I put on my robe and tie it close. "The children?" I asked as I sat down. "They are having dinner together, although it was quite the commotion when they were informed that you weren't joining them for dinner." Bira said as she began to dry my hair.
"Malek." He stepped out of the darkness. "Master." He bowed. "Kill that family. Down to those married out." He bowed. "Yes, Master."
"Mother?" A knock sounded and Lion's voice came from outside. I put my mask on and stepped out from behind the screen as Bira opened the door. "What is it, Lion?" He smiled. "Can I sleep with you tonight?"
"Of course." He turned and ran off without saying anything else. "Wife." I scoffed softly as I turned and looked at the man standing to the left. "Your Highness. Is there something you wish to ask?"
He stepped closer. "Why did you allow him to sleep in our bed chambers?" I chuckle. "We have no bed chambers. This is my courtyard and I am sleeping with my children. Do you have an opinion?"
"I do. You are now my wife. Yesterday I let it slide because you were tired, but I don't want the children in our shared space." He took a step towards me and Bira stopped him. "You seem to have forgotten what I said last night. This marriage is only beneficial to me because I want it to be. Now. Return to your courtyard."
Bira stepped out and closed the door. I scoff. Disgusting.
I take off my mask as I sat on the edge of the bed and placed it on the bedside table. Hearing footsteps approaching, I thought it was Lion at first, but this set was heavier. "Let him in." I tell Bira as he stopped in front of the door.
The doors opened and Kai walked in. "Mother, Lion said that he was sleeping with you tonight and since my courtyard is closer to yours, I decided to come here first. Can I also sleep here?" I nod. "You can."
He walked towards me as his eyes lifted from his feet nervously. His nervousness turned to shock. "What?" I touched my cheek. "Surprised to see me?" I asked with a smile. "You're different than what I was expecting." I chuckle and pick up the mask again. "So I've been told."
The doors opened again; Lia and Lion walked in. "Mother, we're here!" He said happily. "What a surprise. I wasn't expecting to see older brother here." Lia said flatly as she stopped next to Kai and looked at him. "We wanted to spend time with our mother."
"She's my mother too, why can't I spend time with her?" Kai retorted and this surprised Lia. She looked at me and then back at him before smiling brightly. "Then you'll follow us in morning training. We've lagged enough for two days."
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Three Months Later
"I heard you've been frequenting the Pendant Tower recently. Why have you?" The prince asked as we sat together for breakfast. "This question could have been asked after breakfast." I say as I begin eating my porridge.
"I wish to know now." He said, looking straight at me. "I don't believe that is any of your concern." He slammed his hand on the table. "You are my wife. Everything you do, say and breathe are of my concern. Now answer the question."
"You are trying to assert your dominance in front of the children but in order to assert it, you should've had it to begin with. Stop with your useless squabbles and silently eat or breakfast ends here." He stood up and walked around the table to me. Bira stepped forward and blocked him.
"Master." Lai called out to me from below the steps. I turned to look at her and she bowed. Ri is back from her trip. I turn back to the table, wipe my mouth and stand up. "Children, don't slack off because I'm not here. I'll be back by lunch." They all stood and bowed to me.
"Wife, where are you going? I am speaking to you!" The prince tried to push past Bira, but she didn't move. It's just been three months, and he's been trying to overpower me as if I am that easy. Pathetic.
I get into the awaiting carriage outside the mansion. "You're back early, did something happen?" I asked Ri as I sat down. She opened the black box in her hand and handed it to me. "We found this on a secret route to the west. It was coming from Yalki."
"Janve. This was destroyed in the war between Lion, Yalki and Heln twelve years ago." She nodded. "That's what we all thought too. Once we realized what it was, I sent a few people to infiltrate Yalki and sent this letter." She handed me a letter.
"They've been growing them in Yalki since everyone knew that the supply in Lino was burned in the war. Now that the berries are mature, they've began shipping them to Lino. The quantity isn't much since it took so many years to grow a bush. Two carriages have already made it to Lino." Ri explained.
"What about Lino. Any news there?" She shook her head. "Not yet but the manager should be getting news soon." The carriage came to a stop and Ri stood up. I close the box and walk out after her.
We enter the Pendant Tower and the manager greeted us. "Your Highness! The mask is soon ready. I can take you to a private room to wait." I nod. "This way." He escorted us to the back of the store where the first-floor private rooms are.
We stepped into a room and then went through a secret door in the back wall that ended in the back courtyard. We take off our masks as we sat down in the main hall. "Master." The manager bowed to me. "Do you have news from Lino?" He nodded and took out a letter from his sleeve.
He handed it to me. "If you wish, I can start on preparations for you to leave at any time." I nod. "Do that." I hand the letter to Ri so she would read it. "If the royal family in Lino is making such a big move, I want to see it myself. Everything must go in our favor."
"You think something else is happening?" Ri asked. "Two shipments have already made their way into Lino territory and yet only one shipment made the capital. Something is definitely happening." She nods. "We should leave quickly then."
"Send word when preparations are done." I tell Manager as I stand up. He bowed. "Yes, Master."