Cecilia opened her hazy eyes. The scenery before her eyes appeared dimly under her blinking eyelids. The bedroom before her eyes was unfamiliar, but at the same time familiar. The man who had fallen asleep while hugging her as if she were a doll was the same.
'Normally, noble couples don't share the same bedroom.'
Although it was almost like the calm before the storm, it was actually peaceful. Everything was going peacefully. Meanwhile, all business related to the island was going smoothly.
The same was true for her relationship with Eden. After spending the night together, there were almost no walls between her and Eden. Naturally, sharing a bedroom was one of the changes in his attitude.
'There's no need to do that unless you want to see the successor.'
'...'
'But you and I are different.'
Even though he said that she couldn't say no because it was uncomfortable. There was something more annoying about Eden, who had fallen in love with someone. Cecilia, who had never shared a bedroom with Eden every day before, felt that way.
Suddenly, Eden’s strong arm across her chest felt suffocating. It felt like a restraint. Cecilia, feeling a reflexive sense of rejection, turned her body around and tried to escape Eden’s embrace.
“...Cecilia?”
Eden opened his mouth in a hushed voice, seemingly awakened by the movement in his arms.
“Why are you up already?”
Cecilia quietly looked back. The water-colored eyes still filled with sleep were staring at her.
“I’m thirsty.”
Let's make up a suitable lie, Eden kissed Cecilia's nape. Then, he pulled out his arm that was supporting Cecilia's body from under her waist and sat up.
“Just wait a moment.”
Eden, wearing only a robe over his smooth body, stood up from his seat without hesitation. Then, he naturally poured some water and handed it to Cecilia.
“Why are you looking at me like that, Your Highness?”
Cecilia asked, holding the glass in her hand after drinking some water. Eden noticed that Cecilia would not drink any more water, so he took the glass and placed it back on the table.
“Eden.”
However, Cecilia noticed that there was no answer even after that action and changed her address.
"Just..."
Only then did Eden open his mouth. Cecilia thought that this was also one of the things that had become annoying after Eden changed.
“Even your face when you wake up is cute.”
Cecilia looked speechless at Eden's response. She said it because it was something she had never thought of. Eden had never said anything like that before.
“You’re saying strange things...”
Of course, these words evoked more negative emotions than positive ones, because every time she realized that he had been wearing a mask and dealing with her in the past, she felt unpleasant.
But at the same time, she felt her heart sink. Cecilia also found that to be an unpleasant feeling.
“Since I’m up early, I think I’ll get ready to go out.”
Eden nodded with a smile, perhaps noticing Cecilia's change of subject.
“Yes. I have to go out and come back soon anyway. Let’s have breakfast together.”
Just as Cecilia was about to say yes, Eden grabbed the rope and pulled it. He kissed Cecilia on the forehead and disappeared into the connected passageway, saying he would see her later.
“Did you sleep well, Your Highness?”
“Yeah, Abby also looks good...”
Abby came into the bedroom in a hurry. There was something strange about her sleepless face. Cecilia was speechless for a moment after seeing Abby’s red and shiny lips. It was like witnessing her child’s love affair.
“It looks like you had a fun time dating.”
Abby's face instantly turned red like a bonfire. There was no way Abby could have met any other man besides Diego, so it had to be Diego who was locking lips with her at this time.
“When did things get to that point?”
At Cecilia's question, Abby licked her lips with a puzzled expression. Cecilia simply smiled briefly. In fact, unlike her initial evaluation of Diego, she thought that he was a good match for Abby.
He was a commoner now, but he would become a nobleman someday. Abby could also become a Countess. And he had a lot of money. If Diego was sincere to Abby, he was close to being a groom who would want to tie her up.
“I’m not saying anything. I’m just upset because I think I have to think about Abby’s marriage.”
“Your Highness...”
“I wonder if Madame Monte felt this way too.”
As Cecilia muttered quietly, Abby writhed in embarrassment. Even though she had lived with her since she was young, she couldn't be okay with having her private love affairs discovered.
“Here, here’s a letter!”
Ultimately, it was the letter from Diego that Abby chose as a way to stir Cecilia's thoughts since Abby now knew that Diego was acting as Cecilia's informant.
