Married To The Enemy Kingdom's Illegitimate Prince-Chapter 116 — Not Princess, My Grand Duchess

Lucian and Cynthia were seated on chairs inside a tent. The knights had placed a bed for the couple to sleep on during the night.

They had lit a fire, its warmth barely reaching the pair, as the nights were chillier than the days at the end of autumn.

The couple glanced at each other, their silence speaking volumes in the dimly lit space.

Cynthia stared at Lucian, who had unexpectedly decided to listen to her explanation, even though she had no proof to justify her statements.

She couldn’t help but wonder about the reason behind his decision.

Had she finally managed to gain his trust?

A smirk formed on her lips at the thought.

"I doubt I’ve told a joke, Your Highness," Lucian said, breaking the stillness within the thin confines of the tent the knights had prepared for them.

"Ah," she gasped, startled.

For once, she had lost control over her expression. The joy she felt at the thought was almost unbearable. She had been waiting for this moment for so long, and now it seemed within her grasp.

But she couldn’t get ahead of herself. She needed to confirm it with Lucian—whether he trusted her or not.

Seeing her startled, a rare sight, Lucian curled his lips into a faint grin.

Noticing the shift from the serious, cold expression on his face, Cynthia raised an eyebrow.

"And I do not think I’ve told any jokes either."

Lucian let out a loud laugh, leaving Cynthia even more confused.

"I... ahem... apologize. It’s just... hearing you repeat my words..." He chuckled, raising a clenched fist to his lips as if trying to hide his lingering smile.

Cynthia sighed, slightly flustered.

"Let’s continue our discussion."

"Yes," Lucian coughed, clearing his throat before continuing. "So you think that man was possessed by a demon? However, why do you believe that could be the case?"

"Right... I have no proof," Cynthia’s eyebrows furrowed, her gaze shifting to the bonfire, its shapes reflecting on her clear violet eyes which caused a reddish shade in them.

"That was not my point. I merely wish to understand your statement better."

"Well... do you remember when you were attacked in the forest, back when we went to extinguish the fire?" Cynthia paused, choosing her words carefully.

"I sensed something similar then. At the time, I was certain it was a human who attacked you, but now, after sensing the same thing from this man—who’s acting in a manner worse than any animal—I can’t help but think it might be one of those monsters who’s taken possession of his body."

She had started with a calm, measured tone, but as she spoke the word ’monsters’, a clear disgust and revulsion seeped into her voice.

"Do you... hate them?"

Hearing the question, Cynthia raised an eyebrow at him, her expression clearly stating: Wouldn’t it be stranger not to?

"I apologize. Of course, everyone hates them because they only cause chaos..." Lucian let out a soft sigh as if he were disappointed in her reaction, for a reason Cynthia could not understand.

"They... killed someone I once knew," she voiced in a low tone, her eyes locked into his.

She wasn’t lying. The person those monsters killed was her. The person she once was no longer exists because of the brutal massacre which occurred in her past life.

But I do not want that to happen in this life. I need to find that book somehow before that traitor. Their involvement with the demons will only hinder my plan for revenge.

She pondered.

"We should rest for now. We have to go investigate the border first thing tomorrow morning," Lucian rose from the chair, gently extending his hand to help her stand.

Cynthia nodded, unwillingly taking his hand. She did not want to depend on him for anything. When she needed him the most in her past life, he had merely given her the cold shoulder.

Lucian was about to step out of the tent when Cynthia grabbed his wrist.

"Where are you going?"

"You can sleep here. I will sleep in Glain’s tent."

"Your Highness—" Cynthia frowned, baffled by his words.

Did he want to create more problems now that things were going smoothly and according to her plan? Did he not just start trusting her? So why did he wish to sleep elsewhere?

Clouded by those thoughts, Cynthia’s blood began to boil in rage although she tried to suppress it.

"Do not worry. I am used to sleeping with others. We did not have separate tents for everyone during the war," Lucian gently brushed off Cynthia’s hand from his skin, giving her a faint smile.

For a moment, she almost mistook it for a sad one.

Not sad. It’s merely fake.

"And I need to guard the place to make sure you are safe."

Cynthia nodded, lowering her head, and hiding her repulsed expression.

"Almost as if he cared," she snorted inwardly.

"Alright. I understand," Cynthia lifted her head once more, having regained control of her facial complexion. She curled her lips, smiling at him. "Then, have a good night, Your Highness."

"Have a pleasant night as well," Lucian returned the smile for once and exited the tent.

Once outside, he inhaled the cold wind, which sent a chill down his spine.

"It was warmer inside," he mumbled, gently placing his hand where Cynthia had held him.

Never in his wildest dream had he thought that once in his life, he would like being touched by Princess Cynthia of Eldoria.

No. Not princess. She is the grand duchess now. My grand duchess.

He mused, a soft smile forming on his lips.

[Disgusting. What in the world are you musing about?!] Keal’s voice echoed in Lucian’s mind.

"What do you mean?" Lucian demanded, irritation flickering in his tone.

The voice never allowed him a moment to think on his own without butting in.

[Do not tell me you’ve started liking that woman. That’s the last thing you could do before dying! You must have a terrible illness. Visit a physician as soon as you return from this mission.]

"You’re making it sound as if I’ve committed some grave sin," Lucian sighed.

"And for the record, I do not like her. I merely hate her less. I mean... She is not as bad as the rumors made her out to be, and now she is loyal to my country. She wants to help me kill the demons, travelling in this cold weather instead of staying at the mansion in the warmth of its walls."

He paused, his expression darkening slightly.

"Perhaps she’s right. I should stop venting my hatred for the knights who killed Mother onto every Eldorian. Hate the root of the cause, not everything tied to it."

[This will ruin you, Lucian. Do not trust that woman!] Keal shouted, but Lucian turned deaf to his warnings.

For the time, someone wanted to face dangers with him. And it happened to be the person he hated the most.

How long can I hate someone who constantly saves my life and wants to assist me even during harsh times?

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