Chapter 12: Hide And Seek

"Mmm" (Aurora)

Aurora drowsily mumbled as she was waking up.

'Creak'

Bed noises.

She had slowly sat up on the bed.

Her eyes had regained focus but not her consciousness yet.

She unconsciously looked around the bedroom and turned her head to a drawer on her right.

The book she had read last night was on top of a drawer.

But the strange thing of it all was that she herself was sleeping in the bed.

"Huh?" (Aurora, asked)

"Oh no I fell asleep." (Aurora, said)

"Wait why am I here wasn't I ..he came!" (Aurora, said)

Aurora's expressionless face showed a little worry and confusion.

She had fallen asleep waiting on Dorion and he was nowhere around.

So she looked to her left again and found the left side of the bed empty. Dorion didn't even sleep there at all since the left side of the bedsheets was neatly intact.

'He didn't even sleep here... will he get the wrong impression and think that I rather sleep than wait for my husband who had just returned from war?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'I need to fix this misunderstanding fast.' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

She started to become a little conflicted and nervous.

It will be a lie she wasn't worried about how she will face that man, especially because that man had a habit of pulling his sword on whoever displeased him.

She tried to relax and take a breather.

"Sigh" (Aurora)

'Let's remain calm and see the situation first, I don't think he will kill me...if he brought me to bed it means he must have cared a little.' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'He could have left me on that couch, woken me up, or killed me that instant so let's breathe.' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'Knock'

Soon a knock came on her door.

She looked at the door from the bed.

"Come in" (Aurora, said)

'Creak'

Door noises.

The door had opened.

"Good, moring madam." (Tala, said)

Tala came in with a smile holding a warm towel while Terra came with a bowl of water to wash up.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking.

"We brought some water for you to wash up." (Terra, said)

'Halt'

Stop walking.

Terra had laid the water bowl on top of the dresser while Tala had set the book in a safe place to avoid the book getting wet.

"Thank you." (Aurora, said)

Aurora thank them as she grabbed finished washing her face and dried her face with a warm towel.

Terra and Tala nodded with a smile on their face.

'Pat, Pat'

Aurora had finally finished drying her face and looked up at them.

It had seemed she had hesitated to ask but asked after a few seconds had passed.

"Perhaps, is my husband around?" (Aurora, asked)

Terra and Tala turned to look at each other then looked at back at Aurora.

"Unfortunately, madam we do not know where the duke went. He left early in the morning and hasn't returned." (Terra, said)

She said with an apologetic face.

"I see..." (Aurora, said)

Aurora frowned a little.

Seeing her face Terra quickly intervened.

"Madam how about we get you ready for breakfast at the table. I'm sure he will return by that time then." (Terra, said)

She tried to cheer Aurora up.

'Maybe he's busy? He did just return so he must have things to really do....let's be patient he probably went to deal with urgent things.' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

"Alright then, I'll be in your care" (Aurora, said)

She looked up at them with her expressionless face.

It is what it is. If he comes over by breakfast it will be great.

So she started to get herself ready.

.....

Aurora was now sitting on a beautiful black glossy dining table looking down at her warm pancakes covered in honey that dripped down to the sixth pancake stack.

There were some strawberries, raspberries, and a few blueberries that sat on top of the pancake stack alongside white whip cream.

'Chew, Chew'

Eating noises.

'Chew, Chew'

Eating noise

Aurora had finished some portion of her pancakes and as she was about to take another bite...

"Neigh"

Horse noise.

"Neigh, Neigh"

Horse noises.

There was in fact horse noise, a couple of horses.

They sounded far away but it was an indication that perhaps Dorion had arrived.

Aurora turned her head to look at the door and Tala quickly caught on.

"Madam, finish eating your pancakes I will go check if the master has returned." (Tala, said)

It was best for Tala to check because the entranced happened to be across the other end, it was quite far.

So it would be unnecessary to go all the way there if he wasn't there.

'Nod' (Aurora)

At her nod, Tala quickly headed out the door sprinting leaving Terra and Aurora dumbfounded.

'She's fast' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

She looked like a hare.

Soon enough Tala made her way back with a sweaty face and mishave hair.

"Huff, Huff" (Tala, breathing)

"Huff M-Madam I caught a glimpse of the master he's here talking to the knights." (Tala, said)

'How lucky, I can finally speak to him' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

She felt relief as a worry was lifted out of her shoulder.

