Chapter 45

“What are you doing?!”

As Edward’s anger rose to the top of his head, he grabbed James’ back and threw him to the floor. This was definitely revenge. He performed this because Eva stopped him when he was trying to hand Edward a drink he had spit in. Another reason was because she stood against him with glare, hurting James’ pride. The six-year-old boy then sought an opportunity when she was asleep.

“Get lost.”

James started the fire by lunging at Edward. When it was only the two of them, James’ words and behavior became arrogant. He had nothing to fear for the powerful Empress was behind his back.

James’ neck had a bloodstained wound. Perhaps when Eva was struggling, her fingers scratched James’ neck. It blazed more anger from Edward the moment it catched his eyes. How scary it must be for that child to be trapped in a blanket and suffer from violence.

Usually, he would end this on a good note, but this time, Edward also lost his wisdom and unleashed his strength however he pleased. It bothered him because James was messing with a young child, but to mess with his fiance, even harming her, was cheap of James.

James attacked with punches and kicks, but he was no match for Edward. Since Edward was young, he had a good body and strength, so he never lost in a fight using sword, spear, or bare hands.

After a few hits, James ran out of the room while grumbling swear words. Edward dashed right away and pulled off the sheet covering Eva.

“Eva!” Her face was flushed red, tears rolling down her cheeks. Eva caught her breath, looking like she didn’t recognize Edward, while her body shivered and she caught her breath as if she had competed in a competition.

Unconsciously, Edward lifted Eva and cradled her. “It’s alright, Eva. It’s alright now.”

“Uwaaaah!”

Edward patted Eva on the back and soothed her as she burst out loud. Eva hugged Edward with her small hands like maple leaves and began to cry, rubbing her face against his neck.

“It’s alright, nothing can hurt you. Don’t worry.”

He then wandered around the room while cradling her, kept soothing her. He was awkward and clumsy because it was his first time doing this in his life, but soon Eva calmed down and quieted down. But it seemed like it didn’t completely appease her heart.  When he tried to put her down, believing it was done, she cried again and when he comforted her then put her down once more, Eva clinging dearly to Edward. Edward had to carry Eva all afternoon that day.

“Tell James and his aide to leave and shut their mouths.” Just had returned to his room late in the evening, Edward ordered his aide while giving a fierce gaze.

“What do you mean by that?”

“He has a wound on his neck so he won’t overlook that. If I tell the Emperor about what he did to my fiance, not only James, wouldn’t it also trouble the Empress? I know you’re close to them, so you have to persuade them properly.”

“Y-Your Highness…”

The aide stuttered with a very embarrassed face. He immediately noticed that Edward had a hidden meaning in his words.

“What? Do you think I didn’t know you’re on the Empress’ side? Go and deliver that I force you so. As soon as I went back to the Imperial Palace, you’re to step down.”

“Your Highness, I think you’re misunderstanding something-”

“Scram. Before I drag you out.”

Edward glared at him and ordered in a sharp voice. Although he was still young, the pressure of his authority and bloodline oppressed the aide. He left the room with courtesy, unable to dare to talk to him any more.

He closed his eyes and clenched his fist. It was the first time he did something reckless and brash like this, so his mood plummeted briskly.

He already knew that the aide secretly communicated with the Empress and informed his every move. The only reason why he pretended not to know was because there was nothing this young child could do right away. If he disclosed it to the Emperor, who was fair in everything, with weak evidence and suspicion, Edward would only be attacked by the Empress. Besides, he also shortly contemplated using it against her someday, but the thought made his stomach churn.

Looking back on what made him feel this, the source came from Eva. It was because he saw and experienced firsthand that the tip of the arrow that should be aiming for him was aimed at someone close to him. ‘I feel very terrible and upset.’  He didn’t even know it would be so bothersome and burdensome to have someone to protect.

Something like this even happened when his father still held onto his ground, so what if something went wrong before he ascended the throne? She would immediately show her true colors and pull him down from the Crown Prince position. It gave him a headache just by thinking of that gruesome scenario.

“Hoam…” As he quickly tired, he was about to change and rest, but noises from the outside reached his ears.

“What’s going on outside!”

Unable to stand it, Edward shouted. By then, the door was opened and showed the guard with a look of embarrassment. As he was unable to open or close the door, the guard peeked stealthy at Edward, flustered.

“Y-Your Highness, just now-”

“Your Highness~”

Before the guard had finished reporting, someone jumped through the open door. Eva with hair untied and combed nicely while dressed in pajamas, barefoot rushed to Edward and hugged him while calling his name. It felt very natural to hug her now that he had hugged her all afternoon.

“Eva.”