Chapter 76
Now, moans echoed from his bedroom every night. By morning, servants would carry out soaked sheets.
“Then again, seeing how drenched she was that day, it’s obvious. She’s a master at seducing men.”
“Unbelievable. To act so cold toward Your Highness… What a shameless woman.”
“Consider it a blessing. A woman like that isn’t worth keeping close.”
The knights eagerly piled on. Every guard in Dawn Palace had once harbored a crush on Katie. Some had confessed and been rejected. Those men especially despised her.
Pathetically, Damian was no different. Though his feelings hadn’t been deep, Katie was a woman he’d genuinely pursued. And she’d chosen someone else.
Had it been anyone but Helion, the sting wouldn’t have been so sharp. But Damian’s lifelong inferiority complex twisted the rejection into fury.
“Tch. It won’t last. Brother’s never been one to stay interested in anything for long.”
“True. He might’ve already gotten tired of her.”
“What? What do you mean?”
The knights exchanged meaningful glances, then shared the freshest gossip from their spies.
“Today, Katie was assigned to the day shift. Seems her night duties are over.”
The end of nighttime service meant the end of Helion’s favor. Damian’s eyes glittered at the unexpected good news.
Just then—knock, knock—a sharp rap at the door interrupted them.
“Your Highness, I’ve brought the physician.”
“Let him in.”
The door swung open the moment permission was granted. Wayne entered with a respectful bow.
“I greet the rising sun. I heard you injured your toe—is that correct?”
“Yes. Come closer and take a look.”
Wayne approached and knelt before Damian. Upon closer inspection, the prince’s big toe was swollen. The slight heat suggested it had struck something hard.
From his medical bag, Wayne retrieved an anti-inflammatory salve.
“Fortunately, it’s just a minor contusion. The swelling should subside within a day or two. I’ll apply this ointment—please avoid washing it off until evening.”
Though Wayne continued listing precautions, Damian only half-listened.
‘Has Brother already grown tired of Katie?’
His mind swirled with thoughts of her.
‘Serves her right for abandoning me.’
Katie had been discarded by Helion. The thought eased the suffocating frustration in his chest. Simultaneously, a lingering lust began creeping back in.
“I detest picking up another man’s scraps… but Katie might still be worth reclaiming.”
“…Pardon? Did you say Dame Katie?”
Wayne’s head snapped up at the familiar name. Damian raised an eyebrow at his exaggerated reaction.
“What’s wrong?”
“N-nothing. The name just… caught me off guard.”
“Now that I think of it, Katie frequented the infirmary. You two seemed acquainted.”
“Training injuries are common. She occasionally came for treatment.”
Wayne hastily defended himself. Damn it—too rash. He always regretted how ill-suited he was for spy work.
‘How am I supposed to assassinate the crown prince like this? If only Captain Katie were still here to advise me. Of all times to catch Helion’s eye…’
His thoughts drifted to the recent orders he’d received.
It was then. As if reading his mind, a welcome command came.
“Perfect timing. You need to meet Katie.”
“Me…? You mean me?”
“Yes. You. I have something to tell Katie. It’s better to send someone she’s at least a little acquainted with.”
“A-anything you say, Your Highness!”
Wayne, who had been sulking just moments before, now brightened with eagerness, his eyes shining.
The timing was impeccable. To be able to meet Katie when her advice was desperately needed.
Until now, he hadn’t been able to meet Katie, wary of the guard’s eyes. But with Damian’s command, a natural meeting was possible.
“Tell Katie this, I am a generous master, and I will take her back anytime if she returns.”
Wayne rummaged through the first-aid box and pulled out a memo pad he’d stashed just in case. He even found a pen and was about to write diligently when Damian wickedly pulled up one corner of his mouth.
“No, wait. To quell the rumors, it’d be better to say she must return.”
“Yes. Understood. But what rumors are you referring to, Your Highness?”
“The rumors of her being a w***e in knight’s clothing. Haven’t you heard the story that Katie dreamed of rising in status by seducing the prince with her body, only to be abandoned?”
For a moment, Wayne doubted his own ears. As soon as he understood the meaning, his face turned deathly pale.
“W-where did such rumors come from?”
“Ah, yes. You might not have heard yet. Don’t worry. From now on, my knights will diligently spread them. Won’t you?”
Damian looked around at his escorts as if seeking their agreement. The escorts chuckled but answered dutifully.
“Just leave it to us! We’ll do our best.”
“That’s reassuring.”
Damian, smiling satisfactorily, leaned his upper body towards Wayne.
“Just in case, my brother doesn’t care about what he’s discarded. It’s best not to expect help.”
His gaze was clearly on Wayne, but his eyes were unfocused. Only then did Wayne realize. He wasn’t looking at him. He was looking at Katie, who was somewhere in that palace.
“So choose wisely, Katie. Whether you spread your legs only for me, or for every man in this palace.”
Wayne’s hand, gripping the pen, trembled violently. Damian was the true power in this palace. With just one command from him, everyone in this palace would become Katie’s enemy.
‘How did this happen?’
Wayne squeezed his eyes shut. What Damian wanted him to convey was a threat disguised as persuasion. No, it was a prelude to a crime.
However, there was no way a mere physician could refuse the prince’s command. More than anything, he was in too deep to worry about others right now.
The order had been given, and he had to meet Katie.
Finally, Wayne slowly nodded his head.
“Understood, Your Highness. I will deliver the message as soon as possible.”
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