Behind The Past

His mood did not last long as they walked through the dining room. There was a separate kitchen and dining area in the room. The table with six seats was the first thing Arren saw when he walked in. He noticed that the dishes were mostly light soup dishes.

Arren didn't need to ask because Spade already told him why the dishes were like that.

"You still have a fever," the alpha didn't elaborate much but Arren still understood. He wasn't a picky eater, and it didn't bother him too much.

Arren didn't eat much because his throat was still sore and he didn't have much of an appetite. He assumed he could eat a lot, but the food was bland. Arren forced himself to eat under the alpha's gaze. They didn't talk while eating for two reasons: one was due to the noble's dining etiquette, and the other was that Arren didn't have time to talk, so he focused on eating the tasteless food.

With a final sip, Arren put down the spoon, indicating that he was finished. He was serious this time, refusing to eat anymore even if Spade forced him to.

"I'm done," Arren declared.

He was overthinking things because the alpha said nothing about food. Spade also knew Arren didn't have an appetite, so as long as he ate something, even if it was just a mouthful, it was fine. Spade had planned to deliver the food to the omega in the bed, but when he noticed Arren spacing outside the bedroom, he realized the omega was already on his way to the kitchen.

"You have to take your medicine," Arren only heard the alpha say.

Arren nodded, and the alpha continued, "You can just rest in the room."

"What about you?" Arren asked the alpha.

"I've got something to do," he replied.

Arren didn't ask many questions about Spade's business, but instead confirmed something, "When can I see... Ashton?"

The alpha locked his gaze on Arren, who noticed Spade's eyes seemed to be searching for something in his expression. It was only for a brief moment before the alpha nodded.

"After you've recovered, I'll take you to where he is... so just rest," the alpha said softly. It was harder for Arren to ask questions anymore, and he just nodded.

The atmosphere was quiet yet comfortable. Arren didn't know, but he felt safe with the alpha, security that only a lover could provide. Perhaps... Arren really had fallen harder for the alpha.

After they ate and Arren took his medicine, he became drowsy again, and Spade convinced him to go to sleep, which he did.

Spade still has an appointment that day. He looked at Arren for a few moments before deciding to leave. He also told the bodyguards to make sure the room's perimeter was secure, and he called someone to tell them to do whatever Arren asked. He only left when he was absolutely certain he hadn't forgotten anything.

He returned to the palace in silence. The weather was fine that day. Spade had set aside his entire day to meet with Duke Katz. But, just to be sure, he checked with his secretary.

"Anything for me today?" he inquired casually. He sat in his chair in the study. Spade crossed his legs and leaned back in his seat.

"As per your order, Your Majesty, there was nothing important," the other replied.

Spade observed the other person place the teacup on the table and stand straight in front of him. The man was about the same age as Spade. His black hair was formal and his face shaved, and the man's fair appearance was especially appealing to the eyes. Contrary to his gender type, the man appeared gentle and warm, and if his physique were not that of an alpha, anyone could mistake him for an omega. Even his pheromones were gentle.

He was Spade's royal secretary, Serrien Garcia. He was also one of his few friends. Although due to their position, formality was important, Spade often talked to him about anything and even asked for advice. Serrien is one of Spade's most trusted subordinates. Of course, Serrien knew that Spade left yesterday.

Spade nodded but remained silent for a few seconds. He only closes his eyes in the seat; Spade was sleepy from not sleeping the night before, but he still had an important meeting. As a ruler, he was used to pulling all-nighters and could afford to go two days without sleeping. He just wanted to rest his eyes.

"Duke Katz?" While Spade didn't ask directly, Serrien, as Spade's secretary, was well aware of what he was talking about. Spade's eye was still closed as they talked.

"He already called just earlier and would be here soon." Serrien's answers were direct and concise. After all, he'd been serving the Emperor for years and knew what Spade wanted to hear and what he didn't.

Spade only responded with a nod. Then there was silence. One might have assumed he had already fallen asleep, but he ordered something a few seconds later.

"Just have the Duke come here in the study when he arrives... and forbid anyone from coming to see me except him."

"As you stated, Your Majesty."

Spade heard some footsteps before it fell silent again. Although his eyes were closed, his mind was not. It was still active, making it impossible for him to sleep. His thoughts didn't wander too far when, after a few minutes, the door to his study opened, accompanied by a respectful salute.

Spade gradually opened his eyes. The Duke noticed this and bowed once more. Spade nodded and motioned for the Duke to take a seat.

The room fell into silence first. Because Spade did not initiate their conversation right away, and the Duke also remained silent, it was deemed inappropriate to speak before the monarch.

Spade, of course, was aware of this, so he straightened up and began their conversation. There was no formality needed for them. However, Spade was aware that, aside from what they would discuss, the Duke was also concerned about something else.

"Arren's fever has already subsided, and he was resting when I left him," Spade reported to the Duke. Sure enough, upon hearing Spade, Duke Katz's eyes brightened up and he bowed lightly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for taking care of Arren," Duke Katz gratefully said to Spade. His heart was sincere, as he really worried for his son all night. Now that he knew that Arren had already somewhat recovered, he felt like his heart had finally eased.

"That's what I needed to do. Duke didn't need to thank me for it." The two started lightly, but they both knew they were just loosening up to each other.

Spade's tone was gentle at first, but it gradually became low when he said, "Duke, about what I said last night... mind if you tell me something about it?" He looked at the Duke who was sitting in front of him.

The Duke's expression became complicated, but as he resolved to tell the Emperor everything he knew, his expression eased and became determined.

The Duke bravely met the eyes of Spade and nodded, "Of course, Your Majesty. Your subject was ready for any of your questions."

"The Duchess... what really happened to her?" Spade was hesitant to ask anything about the Duke's late wife due to his feelings, but Spade needed to know the truth. He had a vague intuition, if they want to know who wanted to harm Arren, Spade needed to know the details of what happened 18 years ago.

For a brief moment, the Duke remained silent; Spade did not press him and simply waited. He knew how hard it was for the Duke.

It didn't take long for him to say, "His Majesty knows about the confidential event years ago, right?" Spade didn't respond, instead simply nodding to the Duke.

"That year was one of the hardest for the Empire and even more for me. That day... I regretted that I wasn't there with them, it was... very traumatic for my son," Duke Katz sighed heavily before continuing. "My wife... wasn't the only one killed that day; the nobles were in chaos, and many high-level personnel was killed. I... was with His Majesty when I heard the news. I thought security was already tight, but I underestimated the enemies' determination."

Spade remained silent throughout and only listened intently. His brows were tight.

"They... they really targeted my wife, and the force they deployed to... kill my wife was twice or even triple that of the other forces," the Duke said again, pausing. He continued after a brief period of silence, this time looking directly at Spade. The Duke's eyes were burning, and Spade knew it wasn't directed at him, but at someone else.