Take some time off

There is something a little different from the snow this winter. It snows more often, and sometimes it snows too heavily. Based on the reports taken from various regions in the Balthasar Kingdom, there would indeed be a chance of a blizzard this year.

"Because we always anticipate it well, I'm sure we can all survive the threat of a blizzard. We have started to distribute additional food ingredients and knights throughout the region. The plan is that within two weeks, all regions will receive this assistance," explained one of the royal ministers.

Two weeks, Selah thought as she drummed her fingers on the table. Twice as long as usual. Naturally, the snow would hinder the aid journey.

But… what if they were late? What if the knights on their journey were caught in a storm and had an accident–or even died?

Can Balthasar survive?

"I have to admit; we didn't expect a blizzard this year because last year almost nothing happened," Blair said, looking at his staff and ministers one by one. "Not trying to make you pessimistic; we should prepare for the worst. Even so, let's minimize the bad things."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Then we will close the meeting this time. Princess Selah, stay."

Selah froze in place for a moment. She glanced at Aeneas, demanding an explanation. But Aeneas also doesn't seem to understand what Blair's goal is.

Aeneas deliberately came out last to keep an eye on Selah. He even took the time to pat Selah on the shoulder before leaving.

What do you want now? thought Selah. She tried to calm herself down and subconsciously rubbed her wrists. Selah finally confronted Blair after the incident for the first time in months.

"I took Prince Aeneas out on purpose because I knew he would defend you," Blair said as soon as Aeneas closed the door. "Starting tomorrow, take leave for up to three months after you give birth."

"Your Highness!" selah protests.

"Lady Seneca, you know for yourself that a blizzard might be coming. For that, please stay at the Queen Consort Palace and rest comfortably."

"I am not a sick person."

"I hear that's your word for people," Blair snorted derisively.

Selah clenched her fists tightly, trying not to swear or say anything rude to this damn man in front of her. "With all due respect, Your Highness. Until now, I am confident that I have never hindered other people's work, and I am sure that I will never do so no matter my circumstances," she said. "The state of the kingdom is also not well. How can I take time off?"

"You never change, huh? Very dedicated to your work," Blair said. He drew closer and said right to her face, "Or is this your way of making amends to Lord Archibald?"

"This has nothing to do with Lord Archibald. We're talking about my leave," Selah replied emphatically.

"You don't want to leave. Why?" Blair smiled knowingly. "Is there anything you don't want to miss?"

Yes, of course! shouted Selah in her heart.

What other reason could Selah have to work so hard for the ministry to replace her father when Blair and that loathsome king were her superiors? Of course, to get various information. Selah could have hired people, but she didn't trust anyone else.

Especially at a time like this, when there was a threat of blizzards all over the kingdom, and Tullia was in trouble. How could Selah sit in front of the fire comfortably?

"Take some time off, Princess Selah. This is my order," Blair said firmly.

Selah looked at him sharply. "You are so insistent, Your Highness. Could it be that you are trying to hide something from me?"

Blair raised an eyebrow, then snorted in amusement. "You'll never trust me again, huh?" he said. His hand moved, about to touch Selah's shoulder. But Selah quickly brushed it off harshly. "Or, are you afraid of me?"

"Afraid? Hah!" Selah grabbed Blair by the collar. "Where did you get that much confidence from? Even though you clearly know, one word that comes out of my mouth for Prince Aeneas can bring you down."

"Are you threatening me?" Blair hissed.

"Pretend I was just warning you." Selah approached and whispered. "Isn't Prince Aeneas your weakness?"

Blair looked like he wanted to reply to Selah's words, but a knock on the door stopped him. Selah immediately released her grip on Blair's collar and turned her head towards the door.

"Your Highness? Selah?"

It was Aeneas' voice.

Selah and Blair exchanged galnces. The first to move was Blair. He opened the door for Aeneas quickly.

"Sorry to intercept your wife for so long, Aeneas," said Blair sweetly.

"I hope I'm not bothering you. Yesterday I made an appointment with the healer to check on my wife. I'm worried that the healer has waited too long," said Aeneas sweetly.

What a terrible act, those two brothers, thought Selah.

She immediately stood up and approached Aeneas. "My business is done with Prince Blair. We can go now, my husband," she said.

Aeneas seems surprised by the call. It was unusual for Selah to call him "my husband" in front of other people. His smile widened mischievously. "Then we will take our leave, Your Highness," he said goodbye to Blair.

"Yes, please." Blair smiled broadly. "Hopefully, the results of the examination are all right."

***

"No need to rush," said Aeneas, taking Selah's hand. He rubbed it then. "It seems, whatever Blair was telling you earlier, you didn't like it."

"He told me to leave!" tell Selah, annoyed. "Even though he knows the most about the kingdom's current state! I'm sure he's hiding something from me…"

"For example…?"

"For example, this time, he was the mastermind behind the Tullia disaster. Again." After taking a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. "Haven't heard from Tullia yet?"

"There isn't any yet. It is even possible that they just got there," says Aeneas. "Calm down."

"That word has become your mainstay for me, huh?"

"What else can I tell you? Honestly, if it's this way, I'm with Blair too."

Instantly Selah stopped in her tracks. "Aeneas!" she said in disbelief.

"Selah, even if you don't go to extremes, your self-control has been bad recently. I also know you've also had trouble sleeping lately," admits Aeneas. "You blow up too much."

"I'm fine. Have I ever complained?"

"No. But precisely because you never complain, I can tell you hold back." Aeneas looked at her seriously then. "This time, please just take the leave Blair gave you."