Chapter 25

‘I was too careless.’ Overcome with embarrassment, Kael desperately avoided Wellen’s eyes and pretended he didn’t understand the look behind it. Still, after spending so many years with Wellen, how could he possibly not know what Wellen meant? He’d basically admitted that he had a crush, and Wellen would undoubtedly tease him for it. Feeling his face flush red, Kael fanned his face and remarked, “Is it because of the hearth? It feels rather hot.”

“Oh! There’s one more thing I forgot to mention about the lady. It seems both enroute here and upon our arrival, the lady hasn’t been eating much. The food served has almost always been returned untouched. Also, she hasn’t been stepping out of her room at all.”

Upset, Kael clicked his tongue when Wellen’s words confirmed his concerns were reality. He’d hoped that she wouldn’t fall apart from the sudden sense of loss inflicted upon her by others, but it appeared that she was burying her pain in order to put up a strong front. Breathing out deeply, he said, “Set up a time for me to meet with Irene officially, and make sure to offer a formal apology to her. Also, know that this infraction of yours has resulted in a three-month pay cut.”

“Yes, I will—”

“I think today’s lunch would work well,” Kael coldly spat, interrupting Wellen before his aide could finish. Then, without waiting for a response, Kael wordlessly stood up and strode out of the room.

As soon as the crown prince was out of view, Wellen beat the cushion on his chair and burst out in laughter. With a goofy smile on his face, he rubbed his ears and wondered if Kael’s attempt to casually suggest lunch with Irene had been the crown prince’s real objective. Rather than the punishment he’d incurred, learning that the crown prince had fallen in love far outweighed the concern he had for the implied threat on his life.

“I guess you really want to die.” Unlike his icy tone, the crown prince wore a smile so bright that it resembled the morning sun, as he waggled a finger at his aide and said, “Come here.”

“Y-Your Highness?” Wellen stammered in surprise. Had his celebrations been premature? Wellen did his best to plaster on a smile even though he felt like he was walking the plank.

When Wellen was within arm’s reach, Kael lunged at him and growled, “I’ll just kill you.”

“I-I’m sorry. Nooo!” Wellen cried. He dodged Kael, dashed past Jackley and Jean, and ran down the hallway.

When Kael’s gaze turned to Jean and Jackley, who were both shaking their heads and sighing as they watched Wellen make his escape, he said, “Everyone involved in last night’s fiasco will be punished, meaning both of you will also be held accountable.”

“Understood. We’ll immediately collect the names and report it to you.” Jackley and Jean nervously swallowed as they felt Kael’s cold energy pressing down on them as he looked them up and down. When the crown prince finally walked away, they exchanged glances and thought about how a wind of change would soon blow through Ravello.

* * *

Despite the brief commotion that morning, Irene didn’t stir in her sleep. Once the morning’s events settled, Ravello palace fell silent once more. Only a barely noticeable ambient noise of servants could be heard as they quietly attended to their duties, which helped lull Irene into an even deeper sleep.

“It’ll be noon soon,” Jean remarked with worry. By the time the sun had risen high in the sky, Irene still showed no signs of waking. Concerned, the head maid gently cracked the door open and stepped into Kael’s bedroom. As she moved inside, her eyes caught sight of the silver hair scattered on the pillow and she could hear the sounds of slow, steady breathing. “Was she that tired?”

Wondering whether some sunlight might wake Irene, Jean made her way towards the window. However, just as she was about to pull the curtain, the woman with the shiny hair abruptly sat up in bed and cried, “Ack!”