Of course. In a few days I shall have the kitchen send you every sweet you favour.
18:21I'll even have the confectioner bring in the honey chocolates from the southern caravans.
18:26I pressed her too hard. Too soon. She is not something to be managed.
18:34She is someone to be heard.
18:41Sarah, are we truly casting off this marriage pact?
18:45Do not trouble yourself over him. You have simply seen too little of the world yet.
18:50Give me a few days. I'll let you meet men worthy of a noble lady. Better men than that one.
18:57Truly? Will they be as handsome as Alaric?
19:01More so.
19:04And will they be as capable as he is?
19:12Capable in what regard?
19:14In every regard. I did not mean in a marriage bed way.
19:25Liar.
19:33Go on. Go on. Take him.
19:36Ugh. Useless thing.
19:47Those steps. That is not Sarah. Sarah walks more quietly than that. That must be...
19:56Oh. It is only you.
20:07Is that... the Abbey Berry Cakes from St. Elswith?
20:11The ones they only make ten of each morning?
20:14I have been trying to get one for months.
20:16I once rose before dawn for them. No. Twice.
20:21And now... you brought the entire box here?
20:27How is anyone meant to stay angry in the face of this?
20:49Have you finished punishing me yet? Or do I still have to fetch my wife back to Whitecock by force?
20:56Mmm. This one is lovely. Soft as a cloud.
21:00Honestly, these are far too good.
21:06Ari, if this is your way of making peace, you might as well admit it.
21:09You needn't hide behind all that lordly dignity.
21:13They were sent up with other gifts. Nothing more.
21:16I don't believe that in the slightest.
21:18You know what you look like right now.
21:21Exactly like my sister when she's pretending not to care.
21:24All thorns and frost on the outside.
21:26And sweet preserve in the middle.
21:29Like a sugared quince.
21:31You're inventing nonsense.
21:34Still, since you went to such trouble to bring all ten,
21:38I've decided not to hold it against you any longer.
21:41I forgive you.
21:42You can be won over absurdly easily.
21:46What was that?
21:53I said, if you go on devouring this much sugar in a single afternoon,
21:57no physician in the kingdom will save you from the consequences.
22:03You'll grow spoiled.
22:05And very likely plump.
22:09I beg your pardon?
22:11Wait, cilia.
22:18Which cilia is it that you're calling back?
22:21Plump cilia?
22:23Or slender cilia?
22:29You're not plump.
22:32If anything, you might do with a little more to you.
22:40Very well.
22:42Perhaps I'm not built like my sister,
22:44but there is nothing lacking here, my lord.
22:46And what exactly is that meant to mean?
22:49There is absolutely nothing wrong with my figure.
22:56You are far too easy to win over.
22:58A little tenderness and you forget all caution.
23:00Sara, he truly meant it.
23:02You should have seen him when he came to me.
23:03He looked uncertain.
23:05You have always had a soft heart.
23:07And soft hearts are easily led.
23:09So hear me clearly.
23:10I do not care who he is, not even the Lord of White Kick.
23:13If staying beside him makes you feel small,
23:15or afraid, you do not stay.
23:17You leave.
23:18Nothing is worth that.
23:20And if this marriage must be undone, then let it be undone.
23:23I can keep you in comfort for the rest of your days and several lifetimes beside.
23:29The truth is,
23:32I do not want to leave him.
23:34He can be overbearing,
23:36and far too used to having things his own way.
23:38And yes, he watches everything.
23:41But, he has been kind to me.
23:44You are defending him already.
23:46That is how these things begin.
23:48You are only saying that because no one dotes on you properly.
23:52Keep testing me and I'll send you to supper half shave.
23:56Ow!
23:57Sarah!
23:58Alright, alright, I yield!
24:07Ahri!
24:09I think my hat is sitting crooked.
24:10I can hardly tell.
24:11Fix it for me.
24:22There.
24:31Everyone else walks hand in hand.
24:33Ahri, I want that too.
24:36Celia, this is the middle of the street.
24:43Ahri!
24:44Look there!
24:44A puppy!
24:51They're so close.
24:57Celia, we are leaving.
25:02Lord Ashbrook says we must go,
25:04but how is any meant to walk away from a face like yours?