'Creak'

Chair noises.

Aurora had gotten up and spoken up.

"I'll go and greet him then." (Aurora, said)

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking.

Aurora had finally made her way after a long walk.

She was known by the entrance.

She spotted a couple of knights and some horses but Dorion was no where to be seen.

"Hello" (Aurora, said)

She greeted the distracted chatting knights to call their attention.

Soon enough the knights turned around by her attractive voice including the horses.

"!" (Knights)

'Pretty!' (Knights' inner thoughts)

You'd have to be a fool not to know who she was.

The fuchsia pink-haired young woman who had become the bride of their master was the talk of the mansion and the entire empire.

"Did I miss my husband perhaps?" (Aurora, asked)

'Again' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

She said with curious eyes as she looked around to see if perhaps he was hidden amongst the knights.

Her eyes returned to the knights.

"Hello I, Orland Ins greet the duchess." (Orland, said)

He took a bow and looked up at her again.

"The master has just left without a word I'm afraid I don't know where he left." (Orland, said)

'Of course, I know where he went, he used that excuse to come along with us to execute the families when we could have just done it ourselves...I bet his avoiding her till things are set to send her to the foreign place' (Orland's inner thoughts)

'He left without a word? Without even telling his own knights?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

Somehow that sounded kinda strange for him to do that.

"Oh...I apologize I must have come in a rush. I had hoped to greet him but I see he's no longer here." (Aurora, said)

She looked a little upset.

'!' (Knights)

'Oh, no is she going to cry!' (Knight's inner thoughts)

Immediately their attitudes switched up.

"Madam...well perhaps he went to leave his horse at the stables." (Evan, said)

'It is worse to make her cry than not telling his location. If she cry's the master will slice my throat.' (Evan's inner thoughts)

"Yeah madam he must be there, he left with the horse towards the stable direction." (Orland, said)

'So he was in a rush to leave his horse?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

"To the stable?" (Aurora, asked)

Her eyes showed a little confusion.

"You might find him there after all it takes some time to take the horses gear off." (Kelvis, said)

Kelvis a twenty-four-year-old dark grey hair knight with purple eyes added.

'Nod' (Knights)

While the other knights agreed.

'Well if he's in the stables then...' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

"Then thank you." (Aurora, said)

"And it's a pleasure to meet you all officially, I am glad you return safe and sound from the war." (Aurora, said)

"The empire is in great depth and I hope you can take care of me the way I will take care of you." (Aurora, said)

She slightly bowed with a small smile.

That small smile that formed on her expressionless face had seemed to hit the knights with cupid arrows.

'Master is so lucky!' (Knight's inner thoughts)

"No our pleasure is ours, we will take care of you and our master and continue to protect you." (Orland, said)

'Nod' (Evan)

"We shall be your shield madam so count on us." (Evan, said)

'Thud'

Suddenly all the knights had kneeled on the ground and looked at her.

Her eyes widen in surprise.

"We swear from this day forward the madam shall not live with a worry as we are your knights and we shall stick by your side." (Orland, said)

'This...it's different from that promise...am I allowed to believe them?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

In fact Arian had once promised to protect her with all his heart, just remembering that painful promise made her heartache.

'Throb'

The knights noticed a shift in change in her expression.

"M-Madam are you alright?" (Kelvis, asked)

He asked worriedly.

At his question, she regain focus on what was present at the moment.

"Please rise, I was only taken back for a moment." (Aurora, said)

"I will see that you hold on to your promise then." (Aurora, said)

She smiled again but it was more like a bitter smile, you could have seen her heartbroken eyes.

The knights quickly rose and bowed again to make way for her to pass.

They too knew how to read the room.

They watched as Aurora walked away.

"The madam seemed sad don't you think?" (Evan, asked)

"You barely noticed you idiot?" (Orland, asked)

He asked with a 'are your serious face?'

"That's none of our business, it's not our place to know why she's sad. If the madam wants to speak then we will be here to support her." (Kelvis, said)

The knights looked at Kelvis in confusion.

