Chapter 88
Russell had already known of the Alpha, the third son of Duke von Alice, who was said to be popular because of his carefree, easygoing nature.
What he had not anticipated was that Marie would become involved with such a man.
Yet, in the end, had Marie not once chosen that flirtatious Alpha over him?
And even after everything that had happened, she had smiled brightly upon seeing that Alpha boldly return to the palace.
That was why he had chosen not to pursue serious punishment and had left House Alice alone.
‘He is my friend, Your Highness. So you have absolutely no reason to worry about that. To me, he is neither an Alpha nor a man.’
‘…’
‘Still, I would like you to permit him to visit the palace. If you trust me, that is. If you trust me as your lover, even after I once ran away from you.’
‘That sounds rather like a test.’
‘Then think of it as part of the process of learning to trust each other.’
That had been her answer to the question he had managed to ask only after swallowing down his jealousy.
The clear, shining eyes with which Marie had looked at him held not the slightest trace of ulterior feelings, and somehow that only made him feel even more bitter.
“She smiles so easily.”
Watching her gently pat her younger sister’s head before picking up a cookie from the table and placing it into the girl’s mouth was unexpectedly pleasant.
Despite all the difficulties she had endured together with her elder sister, the child named Freya had grown up bright and unburdened.
It was proof of just how fiercely Marie had protected and loved her younger sister.
Russell quietly smiled as well, almost as though he were unconsciously mirroring the sisters’ laughter. It was a laugh as light as the wind.
The smile, touched with a warmth that could only be called tenderness, made it impossible to find any trace of the Crown Prince who had been bearing down on the nobles as though he intended to devour them only moments ago.
Russell was undoubtedly changing as well. And in a very positive way.
The head maid, who had been watching Russell stare absentmindedly at Marie without even approaching her, finally spoke, sounding almost sympathetic toward him.
“Lady Marie has become much brighter these days. Ever since Your Highness granted her request, she seems to smile even more freely.”
“Has she?”
“Yes. She has certainly changed.”
“…”
“And is not Your Highness changing as well?”
An even warmer light settled in Russell’s eyes.
Those who genuinely cared for and cherished the Crown Prince quietly let out sighs of relief.
At first, they had misunderstood Marie and committed grave wrongs against her, but now, to them, Marie had become someone just as important as their lord himself.
She was the one to whom their master had offered his very heart through imprinting and entrusted his life.
And she was the only woman capable of making Crown Prince Russell, once frozen solid like ice, seem human again.
How could they not respect her?
“Then, how is she eating?”
“Her morning sickness has not been particularly severe yet, but she does not have much of an appetite.”
Seeing the slight furrow appear between Russell’s brows, the head maid hurriedly added,
“As Your Highness already knows, Lady Marie suffered greatly due to a lack of Alpha pheromones. To restore the balance, she must continue receiving pheromones regularly. Which means that Your Highness’s role is extremely important.”
“I know.”
A heavy silence briefly descended.
Because Marie’s escape, the pursuit that had followed, and everything that had happened afterward were still subjects as delicate as walking on thin ice.
Although Marie herself recalled those events calmly and with remarkable composure, it was the people who had wronged her who remained the most uneasy.
“As for everything else…”
Just then, a burst of bright laughter rang through the air—the clear, innocent laughter unique to a child.
‘Ah.’
Russell once again focused on the scene before him.
Freya, was it? Marie’s only younger sister. The girl she cherished above all else.
‘They do resemble each other.’
He had not yet been formally introduced to her, but he could feel the joyful rhythm of Marie’s heart all the way from where he stood, proof of how dearly she loved her sister.
Yes. That was undoubtedly what Marie had tried so desperately to protect. Her family. Her happiness.
Had she not been the sort of woman who, even while she herself was broken and weeping in misery, still wished above all else for her family’s safety?
‘If you wish for their safety, then I will protect them with you.’
He could still vividly remember the look on Marie’s face when, having no thought for her own benefit, she had asked only for the safety of her younger sister and her aunt.
Which was why the request Marie made after the storm had finally passed—and after they had spent the night together—was all the more precious.
‘Your Highness, I have a favor to ask.’
Just as a faint disappointment had begun to settle in his heart at the realization that she still had not affectionately called him Russell—
‘I want to see my aunt, who raised me, and my younger sister. Not by leaving the palace, but by inviting them here. Would that be possible?’
‘…’
‘If it would be difficult, then—’
‘No.’
How could he possibly describe the overwhelming emotion he had felt in that moment?
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.