Episode 12
Kaiden smiled, anticipating Reina’s reaction.
The more he saw, the more intriguing she was. He wanted to keep her close, to watch her.
She was a fascinating presence that crashed into his mundane life.
Until now, he thought she’d never be involved with him.
Had he known she was this interesting, he’d have approached her sooner.
Impulsively, he caressed Reina’s cheek.
Their time together was short but intense.
It seemed he’d gained a truly entertaining bride.
Wiping soot gently, he whispered,
“Had fun playing with fire?”
Reina blinked, wide-eyed.
When had he arrived?
It could look like she set Isabelle ablaze.
With no allies here, she feared being framed, as in the past.
She tried to explain urgently.
But he seemed unbothered.
His question about her feelings left her at a loss.
How to describe this?
She felt satisfied landing a blow on her tormentor.
Facing fear stirred complex emotions.
Lowering her head, Reina murmured,
“Not bad.”
“Good to hear.”
His hand on her cheek felt warm.
His moonlit smile gleamed brightly.
It felt like they were alone in a frozen moment.
Her heightened emotions began to settle.
Strange, how just his gaze brought such calm.
Perhaps due to their past life together.
The comfort came from blind trust in the first to offer her a hand.
Wendy, belatedly, appealed to Kaiden.
“You saw, Duke! Reina deliberately set Isabelle on fire.”
As expected.
Isabelle’s sobs grew louder, acting as if Reina bullied them.
Kaiden’s response remained nonchalant.
“Hm. Looked the opposite to me.”
Wrapping an arm around Reina’s shoulder, he growled,
“Wasn’t that lantern Isabelle’s to begin with?”
“Well, yes, but! Reina threw it at her after dropping it by mistake.”
“Reflex, probably. My wife nearly got burned, didn’t she?”
“…”
Wife?
Reina flinched at the startling term. So did Wendy and Isabelle.
Though their engagement was announced, him calling her “wife” was a first.
Unfazed by their shock, he continued,
“Look at her, frozen in fright. How will you take responsibility?”
It’s your fault I’m startled…
Before she could clarify, he lifted her like a princess.
To the stunned Isabelle, he said,
“You seem to have plenty to look after you. We’ll take our leave.”
“Duke!”
Ignoring Wendy’s cry, Kaiden strode away from the fountain.
As if eager to free Reina from the scene.
Caught in his arms, Reina blushed with embarrassment.
Being treated preciously, like a child, was awkward but not unpleasant.
His claim over her warmed her heart.
Yet, her less-than-innocent role in the incident left her uneasy.
At a secluded garden spot, Reina confessed,
“I did it on purpose.”
“I know.”
“You knew?”
She looked up, shocked.
That he sided with her despite knowing was surprising.
He lowered his gaze to meet hers.
His violet eyes sparkled in the moonlight, free of judgment.
Instead, he said with intrigue,
“I knew they’ve bullied you for a while. My aide is quite capable.”
“Oh…”
He wouldn’t have proceeded with this marriage without such research.
Reina felt embarrassed, her vulnerabilities exposed.
Kaiden said,
“Good job.”
Suddenly, her self-reproach vanished.
His words comforted her.
When she stayed silent, he murmured,
“If you’d just taken it, I’d have thought less of you.”
“…”
“Feel better after letting it out?”
“…A lot.”
“That’s enough.”
Kaiden chuckled, setting her down.
Ruffling her hair, he said,
“Do what you want from now on. Leave the consequences to me.”
His warm encouragement choked her up.
Not wanting to reveal her feelings, she asked primly,
“What if I do something reckless?”
Kaiden’s voice carried amusement.
“Whatever it is, it’ll be entertaining.”
His carefree attitude brought relief, and Reina smiled, muttering,
“You’re really strange.”
“I hear that a lot. It’s not new.”
Kaiden offered his hand.
“Let’s head back.”
Reina looked at his large hand, then placed hers in it.
* * *
The next day, Reina left the stifling palace for the North.
It was so easy.
What was once impossible in her past life happened effortlessly after meeting Kaiden.
Gazing at the scenery outside the carriage, Reina felt a mix of emotions.
They were headed to the Grand Temple, where a portal to the North awaited.
Located on the capital’s outskirts, the temple fascinated her.
Kaiden, watching her sparkling eyes, said,
“What’s so exciting?”
“It’s been ages since I left the capital.”
“You could’ve visited the Grand Temple if you wanted.”
Kaiden asked, puzzled.
Even royals weren’t restricted from nearby outings.
Her expression turned serious at his casual question.
Reina gazed wistfully out the window.
After the Eve family left for their estate, she’d secluded herself for three years.
No one forced her, yet leaving the palace felt impossible.
Perhaps, with no one to rely on, she isolated herself.
Recalling the past, she murmured,
“You’re right. I could’ve gone if I wanted. But it was so hard.”
Her lonely reply made Kaiden stay silent by her side.
Soon, she turned and said,
“Now I know. I’ll be braver.”
Her brave smile tugged at his heart.
Impulsively, he said,
“If you want, we can stay a day at the temple.”
A silly offer, given the urgent monster situation.