"But doesn't the master want to send her away?" (Evan, asked)

"I think his mind will change pretty soon..." (Kelvis, said)

"Why do you say that Kelvs?" (Orland, asked)

"The master was determined on sending her away but didn't you catch on how he was acting this morning it's obvious he saw her and his feeling mix and if they have the opportunity to talk he will let her stay." (Kelvis, said)

"Mmmm...I hope she stays then." (Orland, said)

They all discussed as they continued to stare at Aurora's back from the distance.

.....

-Inside the stables-

Surprisingly for a stable that contained horses, it did not smell bad at all.

It was well maintained.

The stables were white with black glossy borders and black glossy wood for the horse doors.

"Neigh"

Horse noises

"Neigh, Neigh"

Horse noises.

There was a brown horse who was locked inside his stable room with his gear still on.

'Is this horse his?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

In her past life, she had seen his horse a couple of times so it was easy to recognize the horse.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking.

"Neigh"

Horse noises.

'Halt'

Stop walking.

"Neigh"

Horse noises.

She had to stop a few feet away from the horse.

"Neigh"

Horse noise.

The horse inclined his head and tillet it side to side signaling Aurora to come near him.

'Does it want me to pet it?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

"Do you perhaps want me to pet you?" (Aurora, asked)

"Neigh"

Horse noises.

The horse rejoiced in joy.

'Step, Step'

Walking.

'Halt'

Stop walking.

Aurora had come face to face with the horse, she slowly raised her hand to reach out to pet him.

And the horse inclined his head a little bit more down for her to reach.

'Pat, Pat'

"!" (Aurora)

'It's so soft!' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

She couldn't help but be moved by a cute friendly horse.

'Pat, Pat'

Touching horse.

"Hello there" (Aurora, said)

She spoke to the horse softly.

"Neigh"

Horse noises.

The horse responded happily.

Aurora smiled at the horse. Then her eyes moved to the horse's neck.

The horse had a tag with a logo of a lion's head and a name.

The logo was obviously the logo of Rainer's Duchy.

'Is that his name?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

She had touched the horse's tag and looked up at him

"Melvin" (Aurora, said)

"That's your name right? Melvin" (Aurora, asked)

"Neigh"

Horse noises.

The horse responded happily again.

'Wow, he picked a decent name compared to what he speaks I thought he would name it something like 'mad horse.' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

Now looking at the horse this horse still had his gear. She had learned some things with books on how to remove horse gear even though she hadn't tried it in real life.

There's always an opportunity for everything.

"You are a good boy Melvin, let me help you out here." (Aurora, said)

"Neigh"

Horse noise.

'Clack'

Aurora opened the gate so she could get a better hold of the horse saddle.

"Why would he leave you like this?" (Aurora, asked)

She mumbled.

Suddenly a grumpy voice was heard approaching.

"Who's there?" (Pone, asked)

She turned and saw a man a little shorter than her with a brown funny looking mustache and brown beard.

He had brown eyes that match his brown and beige-colored clothing.

His eyes had finally found Aurora.

"Ah madam it's you, my apologies." (Phone, said)

He quickly apologized for taking her as someone else.

"It's alright." (Aurora, said)

Her expressionless face had returned.

Phone quickly added.

"Madam, what brings you here?" (Phone, asked)

"Perhaps is the madam looking for a horse to ride?" (Phone, asked)

"No, I came here looking for my husband since his knights told me he should be here but I only found his horse, Melvin." (Aurora, said)

"Neigh"

Horse noises.

Melvin quickly responded proudly.

Aurora was about to Pat Melvin but Phone spoke up.

"Madam don't touch that horse he will-" (Phone, said)

It was too late for Phone's warning since Aurora's hand had patted Melvin before Phone could tell her.

'Pat, Pat'

Aurora pated Melvin.

"?!" (Phone)

"How?" (Phone, asked)

He was shocked.

Aurora misunderstood Phone's expression and removed her hand from Melvin.

"Ah, was I not allowed to touch him?" (Aurora, asked)

'Blush'

A small embarrassed face was shown.

'I don't know I couldn't touch him...I shouldn't have. Is Dorion going to be upset?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

He too had quickly corrected himself like the knights who knew what waited for him if they displeased her.

"N-No not all I was just worried because this horse tends to be very aggressive." (Phones, said)

Aurora looked at Melvin who looked at her innocently and turned to look at Phone back again.