25:06My lady can have him, if she wishes.
25:08He ought to belong to someone who will care for him.
25:11I'll look after him properly, I swear it.
25:13Stray animals carry filth.
25:15Infection.
25:16Fleas.
25:16You do not know where that creature has been,
25:18so do not simply-
25:18Thank you, my lady!
25:20See?
25:21He's gentle.
25:23Ahri, just touch him once.
25:24Only once.
25:26He's so soft.
25:28Truly.
25:29And adorable.
25:35Since you seem determined,
25:36we will take it to the healer.
25:38It will be examined properly.
25:40Cleaned.
25:41Treated.
25:41If it is found healthy,
25:43then it may stay at Whitekeep.
25:45Truly?
25:45We may keep him?
25:46Ahri, you're wonderful!
25:53There is already one pampered, clingy little creature in my household.
25:57I suppose one more will not ruin me.
26:04I was too slow.
26:06I let them make a spectacle of you.
26:08Under our own roof.
26:10Before the whole household.
26:11Sarah, look at me.
26:13I'm all right.
26:14Truly.
26:14See?
26:15Not even a torn sleeve.
26:16Your Celia is perfectly whole.
26:18You always do this.
26:19You smile and say you're fine,
26:21so I won't have cause to worry.
26:24Because I am fine.
26:26I have you.
26:27And it seems...
26:30I have him as well.
26:32The little sister I have guarded all these years
26:34has at last become someone else's most carefully kept treasure.
26:38If he shields her this closely,
26:40then perhaps, for once,
26:42I placed her future in the right hands.
26:44Sarah!
26:45My hair!
26:46Go on.
26:46Your Lord is waiting.
27:02Then, what is to be done with the younger girl?
27:04Do not look to me.
27:06I did not come here to take on another man's burden.
27:08I have heirs enough of my own.
27:17Enough.
27:18Hold your tongue.
27:19Why should I?
27:20She is only a useless little thing.
27:21No father.
27:22No mother.
27:23No standing.
27:24No...
27:25What was it you called my sister?
27:26Because our parents are in their graves,
27:28you thought we were yours to trample?
27:30Courteous before the altar,
27:32venomous behind the mourning cloth.
27:35I have seen every one of your faces,
27:38and I will remember them all.
27:43So long as I draw breath,
27:45no one lays a hand on my sister.
27:47No one.
27:49That was the day I first understood what it meant
27:52to be protected.
27:56Ahri,
27:57thank you.
27:58For today.
27:59For all of it.
28:01You are my wife.
28:03The moment they sought to shame you,
28:04they were slighting Arm Ashborough as surely as they were slighting you.
28:08To dishonor you is to insult me to my face.
28:10I will answer such matters.
28:12None of this was your doing.
28:14Then,
28:15if you cannot bear them,
28:16why leave your family seal card in their hands?
28:18Why give them a way to reach you?
28:20I know your kin are not people you hold in any affection.
28:23That is a very gentle way to put it.
28:24Even so,
28:25each of them has some use,
28:26some quality worth noting.
28:27Your cousin Islae is as Ifra is insufferable,
28:29but she reads a room quickly and knows how to secure planning.
28:31And your unquiet branch Osward,
28:32his instincts in trade and alliance are better than I expected.
28:36So,
28:37you think well of them?
28:38That is not what I said.
28:40The people I despise most.
28:43The ones who made my childhood wretched.
28:45And you can still admire them.
28:47Celia,
28:47I do not admire them.
28:49I am speaking only of what may be of value in them.
28:52That is not the same thing.
28:53Alaric Ashfield!
28:54I hate you!
28:59What in God's name just happened?
29:16So you've truly decided you're not returning to White Heap for now?
29:20That frozen tyrant?
29:22Please.
29:23Alaric Ashperth?
29:24He's nothing but a court performance in a velvet cloak.
29:29Celia.
29:31Faithless,
29:32arrogant,
29:32double faith-
29:34What?
29:40Whether a man strays or not,
29:43that is rarely difficult to discover.
29:50That viper!
29:52Lord Ashburn,
29:55there must be some misunderstanding.
29:57The card you gave me was sent in error, was it not?
30:02No error.
30:02That cannot be true.
