CHAPTER 33 "FLOWERS" (2)

For the rest of the night, I tossed and turned in agitation on the bed. I should have slept, but it was too hard since my mind was still struggling to make sense of everything. But I knew I needed to rest in order to prepare for tomorrow, so I eventually forced myself to fall asleep.

My questions about the events of last night still lingered in the air, unresolved.

What on earth happened between us?

Dragons were usually self-centered creatures. Of all the demons and beasts inhabiting this world, they were known to be the most arrogant, violent, and cruel. Of course, not all dragons possessed the same characteristics or displayed them equally, but the blue dragon that had cursed Kyle's heart was the exact embodiment of those traits. At current, the curse had taken near complete control of his actions and personality.

In the beginning, I told myself I just wanted to get as close to him as possible. I figured that if Kyle got used to my presence, then he wouldn't want to kill me.

Was I too arrogant for thinking it would work?

And if it was true that my actions had had no effect on him, then was Kyle's behavior last night an attempt to kill me?

I'm not sure about that.

Deep down, I did not believe that to be the case, though I couldn't come up with any alternative explanations. I hadn't felt any bloodlust emanating from him, nor could I recall anything that would have provoked his wrath last night.

Or was there something else that bothered him? Something that I don't yet know about…

In actuality, I started to suspect that I was the one who was bothered most by something I didn't fully understand.

Why had I…

I judged Kyle's behavior to be dangerous, right?

Why did I automatically assume he was threatening me? Did I only think so because his eyes were red? Or because of the cold expression on his face?

Ah, I don't know anymore. I can't find an answer to any of this.

Kyle Romani. He was neither dragon nor human at the moment. But if I had to pick, I would definitely consider him closer to a dragon at present, even though he's not completely there yet. I found it surprisingly hard to examine him, even though he was a character in my own novel.

Is it because Riddel briefly appeared in the original story, so I only know a little about him as a result?

I slowly gave up on my worries and silently turned to the window. The skies were beginning to turn colors, indicating the time was the dawn just before sunrise. Shortly thereafter, the maids entered the bedchamber as if they had been waiting just outside the hallway for me to ring the bell. In an instant, I met Marina's eyes.

"Good morning, Your Highness."

Marina shyly greeted me and then headed to the window. She pulled the curtains aside with a delicate touch. White light poured through the now fully uncovered windows. Maybe it was because she was starting to get used to me, but Marina seemed to be stuttering less often these days. Beside her, a couple of other maids set to work preparing my outfit for the day.

"Your Highness, how are you today?" one of them bowed kindly toward me.

"I'm fine, and hello Lily. Did you also sleep well?" I asked my question to both of them.

"Yes, Your Highness. Did you have any trouble sleeping?"

"No, Betty. I'm fine. I feel very refreshed today, and I didn't experience any discomfort last night."

I beamed as I replied to the maids, each of whom met me with the usual courtesy. After they were finished greeting me, the maids began to dress me from head to toe in a carefully selected outfit that complimented my every feature. They had paid extra attention to the details of my appearance since I was supposed to see Kyle and his knights off early in the morning. As a result, my morning routine took twice as long as usual.

After I properly dressed up, I looked into the mirror. The maids had garbed me in a sky-blue dress that was embroidered with gold thread and filled with colorful ornaments. Today, they applied more makeup than usual to bring out my features.

When I finally got the chance to see my reflection, I was stunned at the sight before me. It was so pretty—almost impossibly so. I looked more like an ornate, porcelain doll blinking its emerald eyes than a human. No matter how long I stared at myself, I never tired of it and constantly found something new to appreciate. But possessing such beauty couldn't be a reason for me to stay in this world.

I glanced at the clock. It was almost time for me to send Kyle off.

"Let's go outside."

"Okay."

The moment I set foot outside the mansion, I was greeted by quite the commotion outside. All of the house staff were lined up by the main entryway. When I looked around after greeting Jean, I saw rows and rows of knights standing neatly at attention in their white armors and blue capes, surrounded by their horses. There was a man who I recognized standing in the center of the crowd.

Is that Kyle's aide, Elvin? It looks like he just came back from the capital.

Elvin seemed to have noticed my gaze on him. He glanced toward me, and when he realized who I was, he approached and bowed his head.

"Nice to meet you, Your Highness. I am Elvin, the Archduke's assistant."

"Nice to meet you too, Elvin. How have you been?"

I smiled at him. Since the original Riddel Spencer and Elvin knew each other beforehand, I tried my best to put on a warm demeanor and pretended to be friendly with him. What could I say about him? To my knowledge, Elvin was a friendly person, except sometimes it was hard to grasp his true intentions. He was not as transparent as Jean.

"It's a relief that you seem to be better than before," Elvin replied with a smile.

"Thank you. You're also looking better than usual."

I returned his formality with praise because I thought that was the best way to deal with him.

"Thank you," Elvin bowed, but his smile momentarily hesitated as if he was unsure whether he should bring up the next topic on his mind.

"Ah, Your Highness," he continued, "come to think of it, I have something for you."

He rummaged through his belongings as he withdrew two envelopes.

"One is a letter you've been waiting for," Elvin smiled meaningfully as he handed them over.

"Thank you for taking care of me even on this matter."

"You're welcome."

Ah, I'm tired of forcing a smile.

"You two look like you're on good terms."

A low growl suddenly interrupted us from behind. Kyle, who was dressed in full military attire, strode to Elvin's side. There was a slight chill in his already very aloof expression.

"I had a letter that needed to be delivered to Her Highness," Elvin calmly greeted his master with a bow. "I'm finished with my business."

Upon noticing the Archduke's entrance, all the knights lowered their heads before mounting their horses one by one.

"We have to go now, Your Excellency," Elvin hastened the motionless Kyle, but Kyle was still staring at me.

What does this look mean? Is he still troubled from last night's events?

"I'll be back soon," he said.

Oh, it's not.

I nodded, "Be careful on your way back."

"I will."

Kyle turned his eyes again to me after answering my goodbye.

"Riddel," he slightly parted his lips and called out my name, "is there anything you'd like me to bring back for you?"

Is he asking this because he is still a little bothered by whatever happened yesterday? I can't tell because he's always so expressionless.

Anyway, his question was rather unexpected, but I didn't hesitate to answer him.

Only

"A flower."

It would be a present for the original Riddel, who will soon return to replace me. If I'm able to depart today and the original Riddel returns, it would be good if Kyle greeted her with flowers.

Wouldn't her defenses against him be eased a little by his gesture?

Flowers would make anyone's heart turn gentle.

"I'll think about it."

Wow. Kyle was really incredible at raising and dropping other people's expectations. Why would he ask me about what I wanted in the first place if he was just going to give such a noncommittal answer?

Once satisfied he had said all that needed to be said, Kyle climbed onto a nearby black steed at the head of the formation. I noticed this time he was wearing black gloves. As they readied to depart, I waved softly at him.

"Thank you. Have a good trip."