#63
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The wedding congratulatory delegations from other countries gradually left the Shamier royal palace. However, the delegations from Ruben and Monta remained in their assigned quarters. They continued to clash fiercely day and night, maintaining their sharp opposition. Thanks to Enrique’s threat to the Monta side, they no longer bothered Shamier.
Of course, this didn’t mean that Shamier was quiet.
The Shamier side was constantly monitoring the movements of both Ruben and Monta, assessing the situation. Given the circumstances, it was clear that Ruben had deliberately provoked Monta, so their future actions needed to be watched carefully.
“Surely Ruben won’t go as far as to use military force?”
One of those gathered in the conference room asked worriedly.
“They won’t. Above all, Ruben and Monta don’t share a border. To exert military force on Monta, they’d have to pass through Baron in between. Baron won’t willingly open the way.”
“That’s right. Baron has also signed a marriage agreement with our prince. If Ruben tries to attack Monta, Baron is likely to form an alliance with Monta to resist. Even for a military powerhouse, facing two countries at once would be quite burdensome.”
“I agree. Moreover, Ruben lacks sufficient justification to risk war. Starting a war over one knight’s arm is unthinkable.”
Others nodded in agreement. Enrique was among them.
“In any case, through this marriage, Ruben will definitely get a child from me. There’s no reason for them to insist on maintaining the marriage to the point of risking war.”
Enrique stated decisively.
“But Your Highness, judging by the Ruben Prince’s actions… it doesn’t seem like he’ll easily agree to divorce you.”
One of the ministers said cautiously.
“He’s a prince. Not an emperor. The final decision in Ruben ultimately lies with the emperor. I don’t think the Ruben emperor would go as far as to wage war just to indulge his son’s whims.”
At Enrique’s words, the ministers nodded, looking somewhat relieved.
“My lords, try to persuade the Ruben and Monta envoys to leave Shamier and return to their countries. It’s not good for the conflict between the two countries to intensify further on our Shamier soil.”
“But since the prince is still with the Ruben side…”
“I’ll handle the prince. Don’t worry and proceed.”
Enrique said confidently and smiled.
After leaving the conference room, Enrique let out a soft sigh. Then, as he started walking, he asked Pol who had joined him:
“Where’s Anture?”
“He’s said to be with the Ruben delegation.”
“What about what I asked you to find out about their conversations?”
“I apologize, but the Ruben side has blocked all access for servants and is having private conversations, so it’s been difficult.”
At Pol’s words, Enrique narrowed his eyes.
What kind of plotting were they doing that required such secrecy?
“However, I’ve heard that sometimes voices raised in agitation can be heard even outside the door. Although the words couldn’t be made out, it seems the arguments are intense.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
Pol nodded. Enrique slowed his pace, lost in thought.
Heated voices occasionally leaking out and arguments breaking out in a place with only Ruben people… This meant that even the Ruben side was divided, with conflicting opinions. If he had to guess, one side would be Anture, and the other side would be those opposing Anture’s views.
‘It seems things aren’t going exactly as Anture wishes.’
Enrique felt mixed emotions as he imagined the situation.
Sympathy for Anture, who had to fight against his own country’s opposition to maintain the marriage with him. Guilt for not being able to reciprocate Anture’s sincerity in wanting to maintain the marriage so desperately. And gratitude for Anture’s genuine feelings.
“I’m going to stay at the summer palace for a few days. Prepare for a quick departure. I need to separate Anture from the Ruben side.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Pol immediately responded and began giving quick instructions to the servants following them. The servants scattered, hurrying to carry out their respective tasks.
The summer palace, as its name suggests, was a separate palace built for spending the hot summer. It was not only beautiful but also situated by a large lake where Enrique used to swim and play with his friends when he was young. It was only about half a day’s ride away if one rode quickly, so the journey wouldn’t be too burdensome.
“Shall I invite your friends as well?”
Pol asked. He asked because they always went to the summer palace with friends. Enrique immediately shook his head.
“This time, I’m going with just Anture. Make sure no other guests come to disturb us.”
