The King's Lover-Chapter 454: You Would know

Caira sat in the library expectantly even though she knew Rylen was not going to come to see her. She spent more time glancing at the door than at her book.

She replayed the question she was going to ask him over and over in her head. She told herself she just wanted her library partner, and for things to return to normal.

Just before lunch, she promptly stood up and made her way out of the castle and towards the gazebo, with Mara following her closely.

She sat in the open shelter, staring at the flowers growing around her, enjoying the different smells that floated in her direction. The breeze was warm as it blew against her face and Caira let herself soak in the warmth.

Caira did her best to enjoy gazing at the flowers as she usually would, but occasionally her thoughts would drift and she would cast a sidelong glance towards the castle, praying that any moment now Rylen would walk down the path.

Eventually, he did. Caira didn’t even care to pretend that she wasn’t eager. She stared at him with expectant eyes as he walked towards her. His stride was steady as he marched up; the soft breeze slightly ruffled his hair, and Caira found that she couldn’t look away.

Rylen got to the gazebo and bowed. "Good afternoon, Princess. Lunch is ready."

At least he was still calling her Princess. She had been worried that would change. Caira suddenly felt anxious, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to ask him anymore.

Rylen clearly didn’t want to speak about it and would rather pretend it didn’t happen. Besides, that was the thing to do—not fantasize about her husband’s cousin.

"Thank you, Prince Rylen," she mumbled and slowly stood to her feet.

She walked out of the gazebo, and Rylen smiled at her before leading the way. He walked a step ahead of her as if to put distance between them. This annoyed her.

How easily he could go back to performing his duties without even sparing her a glance. Whereas she couldn’t stop thinking about it? Was it that little to him?

Caira shook her head as she tried to focus, reminding herself that she didn’t want him to visit her in the library because of the kiss; rather, she didn’t want things to change between them.

"Won’t you ask me what book I am currently reading?"

It was subtle, but for a moment Rylen lost his footing. He glanced back at her briefly as if trying to read her expression, but he simply squinted as the sun got into his eyes.

"Pardon me, Princess. What book are you currently reading?" he asked, but he didn’t walk fast anymore so they could walk side by side.

"If you came to the library you would know. Why won’t you come to the library?"

Rylen turned to look at Caira; even the glare of the sun could not hide how shocked he looked. His eyes widened ever so silently. He studied her face as though he was looking for something.

"Do you realize what you’re asking me, Princess?"

Caira blushed and looked away. It was hard to keep staring at him when he was looking at her like that. "I don’t know," she whispered. "I just enjoy your visits."

"As you wish, Princess," he said with a bow. "I apologize for staying away. I shall be at the library after lunch, and I won’t be late this time."

Caira was smiling at his words. "I’d love that."

They were drawing up to the castle now, and the two of them walked up the entrance stairs together while guards held the heavy doors open.

They soon came upon the dining room and were ushered in to see the crown prince seated with a smug look on his face. At their entrance, his expression changed and he studied them suspiciously.

It was a shock to see him, as Caius tended to be fashionably late; even if he was early, he was never the first to arrive.

"Your Grace," Rylen said with a bow, but there was stiffness in his movement and he didn’t meet Caius’s eyes as he walked to his seat.

"Your Highness," Caira said after Rylen, before proceeding to her seat.

"Good day," Caius said as he turned his gaze away from them, not caring if they answered or not.

Caira looked as though she wanted to say something but decided against it; the tension in the air was palpable. However, it was evidently more from Rylen than the crown prince. The latter looked as though he was on a happy cloud, and he leaned back on his seat without a single worry in his features.

The door burst open and the Queen walked into the dining room with her three ladies-in-waiting behind her. There was a heavy look in her eyes, and despite her makeup, her dark under-eyes were clear for all to see.

"Your Majesty," Caira and Rylen said in unison as they rose to their feet.

"Princess, Rylen, how are you?" she asked as she took her seat.

"I am well, Your Majesty, thank you," Caira spoke first; Rylen waited for her to do so.

"So am I."

"Mother," Caius said flatly.

His mother glanced at him, clearly displeased. "Do you keep intending to stay away?"

Caius’s brows furrowed at his mother’s question. Out of the corner of her eye, servants began to move to dish out the meals.

"Whatever do you mean, mother?" he asked with feigned ignorance.

Queen Violeta shook her head. She was too exhausted to argue with her son. She didn’t even have the time to scold him about the princess, and she feared that things would only keep getting worse.

"If that is your decision," she said as she began to eat.

Caius knew exactly what his mother was talking about, but he didn’t care for the theatrics. His father couldn’t treat him as he liked, then demand attention just because he was on his deathbed.

Besides, his father had been sick for as long as Caius had been alive. Over two decades; he didn’t kick the bucket then, Caius highly doubted he would do so now.