"Aggressive?" (Aurora, asked)

'But this horse is far from aggressive...is he getting the wrong horse confused.' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

"Melvin is only keen to his excellency. He doesn't let no one touch him except him." (Phone, said)

"This horse must have known you were someone who was not permitted to be disrespect." (Phone, said)

He took a glance at Melvin who was throwing dagger eyes at him without Aurora noticing.

'I guess the master didn't have to educate him to respect the madam... this horse willing did it on its own accord.' (Phone's inner thoughts)

That's why they say horses recognize good people.' (Phone's inner thoughts)

"But by the looks of it, seems this horse likes you naturally just like his excellency." (Phone said)

"It seems so..." (Aurora, said)

'Anyways to leave his horse with his Seattle like this of the horse that doesn't let others touch him rather than Dorion...' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

She smiled gently at Melvin and looked at Phone.

"Mr. Phone it seems my husband must have been in a rush that he couldn't spear me some words"(Aurora, said)

'I think he's trying to avoid me is he not?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

Phone could sense what question she was going ask, he could have denied saying he didn't know where Dorion had gone but the best option was to snitch Dorion out as well.

"Madam I think he is in his office." (Phone, said)

He responded without an excuse.

"Thank you" (Aurora, said)

She thanked Phone and left.

However, when she got to the office, he had once disappeared again.

From the office to the garden, to the private library, to the bedroom, to the kitchen, and finally to the main hall.

At this point, she had lost track of the places she had been in the mansion.

It was evident that he was hiding from her.

The main hall was the last destination she was willing to go for him.

'This makes me look like a fool...I have been going back and forth all over this mansion' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'This the last place I will look if he's not here he will have to find me on his own accord. I have already tried my best but if this man is acting this way towards me then I rather just keep counting on myself and leave this man out of the picture.' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

The only reason she kept looking after him was because she didn't want to give up on empress Oralith's promise just like she did in her past life. She wanted to end this guilt and try this time but if this man wasn't letting himself there was no reason for her to beg for love or affection.

She was used to being alone, so if it meant doing this marriage alone that's what she'll have to do.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking.

She was making her way to the main hall but was in the first hallways before getting to the main hall.

Suddenly...she heard some voices that seemed to come from far away from where the main hall was out.

It was chatting maids. They were so loud she was able to hear their conversation from another hall.

"Have you heard what happened this morning?" (Maid Lidia, asked)

Lidia had short yellow corn hair and purple eyes.

She said with a face full of secrets.

"No what happened?" (Maid Elga, asked)

Elga had black medium-length hair and black eyes.

She asked curiously.

"Well, I heard two rumors..." (Lidia, said)

She said with a side smirk.

"Tell, Lidia!" (Maid Elga and Maid Johana, said)

"Okay, okay...I heard that our master the tyrant killed one of his own knights in front of the emperor's presence as soon as he returned and get this he did not stop there. " (Lidia, said)

"This morning he personality went to wipe out ten noble families including the old financial aid that worked here." (Lidia, said)

"Oh my how can he possess royal blood" (Maid Johana, said)

Johana had brown hair and brown eyes.

She said with a disgusted tone.

"God how awful can he be..." (Elga, said)

Elga added with a despised face.

"!" (Aurora)

'....' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'Halt'

Aurora had stopped her steps in the momentary shock while the maids continued their conversation.

"How is he not satisfied he's already shed enough blood on the battlefield why does he crave for more?" (Johan, asked)

"Hmph, if you tell me its quite repulsive to work for some kind of monster like that I only worked here because it had good pay hoping he'd die at war but what a shame." (Lidia, said)

She said with an annoyed face.

At that comment, Aurora regain her composure and began to walk again through t the hallway to get to the next one where the maids were talking.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking.

"If you tell me it's more of a shame with the new wife, she's such a pain in the ass." (Lidia, said)

"She just stepped here a couple of days and she thinks she's the ruler of here" (Lidia, said)

She said highly and arrogantly as if she were the owner of the house herself.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking.

'So this is what they say behind our backs' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

Aurora continued to walk as she heard the chatting maid's voices closer.

"You, have all seen how she kicked out the others, she's just a noble she doesn't understand what being a commoner means." (Lidia, said)

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking.

"We got mouths to feed, she acts as if a small amount will harm her." (Lidia, said)

She was on her high horse constantly talking about Aurora.

