Chapter 15

When the two royals walked side by side through the garden, the once lively space became solemn in an instant. The gardeners were so tense that their hands trembled, worried they might have missed pulling a single weed.

Cali and Dylan, however, walked leisurely, their faces calm as if such tension was nothing new.

Cali raised her hand to shade her eyes, gazing up at the sunlight pouring down over the garden.

“The garden is quite charming. When you first said you wanted to buy such a small townhouse, I was not at all pleased.”

“The residence Your Majesty chose was far too large.”

“And what of it? You are of royal blood.”

“All the more reason it was a problem. After living here, I realized a smaller home has its advantages. It requires far less upkeep.”

Objectively speaking, neither the house nor the garden was small. But to the two who had spent their lives in the Imperial Palace, it probably looked no larger than a child’s playhouse.

Cali glanced around the garden and smiled faintly.

“I wonder if your future wife will share that opinion. What if she scolds you for refusing a grand estate bestowed by the Emperor?”

“She would not.”

“Already taking her side? You have fallen deeply, it seems.”

Cali could easily guess what kind of answer her humorless brother might give. Some excuse about how it was a misunderstanding, or that he was not blinded by emotion to the point of forgetting his duties.

But Dylan, looking thoughtful for a moment, nodded without resistance.

“She is more than I deserve.”

“What?”

Cali’s eyes widened in surprise, then she burst into laughter, holding her stomach.

“I cannot believe my brother just said something so romantic. I should have realized when you insisted on choosing your own bride.”

“That is enough. Have you reached your conclusion?”

Dylan frowned as if weary of her teasing.

Cali hummed, tapping her chin as Agnes came to mind again.

“I thought I would make her cry before leaving, but that was not easy.”

“Your Majesty should consider your position.”

“What about it? The advantage of being Emperor is that even when I act shamelessly, a woman like her cannot say a word against me. You still have much to learn.”

Dylan narrowed his eyes at her and gave a small shrug.

“I plan to hold the ceremony once the social season ends and the capital quiets down.”

“I have not yet given you permission to marry.”

“You have already decided, so please stop pretending otherwise. Surely Your Majesty found her to your liking.”

“You are a hard man to joke with.”

Cali spoke lightly but did not continue the banter.

“Fine. I like that she did not cry, and I like that she is brave. When I glared at her, she stepped in front of me with that tiny body of hers, saying she would protect him. I also liked how calm she looked while doing it.”

“My dog? You did not…”

Before Dylan could finish, Cali raised her hand, silencing him.

“I only looked at him once, no need to get so worked up. Anyway, if you wish to marry Lady Everchen, do so. When I heard she had been thrown out by her husband after losing her child, I thought she must be fragile. But now I see I was wrong.”

Cali genuinely admired Agnes.

For noblewomen who married young, especially those like Agnes who entered society and wed almost immediately, the world was terribly small.

Their world consisted of a single mansion they managed, and at most, a carriage to ride in. That was the size of their lives.

Even waves that brushed their ankles must have felt like storms to them.

It was natural. One could only learn the danger of waves after being struck by many, yet noble society never allowed its women such freedom.

Agnes had seemed like one of those sheltered women, but perhaps she had grown stronger scars than anyone imagined.

“Do not think you are the one making a sacrifice with this marriage. All the harsh gossip will be aimed at her, not you. Though, she seems strong enough to handle it.”

“I do not think of it that way, but I understand what you mean.”

Cali grinned and rested her hand on his shoulder. Her long fingers pressed firmly, then softened, patting him lightly as if to show affection.

Watching her, Dylan said quietly,

“Please do not visit unannounced again.”

“Fine, fine. You know, I am not used to being treated this poorly. Even your sister Serene would never…”

“I will write to Serene as well and tell her to return to her own estate.”

“Ah, really! Before you take even my little sister away from me, I should leave. I am going now, truly!”

Cali threw up her hands and headed straight for her carriage, muttering under her breath.

After seeing the Emperor off with the proper formality due to his sovereign, Dylan turned and walked back. The calm mask he had worn earlier darkened with shadow.

Rubbing his brow, he headed toward Agnes’s room.

He confirmed with the maid outside that Agnes was still awake, then knocked politely.

“Who is it?”

Her voice sounded weary, more than any time he had heard before.

She had seemed cheerful enough while speaking with Cali, but clearly the strain had been heavy.

He thought about turning back to let her rest, but there was something he needed to tell her.

“It is Dylan. May I come in for a moment?”

“Oh, Your Grace! Just a moment, please!”

There was a flurry of movement, then the door opened.

Agnes stood in the doorway wearing a thin silk nightgown with a shawl draped over her shoulders. Without makeup, her face looked younger and full of surprise.

‘Just as I thought.’

From her expression, Dylan could easily guess what she was thinking.

‘Did he not drink enough blood yesterday?’

Instead of voicing her question, Agnes quickly guided him toward the small table by the window.

While the Emperor’s visit had kept the house busy, time had passed swiftly. The sun was already sinking below the horizon.

Setting down a cup of tea, Agnes smiled softly.

“This room you gave me is so beautiful. I cannot help admiring it every time. The view from this window is especially lovely.”

“When Noah returns, he will use this room. It is only a townhouse, but you will visit the capital occasionally.”

Agnes’s eyes widened in surprise. Dylan clicked his tongue inwardly and continued.

“After the ceremony, you will have to use the chamber adjoining mine. We must avoid giving others any reason to gossip.”

“Oh, I am sorry. I was not surprised about that. I just never imagined you would think to prepare a room for Noah as well. Of course, I will use the one near yours. We may not be a typical couple, but we will still be bound as husband and wife.”

She smiled again, calming her surprise.

“Since Your Grace has shown me such kindness, I will do my best in return. I am truly grateful.”

She gave a graceful curtsy to express her sincerity.

But at the end of the motion, she swayed slightly. It was so brief that most would have missed it, yet Dylan reached out quickly to steady her.

“It seems your body is still strained.”

Agnes opened her mouth to say she was fine but decided against lying to someone so observant.

“I feel a bit dizzy, but it is nothing serious. A good night’s rest will fix it.”

“You could not rest properly because of Her Majesty’s sudden visit.”

Agnes only smiled faintly instead of denying it. Who would believe that such an encounter had been pleasant or relaxing?

Dylan sighed quietly and helped her sit more comfortably.

“I am truly sorry you had to face the Emperor without warning. It will not happen again.”

“That is all right. I am your wife now. It would not make sense to avoid your family forever. Though, if I knew beforehand, I could have welcomed Her Majesty a little better.”

Agnes laughed lightly, as if it were nothing.

She was not wrong. Dylan might no longer hold the title of prince, but he was still royalty, which meant appearances at Imperial events were unavoidable.

To Agnes, today’s visit was a reminder of the role she would have to play from now on, and she found comfort in that clarity.

So she asked carefully,

“I truly am fine. Next time you need to… feed, I will make sure I am in good health. By the way, how were the others? Did they often feel dizzy afterward?”