Chapter 52.1
Chapter 52.1
For Bashar Kisha, Haroon was more than just blood. In the isolating expanse of the royal court, Haroon was family, mentor, and savior, the one who had broadened his naive understanding of the world. Bashar’s feelings for Haroon transcended mere brotherly admiration. That’s why it was so unexpected that Bashar would raise his voice against him, let alone remain estranged for so long.
‘I thought Bashar would be the one to break the silence.’ I glanced at Haroon, his face still a mask of displeasure. He looked considerably thinner than the last time I saw him.
“I never thought Bashar would act like that….” Haroon’s golden eyes flickered with bewilderment as he pictured his brother, the hurt evident in his expression, as if betrayed by someone he trusted implicitly. “And he hasn’t even apologized, not a single word. Does this seem normal to you, Aven?” Haroon asked, anxiously drumming his fingers on the table. The dark circles under his eyes, the redness, and the rough texture of his skin all spoke of sleepless nights.
‘It seems they haven’t even spoken properly, let alone reconciled.’ I had assumed Bashar was the one who relied on his older brother, but judging by Haroon’s state, the dependence seemed mutual.
“Bashar wouldn’t act irrationally,” Aven replied, his tone suggesting familiarity with such inquiries.
“But he’s never raised his voice to me before. Never. This was the first time.”
“Is that so?”
“He’s so sensitive and gentle. He’s always looked up to me with such respect.”
“He must adore you.”
“But this sudden change… something must be wrong. Maybe there was some strange poison in the beast Pazl summoned. Or perhaps he’s under some kind of spell…?”
“We’ve checked him thoroughly. Bashar is fine. He’s not injured and there’s no sign of any spell.”
“But….” Haroon trailed off, seemingly unable to reconcile the brother he knew with the one he’d recently encountered. He fell silent.
The Crown Prince clicked his tongue softly, observing the foreign prince’s distress over this unprecedented fraternal conflict. Then, noticing my gaze, he turned to me with a gentle smile. “I apologize. You shouldn’t have to witness this.”
“It’s quite alright. I didn’t see anything.”
My nonchalant reply seemed to deepen his smile. “My apologies, I haven’t properly greeted you. Thank you for accepting my invitation, my lady.”
“Thank you for inviting me, Your Highness.”
I exchanged a brief, emotionless smile with Aven. As the Crown Prince, he was undoubtedly adept at reading people.
Just then, a hand tapped on the table beside me. I turned to see Damian, his chin resting on his other hand, watching us with an air of boredom.
“You needn’t stare at each other for so long.” The comment seemed directed at both of us, though the tone felt… curt, especially towards the Crown Prince. I blinked, a little taken aback.
The Crown Prince, however, seemed unfazed, almost accustomed to such remarks. “How curious. I don’t recall inviting you today.” He spoke with a smile, his voice as smooth as before, yet his words carried a distinct chill.
“Surely you’re not discriminating, Your Highness? I saved Bashar’s life, just as Amelia did, yet you seem intent on excluding me from this conversation.”
“I promised you appropriate compensation. I thought you understood.”
“I told you I’d rather be with Lady Hazel than receive any meaningless reward.”
Suddenly, Damian took my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine and lightly kissing the back of my hand. It was all done so deliberately, so clearly for the Crown Prince’s benefit, that I had no chance to react. I simply stared at him, surprised.
“You’d much rather be with me, wouldn’t you, Amelia?”
“That’s….” At the soft murmur of my name, I instinctively nodded, then immediately regretted it, startled by my own involuntary response.
“See? She agrees, Your Highness.”
“Tsk.” The Crown Prince clicked his tongue disapprovingly. I offered an awkward smile, caught between the two of them.
Just then, Ray Kewind, who had been observing us from a distance, approached. “Your Highness, a messenger said your next appointment has been moved forward by an hour.”
“Hm? Why would they send the Captain with such a message?”
“…Because you tend to ignore the attendants, Your Highness.” Ray frowned, adding that she’d rather not be burdened with such trivial tasks.
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