The King's Lover-Chapter 421: Purple Hyacinths

Caira sat in the gazebo, staring straight ahead through the open sides. Even though purple hyacinths were in full bloom right in front of her, Caira could not see them. Her mind, much like the sky, was clouded. She couldn’t concentrate on anything else.

A bird chirping called her attention, and Caira knew if she turned her head just slightly she would see it, but she had absolutely no urge to. She didn’t know how long she had sat here—probably since breakfast was over. She also wasn’t sure how much time had passed, and frankly, she didn’t care.

Her tea had long gone cold, and Caira had already forgotten the taste of it. She could see Mara out of the corner of her eye; her maid’s eyes were full of concern. She couldn’t blame her. Caira knew she wasn’t acting as usual, but how could she?

It had been a week now. A week since she was married to the crown prince of Velmount, and in a week, she had only seen him during mealtimes. Caira did her best to keep her composure, to act as though nothing was wrong, but she knew she couldn’t keep this act up for very long.

He wore a smile each time he saw her—the same smile he’d had on their wedding day. The one that didn’t reach his eyes and fell off his face easily. He seemed pleased that she wasn’t going to make any trouble, but regardless of the trouble she made, the fact remained that he didn’t want to lie with her. She doubted her actions would produce a different result.

He had married her as they had wanted, but he wasn’t obligated to do this. Caira was torn as she tried to consider what actions she could possibly take. The crown prince didn’t even want to be alone with her. As soon as mealtimes were over, he would leave on the account of being busy. She never got a chance.

The Queen had asked her several times during the week, and her answer had not changed, and each time the Queen assured her she would speak to her son. But Caira was pretty convinced the Queen couldn’t change her son’s mind. He even refused to answer her calls, also stating that he was busy.

He must hate me.

Caira sighed. She convinced herself it was too early to know that, and Rylen had told her this was just how the crown prince was—it didn’t mean he hated her. But Caira knew that wasn’t true, because while he wouldn’t see her, she was certain he went next door.

The walls weren’t thin, but faint sounds had reached her ears—not enough to hear words, but enough to know she wasn’t alone. She was pretty quiet, and Caira barely heard anything during the day, but at night, when it was quieter, it was easier to hear, especially when she placed her ear against the wall.

She closed her eyes at the realization of what she had done. It was no way for a princess to behave, but what was she to do? Her husband wouldn’t touch her.

"Princess Caira."

Caira’s eyes flew open immediately. She hadn’t heard him approach and was a little shocked to hear his voice, but if he was here, it was certainly time for lunch. She had been out here for that long; it didn’t feel like it.

"Prince Rylen," she said. "Is it time for lunch?"

"Yes, it is."

Prince Rylen always looked prim and proper, not a hair out of place. He maintained the same haircut, and though she had been here a little over two weeks, it didn’t seem as though his hair had grown an inch since then.

His eyes, resting on her after his bow, were so gentle that for a moment, Caira thought about pouring out her plight to him, but she couldn’t do that. She couldn’t lean on the crown prince’s cousin. It felt wrong, but she was grateful for his help.

"Thank you," she said and stood up.

Rylen smiled, and the difference between his smile and Caius’s was so glaring that she forgot what she was supposed to do, overwhelmed by the realization that her situation would remain as it was.

Rylen frowned at the change in her expression. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

Caira snapped out of it and shook her head. "No," she replied, forcing out a smile.

Rylen’s frown didn’t ease as he stared at her face, and Caira looked at her feet as she exited the gazebo. He didn’t believe her, she knew, but she wasn’t sure she could handle telling anyone what her problem was.

I am not attractive to my husband.

Caira wanted to bawl her eyes out, but she forced herself not to think that way. She didn’t know that yet. All she had done was stand on the sidelines; perhaps it was time she confirmed it.

She didn’t mind waiting—she had done so most of her life. Having been betrothed for as long as she could remember, with not a word from him, she had at some point started to fear the worst. But the wedding did happen, and her waiting wasn’t for nothing.

As much as she wanted to exercise patience, perhaps this was not the best approach now. Caira could understand. As the heir to the throne, he was busy and handled things she couldn’t even begin to comprehend.

I will go to him myself.

A tiny part of her tried to steer her away from this, but Caira had made up her mind. She couldn’t see anything wrong with this plan. If he was too busy to come to her, then perhaps it might be best for her to go to him instead.

She could see the flaws in her logic glaring at her, but Caira didn’t want to wallow in uncertainty anymore. She wanted to get this over with. Besides, as Rylen said, if he truly wanted nothing to do with her, he could have ended their engagement a long time ago.

A part of her didn’t understand the choice of having her so close, but at the same time, Caira would be lying to herself if she said that the crown prince was supposed to be faithful to her. Her training had dictated otherwise—as long as there was no scandal and he treated her as though they were married.

Caira wasn’t sure about that last part, and perhaps it was time she did something about it. She couldn’t always sit around waiting. Besides, one of the things she had learned was when to take the initiative, and Caira felt like the time was now.

"Are you sure?" Rylen asked as she stepped beside him.

"Mhmm," she said and nodded her head. A smile slipped onto her face as she thought about her plan.

Rylen stared at her suspiciously, but Caira was too distracted by her thoughts to notice. With a clear plan in front of her, her mood was significantly better.

Rylen led her into the castle, keeping a steady pace, the polished floors reflecting the sunlight streaming through the tall windows. The corridors were quiet, save for the faint echo of their steps.

Caira kept her gaze fixed ahead; she didn’t even notice there was barely any conversation as she ran her plan over and over again.

"Mind your step," Rylen said softly, noting the tension in her posture. His voice was gentle, as always, and for a brief moment, Caira allowed herself a small, grateful smile.

"Thank you," she said, and she forced herself out of her head. She wasn’t just thanking him for this but for everything else.

"Don’t mention it."

Just as they rounded a corner, a figure appeared ahead, striding toward them. Caira’s stomach twisted. She knew who it was before she even saw his face fully. The crown prince. Caius.

He paused mid-step, his brown eyes meeting hers, and for a heartbeat, the world seemed to narrow to that single, piercing gaze. Caira’s mouth went dry, and her confidence crumbled.

"Princess Caira," Caius said, his tone neutral, carrying neither warmth nor coldness.

Caira swallowed and inclined her head. "Prince Caius," she replied, keeping her voice steady, though inside, every nerve was alight with anxiety.

"Your Grace," Rylen bowed before subtly stepping aside, allowing them space.

Caius narrowed his eyes at this, but he didn’t protest; rather, he walked in step with the princess. "Were you in the gardens?" Caius asked.

Caira’s face lit up. Perhaps she wasn’t wrong. "Yes, I was. It’s the start of spring, so a lot of flowers are in full bloom. It is nice to watch." Caira bit her tongue as she fought the urge to invite him.

"Sounds wonderful," he said, but his voice sounded bland, as though he didn’t really hear her words.

However, Caira didn’t hear this; all she saw was that the crown prince was finally interested in something that had to do with her, and it gave her the confirmation that she should proceed.