Chapter 19: Enrico's first step

Enrico's POV

I want to tease her. The words that she says are somehow nonsense, but they made me happy. Kiara's pouting face was so cute, and that triggers me.

"What?! Are you! No! I mean, yes. I mean, get out!" she roared and pointed at the door. She covered her face, and I saw how red she was.

"Okay. If that's what you said, I have something to do. Eat your breakfast before the kids ask for your presence," I stated.

I lean forward and kiss her cheek. I walked away and realized that I'm also flustered and didn't want her to see my reaction.

I went to my office and waited for my trusted friend to come. I told the butler to summon them. I know they're already around the palace. I heard a knock, and they came in together.

"Good morning, Duke Enrico," Marco and Sam say.

"Good morning. I have an assignment for the two of you. Marco, I want you to investigate the background of Kate and Lou. I want to know how he meets Kiara's dad and everything about them before her marriage to Marquis Noah," I utter and take a halt.

I look at Sam. "Sam, I need you to investigate his death and what happened at a party a year ago," I added.

"To a party? Are you talking about the first day that you met Lady Kate?" Sam asks. I nodded.

They look at me with confusion in their eyes. I intertwined my fingers and placed my chin on it. I can't stay like this forever.

"Is there a problem that we should know about, Duke Enrico?"

I look at Markus, who asked that question. "I'm glad Viciel visits us again. He was so fond of his cousins, and he gave me another clue that bothers me the most." I halt.

They look at each other and listen to me. "He told me that I changed a lot after that party. My nephew is a genius kid. He gave me a hint. He said that after I drank the beverage that Kate gave me, my behavior changed. Viciel said that he saw Kate putting a sugar-like powder in my drink," I stated. Markus crosses his arms, and I know he understands what I'm saying.

"You have indeed changed since you met Lady Kate. We didn't tell you about it because we still trust your cleverness as the duke and prince regent. There are times that we don't agree with things, especially when you only listen to Lady Kate, but... we are still here."

Sam's words made me realize that I have comrades that still stay with me. I'm just glad they didn't follow my orders when they knew it was bad for my reputation and the citizens of this kingdom.

"We are willing to help you reveal the truth, Duke Enrico. I have a question, and I'll apologize if this is rude. What are your plans with Duchess Kiara? We also notice her change of attitude. She is no longer timid and just stays in her room silently. Are you not afraid of these changes?" he asks.

I look at them and lean my back on my chair. "I am afraid, but I want to trust my hunch," I whispered.

"Hunch? What kind of hunch is that?" Sam asks. I grin.

"She caught my interest. Now that she stands with her head high, I want to know if she can help me protect this kingdom and the royal family," I remarked.

They end up nodding and understanding my point. I discussed their assignment further, and they left afterwards.

I went to the room of my children and saw my nephew, who was happily playing with them. It looks like he will come over more often.

"Hi, royal uncle. My cousins never stop smiling. They really like me," he says. I brushed his hair and smiled. I look at my children.

I didn't expect that I'd be having four babies in an instant, but while looking at them like this, I have this feeling of enjoyment, fear, and excitement. I held their hands one by one, and each of them would stare at me.

"Viciel, are you mad at your uncle because of what I did to your royal aunt?" I ask. I didn't look at my nephew.

I want him to answer with honesty. "I am not mad. I don't like it, yes. But I know my royal uncle as well. After I saw what Kate did that night, I believe you are being used by a wicked woman. I knew my uncle well."

He taps my hand. I look at Viciel. "My uncle is strong, and he won't stay a bad person. I know that," he added.

He smiled, and I kneeled down to embrace him. "Your uncle owes you a lot. I promise that I will protect you no matter what happens, and your cousins will support you when you become the king of this nation," I murmur.

Viciel hugs me back and taps my shoulder. "Thank you, uncle. I know you're doing your best for the kingdom and for us too. Your royal dad and mom know how great you are. Let's protect the kingdom together. Promise?" he asks and gives me his pinky finger.

I smiled and sealed our agreement. I speak with his own maid and the nannies for my children before leaving the room.

I was startled when I saw Kiara in front of the door. She's holding the doorknob when I open it. "Get inside. I will go back to my office. I have things to do," I remarked.

I was about to walk away when he grabbed my wrist. I look at her. "Thank you, Enrico. I'm glad you find time to see the kids. I really appreciate it," Kiara whispers.

Her smile was so beautiful that I was enchanted by it. I never thought Kiara could smile as pretty as that. I wrapped my wrist around hers as well and pulled her into an embrace.

"Stay like this for a moment. I need to recharge myself. I apologize for being selfish," I whispered.

He didn't say a word. I was stunned when she wrapped her hands around me. Her warmth makes me feel comfortable, and her scent is sweet.

They're a combination of heaven for me. I let her go after that. She suddenly tiptoed and kissed my cheek. That surprises me more than ever.

"Thank you for the breakfast too. I'll go inside, and you can go to your office now," Kiara says.

She runs towards the door and gets inside. I place my hand on my lips and brush my nape. Damn. I'm fucking doomed!