30:04I sent word at once,
30:06and some hall clerk answered in White Keep's outer office.
30:09Not your steward,
30:10not even one of your personal people,
30:12just some ordinary servant.
30:19Lady Izaleth,
30:21I believe you have mistaken the nature of my civility.
30:25Have I?
30:26Such courtesy as I extend to you,
30:29and to the Veilheart kin attached to you,
30:31exists for one reason only.
30:33And what reason is that?
30:38Celia,
30:40were it not for her,
30:41those of your skort would never once have entered my notice.
30:46not for a heartbeat.
30:55His tongue is dreadful,
30:57and yet,
30:58coming from him,
30:59it sounds unfairly wonderful.
31:08My lord,
31:09the inquiry into the Veilheart family.
31:11After Lady Celia's parents died,
31:14certain Veilheart relations forced Lady Seraphine to yield portions of what should have remained hers,
31:18and the child was sent away to the country at ten years of age.
31:22She lived there near a year with no proper protection,
31:25no guardian,
31:27no household,
31:28a child left to manage as she could.
31:47Every house has its merits.
31:49There is always something to admire,
31:51and something worth learning from.
31:56Alaric Ashford,
31:58you damned fool.
32:08Brother, lend me a sack of gold.
32:11No.
32:12I am in genuine ruin.
32:14Advance me a little,
32:15a very little.
32:16I swear, or I shall repay it,
32:18at some point.
32:20Conceivably,
32:21if heaven is kind.
32:22Is that the purpose of this call?
32:24Well,
32:25then goodbye.
32:28Wait, wait.
32:30Why do you sound like Winter itself?
32:33Did you offend Celia again?
32:37Ha!
32:37I knew it.
32:39Shall I enlighten you?
32:41I can have her smiling before supper.
32:43This is one of my finer talents.
32:47You have never sustained an attachment longer than a season.
32:51Entirely beside the point.
32:54Entirely beside the point.
32:54I am ending this conversation.
32:58The Pottery Attili in the lower valley.
33:00They take private bookings.
33:02She will adore it.
33:06All right, send me the directions.
33:09I'll be there soon.
33:24I owe far more than an apology.
33:26And not only for today.
33:28I do not yet know how to mend this.
33:30But I will learn.
33:32The Pottery Attual.
33:33The Pottery Attual.
33:34The Pottery Attual.
33:37The Pottery Attual.
33:38Driver.
33:40This is the place.
33:41Truly.
33:42Because I can scarcely see my own hand,
33:44and there is not a living soul anywhere.
33:46I swear I just heard something with fangs.
33:54Oh, so now you've taken some holy vow of silence.
33:57If you'd been despairing with words on my wedding night,
33:59I would not have stepped into the wrong chamber and–
34:08Ari! Saints above, you nearly killed me! What are you doing here? How long have you been standing there?
34:15Long enough.
34:17Come on, we're leaving. It's freezing. It's black as a crypt. And that driver has plainly deserted us.
34:25Do not be so quick to flee. The summit has a fine view.
34:31A view of what? I cannot see a-
34:37Ari, look! Fireworks! They're beautiful!
34:42Fireworks are an inefficient use of coin, a brief spectacle compounded of powder and vanity with very poor practical return.
34:48And the smoke alone is enough to-
34:50Ari, do you suffer from some afflictment that makes you recoil from romance? Shall I summon a physician? Perhaps a
34:56priest?
35:00Perhaps fireworks are wasteful. Perhaps they vanish too quickly and serve no sensible purpose.
35:07But if they please you, then that is reason enough.
35:14Is this his way of making it up to me? After all of it?
35:20After I left in a temper and told him his fine words were worth nothing.
35:39So, what comes after this?
35:44Now?
35:46Yes.
35:49I have already departed from my usual judgment several times tonight.
35:54I suppose one further indulgence may be allowed.
36:00Hey, no, wait, wait! That is not what I meant!
36:03I meant should we go somewhere else? Somewhere proper? Back to the keep, perhaps? Or home?
36:08Home. I meant home. Home. Home. To sleep.
36:12Separately.
36:19That was not an entirely unreasonable conclusion.
36:23Not unreasonable? Not unreasonable? In what kingdom is that not unreasonable?