“Yes, thanks.”
Cecilia smiled and took the letter. Diego's letter started with the main point as usual.
< As you asked me before, I looked into whether Duke Lane had a lover. First of all, I apologize for the delay in responding. I thought I needed to investigate further, so I waited a little longer... I thought it would be a shame to delay any longer, so I’m telling you this, even though it’s uncertain. >
The letter said that they had investigated whether Curtis was seeing a woman. If he was seeing a woman, he was, so why was she being so cautious?
'Normally, noble couples don't share the same bedroom.'
Although it was almost like the calm before the storm, it was actually peaceful. Everything was going peacefully. Meanwhile, all business related to the island was going smoothly.
The same was true for her relationship with Eden. After spending the night together, there were almost no walls between her and Eden. Naturally, sharing a bedroom was one of the changes in his attitude.
'There's no need to do that unless you want to see the successor.'
'...'
'But you and I are different.'
Even though he said that she couldn't say no because it was uncomfortable. There was something more annoying about Eden, who had fallen in love with someone. Cecilia, who had never shared a bedroom with Eden every day before, felt that way.
Suddenly, Eden’s strong arm across her chest felt suffocating. It felt like a restraint. Cecilia, feeling a reflexive sense of rejection, turned her body around and tried to escape Eden’s embrace.
“...Cecilia?”
Eden opened his mouth in a hushed voice, seemingly awakened by the movement in his arms.
“Why are you up already?”
Cecilia quietly looked back. The water-colored eyes still filled with sleep were staring at her.
“I’m thirsty.”
Let's make up a suitable lie, Eden kissed Cecilia's nape. Then, he pulled out his arm that was supporting Cecilia's body from under her waist and sat up.
“Just wait a moment.”
Eden, wearing only a robe over his smooth body, stood up from his seat without hesitation. Then, he naturally poured some water and handed it to Cecilia.
“Why are you looking at me like that, Your Highness?”
Cecilia asked, holding the glass in her hand after drinking some water. Eden noticed that Cecilia would not drink any more water, so he took the glass and placed it back on the table.
“Eden.”
However, Cecilia noticed that there was no answer even after that action and changed her address.
"Just..."
Only then did Eden open his mouth. Cecilia thought that this was also one of the things that had become annoying after Eden changed.
“Even your face when you wake up is cute.”
Cecilia looked speechless at Eden's response. She said it because it was something she had never thought of. Eden had never said anything like that before.
“You’re saying strange things...”
Of course, these words evoked more negative emotions than positive ones, because every time she realized that he had been wearing a mask and dealing with her in the past, she felt unpleasant.
But at the same time, she felt her heart sink. Cecilia also found that to be an unpleasant feeling.
“Since I’m up early, I think I’ll get ready to go out.”
Eden nodded with a smile, perhaps noticing Cecilia's change of subject.
“Yes. I have to go out and come back soon anyway. Let’s have breakfast together.”
Just as Cecilia was about to say yes, Eden grabbed the rope and pulled it. He kissed Cecilia on the forehead and disappeared into the connected passageway, saying he would see her later.
“Did you sleep well, Your Highness?”
“Yeah, Abby also looks good...”
Abby came into the bedroom in a hurry. There was something strange about her sleepless face. Cecilia was speechless for a moment after seeing Abby’s red and shiny lips. It was like witnessing her child’s love affair.
“It looks like you had a fun time dating.”
Abby's face instantly turned red like a bonfire. There was no way Abby could have met any other man besides Diego, so it had to be Diego who was locking lips with her at this time.
“When did things get to that point?”
At Cecilia's question, Abby licked her lips with a puzzled expression. Cecilia simply smiled briefly. In fact, unlike her initial evaluation of Diego, she thought that he was a good match for Abby.
He was a commoner now, but he would become a nobleman someday. Abby could also become a Countess. And he had a lot of money. If Diego was sincere to Abby, he was close to being a groom who would want to tie her up.
“I’m not saying anything. I’m just upset because I think I have to think about Abby’s marriage.”
“Your Highness...”
“I wonder if Madame Monte felt this way too.”
As Cecilia muttered quietly, Abby writhed in embarrassment. Even though she had lived with her since she was young, she couldn't be okay with having her private love affairs discovered.
