Chapter 265
“…Well, I suppose it’s time for us to take our leave. Thank you for the invitation, Miss Bella, but I’m afraid living with such a worrisome man makes it impossible for me to leave the palace.”
Rosalyn said, gently refusing Sebelia’s offer. She took Hares’s arm, and, as if she’d been waiting for this very moment, left the ballroom.
Shateian just shook his head, looking thoroughly baffled by what he’d just witnessed.
Sighing, he raised his voice for everyone to hear.
“So, would someone please explain to me exactly what just happened?”
The young ladies, now huddled together like abandoned ducklings in a corner of the ballroom, bit their lips and stayed quiet. Ludmil hurried over to Shateian.
“That….”
As he began to explain everything in a low voice. Meanwhile, Sebelia turned her attention to Dehart.
“Your hands are cold.”
“…And your hands are trembling.”
Dehart placed his other hand over hers. The fact that she was shaking seemed to pain him even more, and he let out a long sigh, whispering softly,
“I’m sorry I didn’t step up sooner.”
“There’s nothing for you to apologize for—and you know it.”
“…”
“If anything, I admire you. It takes real courage to stand up to a sibling who resents you. I know how hard that is, I’ve been there myself.”
Her clear blue eyes gazed at him steadily.
“Besides, you carry guilt toward her. That must have made it even harder than what I went through, driven by anger and revenge. So please, don’t blame yourself.”
She reached up and stroked his cheek. The concern and care in her brilliant blue eyes left Dehart breathless.
“Let’s go. There’s nothing left for us here.”
Sebelia gave her farewells to Shateian, letting him know they would be leaving first. Shateian paused his conversation with Ludmil.
“All right. I need some time to process everything anyway. Just don’t forget to come back tomorrow.”
He was referring to the upcoming interrogation of Nathan Wheddon.
“I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t. See you tomorrow.”
Not letting go of each other’s hands, Sebelia and Dehart left the palace together, Claude quietly following behind.
By the time they stepped outside, evening was approaching. Sebelia looked up at the deepening sky and sighed.
“I hope I never have to come back here again.”
Dehart simply nodded.
* * *
The way to Silver Lily Palace wasn’t far, but Hares had still arranged for a carriage. Rosalyn took his arm, sat gracefully inside, and as soon as the door closed, the carriage began to move.
“…”
“Did you enjoy your little outing?”
Golden eyes glanced from the window to Hares, lashes fluttering before a beautiful smile appeared.
“It was much more entertaining than I expected.”
“I’m glad you were satisfied. But you really ought to stop shaking off your maids.”
Hares folded his arms, clearly not thrilled. He trusted Rosalyn’s love and loyalty, but still hated when she slipped out of his control.
“They suffocate me. Besides, if I want to get along with the other ladies, I have to join in on their silly adventures now and then.”
Rosalyn laughed off his complaint, and Hares had no real comeback since mingling with the neutral faction’s daughters had actually been his idea in the first place.
“Fine, just promise you’ll be more careful from now on.”
“Of course.”
She gave him the same sweet, obedient smile she’d worn since childhood and gently took his hand.
“I’ll make sure not to do anything that upsets you.”
* * *
“Careful getting out.”
“I’m fine now, you know?”
Sebelia scolded Dehart with a laugh. Though she’d been trembling all the way out of the ballroom, she’d finally regained her composure. However, Dehart still looked troubled.
“Just to be sure, let’s have Watts give you a quick checkup before we eat.”
“…I think you’re the one who’s over-worried. In that case, you should be checked out too. Having hands as cold as ice isn’t a good sign either.”
“Fair enough.”
His easy agreement caught Sebelia off guard, but she couldn’t take back her words now. Together, they made their way to Watts’s study, which now doubled as a clinic. After the success with the antidote, Dehart had simply given him the keys and told him to use the room as he pleased.
For a brief moment, they walked in silence. Then Dehart spoke up.
“There’s something I’ve been wondering.”
“Hmm? What is it?”
“Earlier, at the ball—why did you say what you did to Rosalyn?”
His expression made it clear he wasn’t trying to criticize her.
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.