Chapter 88 - Loving Feeling and Confrontation

Vaughn stopped when he felt that Zenia seemed to be out of breath. His eyes widened and suddenly remembered that he took off his mask in the heat of the moment. He saw Zenia was gasping for breath, and he took the opportunity to put on his mask quickly.

'Did she recognize me?' Vaughn wondered as beads of sweat began to form on his forehead and back.

It was still uncertain if Zenia saw his face clearly. It happened so suddenly and they were so close. The sun was also blinding with its radiant rays, and Zenia was facing the sun at the time. But…

Vaughn touched the lip part of his mask, and his heart began to pound hard. He looked at Zenia who was fanning herself using her hand. He could see her blushing, but she still stayed with him. She was looking at the ground and dared not lift her head. 

"Zenzen, just now…" Vaughn tried to get close to Zenia. 

Zenia felt Vaughn's movement and stopped him with her palm. She was practically trying to hide her face while keeping him at a safe distance from her. If that kind of thing would happen once more, she might die of suffocation. She had to admit that the sweetness in her mouth still lingered after the kiss had ended.

"You are my husband, and I guess others will only suspect us if we don't live like a true married couple. However, I want to know what you truly feel about me, Your Highness."

Vaughn had never been so nervous like he did at that moment, and he knew that there would be other times that he would feel very nervous when facing his wife. She was asking him about his feelings for her. Vaughn took a deep breath.

"Zenia Anisen, you are the only woman that I love and will always love throughout my life. I have never loved any woman before you and will never dare love another for as long as I live… What about you, Zenzen?"

Zenia somewhat frowned when she heard his response. It was not quite what she was expecting to hear, but she knew that every word carried Vaughn's sincerity. Should she ask him about the thing that kept bothering her or should she wait?

"To be honest, I really don't know yet, but I do care about you and want to help you strengthen your foothold to the throne. However, we may still end up walking our separate ways. Being a Queen is not something that I dreamed of."

Vaughn felt like his heart shattered in pieces when he heard Zenia's answer. He had always known that Zenia was born to roam freely and must not be constrained in the confines of the palace walls. He told his grandfather earlier that he could give up everything, except Zenia. Should he give up the throne now?

"Zenzen, I am willing to give up the throne for you. I know you understand how important it is to first resolve the problem that involves both Tissuria and Ishelon. When I am certain that my people and your people can finally live in peace, we can go to the places that you want to explore – just the two of us."

Vaughn was hoping that Zenia would not insist on abandoning her position as the Crown Princess and future Queen of Tissuria. He was glad that they were making some progress in their relationship.

"Believe me, I understand what you are trying to say but don't expect that I will change my mind. Aside from that, I have other reason as well. You see, I met a boy when I was still very young. I was too naughty and created trouble for him. That boy had a sad life, and I feel so guilty for giving him some hard time when he visited our kingdom. We were supposed to perform a betrothal ceremony, but I did something despicable to him. I did not know what betrothal means back then. I promised myself to search for him, and perform the betrothal ceremony properly if he still wants it."

Vaughn felt that his heart somersaulted when he heard Zenia's explanation. He was certain that she did not recognize him when he took off the mask earlier. Otherwise, she should've confronted him right away just like she did in the Principality of Ismund. She had been searching for him because of the failed betrothal ceremony when they were young. He tried hard not to smile, but Zenia already noticed that something changed – his gloomy aura suddenly vanished in thin air.

"Did you find him?" Vaughn's joyful reaction was easily detected by Zenia.

"Yes!"

Vaughn waited for Zenia to say more, but she did not utter another word. Vaughn was getting annoyed at their situation. Just when he thought they were making progress, it looked like they were back to square one.

Zenia's suspicion became stronger, and she was patiently waiting for something to happen – like a confession. Vaughn also had a hunch that his wife must have known something. But, he also knew that she was someone who had no patience to deal with things. She would just say what she wanted to say and do what she wanted to do. If she was suspicious of him, she would confront him right away.

"Are you planning to marry him after divorcing me?"

Vaughn thought he was playing his cards well. Either way, Zenia would end up married to him. He also knew that he should reveal the truth to Zenia sooner or later. 

Zenia was only speculating that the Crown Prince and Big Brother Vaughn were one and the same. But, she must have a solid proof. The sun earlier was too bright that she did not see the Crown Prince's face clearly. However, she was certain that there was no scar. Somehow she understood the Crown Prince's reason for hiding his face even if he did not sustain a serious facial injury.

"Hmm… I still need to ask him. But, it doesn't really matter whether he is still interested or not. I just feel obligated. Do you have anything else you want to tell me, for example, your secrets?"

Vaughn did not expect that the little devil chose to act like a little devil at such a crucial moment. 

'Is she giving me an opportunity to confess everything? But I don't how she would react.'

Vaughn sighed and could only give her the best possible answer that he could come up with.

"I have many secrets, and I promise to tell them all to you in due time. Please be patient with me. I have my reasons, and I hope that when I'm ready to tell you everything you can extend more patience and understanding. I have so many enemies, but I promise to get rid of them and give you a peaceful life as my wife."

Zenia remained silent, and it made Vaughn restless. The experience was new to him. In the past, he had always been the one who made people restless. Now he knew the feeling.

"I can accept this for now. Please don't make me wait for too long. I can't guarantee that I will remain calm and composed when my patience ran out. I don't have much patience. So my husband, please think things through and I hope that you will be able to tell me your deepest, darkest secrets soon."

"I promise."

Vaughn helped Zenia up and held her hand. Zenia did not break free from Vaughn's grasp. She had decided to wait for his confession and not to be so harsh on the Crown Prince for the meantime. The couple walked hand in hand toward the weapon shed where the old man was waiting.