36:27I asked what came next, not for you to carry me off like some barbarian bride thief.
36:31You leap far too quickly.
36:33The circumstances suggested-
36:34The circumstances suggested nothing!
36:36I say one harmless sentence and in your mind it turns into a summons to my bedchamber.
36:40This is entirely your doing!
36:45This is not finished!
36:50No. It is not.
36:54And the night has not yet run its course.
37:02Serefta, please tell me again that the marriage covenant said only twice a week.
37:07What happened now? Don't tell me he's been-
37:10Every. Single. Night.
37:13Men will always be men. Even Alaric Ashpurg, the patron saint of household rules,
37:18sealed ledgers and proper order, proves no different when it comes to this.
37:22My back aches. My legs ache. I swear even my bones are offended.
37:26Hush. I'll handle it.
37:28Once I bury him in enough estate business, he won't have the leisure to return before midnight.
37:33He'll scarcely have time to blink.
37:35Truly?
37:37Oh, Seraphine, you are the finest sister ever born.
37:41Naturally.
37:43Ari? Are you coming back to our chamber tonight?
37:46I'll be delayed. There's still business from the keep to settle. Sleep without waiting for me.
37:49I see. Then I must stand watch over this dreadful empty room all by myself.
37:53Alone. In this vast, freezing, desolate bed.
37:56Is something the matter?
37:58I'll endure. Somehow. Good night, Ari.
38:02Ah! Seraphine is a miracle worker!
38:10No Alaric Ashpurg looming over me like a castle watchtower.
38:13No correcting my posture. No solemn speeches about what is sufficient within a marriage.
38:19Freedom, my long-lost love. I'm coming for you.
38:28Celia! I've missed you to death. You've vanished for ages.
38:32What, did you hide away with some secret sweetheart?
38:35Lord Ashbird, forgive us for dragging you out to such an hour,
38:38but that pastry stall just there is famed all through this quarter.
38:42Finest cheese pastries in the city.
38:44Why not carry some back to your lady wife? A peaceful household begins with a pleased wife, eh?
38:51Celia has been troublesome of late. Perhaps something sweet will keep her content.
38:56A small reward for remaining in White Hope as she promised.
39:02Very well.
39:15Celia.
39:18Celia. That lord outside is staring at you as if he means to freeze the whole street.
39:22Tell me you know him. Wasn't Ari supposed to be detained at the council until late?
39:26Wasn't Seraphine supposed to keep him occupied with estate matters?
39:29Why is he here of all places?
39:31No, no, no, no. Celia, your mask is the wrong...
39:38Ari! Well, this is unexpected. What a stouging chance. The city is truly small, is it not?
39:47It is well past midnight. You told me you had retired for the night.
39:53I... well, a friend asked me to come. I had never seen such a place before. I only wished to
39:59look.
39:59Oh, no. No, no, no. Here it comes. The lord of rules and winter heirs. Will he rebuke me before
40:05the whole street?
40:06Can a husband confine his wife to her chambers? Surely he cannot. Can he?
40:10At least you had enough sense to bring someone with you.
40:15You're not going to scold me?
40:17Would that improve matters?
40:21No.
40:22Then I shall spare us both the noise tonight. But this will not pass without consequence.
40:27No, no, absolutely not. Ari, I am still sore everywhere. My back, my legs, everything aches. Have mercy.
40:33What in heaven's name do you think I meant? I was speaking of tomorrow. I shall personally see to your
40:37instruction. Each afternoon you will learn proper conduct, depourment and the rules of public appearance. I will examine how you
40:42fare.
40:42Instruction? Lessons here? In my own households?
40:45Yes.
40:46Well, perhaps, in truth, my back may not pain me quite much now, nor my legs. Perhaps, instead, you might
40:51simply...
40:51No.
40:52Ari, must I truly? Could you not overlook it just this once? I shall behave beautifully, I swear it.
40:57As Lady of House Ashfield, there will be feasts, winter balls, chapel observances, and noble gatherings where all eyes will
41:02be upon you. If you do not know how to carry yourself, they will laugh. And their laughter will not
41:07stop with you. It will reach Surafenon as well.
41:11All right. Then, tonight is finished. You mean not to pursue it further?
41:17See that this does not become your custom.
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