“Yes.”
Their pace quickened again. Enrique planned to spend his upcoming heat at the summer palace. Staying at the villa alone with Anture during the heat would likely yield good results. Once he became pregnant, he would formally request his father to declare him the crown prince. Then the child in his womb would become the crown prince’s heir upon birth, continuing the Shamier lineage.
Thinking about the plan that was coming together made his steps naturally lighter. Now all he needed to do was persuade Anture well and take him to the summer palace.
Upon returning to his quarters, Enrique took an uncharacteristically short nap. This was to catch Anture, who would sneak into the bedroom after Enrique fell asleep. The reason for sleeping only briefly and fleeing at dawn was obvious. He must want to avoid Enrique’s questioning or differences of opinion. Of course, Enrique had no intention of leaving Anture alone any longer.
‘Once I’m pregnant, I won’t care whether he sneaks in at dawn or not.’
Enrique thought, looking at the darkness-enveloped window after waking from his nap. Night had already fallen deeply, and only scattered lights and the lamps of patrolling guards could be seen outside the window.
All the candles in the bedroom were extinguished. This would make it easier for Anture to sneak in.
How long had he waited quietly like this?
The door connecting to Anture’s bedroom opened quietly, and a dark shadow seeped into the room. The shadow moved straight towards the bed, muffling its footsteps. After taking a few steps, the shadow hesitated. It had confirmed that the bed was empty.
“Anture.”
Enrique called out to Anture softly, standing by the window with his arms crossed. The shadow flinched and slowly turned towards the window. The room was engulfed in darkness, so Anture’s expression wasn’t visible. But it was easy enough to imagine that he was debating whether to flee back to his own bedroom.
Enrique uncrossed his arms and strode towards Anture. As he got closer, his eyes, now accustomed to the darkness, could make out Anture’s figure. His black hair was damp as if he had just bathed. However, he was fully dressed, apparently ready to flee at dawn.
“Were you going to run away again?”
Enrique said mockingly, lifting his chin as he stood in front of Anture. Anture gave an awkward smile. Enrique glared at him for a moment before breaking into a grin.
He reached out and wrapped his arms around Anture’s waist, feeling the muscular body stiffen slightly. Enrique buried his face in Anture’s chest, deeply inhaling his scent. A faint, wild, and alluring pheromone could be sensed. Just that smell was enough to make his body heat up slightly. It was clear that his heat was approaching.
“Why are you so quiet?”
Enrique asked, looking up at Anture’s face. Anture stared at Enrique silently for a moment before relaxing his expression as if resigned. Strong muscular arms embraced Enrique in return. Completely enveloped in Anture’s embrace, a languid sigh escaped Enrique’s lips involuntarily.
“Why are you still awake at this hour?”
“I was waiting for you.”
Did Anture like Enrique’s answer? The arms embracing him tightened even more.
“Anture, let’s leave for the summer villa as soon as dawn breaks tomorrow.”
“Summer villa?”
“Yes. It’s too noisy and busy here. We’re newlyweds after all, we should spend some quality time together. Let’s stay there for a while, just the two of us, cozy and intimate. What do you think?”
Anture didn’t answer readily. This was expected. Enrique released his pheromones and lifted his head to kiss Anture’s chin. The black eyes looking at Enrique wavered.
“You’ll come with me, won’t you?”
“…How about we postpone it a bit, not tomorrow?”
Anture suggested. It was clear that discussions with the Ruben side were not yet finished. Enrique unwrapped his arms from Anture’s waist. He pushed against Anture’s chest with his hands and stepped back.
“If you don’t want to, fine. I’m all prepared, so I’ll be leaving for the summer villa early tomorrow morning.”
“Enrique.”
“Oh, and I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but my heat is coming soon. If I end up spending my heat at the summer villa without you… I can’t be responsible for what happens next.”
Enrique said with an arrogant expression, chin lifted. Anture’s expression twitched slightly. Enrique thought he might get angry. But contrary to expectations, Anture stared at Enrique for a moment before relaxing his expression and letting out a low sigh.