“Here, here’s a letter!”
Ultimately, it was the letter from Diego that Abby chose as a way to stir Cecilia's thoughts since Abby now knew that Diego was acting as Cecilia's informant.
“Yes, thanks.”
Cecilia smiled and took the letter. Diego's letter started with the main point as usual.
< As you asked me before, I looked into whether Duke Lane had a lover. First of all, I apologize for the delay in responding. I thought I needed to investigate further, so I waited a little longer... I thought it would be a shame to delay any longer, so I’m telling you this, even though it’s uncertain. >
The letter said that they had investigated whether Curtis was seeing a woman. If he was seeing a woman, he was, so why was she being so cautious?
Cecilia was nervous, wondering if there was something wrong.
< As Your Highness the Grand Duchess had expected... >
Expectation? Who did I expect?
< As Your Highness the Grand Duchess had expected... >
Expectation? Who did I expect?
As she read each line of the letter, Cecilia's head began to spin rapidly.
< It seems that Duke Lane has been meeting with Her Majesty the Empress recently. However, I suspect their relationship has not been that long. >
Cecilia's actions as she read the letter suddenly stopped. Just as she felt as if she had lost her breath, the sound of a corner bending was heard from the thin sheet of paper in her hand.
< It seems that Duke Lane has been meeting with Her Majesty the Empress recently. However, I suspect their relationship has not been that long. >
Cecilia's actions as she read the letter suddenly stopped. Just as she felt as if she had lost her breath, the sound of a corner bending was heard from the thin sheet of paper in her hand.
***
“Why do you have that face?”
In the dark dawn before the sun had risen yet, a pale face was revealed beneath the hood of her shabby robe. It was Tiffany Oberon Wyatt, the young and beautiful Empress of Wyatt, who had a son who was now an adult.
“Are you still anxious and scared?”
Tiffany asked with a smile. Curtis, the subject of her secret meeting, did not answer. It was a feeling that could be sensed without him having to say it out loud, so Tiffany did not press him for an answer.
“What can’t be undone has already happened, so what will change if I’m afraid now?”
That didn't mean Curtis's little heart could hide its discontent. Tiffany and Curtis had a lot to lose, just like everyone else. Having more meant having more to lose. But, as a Duke, would he have more to lose than the Empress herself?
“Don’t be narrow-minded.”
Tiffany threw her shabby robe on the bed and leaned back in her chair. From the outside, it looked like a shabby inn, but since it was a place set up for Tiffany and Curtis’s secret meeting, the interior was decorated like any nobleman’s mansion.
“Curtis Lane.”
Curtis let out a small sigh and came over. Tiffany leaned her arms on the table and gently stroked Curtis’ face, who was sitting across from her.
“Shall we finish it?”
Curtis' face hardened at Tiffany's question. Tiffany smiled briefly at him. It was a beautiful smile that was seductive even though it had no other intention.
“If you want to end it, I can end it today. After all, the one who gets run over by my feet is a young man.”
“...”
“Even if it’s not you, there are many men who would give their body and soul to me.”
Political marriages between the royal family and the nobility were common. It was also common for them to have a government after they succeeded the throne. This was no different for the Emperor or Empress.
“But do you really want that to happen?”
Even knowing that Curtis's guilt did not go away. But at the same time, he was angry. Just imagining the existence of so many men prostrating themselves at the feet of the Empress and begging for her affection was enough.
“Or maybe you feel sorry for your wife who died a long time ago?”
Suddenly, Tiffany's eyes became sharp. The end of her question also became sharp.
“With that level of chastity, the Duchess might even forgive you.”
“That’s not it.”
“I don’t care about that deal. It’s already too late anyway.”
Tiffany laughed mockingly at Curtis. Curtis also thought in his head that Tiffany was right. No matter how he put it, they had already crossed the river of no return.
“Curtis, my love.”
“...”
“Leave everything else aside and just look at us. Your daughter won’t know anyway.”
Tiffany whispered softly. Shining emerald eyes stared at Tiffany. They were the same color and temperature as before. This time, unlike his unusually suspicious daughter.
“If we were wrong, it was just that we were a little late, whether then or now.”
