32Kolton let out a shaky breath before forcing his legs to traverse Arlet’s territory. He rubbed his sweaty hands on his pants before the announcer made his presence known. All of the chambermaids lowered their heads and scooted out as he entered the bedroom. He raised his heavy eyelashes and rummaged in the room to find her sitting on a stool in front of the mirror as she detangled her soft blond manes. His eyes sized up her back, she was wearing a beige three-piece silk nightgown that was draped around her, veiling her creamy skin. He gulped and walked in her direction. Arlet’s brush paused for a moment when she heard his footsteps growing louder. She tilted her head over her shoulder and sighed when he reached a few steps away. “So, he finally sent you,” She taunted while pulling her dead hair out of the hairbrush. “Didn’t even wait for a day,” Batting her eyebrows, she put the brush on the dressing and spun to face him. Kolton was watching her with a stoic face. She stood up a

Renai blinked open her eyes and got welcomed by the golden beams of daybreak. The muffling chirping of the birds and the cosy ambience had elevated the urge to start the day. It was a strange feeling but she was feeling it till her bones. She squared her shoulders before stretching her arms widely and raising into the sitting position. A yawn left her mouth but she was quick to put a hand. She closed her eyes and rejoiced in the peace that was loading inside her. How long had it been since she last felt it? Ages. She had almost forgotten the taste of morning sweetness. Today’s morning felt different. She opened her eyes and looked at her back to find it empty. That’s why she was feeling at peace. He didn’t come here last night. He must be with his wife. For once, he had left her to breathe freely. Just as she was about to put her feet on the floor, the announcer’s voice ripped through her eardrums, souring her mood in a blink. “His majesty, the king,” Her jaw dropped low as she let

“My lady…”“My lady…are you okay?” Cora’s voice ripped through the flashback reeling in her mind. Renai shook her head and moved her foggy vision at the audience who were worriedly looking at her. “Are you alright?” Fara put a hand on her forehead to check her body temperature. Renai smiled and grabbed her hand, pressing her knuckles gently.“I’m absolutely alright, just drifted somewhere into my own little world,” Renai cleared with a soft fake smile, scratching her nape.“You must be missing his majesty just like he misses you,” Cora giggled behind Renai’s back while braiding her hair into a French tail. Everyone laughed at the banter, Renai felt her cheeks burning. Evelyn hooted to deepen the shade more. Fara playfully glared at Evelyn and Cora.“What? Lord Lucian told me that. He says his majesty is quiet and usually stays in his own mind. Which is why I couldn’t help but mention the similarity, now I know who he was thinking about, they are missing each other,” Cora teased while

Meriall took her hands in hers and pressed them firmly. “Where have you been?” She asked vehemently. Her eyes were sprouting longing as if she was waiting for her like her son. “I was…I was gone,” Renai replied in a haze. Her heart was heavy remembering those painful days when she was disposed of by Lord Bancroft’s sword of honour.“But why?” Meriall scooted closer to her and cupped her one cheek as she had grown closer to her after the revelation. For years she yearned to meet the woman who had captured his heart at such a young age. “Why have you left when you knew my son was madly in love with you,” Meriall complained in a soft tone, but the hurt was evident in her every word. “I didn’t know that. I thought he would forget me as I was no good to him,” Renai revealed to her truthfully. It was the half-truth. “Nonsense. He destroyed himself in your loss. He would have been a different man today if you had stayed,” Renai stared at her as she openly accused her of something she was

She blinked twice at the ground before walking toward Renai. Renai sucked a breath, staying immobile. “Would you like to have a walk with me?” Meriall asked her. Renai’s eyes widened at the grass. “I would be a fool to say no, my queen,” Renai glanced up and replied courteously. Meriall gave her a pleased smile and shot her head to her right to clue. Renai smiled back and turned to begin walking beside her. For a few steps, both were quiet until Meriall felt the need to break the silence, “The weather seems nice,” She commented. “Yes, it is,” Renai agreed. “I see, you are kind with children, I suppose you cherish them,” Meriall stated, her eyes gleaming with adoration and contentment. Seeing her with that girl induced many wishes in her heart. Just if… Renai couldn’t reply as all of a sudden Meriall said. “May I ask you one question?” Renai felt a tug at heart but nodded her head. “Sure,” She fisted the sides of her peach dress.“Would you like to have children of your own one d