Chapter 306
Sebelia set down her teacup with a wry smile on her lips. Rosalyn’s hand, which had been stroking Maya, froze in place.
“The Inverness family sent Miss Rosalyn several official invitations, but you always turned them down, saying you weren’t well enough to attend. But the moment Dehart leaves for Hillend Hall, you show up here. It’s hard not to think you’re just trying to avoid him.”
At Sebelia’s calm, logical words, Rosalyn gave a rueful smile and nodded.
“You’re right. You saw straight through me. I did wait until my brother was away. But it’s not because I don’t want to see him.”
She fidgeted, clearly uncomfortable with the admission.
“It’s a little silly to say this now, but…”
“Is it awkward for you?”
Sebelia asked directly. Rosalyn blushed, turning away to gaze out the window, her golden eyes trembling. Sebelia suppressed a laugh and shook her head.
“If that’s the case, I can hardly blame you.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Relationships can’t be forced, after all.”
Sebelia shrugged and continued in a calm voice.
“So, what brings you to see me today?”
“It’s about the imperial family.”
Rosalyn took a short breath, then spoke with more clarity.
“Now that I’m feeling better, I want to leave the palace and move somewhere else. I’ve already informed the palace, but they keep dodging the issue. It seems like nothing will change unless I take matters into my own hands.”
“I see. So that’s why you came today?”
“Yes. I wanted to discuss my future residence with the Inverness family. If possible, I’d like to return to the North. If I say I’m going home, the palace won’t be able to argue anymore. But honestly, facing my brother is a little daunting.”
Sebelia nodded approvingly.
“That was the right call.”
Sebelia praised Rosalyn’s decision and sat beside her, already wondering how to discuss this with Dehart.
“But are you sure you’ll be alright traveling north alone?”
“Oh, Saina is coming up from the estate. I’ll go with her.”
Saina was Rosalyn’s childhood friend—one of those Baron Valerie and the third prince once took hostage to threaten Rosalyn. Sebelia had worried about her safety, but it seemed all was well.
“And your things at the palace…?”
“I don’t have much, so moving out shouldn’t be a problem.”
They were still talking over the details when the sound of a horse whinnying and some confusion from outside reached the room. Moments later, the Crown Prince of the Empire, Shateian Belkram, appeared in the sitting, with red eyes blazing.
“It’s been a while.”
“Your Highness! What brings you here unannounced?”
“I heard Lady Rosalyn hasn’t been well.”
The Crown Prince motioned for them to stay seated and joined them with a gentle smile.
“I thought you might need some medicine.”
Rosalyn looked conflicted as he placed a pouch on the table.
“That’s very thoughtful of you, but you really didn’t need to go to such lengths.”
“There’s no need to be so formal, my lady. Looking after your health is my duty.”
“I really can’t be a burden on the royal family any longer.”
Rosalyn said, slowly shaking her head as she accepted the medicine. Shateian watched her for a moment, then made a small sound in his throat.
“I’ll call for more tea and refreshments.”
Sebelia offered, but Shateian declined, saying he didn’t plan to stay long. Then he turned to Rosalyn with a serious look.
“Are you really leaving?”
“…”
“One more person at the palace isn’t going to bankrupt the imperial treasury. And honestly, you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. After all, you were a victim of the Third Prince and the Second Queen.”
Rosalyn quietly shook her head, staring at him. Shateian watched her stubbornly for a long moment, then finally stood up.
“I see there’s no persuading you. Fine, I won’t try to stop you any further. For now, let’s return together.”
“I’m sorry, Your Highness, but I plan to stay here from today onward.”
Sebelia’s eyes widened at the unplanned declaration. It was clear Rosalyn liked the palace far less than she had realized.
Does she really dislike being in the palace that much?
Still, she knew better than to contradict Rosalyn and make things awkward. Meanwhile, Shateian continued to stare at Rosalyn with a frown.
The silent standoff between them stretched on, until at last, Shateian let out a long sigh and spoke.
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