"Right, what a shame I thought the tyrant would get rid of her to get rid of nausea but I guess that didn't happen." (Johan, said)

She added with a somehow upset tone.

It was clear these maids had wished for Aurora to die by Dorian's hand.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking.

'This is truly disgusting how they speak it makes my stomach hurt.' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

She was used to cruel words but there were times she couldn't help but feel disgusted for people who thought in such a manner.

She continued to walk almost close to where the maids were.

"Ha, if you tell me she's just a bad prophecy child, not even the tyrant wanted her." (Elga, said)

She said arrogantly as she snickered.

'Step, Step'

Walking.

'Halt'

Stop walking.

"Wanting me or not is none of your business" (Aurora, said)

She had finally arrived where the chatty maids were at.

She looked at them with an expressionless face but her eyes were cold and her tone was quite angry.

"M-Madam!" (Lidia, Johana, and Elga, said)

They raised their voice in sync as they noticed Aurora's presence.

'Step, Step'

Walking.

"I was wondering how long this conversation was going to last." (Aurora, said)

'Step, Step'

Walking.

"It was so loud I heard it across the two halls." (Aurora, said)

'Halt'

Stop walking.

She had stopped right in front of them upsetting Lidia.

'Just look at her, just because she married the master doesn't mean he's acknowledged her.' (Lidaia's inner thoughts)

Lidia responded with a fake apology along with a rude comment.

"Madam, I apologize for these words. It wasn't our intention to offend you but we us maids are only saying what we heard around." (Lidia, said)

"After all these rumors about you have always been around so I thought the madam would have been used to it." (Lidia, said)

She tried to play it off.

Acting like she was a sincere person accused of spreading rumors.

"Yeah that's true we are only stating what we heard there is nothing wrong in our words." (Johan, said)

Johan and Elga added on.

"Exactly madam, plus regarding the rumors around our master was confirmed by the Bronny newspaper company published this morning." (Elga, said)

Lidia smirked had gotten wider as Johan and Elga had her back.

"The master brought his own knight and killed him in front of the emperor how could that not be such a bloodthirsty action?" (Egla, asked)

Now Lidia had snickered proudly.

But contrary to how they expected Aurora to react was quite the opposite.

"So what?" (Aurora, asked)

Aurora's expressionless face had not changed which made the maids even angrier.

"?!" (Lidia, Egla, and Johan)

Despise their confusion Lida still had a lot to say.

"W-What do you me-" (Lidia, said)

But before she could finish speaking Aurora spoke over her.

"That doesn't change that we are your masters." (Aurora, said)

"Or have you forgotten my warning when I fired the staff who stole from my husband." (Aurora, said)

"I gave you the opportunity to leave if you didn't like it but all of you decided to stay which meant respecting the rules I have set." (Aurora, said)

"But you have disregarded my orders and disrespected me and my husband do you have anything to say?" (Aurora, asked)

Her eyes were colder and her expressionless face was beginning to show her true emotions, it was the face of an angry young woman.

'It's not a big deal everybody knows I'm right, she's the one that looks stupid talking to us like we've done something wrong.' (Lidia's inner thoughts)

'Everyone talks we're not the only ones here so why can't she just let it go' (Lidia's inner thoughts)

"Madam, there's no reason for such a fuss why don't you forget our words if it bothered you that much?" (Lidia, asked)

"Is it that hard to be so benevolent and forgiving?" (Lidia, asked)

She snickered and smirked.

'She acts like it's her first time hearing criticism...she could never make it to the nobility circle comparison to the saintess.' (Lidia's inner thoughts)

"I bet if it was the saintess she would-"( Lidia, said)

'Slap'

"Gashp" (Johan and Elga)

Aurora had slapped Lidia across her face.

Aurora's hand was now resting in the air after the slap.

She glared at the maid as she furrowed her eyebrows.

"Don't ever co-" (Aurora, said)

Aurora was about to raise her voice when...

'Grab'

Dorion had come from behind and grabbed Aurora's red palm.

"Stop" (Dorion, said)

"What are you doing?" (Dorion, asked)

It was a displeased tone.

'Dorion?!' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

Aurora's face relaxed before turning only the side of her face to look at him.

She stared at him from the corner of her eyes with an expressionless face.

