Chapter 238
The black carriage had crossed the palace gates earlier that morning.
“Ah, that’s Duke Inverness’ carriage.”
“I’ve heard Nathan Wheddon has been poked around here and there…”
The curious eyes of the people strolling leisurely through the palace followed the carriage. Amid the rising whispers, it moved steadily toward its destination without hesitation.
The Second Prince, Shateian, who had survived alone after losing the Empress, resided in the Crimson Crystal Palace. As the carriage approached its destination with its striking rose-colored roof, Sebelia turned her gaze to the opposite side.
Dehart noticed and lifted his head. A flicker of curiosity passed through his golden eyes, and as if waiting for the moment, he said.
“Are you uncomfortable?”
“I couldn’t be more comfortable.”
Sebelia looked down at the cushions, soft enough to feel like her body might sink into them entirely. I could lie down and sleep right here, she whispered quietly. Claude chuckled softly beside her.
“I agree. I nearly fell asleep the moment we got in the carriage, too.”
“You as well, Mr. Claude?”
“Of course. But if I had, someone might have thrown me out of the carriage, so I kept my eyes wide open and endured.”
Claude’s teasing tone made Dehart narrow his eyes.
“Bella, since you’re not feeling well, this level of preparation is only natural.”
“Who said anything? I just said it’s so soft it makes me sleepy.”
“…”
Dehart raised an eyebrow and Claude raised both hands in surrender. Dehart let out a small sigh. Since revealing her ability, Sebelia had had several bouts of fever. His concern was entirely justified.
“Bella, don’t pay attention to Claude. If you’re tired, a short rest will be good for your health. I’ve placed a blanket under the seat—use it.”
“You don’t really mean that, do you? It seemed like Prince Shateian just looked at us from the window.”
Sebelia glanced out and said, and Dehart replied with an almost blank look,
“So?”
Sebelia blinked rapidly. Dehart tilted his head at the inscrutable look.
“If you want, we can tour the palace for a while and then return, or you can go back due to fatigue. I can meet him anytime I choose.”
His calm voice and steady gaze simply stated the facts. He was the head of the northern Inverness family and the master of its power. Compared to him, Shateian, though the Empress’ son, was still only a prince who had yet to ascend the throne.
Even if Shateian was overseeing the investigation of the incident, in terms of authority and influence, Dehart was overwhelmingly dominant.
So far he’s been cooperative, but that could change at any moment.
Unexplained favors often make one uneasy. That was why Dehart’s attitude toward Shateian remained cynical.
“So, what do you want?”
Dehart asked, ready to turn the carriage if needed. Sebelia shook her head after giving him a strange look.
“I need to present myself properly, but there’s no need to provoke hostility.”
“Understood. But keep in mind, if your condition worsens at any time, we’ll return immediately.”
Sebelia had taken fever medicine that morning. Dehart’s worried gaze swept over her, and she found herself biting her lip instinctively.
“Bella? You really…aren’t feeling well, are you?”
“No!”
Sebelia leaned back and waved her hands. Dehart eyed her suspiciously. She fiddled with her fingertips, desperately avoiding his gaze.
“Really?”
“Of course. Look, Prince Shateian is coming out to greet us.”
Sebelia turned her head toward the window, sweat cooling on her skin. She felt Dehart’s gaze following her but had no courage to meet it.
Sebelia sighed inside.
How did it come to this?
Since realizing the mix of lingering attachment and something else in her heart, she had been in this state.
“I don’t see the guest who’s supposed to accompany us. I guess we have to enter to meet them.”
Claude’s clear voice broke the tension. The carriage slowed as it passed the broad fountain in front of the palace.
“No chance to turn back now.”
Dehart clicked his tongue as Shateian descended the stairs slowly. His neatly tied white hair brushed his shoulders.
“Just as expected, bustling as always. Welcome.”
His red eyes softened as they swept over the interior of the carriage.
* * *
The palace had an unusual atmosphere. Sebelia couldn’t help but be drawn to the eccentric busts and ceramics decorating the interior.
His mother was said to come from Lubradi.
A beautiful Empress from Lubradi, far across the southern seas. Sebelia thought of her as she watched Shateian’s white hair ahead.
The Empress had left the world abruptly, leaving young Shateian behind.
Is that why…?
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