I won’t let you get hurt

"I didn't like the way my father spoke just now," Selah said to Aeneas, looking out the carriage's window.

Aeneas looked at Selah. "Yes, and I don't like how he talks about you," he said. His brows furrowed in hatred. "Is that exactly what he thinks about his own daughter?"

"Oh, were you talking about me?"

"Well, a little," said Aeneas. "No wonder Archibald can attract the attention of many people; His instincts are as sharp as yours. Duke Dulcia could immediately smell the suspicion of our closeness."

"I learned a lot from him," said Selah. "Today… you have come at the right time."

"I knew Duke Dulcia would be home today, so I stopped by. But… looks like I'm a bit late. Something already happened between you two, huh?"

Selah nodded. "Good news, I learned that father's illegitimate child was a noblewoman. He threatens to raise his illegitimate daughter as crown princess. Blair could have–"

"Selah, I didn't ask about that." Slowly but surely, Aeneas holds Selah's hand warmly, which has been shaking since earlier. "I asked how you were."

"Oh." Suddenly Selah became confused. How is her condition? She doesn't know. I mean, it was the first time anyone had asked how she was doing after she had spoken to her father. "Yes… even though I was a bit shocked, I could control myself just now. Father looks like–"

"Selah," scolds Aeneas. His grip strengthened. "Did Duke Dulcia ever do anything to you?"

"Do something?" repeated Selah. "Not really. My father threw his teacup at me but didn't hit me."

"Luckily, it didn't hit," corrected Aeneas. He let out a long breath then. "Seriously, the way you think is really," he cackled endlessly.

"There is nothing wrong with my thinking," Selah denied.

"Exactly how did you and Blair get engaged all this time?" Aeneas rubbed the side of Selah's face as if confirming something. Selah was slightly surprised to feel Aeneas's cool bare hands. "Later, if there's anything else, tell me immediately, okay? We agreed to use our maids to exchange messages, right?"

"Well, that's that, then."

"Very nice. Listen to me carefully, Selah." Now Aeneas's hands cupped Selah's face. "I won't let you get hurt. You understand?"

Selah nodded in response.

"Good."

In the twinkling of an eye, Aeneas kisses her. Just as their bodyguard opened the door of their horse carriage.

***

"I have wanted to say this for a long time, Your Highness. But please be careful not to surprise me with your actions."

"That's too bad. I didn't do anything that would cause a heart attack…."

But that's not what I meant! thought Selah annoyed at Aeneas. Meanwhile, the people around were blatantly stealing glances at them.

Even though it was enough for Selah with the news of her date with Aeneas some time ago. Now this man even accidentally kissed her in the carriage.

Well, not much to see. But it's just a matter of time until everyone finds out. Moreover, they are now eating lunch in the open.

"Your Highness." After massaging her temples, she was dizzy with Aeneas' behavior. "Won't these rumors ruin your reputation as the kind-hearted and family-loving second prince?"

"Well, I can't let you bear all the bad gossip alone," answered Aeneas casually. "I have also spoken to Blair. It seems like he is adamant that he doesn't want to let you go. Blair must dump you if our gossip strengthens to protect his reputation."

"But not in this way either, right?"

"This is the fastest way I can think of." Aeneas eats the salad indifferently. "After all, you've been engaged for two years but are not married either. It's only natural that you guys end up breaking up because of bad gossip."

Damn, it. If they get married later, will Selah have to face this attitude of Aeneas? Selah doesn't want to get surprises every day!

"Greetings to the second prince, Prince Aeneas."

Selah and Aeneas both turned to someone who didn't know how to greet them politely. The fragrance she brought was too strong, making Selah uncomfortable as she was eating.

Did this woman really fail to pass the etiquette lesson? Selah thought uncontrollably as she frowned at Evanthe.

Of all the women in Mesina, why did it have to be Evanthe? Just seeing her smile made Selah sick.

"Evanthe Gilmore is facing you," Evanthe continued sweetly. She blatantly ignored Selah.

"Oh, Lady Gilmore. I didn't expect to meet you here," said Aeneas no less sweetly. "But as you can see, I was with Lady Selah. I also don't want to be disturbed. So if you don't mind, are you willing to give the two of us a place to ourselves?"

After all, she wasn't the only one shocked, Evanthe too! Well, it was Evanthe's fault, too for coming at them...

What an exquisite way to get rid of her, Selah thought in disbelief. Moreover, Aeneas said it with a smile.

"I-I'm sorry, Your Highness," Evanthe said, embarrassed. Selah could see she was trying to hold back her embarrassment. "I just-"

"If you already know, why are you still here?"

Horrible man.

"I…excuse me," Evanthe greeted. She took the time to glance sharply at Selah.

"Your Highness, you really are.…" Selah said, unable to stop thinking. "Just so you know, Crown Prince Blair has always known what happened to Lady Evanthe."

"So what?" asked Aeneas lazily. "She was the one who bothered us first."

"You… don't have any particular grudge against Lady Evanthe, do you?"

"Personal problems. I don't like women who are pretentious like that. Just because she's pretty, she thinks all men will be attracted to her?"

Selah was surprised to hear that hateful, sharp sentence come out of Aeneas' mouth. "Since when did you find out that Crown Prince Blair was having an affair with Lady Evanthe?"

Aeneas glanced at Selah briefly. "Since last fall," he replied.

Last fall… That means around the day of Selah's engagement to Blair. No, it was even possible that they had first met at their engagement celebration party.

"Could-usually," Selah squeaked in disbelief.

What was Selah doing at that time when she didn't notice their meeting? What had Selah been thinking, not seeing Blair's change? After doing what, Blair had an affair?

"Lady Selah, you love Blair, don't you?"