Chapter 9: Bad news

Enrico's POV

She has never talked to me for the past four days, and even when we eat at the table, her attention is on Viciel alone. I closed the curtain and continued working until dusk.

I heard a knock, and the door opened. Viciel is pushing the stroller. I saw Kiara at the door, but she didn't enter. She closes it. My nephew sat on the couch and signed for me to come closer.

I stand up and look at them. I saw my children, and they were all smiling as soon as they saw me. What are they doing? It was Crimson who I carried among the four, and something was wrong with me at that time. My heart was filled with fear and excitement. I look at my nephew.

"Royal uncle, I asked the royal aunt to let us come here, and she didn't want to see you. I know I'm still four years old, but I knew what was happening. Royal uncle, are you sure you like that witch more than auntie? Viciel asked.

I was stunned by what he said. He looks at his cousins, and Kiara is right. He's acting like a big brother to them.

"Viciel, there are things that you can't understand no matter how I try to explain things to you. Your aunt and I were I paused.

Viciel shook his head and gave me a disagreement. "Royal Aunt has always been gentle. They said she forgot everything, but she is always the same for me. I know that love is something that I don't understand yet, but uncle, I know that your royal aunt loves you. She looks at you like a royal mother looks at her dad. She's not like the woman you love. She's very understanding and caring too."

How can I explain the situation to him without giving him a bad impression? I want him to accept Kate as well. How can I do that when his loyalty lies to her aunt Kiara? I sighed and spoke.

"It's not as easy as it seems, Viciel. Your eyes must have deceived you," I reason out. He shook his head and disagreed.

"No, royal uncle. Did you know why I hate Kate? It's not because I learned that she bullies royal aunties. I was playing in the garden of the noble tea garden when I heard her conversation with other noble ladies. The royal mother was with me, but she was busy talking to the noble wives, and I was left in the garden. Kate didn't know yet that I'm the royal prince, and he speaks ill of you, royal uncle."

I look at him, and I know Viciel will never lie. Then my brother's claims might be true, then? Should I listen to my nephew's words?

"I won't tell you now because I knew you wouldn't believe me. You love Kate, and you will think that I'm just defending Aunt Kiara. When you finally see what kind of mother my royal aunt is, you can come with me and ask me about it. Uncle, you should take care of my cousins as well. I knew Aunt Kiara was already tired because of me and them as well. Royal uncle, can you do that? Please?"

I close my eyes and look at my children. They look at me as if they're trying to talk to me. "Royal uncle, can you take care of them even for tonight only? I want my royal aunt to fall asleep soundly tonight, please." Viciel begs. I sighed and nodded. He smiled.

"Thank you, royal uncle! You are the best!" he says and giggles.

After dinner, I told Kiara that I'd take care of the babies tonight, and they'd stay in my room. She agreed and left the kids in my hands.

She grabbed Viciel's hand, and I knew she'd put him in bed. I pushed the stroller and grabbed the bag that Kiara left on the handle.

This must be for the baby's food and other things. As soon as I get inside my room, I put them on my bed and create a barrier on each side to make sure they won't fall.

I took a bath, and when I came out, they were already sleeping. I should've asked for a crib in my room as well.

I end up lying on the couch because I don't want to hurt any of them just in case I move to the other side.

I closed my eyes and fell asleep. I got up as soon as I heard one of the babies start crying. I got up and checked on him. He peed himself, and I need to change him.

After that, I thought I would be able to go back to bed when Grayson cried. I check on him, and he seems to be hungry, so I feed him.

I went back to the couch, and I think after an hour, one of them cried again. I checked on him, and it was Arden. He also takes a poop, and I have no choice but to clean him as well.

The next few hours will be tormenting. One of them will cry, and I need to change them or feed them. It depends on the things that they need.

Dawn had come, and I realized how tiring it is.

My own nephew made me realize that his royal aunt was suffering from this. I finally understand how hard it is.

Maybe Viciel wants me to realize that I should help Kiara when it comes to my children's needs. At that young age, my royal nephew is a wise man. I got up, and while my sons were still sleeping, I took that chance to take a bath.

It's already morning, and I have a meeting with the barons today. I have to attend that even though I'm a little sleepy.

When I opened the door, I saw Kiara. She turns around, and I realize that I'm wearing a towel around my hips alone.

"I just checked the kids. I didn't get to sleep all night. I will take them now. The breakfast will be ready in twenty minutes," Kiara says.

"I will take care of them again tomorrow. Let's rotate during the night. Viciel told me that you've been having sleepless nights for the past few days. I understand now," I utter. She turns around and faces me. She looks at the babies with gentle eyes and a smile.

"I know you have responsibilities to fulfill." I can take care of them on my own. You don't want them anyway. Plus, this might be one of your tricks again, Enrico. I won't fall for it," she asserted firmly.

"You said that I have to fulfill my marital duties; then why are you stopping me? I ask.

She scoffs and rolls her eyes. Someone broke our conversation and knocked on the door as loud as he could.

"Duke Enrico, duchess Kiara, we have bad news! You need to hear this! My assistant screams. My forehead wrinkles. Bad news?!