Without time to waste Lidia spoke up to Answer Dorion's question.

"Master, the madam hit me out of nowhere because-" ( Lidia, said)

"What does a thing like you speak out of turn" (Dorion, said)

His face still remained observing Aurora as he held her red palm up in the air.

His red ruby eyes only turned to the side to scold the maid and quickly turned to look at Aurora whose dark blue eyes were only staring at him from the corner of her eye.

"Ugk" ( Lidia)

'This atmosphere...he's truly a monster!' (Lidia's inner thoughts)

Lidia quickly closed her mouth and shivered at Dorion's cold voice.

On the other hand....

"What does it look like I'm doing?" (Aurora, asked)

She finally answered, somehow her voice sounded tired and annoyed with an expressionless face but her eyes said 'how exhausting, how annoying'.

"I slapped that maid on the cheek." (Aurora, said)

Now she had answered with a fed-up tone.

"..." (Dorion)

Dorion remained silent looking at the women who hardly showed any emotion.

'Only if you look closely you'll know what this woman means without expressing it.' (Dorion's inner thoughts)

He released her hand and spoke again to her.

"Then are you done with her?" (Dorion, asked)

He asked Aurora with an indifferent tone.

"...'" (Aurora)

Somehow she was quite annoyed.

To be precise at his presence right this moment.

'How come he shows up now, I bet he's going to blame me for everything just like everyone else...obviously, he's been avoiding me so it's obvious he wants me out of his life.' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

She ignored Dorion's question and turned her face again to look at the maids.

She closed her eyes gently as if she had to take a breather.

She was frustrated and she didn't want it to show it.

Her plan was to get along with him but seeing how things ended up this way, of course, it was reasonable to be irritated.

At her actions, Dorion turned his side face to look a little back at Orlando and Evan who had come along with him.

"Take these filthy maids away." (Dorion, said)

"!" (Lidia, Johan, and Elga)

"No wait-" (Lidia, said)

She was still a little quite taken aback by Dorion's words.

"You know what to do with them." (Dorion, said)

He spoke over Lidia before turning his face again to look at only Aurora.

While hearing Oralnd and Evan's voices closer to him.

"Yes" (Orland and Evan said)

They responded as they made their way passing Dorion and Aurora.

"No! Wait!" (Lidia, Johan, and Elga yelled)

The maids tried to approach towards Aurora to try to touch her and beg to do something to help them out but it was too late as Orland and Evan had finally gotten a hold of them.

"P-Please wait n-no" (Lidia, said)

"I-I'm s-sorry" (Johan, said)

"Please f-forgive me" (Elga, said)

They cried and begged as they were taken away.

......

Now it was only Dorion and Aurora.

Dorion continued to stare at Aurora observing her while Aurora gave Dorion her back.

Her eyes remained closed while her arms were crossed.

Finally, Dorion broke the ice.

"You should get an ointment on the palm or yours" (Dorion, said)

"Infections can-" (Dorion, said)

"What does his excellency care, weren't you busy playing hide and seek with me all day?" (Aurora, asked)

She remained the same without moving or looking at him.

She added with an annoyed tone.

"And by slapping someone you don't get infections." (Aurora, said)

Aurora had finally turned her whole body to face Dorion. Her eyes opened to look at his red ruby eyes without uncrossing her arms.

"..." (Dorion)

"Does my presence pester you that much that you couldn't stop by and drop a greeting?" (Aurora, asked)

She uncrossed her arms and her eyes that seemed to tell Dorion how annoyed she was now had no emotions.

She resorted to her expressionless self, where people had no idea what she was thinking.

A small bitter smile formed across Dorion's lips.

'That always expression...' (Dorion's inner thoughts)

He could of know how she was feeling if he really tried but the truth was that in fact, he was avoiding her. He never meant to get involved like this but when Orland and Evan came looking for him because they accidentally heard her arguing with the maids...somehow his feet had dragged him there.

'The instant when I saw the slap the thought of her hand being hurt by slapping that filth maid angered me.' (Dorino's inner thoughts)

'I couldn't stand even her hand being hurt.' (Dorion's inner thoughts)

Yet he was determined to keep her away.

