Most people were overjoyed that the first prince had survived. However, Kayden, who was being praised for saving Elliot, felt uneasy.
“…”
Kayden sat on the sofa in his room, legs crossed, deep in thought. As a result, Patrasche, who had come to report, was left standing awkwardly, watching his superior lose in serious contemplation. After standing for a while, he couldn’t hold back anymore and cautiously spoke up.
“What’s the matter? Could it be that you’re regretting refusing the gift the empress wanted to give you out of gratitude…”
“No.”
“Come on, you can be honest with me. I mean, of course, we’re glad that the first prince is safe, but it’s a little disappointing…”
“It’s not that.”
“…”
Patrasche, who had tried to lighten the mood with a joke, quickly realized that Kayden’s voice was unusually low and serious, so he closed his mouth. He swallowed his frustration internally.
I really want to quit. If he wasn’t going to explain the reason, he should stop acting all serious! Of course, Patrasche didn’t have the courage to say that out loud. His recent raise was too precious. So, he grumbled silently.
At that moment, Kayden, who had been silent all this time, raised his head. “Where’s Diana?”
“She should be in her room by now. Ah, is tonight the night you stay over there?”
“…Yes.”
Kayden’s response was half a beat slower. Seeing this, Patrasche instinctively remained silent.
So it wasn’t about the gift, but the third princess consort.
To be honest, Patrasche was also aware of the strange tension between Diana and Kayden recently. While others seemed oblivious, Patrasche, who spent most of his time by Kayden’s side, had noticed the shift in Kayden’s demeanor, who had gone from being infatuated and eager to see Diana, to suddenly becoming subdued. But when he realized that Kayden’s worries were because of Diana, he held back his words. He lowered his gaze quietly.
In a way, it’s probably for the best. It might be better for both of them to maintain a certain distance rather than let their emotions deepen awkwardly. Otherwise, it would be too painful when the time came for them to part ways.
“Then, I’ll finish my report tomorrow. Please rest for now.” Patrasche hurriedly gathered his papers, bowed, and quickly exited the room.
“…Ah.” Kayden, lost in thought, only realized that Patrasche had left after a moment. With a small sigh, he ran a hand over his face.
If I delay any longer, she might worry. After some hesitation, Kayden stood up.
There was no concrete evidence, only suspicions. He couldn’t confront Diana based on mere suspicion. So all he could do now was smile.
Kayden forced a casual smile and headed to Diana’s room. Just as he arrived, Diana, who seemed to have just finished bathing and was reaching for a brush, turned to him. The sight of her smile spreading softly across her face, like paint dissolving in water, quietly imprinted itself on his mind.
“You’re here.”
For a moment, Kayden didn’t reply and just looked at Diana. It wasn’t until she tilted her head quizzically that he moved towards her vanity.
“Were you about to brush your hair?”
“Ah, yes. Bella wasn’t feeling well today, so I sent her home early.”
“I’ll do it. Hand it over.”
Kayden smiled as he held out his hand. Diana’s eyes widened in surprise before narrowing. She looked at him curiously but eventually handed him the brush.
“You’ve always been unusually interested in my hair.”
“Because it’s beautiful.”
Kayden shrugged nonchalantly and began brushing her hair. His words were simple, but they were enough to momentarily take Diana’s breath away. She quickly took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Unconsciously, she clenched her hands resting on her lap.
Don’t think too much of it. If I act like it bothers me, it’ll become awkward, and then… Even this brief peace might be shattered.
Diana tightly closed her eyes for a moment before opening them again, her face as calm as usual. She let out a small laugh and lightly responded to him. “If it hadn’t turned out beautiful after all the effort, Bella would have been devastated.”
“Well, there’s definitely a difference, but it was beautiful even the first time I saw it. By the way, does it hurt?”
“Huh? No, it doesn’t.”
“That’s good. I was worried I might have made things worse by offering to help. Oh, you have a mole behind your ear.”
“Really? I never knew that.”
“Yeah. It’s cute.”
The more they talked, the more confused Diana felt. She blinked in puzzlement. What is this…? Everything Kayden said included words like ‘beautiful’ or ‘cute.’ It was starting to go beyond just being sweet—it was almost unsettling. It was as if his mind was elsewhere, causing him to speak without restraint, letting his words flow freely…
That’s a bit embarrassing in its own way…
While Diana was deep in thought, Kayden finished brushing her hair and placed the brush on the vanity. He lightly ran his fingers through her hair and smiled. “All done.”
“Ah, thank you.”
“It’s nothing. By the way, I heard you met with my brother and the first princess consort today. You must be tired, so let’s get some rest.”
Diana’s shoulders twitched slightly at his words, but she quickly masked her reaction and nodded with a calm smile. “Sure.”
“Good, sleep well.”
But then, Kayden gently guided Diana towards the bed and then headed for the sofa. Diana, surprised by this, opened her mouth to speak. “Kayden? Why are you going over there…?”
“Oh, I thought you might be uncomfortable sleeping next to someone after being alone.” Kayden shrugged nonchalantly and lay down on the sofa.
Diana realized that his behavior was because of her, and she felt awkward, furrowing her brows. “No, I’m fine. So, let’s just—”
Kayden interrupted her with a gentle yet firm smile. “Diana.”
“…”
“I’m really fine.”
Diana’s lips closed tightly. She felt a sudden weight in her chest, leaving her unable to speak.
Kayden added softly, a moment too late. “I’m not trying to make you feel bad. I just don’t want you to lose sleep worrying about me.”
“…”
“Goodnight, Diana.”
“…Yes.” Diana forced out a reply.
Kayden smiled reassuringly at her one more time before turning away. All she could see now was his broad back, covered by his shirt.
After that, Diana lay down on the bed, but she couldn’t sleep for a long time. Lying on her side, facing the window, she quietly listened to the sound of his steady breathing. Then, she slowly turned her head.
“…”
At some point, Kayden, who had been sleeping with his back to her, had turned around. He now lay on his back, his face peaceful as he slept. Diana quietly sat up. She held her breath, careful not to wake him, and crouched down beside him.
He’s sleeping well.
It had been a while since Diana had seen Kayden asleep, as he hadn’t spent many nights at his own palace recently.
Diana, sitting on the floor beside the sofa, hugged her knees and rested her head on them.
“Oh, you have a mole behind your ear.”
“It’s cute.”
Kayden’s words suddenly came to her mind. It struck her that, despite everything, they still didn’t know much about each other.
After a brief contemplation, Diana slowly leaned forward over Kayden. Behind the ear… She reached out to gently move his hair aside.
Whoosh!
“…!”
In the blink of an eye, her wrists were caught. Their chests pressed against each other, separated only by thin nightclothes. Diana froze as she found herself staring into Kayden’s half-open, sleepy eyes, looking back at her.
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