TOOCM | 013

Episode 13

Reina’s eyes widened in surprise as she replied,

“What? But don’t we need to get to the North quickly?”

Her pointed question made Kaiden flinch, though he feigned nonchalance.

“That was the plan, but thanks to you pinpointing Goreth’s eggs, we’ve saved time.”

It was a convenient excuse, thankfully.

Reina brightened at the mention of her contribution.

“I’m glad I could help a little.”

Kaiden frowned at her self-deprecation, correcting her.

“Not just a little. Honestly, I’m at a loss for how to repay you. So, tell me what you want.”

“Then I’ll take touring the Grand Temple. There’s a place I’ve wanted to see.”

Reina accepted cheerfully.

If she’d refused, he’d have insisted on showing her around.

He felt oddly soft around her.

Not pity, but something… different.

The feeling was strange, but her smile filled him with satisfaction.

The carriage stopped at the Grand Temple.

A priest, pre-informed, greeted them.

“Welcome, Duke Crencia, Princess Reina. I heard you’re heading straight to the North?”

“No, plans changed. We’d like to stay a day.”

The priest looked troubled.

“I’m afraid we’re in a special prayer period. Only one guest room remains.”

Glancing at them, he added,

“You’ll have to share. Is that alright?”

“I’ll camp with the knights. Guide Reina to the room.”

Kaiden replied casually.

Reina, startled, grabbed his sleeve.

“You’re sleeping outside?”

“What, you want to share?”

“Then we sleep separately?”

Her bold retort made Kaiden blink.

She seemed unaware of her words’ implications.

As he pondered how to refuse, the priest interjected.

“It won’t be uncomfortable for both. If the Duke sleeps outside, His Eminence will scold us.”

“No, I’m fine—”

“You’re acknowledged as husband and wife by His Majesty, aren’t you?”

The priest’s sharp question left Kaiden speechless.

Publicly, they were married.

They’d skipped the ceremony citing Northern urgency, but separate rooms now would raise suspicion.

Reina sided with the priest.

“He’s right. As a couple, we should share.”

Unable to refuse the priest’s earnest plea, Kaiden agreed with silence.

At the room, he faced another dilemma.

The last guest room was smaller than usual.

The single bed made him want to flee.

To him, it looked impossibly small for two.

It wasn’t too small, but it felt so to him.

Reina, unpacking casually, noticed Kaiden’s serious expression by the bed and tilted her head.

“Is something wrong with the bed?”

“Plenty. How do we sleep here?”

Frowning, Kaiden muttered.

Reina paused unpacking, sat on the bed, and bounced lightly.

“You must’ve grown up pampered.”

“What?”

“It seems fine to me.”

Realizing her implication, Kaiden clicked his tongue.

She’d misunderstood his complaint.

“No, I’m not picky about sleeping—”

“Then it’s settled. I like this room.”

Her innocent remark silenced the room.

Further complaints would paint him as a fussy noble.

Defeated, he sighed repeatedly.

He couldn’t shake the feeling she was pulling him along.

“Were you always this unfazed?”

“About what?”

She still seemed oblivious to the situation.

Her soft blue eyes, looking up at him, held no fear.

He couldn’t understand why she was so at ease with him.

It wasn’t a look for someone met only a few times.

That’s why he kept getting swept up by her.

Kaiden approached her, sitting on the bed.

“You seem unbothered about sharing a room with me.”

Caging her with his arms, he continued,

“What makes you so calm? What if I did something to you?”

Her eyes finally trembled.

Realizing the implications of sharing a room, she asked softly,

“Is tonight when we consummate our marriage?”

“What?”

Her bold question made Kaiden choke.

But she wasn’t done.

“I was prepared when I came to you. Even if it’s a contract marriage, if you want an heir, I’m willing to fulfill my duties—”

“Wait…!”

Kaiden pulled back, flustered.

Her words set his face ablaze.

She paused, staring blankly.

Her innocent, calm face left him dumbfounded.

He’d only meant to warn her for being too relaxed.

But her bold question about heirs made his head spin.

Flustered, he said,

“What are you talking about?”

“Was there a problem with what I said?”

“Plenty. A lot.”

Kaiden grumbled, but Reina still looked clueless.

Her confusion drove him up the wall.

Ruffling his hair, he said firmly,

“Let me be clear: I have no intention of forcing that on you. It’s offensive you’d think I’d demand such a thing.”

His angry, contorted face looked scarier than usual.

Unaware, Reina could easily misunderstand.

She stared blankly at the seemingly furious Kaiden.

Their marriage lacked love, but they were bound.

As a duke, he’d need an heir, so she’d considered it.

She thought it was a natural topic.

She hadn’t expected such a strong reaction.

‘Does he hate it that much?’

Sharing a bed with someone he barely knew might be awkward.

She’d resolved herself for everything when heading North, but he hadn’t.

Judging the situation might be uncomfortable for him, Reina nodded.

“Got it.”

Being rejected didn’t feel great.

Struggling to hide her emotions, she lowered her head.

An uneasy silence filled the room.

Kaiden, seeing her sudden gloom, felt awkward.