Ironically, the queen—utterly absorbed by her newborn—remained completely unaware of the intensity of the gaze that lingered on her day and night.
To the maids observing from the shadows, it almost felt like watching a quiet, bittersweet case of unrequited love. The thought made them stifle their laughter. Of course, the comparison didn’t quite hold—especially considering how devoted the royal couple clearly were to each other.
“The signal flare went off. You should go,” Eugene said gently, nudging him from his reverie.
At her urging, Kasser finally rose. Outside the bedchamber, a warrior stood ready, handing him his weapon. Kasser took it silently and strode down the corridor, muttering under his breath. If only this damned active season would end already.
When he reached the top of the fortress wall atop Abu, the scene was quiet—just as it had been the last ti. A soldier who had rushed over offered a quick report.
“Your Majesty, it’s the sa spirit beast as before.”
Kasser climbed to the top of the wall and scanned the horizon. As the soldier had said, the creature appeared again—a monstrous, centipede-like beast, identical to the one that had shown itself several days prior.
Without hesitation, Kasser leapt over the wall on Abu’s back. But just as before, the mont they drew near, the creature turned and fled without a fight, disappearing into the desert without so much as a backward glance.
What the hell is it playing at? ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel{f}ire
He pulled Abu to a halt, glaring at the vanishing silhouette, frustration simring beneath the surface.
Back at the fortress, he issued new orders to the watching soldier.
“If it shows up again but doesn’t approach the wall, don’t fire the signal flare. Just co to the palace and report directly.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. But…” The soldier paused, clearly hesitant, then spoke carefully. “When the Hwansu returned, so of us were reminded of the giant serpent—lark—from years ago.”
Kasser narrowed his eyes. “In what way?”
“We were just thinking… maybe if Her Highness ca, it might retreat. Forgive , Your Majesty—I ant no disrespect.”
Kasser stood silently, eyes turning toward the desert beyond the wall. The idea wasn’t entirely baseless. In recent years, most of the strange occurrences involving Hwansus and larks had been connected to Eugene in one way or another.
Still, the thought of involving her now was out of the question. She could barely walk. Even moving her by carriage might cause harm. It was sothing to consider only after she’d fully recovered.
“Do as I said. And keep this to yourselves—no rumors.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Without another word, Kasser spurred Abu forward, racing back toward the palace.
Even a few monts away from her felt far too long.
***
The first dry season after Rohid’s birth was drawing to a close. Now nearly five months old, he was growing faster than anyone could have imagined.
With a naturally large fra, he was already bigger than most children his age. His appetite was voracious, and his developnt unusually swift—he had even begun taking a few steps while holding soone’s hand. Compared to Yog, who had been born earlier and had only just begun to toddle at over a year old, the contrast was striking.
Marianne, fondly recalling her days raising the late king, remarked that he too had grown at a remarkable pace. Eugene nodded in agreent, silently musing, The royal bloodline truly is sothing else.
One tranquil afternoon, Eugene sat sipping tea with Dana and Marianne. It had been a while since the three of them had gathered like this in peace.
“It seems you’re the busiest woman in the entire palace these days, Mother,” Eugene said with a smile.
Dana, rarely seen in the palace at this hour, had beco sothing of a celebrity. Ever since Prince Rohid’s birth, her social standing had skyrocketed. Invitations piled up beyond her capacity, and noble families practically competed for the privilege of hosting her.
Rohid remained the most talked-about figure in high society. But as per royal tradition, no one outside the inner palace would lay eyes on the prince for at least two full active seasons and two dry ones. Until then, he would remain securely hidden from the public—protected from both admiration and malice.
Which made Dana the most sought-after source of firsthand glimpses and stories about the young prince.
“They’re not calling for , you know,” Dana said dryly, setting her cup down. “I’ve realized sothing odd—these days, I’m no longer the center of attention.”
It was a strange admission from soone who had long been admired for her poise, beauty, and charm. And yet, there was no bitterness in her voice—only quiet amusent.
Even so, she relished every gathering. The mont she began to speak of her grandson, eyes sparkled and ears leaned in closer. And for Dana, nothing brought more delight than watching the world fall just as hopelessly in love with him as she had.
“They’re always stunned when I tell them Rohid’s already taking steps while holding soone’s hand,” Dana said.
“If you add that he takes after his father, they’ll be even more chard,” Eugene quipped.
Dana and Marianne exchanged a knowing glance. Dana spoke first.
“He’s a boy, so naturally he inherits much from his father. But honestly, I see quite a bit of you in him as well.”
“?” Eugene blinked, surprised.
Marianne smiled gently. “Every ti I see the prince, I’m struck by how seamlessly he blends the best of both of you.”
“Really? I always thought he looked exactly like His Majesty must have as a child.”
“Oh, in the first month or two, yes. The resemblance was strong,” Marianne replied. “But now… your features are starting to co through.”
Eugene turned to her, curiosity piqued. “What was His Majesty like as a child? I imagine he wasn’t much different from now. People don’t change their nature overnight.”
Marianne’s gaze softened, touched by mory. “He was always composed. Incredibly mature. A child who almost never needed looking after.”
Eugene’s expression shifted as a suspicion took root. “Marianne… are you saying he wasn’t difficult as a child?”
“…Pardon?” Marianne blinked, caught off guard.
Her hesitation gave everything away.
“Ah-ha.” Eugene sighed with mock gravity. “So it’s true. He gets it from .”
She slumped a little, grumbling under her breath.
“All those tis he kicked up a storm in the womb… I should have known he was warning .”
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