There was confusion, anxiety, and fear mixed in, but there was definitely affection and longing within it as well.
“It was going to end up like this anyway.”
Curtis Lane was a bad, funny guy. But how could he always be so good? She laughed at herself. But Tiffany wasn't ashamed.
Life was like a tidal wave. It could sweep away and swallow up everything you had in an instant. She knew it from experience. So now, how could it be a sin to be faithful to love?
Tiffany simply leaned in and kissed Curtis on the lips. It was a tender but affectionate kiss, a kiss toward what had been reclaimed.
"Your Majesty..."
“Call me Tiffany.”
As Curtis whispered in a low voice, Tiffany giggled. As if stimulated by the sound, Curtis sat up.
A strong arm lifted Tiffany up, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. Soon, two bodies, entangled as if they were one, came crashing down.
In the dark dawn before the sun had risen yet, a pale face was revealed beneath the hood of her shabby robe. It was Tiffany Oberon Wyatt, the young and beautiful Empress of Wyatt, who had a son who was now an adult.
“Are you still anxious and scared?”
Tiffany asked with a smile. Curtis, the subject of her secret meeting, did not answer. It was a feeling that could be sensed without him having to say it out loud, so Tiffany did not press him for an answer.
“What can’t be undone has already happened, so what will change if I’m afraid now?”
That didn't mean Curtis's little heart could hide its discontent. Tiffany and Curtis had a lot to lose, just like everyone else. Having more meant having more to lose. But, as a Duke, would he have more to lose than the Empress herself?
“Don’t be narrow-minded.”
Tiffany threw her shabby robe on the bed and leaned back in her chair. From the outside, it looked like a shabby inn, but since it was a place set up for Tiffany and Curtis’s secret meeting, the interior was decorated like any nobleman’s mansion.
“Curtis Lane.”
Curtis let out a small sigh and came over. Tiffany leaned her arms on the table and gently stroked Curtis’ face, who was sitting across from her.
“Shall we finish it?”
Curtis' face hardened at Tiffany's question. Tiffany smiled briefly at him. It was a beautiful smile that was seductive even though it had no other intention.
“If you want to end it, I can end it today. After all, the one who gets run over by my feet is a young man.”
“...”
“Even if it’s not you, there are many men who would give their body and soul to me.”
Political marriages between the royal family and the nobility were common. It was also common for them to have a government after they succeeded the throne. This was no different for the Emperor or Empress.
“But do you really want that to happen?”
Even knowing that Curtis's guilt did not go away. But at the same time, he was angry. Just imagining the existence of so many men prostrating themselves at the feet of the Empress and begging for her affection was enough.
“Or maybe you feel sorry for your wife who died a long time ago?”
Suddenly, Tiffany's eyes became sharp. The end of her question also became sharp.
“With that level of chastity, the Duchess might even forgive you.”
“That’s not it.”
“I don’t care about that deal. It’s already too late anyway.”
Tiffany laughed mockingly at Curtis. Curtis also thought in his head that Tiffany was right. No matter how he put it, they had already crossed the river of no return.
“Curtis, my love.”
“...”
“Leave everything else aside and just look at us. Your daughter won’t know anyway.”
Tiffany whispered softly. Shining emerald eyes stared at Tiffany. They were the same color and temperature as before. This time, unlike his unusually suspicious daughter.
“If we were wrong, it was just that we were a little late, whether then or now.”
There was confusion, anxiety, and fear mixed in, but there was definitely affection and longing within it as well.
“It was going to end up like this anyway.”
Curtis Lane was a bad, funny guy. But how could he always be so good? She laughed at herself. But Tiffany wasn't ashamed.
Life was like a tidal wave. It could sweep away and swallow up everything you had in an instant. She knew it from experience. So now, how could it be a sin to be faithful to love?
Tiffany simply leaned in and kissed Curtis on the lips. It was a tender but affectionate kiss, a kiss toward what had been reclaimed.
"Your Majesty..."
“Call me Tiffany.”
As Curtis whispered in a low voice, Tiffany giggled. As if stimulated by the sound, Curtis sat up.
A strong arm lifted Tiffany up, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. Soon, two bodies, entangled as if they were one, came crashing down.
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