Chapter 38 - A Wintry Mix

“Your Highness? Your Highness,” Wellen called. As he watched the crown prince absentmindedly tugging at his hair, he realized that Kael’s sullenness wasn’t caused by the excessive workload after all. “Oh no, what happened?”

“Keep your mouth shut,” Kael warned.

“Shall I have her wrapped up in a blanket and brought to you? She might put up a decent fight, but I could ask my brother,” Wellen tactfully mumbled using ventriloquism, since Kael had ordered to keep his mouth shut. When he saw Kael clutch his head, he added, “Aren’t you thinking about her?”

“What’re you on about?” Kael quickly denied, as his shoulders flinched and he blinked unnaturally. His head was pounding from Wellen’s ridiculous suggestion.

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that Wellen had been at Kael’s side from the moment the crown prince was born, so there was no way he couldn’t read the subtle changes in the prince’s demeanor. He tapped his chin and said, “Should I really tell my brother to—”

“Enough of your nonsense,” Kael interrupted. After a deep inhale and exhale, he refocused his mind on his work. Whatever wasn’t addressed today would only be added onto the pile for the next day. Picking up the document sent from the Archduke’s estate, he gravely inspected it and asked, “Where’s the update on the scoundrel?”

“I’m working on it, but…”

“Not only did he spread false rumors that he and my sister were in love, he even dared to attempt rape, and now he’s out to kill… We definitely have to apprehend him.”

“Yes, I know.”

Before her marriage, Daphne, the eldest daughter of the imperial family and Kael’s older sister, almost suffered a catastrophe at the hands of a delusional escort knight. The knight had been sentenced to death, but had managed to escape and was now on the lam. A few days ago, Kael had received intel that the disgraced knight was now attempting to assassinate Daphne and her child.

“I thought he’d give up after sister was married, but now he’s even targeting my nephew’s life,” Kael snarled.

“I simply can’t relate to his motive of wanting to kill her just because he can’t have her,” Wellen sighed.

“Sister said she intends to move up her visit, and Danielle will be joining her.”

“We’re in the process of gathering the knights into a unit to dispatch as an escort.”

Kael nodded faintly in response to Wellen’s report and said, “Since Danielle was injured in Daphne’s stead, make sure Sir Scotton is included in the unit.” He imagined Sir Scotton, Danielle’s fiancé, must be in a frenzy after hearing the news of her injury.

“I heard he already made the request as soon as he learned of the news.”

“That must be nice.”

Wellen’s mouth dropped open, but he quickly covered it with his hand. If he hadn’t done so, he would’ve certainly let out a squeak in surprise.

“Why’re you reacting like that?” Kael said in a dissatisfied tone.

“Are you envious now?”

“Yes, I envy his freedom to throw everything aside in order to go see his fiancée.”

In contrast to Kael’s nonchalant response, Wellen appeared to be close to tears. He’d never imagined he’d witness the day he’d hear such words from the crown prince. In an emotional tone, he said, “I’ll work harder.”

“Yes, I would appreciate that. Now, moving onto the next matter.”

* * *

Meanwhile, Irene was gazing out her window as she sat perched on the windowsill in her room at Atrichen. Though she’d seemed slightly more energized in the initial days after being called by Kael, she had since regressed back to her listless self. Now, the image of her curled up on the windowsill appeared helpless and depressed.

“This is my first time seeing a wintry mix,” Marie chirped, intentionally brightening her voice as she moved to stand behind Irene.

“I’ve seen it once before. You can’t see it easily in Theorin.”