"Why should I? I already said hello by showing up for the scene here." (Dorion, said)

"I did the basic duty and lady just because that rotten emperor assigned you as my wife doesn't mean anything." (Dorion, said)

"If the lady understands, then there is no need for you to pretend to care for a man that you were forced to marry." (Dorion, said)

"So since all those snotty maids are gone I am leaving too." (Dorion, said)

'It's for the best... this woman would do much better in that foreign country.' (Dorion's inner thoughts)

He was willing to let her go, to let her live happily because he never stop loving her.

If it meant sacrificing ripping her apart from him as soon as she had magically appeared into his life back again just so she could have a different life, he'd have to do it for her.

To him, her happiness was what it mattered the most and he was willing to sacrifice his own.

Without letting her get a word he turned around and began to walk away.

'Step, Step'

Walking.

'So is that so' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

She furrowed her brows and spoke as she observed the back of Dorion walking away.

"Is that what your excellency thinks?" (Aurora, asked)

'Halt'

Stop walking.

At her voice, Dorion's steps stopped.

He only turned the side of his face to look at her.

"Lady what?" (Dorion, asked)

He asked with a sharp tone. It could have sounded rude according to Aurora's perspective.

She ignored that tone of his and continued to speak.

"Why do you assume immediately things if I haven't spoken to you yet?" (Aurora, asked)

Her voice sounded quite annoyed as if she was talking to a dumb child.

Dorion finally turned around to face her.

'Step, Step'

Walking.

'Halt'

Stop walking.

He had stopped in front of Aurora.

"Is it not?" (Dorion, asked)

He smiled with a snicker.

Aurora did not fret she answered him back quite arrogantly as forgetting she could be chopped by him at any moment.

She was standing in front of a man who was known to pull out his sword any time he please to those who tick him off.

"Let me be frank here, I don't know where your excellency came up with the conclusion that I hated the fact we wed but maybe it's because you are so narrow-minded, or is it because I fell asleep when I was supposed to wait for you? Did that make you misunderstand?" (Aurora, said)

"Because if that's the reason then I'm afraid you misunderstood." (Aurora, said)

She looked up at him with her dark blue arrogant eyes.

'This lady truly...' (Dorion's inner thoughts)

A small anger vein was shown near the top of his right top forehead.

"Ha, narrow-minded you say? Misunderstood? Lady even if I'm a duke you know I am still a prince which means your words are offending a member of the imperial family?" (Dorion, asked)

He sounded cold but it was more like a man holding in his last patience.

'Does he know that I'm a member of the imperial family since I married him...is this man for real?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

Dorion continued to speak as Aurora thought how clueless Dorion was with the statement he dropped on her.

"The only misunderstanding is you lady." (Dorion, said)

"I don't care if you waited for me or slept like a haystack it's all in all the same for me if you feel guilty for-" (Dorion, said)

There was so much patience she was willing to have with a man who did not get the point.

"Fine, continue to be entitled." (Aurora, said)

Dorion's red eyes widen in surprise.

"Say what?" (Dorion, asked)

It was as if a small surprised chuckle came out of his mouth.

"I said, continue to act like an entitled person who knows everything." (Aurora, said)

'Was her personality always like this?' (Dorion's inner thoughts)

"I think you forgot that I am your wife, if I'm offending you I'm offending myself." (Aurora, said)

"Lady you-" (Dorion, said)

He tried to revoke but she spoke over him.

"Thirty minutes." (Aurora, said)

She looked at him with a determined confident face.

"Give me thirty minutes of your time. There are things I wish to discuss, if after you decide to continue to ignore me I will not complain." (Aurora, said)

"...." (Dorion)

'This might be easier than I thought...sending her off with that condition.' (Dorion's inner thoughts)

'Just looking at her makes me regret even thinking of sending her off but to protect her...I must do it.' (Dorion's inner thoughts)

"Lady" (Dorion, said)

He spoke firmly.

"I will give you thirty minutes of my time but you must agree with one of my requests if whatever you have to say doesn't change my mind." (Dorion, said)

He knew this was the best bargaining deal he could get without any future complaints.

'There's no way her words will change my mind. It's already set.' (Dorion's inner thoughts)

But he soon found himself in a position where his mind could be easily swept.

Or how fast his heart wavered for her.

***Next Chapter Kinda Spoilers: You will see a protective ml, a kiss scene, and a bold fl.