Two-Faced Princess

“Cael.”

“Ever since the rumor spread that I walked through the flames with the blood of Apollo, not a single day has been free from threats. Some of the Archduke’s men took part in the assassination, and some were sacrificed instead of me by the assassin. I don’t want to lose the rest, so I sent them out and replaced them with people I don’t know.”

He sighed, slowly sweeping his wet hair with one hand.

“Since you asked me to marry you, I didn’t even think about accepting another wife in my head. I didn’t even care about the Emperor’s throne that you told me not to even look at.” He went on lamenting. “I know. Uriel, whom sister had sent me, took most of the risk with me. I have never forgotten that without you, I would have been in danger. But sister…” His sad eyes once again faced Apollonia through his bangs. “At this rate, have I not performed quite faithfully as your shield?”

Apollonia lost her words for a moment. Caelion wasn’t questioning her or insisting that his efforts be rewarded. He was pleading. He wanted her to know a little bit about his pain and effort like a child appealing to his mother.

“Am I not worthy of being by your side?” There was something in his eyes that might or might not be a raindrop.

“Cael———”

Before Apollonia could catch him, Caelion raised himself first.

“You just said, ‘I’ll think about it again,’ so I’ll pretend I didn’t hear it for now.” He moved toward the door. “So, please. I want you to think hard. My sister.” He muttered something that was almost audible before he opened the door and disappeared.

* * *

Apollonia returned to the room with a sigh. However, as soon as she entered, her eyes widened at the scent.

“You’re here.”

Before she knew it, Uriel, who had changed neatly, was sitting in front of a table by the window with some tea prepared.

“That’s not your favorite tea,” said Apollonia. Uriel adored fruity scents so he always prepared fruit tea every time they were having refreshments. However, the scent filling the room right now was subtle jasmine.

“I know you like jasmine. Adrian also said it helps you calm down.” Apollonia smiled and sat down in the opposite chair. “Are you alright?” Uriel asked, examining her expression. His beautiful face was just full of pure concern for her.

“Were you wondering what we talked about?” Apollonia asked, amused. She wondered if Uriel was jealous of Caelion, too.

“If it’s something that you’re worried about, I wonder if I can help you solve it.” He answered with a smile. Apollonia momentarily forgot what she was trying to scoop at the gorgeous sight.

“I mean——-” Uriel smiled once more as she stuttered. She didn’t know what was going on inside his head. Was he trying to make her nervous or allowing her to let it go?

She finally calmed down and asked. “Uriel, would you care if I’m still going to marry Caelion?” Uriel looked at her silently for a while. She felt a little relieved from her disturbed mind. “Are you not jealous of him?”

“I‘m jealous of everyone close to you, Your Highness. If I had to choose one, I’d probably say Adrian rather than Caelion.” He poured tea into Apollonia’s cup and added. “She knows you better than anyone else.” She nodded her head. The quick-witted Adrian may have guessed the relationship between Uriel and her just a moment ago.

“But marriage———”

“I never asked to be your consort, Your Highness.”

“Then?” Apollonia looked at Uriel, wide-eyed. His answer was a little unexpected to her. Uriel smiled. How can a person be so lovely? Of course, it would be a lie to say that her marriage to Caelion never bothered him. However, it was true that he did not wish for it. What he wanted was something much more precious. Something else———-

“Your heart.” He whispered.

“My heart?” asked Apollonia with a soft smile. Uriel shook his head.

“I don’t dream of it.”

“Then——”

Uriel quietly took Apollonia’s hand and took it to his lips, completing his answer. “I hope you can give me all of your heart, Your Highness. That’s all I want.” Apollonia’s small smile slowly spread throughout her face. He had the illusion that the whole room was brightening, just like the rising sun. “I’m glad you’re feeling alright.”

“I’ll leave Caelion alone for now,” Apollonia spoke in a more stable voice than before. It was a low, calm way of speaking. “More than that, I thought of a favor to ask of Evangeline. Something to propose to Knox.”

A smile appeared on Uriel’s lips as well.

Yes. It was Apollonia’s usual way of speaking. But as Uriel looked at the future without a break, he can’t help but fall in love all over again.

* * *

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