Chapter 28

With his excuses in place, Aaron made his way back to his quarters, silently hoping that whatever secret Leonia was hiding wouldn’t turn out to be something dire.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

For a while, life was a whirlwind.

There was a portrait to be commissioned, and in hopes of currying favor with Anna, I made donations to several institutions in her northern homeland. The days vanished as I sorted through letters inquiring after my well-being, most sent for the sake of appearances, and sifted through the flood of invitations, replying only to those that mattered.

“Are you tired? You don’t look well.”

“I haven’t been sleeping well.”

At Louis’s question, I mustered a practiced smile.

Lately, with so much weighing on my mind, I haven’t been sleeping well. I’d even had a sleeping draught prescribed, so enough was said.

“You should try to rest a little before we return.”

“I will.”

I’d already asked Ase to bring the medicine for just that reason.

“But more importantly, do you know why His Majesty summoned us today?”

We were on our way to a luncheon, having been summoned by the emperor. To be honest, I couldn’t imagine what he hoped to gain from seeing our faces together.

“Marquis Regen’s period of probation ended just yesterday.”

Louis spoke, casually voicing the emperor’s true intentions.

“He probably wants to paint a picture where the marquis has reconciled with us, and we’re all sharing a meal together.”

“I see.”

Now that he mentioned it, I had nearly forgotten about Diego. Although I had been so sure he’d cause trouble before long, he had shown no signs of stirring.

“He’s kept surprisingly quiet during his confinement. I was certain he’d lose patience and make a scene.”

“Well, whether the marquis truly behaved himself remains to be seen.”

The way he spoke, it was clear that something was on his mind. However, before he could say more, our carriage passed through the palace gates. I quickly checked my dress and hair ornaments, then accepted Louis’s hand as he helped me down from the carriage.

“We have a little time before luncheon, so I asked them to open the gallery for us. Is that all right?”

I nodded, wearing a smile as carefully composed as a painted portrait.

It seemed he was suggesting we play the part of affectionate lovers, at least for today. We weren’t outdoors, nor were there attendants trailing after us, but this was still the imperial palace. Which meant, of course, there were plenty of ears listening in. In other words, there was no better place to drop carefully chosen hints under the guise of casual conversation.

“We’ve both been so busy, we haven’t managed a proper outing in ages. I’ve been terribly neglectful.”

Louis seemed to be drawing out the conversation on purpose, fully aware of our silent audience.

Our relationship was still unshakable; that was the message he wanted to send.

To drive the point home, he watched over me with exaggerated attentiveness as we admired the paintings, constantly asking if I was comfortable, if the room was too warm or too cold, if I was thirsty, or if my feet hurt. It was all hollow, a show of care without any real feeling, but anyone outside our little act would be none the wiser.

“More importantly, have you made up your mind?”

Still wearing that gentle expression, Louis continued to escort me through the gallery.

“You said you had something to discuss with His Majesty.”

“That…”

It was a matter Louis and I had already agreed upon not long ago, and all that remained was to bring it up at luncheon. So if he was mentioning it now, of all times…

‘He wants to make sure everything is clear and settled.’

He wanted the emperor to know this wasn’t some excuse hastily cobbled together, but something we’d considered from the very beginning.

“I’ve thought it over, and I still believe it’s best to bring it up with His Majesty. There are a few things that trouble me, but…”

There was no need to spell out everything here. If I did, it might seem as though I was being deliberately indiscreet or perhaps even arouse suspicion.

“Come to think of it, I heard His Royal Highness Prince Aaron of the Valentin Kingdom will be joining us as well.”

I changed the subject, as if the previous topic didn’t quite suit me. At the same time, it was something I’d meant to confirm sooner or later.

“Yes, apparently His Majesty invited him personally.”

A quick glance told me his expression hadn’t changed in the slightest.

‘So, Prince Aaron must have handled things carefully.’

If he hadn’t, I doubt I’d still be alive since Louis wasn’t the type to let betrayal go unpunished.

Judging by Aaron’s reaction that day, he had definitely read my fate. He must also have realized that I was deceiving Louis. And yet, he had chosen to keep silent, proof that my offer had been tempting enough.

“I’ve heard the second prince is rather unusual. They say he can see people’s destinies.”

That much wasn’t exactly a secret.

Anyone with connections to Valentin had likely heard the rumors.

“I’ve never seen it myself, but that’s what the rumors say.”

But Louis drew a clear line, acting as if he didn’t know even that much, most likely to avoid revealing any connection to Aaron.

“If the rumors are true, it’s quite a fascinating gift.”

“I didn’t realize you had an interest in such things.”

“Well, it’s not as if the opportunity to mention it ever came up.”

Even though I had hoped to glean even a bit of information, it seemed that wouldn’t be possible. Whether it was the caution that came with being at the imperial palace or simply a refusal to share, Louis was unusually guarded today, sharp, almost on edge.