Upset wife

"My prince," Ali began, lowering his voice as he leaned in, "His Majesty's birthday is swiftly approaching. Have you considered what you will be presenting to him?"

Aaron let out an exasperated sigh, massaging his neck in frustration.

"You fool," he muttered under his breath, trying to temper the boy's over-eagerness.

"Regarding the princess," Ali continued, swiftly transitioning to his usual report after being tasked with discreetly monitoring Princess Amira.

"The sentry you assigned has relayed that she is also making preparations for His Majesty's celebration. It seems that she is having her gown tailored by the seamstress."

"My men are diligently fulfilling their duties," Ali remarked with a satisfied grin.

Zyran shot a fierce glare at Ali. "I never asked you to eavesdrop on their conversation," he said firmly.

Ali defended himself, saying, "I thought knowing what she thinks would also let us know what she's up to."

Zyran shook his head. "Seems to me like you love to sit in the sun," he remarked.

Interrupting him, Ali stated, "My prince, I-"

Zyran cut him off. "Three hundred laps," he told him.

Sighing in frustration, Ali turned to carry out his punishment.

Amira stood by the window, her gaze fixated on the road where Zyran would soon return home.

"Why isn't he back yet?" She sighed, her anxiety growing.

Her eyes darted back to the window and suddenly caught a glimpse of silver hair making its way towards their house.

A wide grin spread across Amira's face as she hurriedly dashed out of her room.

She was already halfway down the stairs when the door swung open and Zyran stepped inside.

He lifts his head and catches a glimpse of Amira, who is gracefully positioned on the staircase.

"You're back," she says, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

"Hmm, why are you still up?" Zyran asks, strolling in.

"I couldn't sleep. Have you had dinner? I prepared too much and couldn't finish it," Amira says, leading him to the table.

"You cooked for yourself?" he inquires.

Amira nods and responds, "I was feeling a bit bored, and everyone else was occupied with the upcoming celebration."

Zyran savored each mouthful of the delicious meal, relishing its flavors as he took bite after bite. Amira watched him eagerly, waiting for his reaction.

"How is it?" she asked, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Zyran simply nodded in response, fully engrossed in his meal. Disappointment washed over Amira as she dropped the spoon she was holding and rose from her seat.

"Where are you off to?" Zyran inquired, observing her standing up.

"I'm heading back to my room," Amira replied, her earlier smile fading away.

"I thought you said you weren't tired," Zyran remarked, puzzled by her sudden departure.

"Can't a person become tired again? I'm exhausted and spent. I didn't realize how much strain I was putting on myself while cooking. I need to rest now," Amira explained, pouting slightly before making her way up the stairs.

Unsure of what had upset her, Zyran continued to eat, not wanting to let Amira's efforts go to waste. A faint smile lingered on his lips as he savored each bite of the meal.

The following day, Zyran departed from home with Amira, who was still visibly upset. As he stood by, observing the soldiers' training, his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of what could have led to Amira's distress.

"Your Highness, you seem lost in deep contemplation since this morning. Did you have a disagreement with your wife at home?" inquired Ali.

Zyran's eyes swiftly shifted towards Ali.

"Indeed, you did. What transpired?" pressed Ali.

"I can't fathom that you would be distant towards her as well," Ali remarked.

Zyran let out a sigh before responding.

"I wasn't," he retorted curtly.

"I'm convinced that's the reason," Ali persisted.

"Can you not prey_"

Aaron's protest was interrupted by Zyran's voice.

"She said she couldn't finish the food she prepared, so I offered to help, but instead of being grateful, she got angry. I can't understand why she's mad when she offered it to me in the first place," Zyran expressed in frustration.

Aaron was taken aback, his mouth dropping, and Ali helped him close it back. However, Aaron's anger flared up, and he swatted Ali's hand away.

"It's your fault, Your Highness. All of this is because of you," Ali admonished him.

"How can you be such a fool_? Zyran glared daggers at him; how did you react to her cooking?" Ali inquired.

"I didn't say anything special. I mean, why would she expect sweet words for just making food?" Zyran replied, clearly perplexed.

"You missed the point entirely. You should have complimented her. Why would she bother cooking herself when there are maids to do that? When she said she couldn't finish it, it was just an excuse. She wanted you to taste her homemade food and acknowledge her culinary skills. But instead, you missed the chance and just nodded. Even I would be upset by that," Ali explained.