TOOCM 21

Chapter 21

Kaiden held a bouquet of flowers in his hand. From the situation, it seemed Rose had given it to him. Reina, for some reason, couldn’t bring herself to approach the two. Was it because they seemed quite close? Or perhaps…

Reina felt a strange discomfort as she stared at Rose. Rose, who usually wore a sullen expression, was now smiling brightly. Her shy, girlish demeanor left Reina dazed.

Then, Reina easily guessed why Rose had been so prickly toward her.

‘She likes Kaiden.’

It wasn’t just because Reina was royalty that Rose had been distant. Having tried to get closer to Rose, Reina felt a wave of disappointment. She hadn’t even considered that Kaiden might have someone.

Of course, she didn’t suspect Kaiden shared Rose’s feelings. In her past life, he’d remained unmarried until the end. So, it was likely Rose’s unrequited affection.

Yet, Reina couldn’t shake her unease.

It was because Kaiden seemed quite comfortable with Rose. They’d known each other far longer than she had, so it was natural, but she still wanted to avoid this scene.

Unable to pinpoint the reason for her feelings, she hesitated for a while. Finally deciding to leave quietly, she turned to go.

“Reina.”

Kaiden’s voice called out from behind.

She considered pretending not to hear, but he called again.

“I saw your shoulders flinch.”

With him saying that, running away would be absurd.

Reluctantly, Reina stopped and turned around. Kaiden, frowning, came into view. He stared at her for a moment before striding toward her.

Reina looked back and forth between Kaiden and Rose, whose expression had hardened. Rose’s face was as if she’d seen an unwelcome guest.

As Rose reluctantly followed him, Kaiden, now close, spoke.

“You just ignored me on purpose, didn’t you?”

“No, I didn’t.”

When Reina averted her gaze, Kaiden tilted his head to meet her eyes.

“Doesn’t seem like you didn’t.”

“…”

“What? Did you cause some trouble again? Fire this time? Water?”

His teasing tone made Reina snap her head up in irritation. His unexpectedly close proximity widened her eyes.

Unfazed, Kaiden looked at her with a mischievous expression.

Feeling her face flush, Reina instinctively stepped back and retorted curtly, “What am I, a child?”

When she glared lightly, Kaiden chuckled and drove the point home.

“You’re uneasy enough to leave alone, so pretty much like one.”

“Stop treating me like a kid.”

“Alright, alright.”

Kaiden’s half-hearted response was followed by a soft laugh.

Even that felt like he was treating her like a child, but knowing it wouldn’t get through, she silently fanned her heated cheeks.

“So, why’d you avoid me?”

“You looked busy.”

Reina muttered, glancing at Rose.

Kaiden shrugged after briefly looking at Rose.

“Not at all.”

Meanwhile, Rose’s expression grew increasingly stiff as she watched their interaction. She was especially shocked when Kaiden called Reina by name.

It had taken years for her, his childhood friend, to be called by name. The sight of them looking closer than her after just a few days in the capital stirred her jealousy.

She could barely speak to him freely in front of others.

Feeling a strange urgency, Rose interjected.

“When peonies bloom fully, their fragrance is even richer. If you keep them in your bedroom, they’ll help you sleep.”

Subtly emphasizing that she’d given the flowers, Rose was ignored.

“Really?”

Kaiden, hearing they’d help with sleep, immediately handed the peonies to Reina.

“Then these should go in your room.”

“Me?”

“My lord.”

Rose called out to Kaiden in a flustered, reproachful tone.

Reina, awkwardly holding the bouquet, looked between Kaiden and Rose. Whether he missed the tension or didn’t care, Kaiden said casually, “You’ve been having nightmares lately. Hopefully, these help.”

“Well, yes, but…”

Rose, seeing Reina hesitate, protested softly.

“But I gave those to you, my lord…”

“It’s up to the recipient, isn’t it? I don’t need them anyway.”

Unnecessary.

Those words cracked Rose’s composed facade. Unable to contain her rising emotions, she shot Reina a resentful look.

“I see. If I’d known, I would’ve prepared some for the princess too. My oversight. I’ll take them to her room.”

“Oh…”

Rose snatched the bouquet from Reina and hurried off.

Unable to watch Rose leave, Reina scolded Kaiden.

“She put thought into that gift. Wasn’t it a bit harsh to say that in front of her?”

“It’s not like I asked for it. Do I have to care about that? It’s better to give it to someone who needs it.”

His indifferent retort made Reina purse her lips. He could seem kind one moment, yet coldly detached the next.

Noticing Reina’s subdued demeanor, Kaiden changed the subject.

“How’s the North treating you?”

“I’m still adjusting since it’s only been a short time, but it’s nice. Except for the cold.”

Rubbing her shoulders as if chilly, Kaiden draped his coat over her.

“The corridors are cold, so dress warmer.”

“I did, but… it’s my first time in such a cold place. I’ll get used to it.”

“If you need anything, don’t stew in silence—talk to me or Ben.”

“Oh, speaking of which.”

Reina suddenly continued as if remembering something.

“Would it be alright if I met Dahlia’s nanny separately?”

“Mrs. Mary?”

“Yes. I’d like to discuss Dahlia with her. And, if it’s okay, I’d like to spend time with Dahlia regularly.”

“I heard from Aiden. Dahlia mistook you for her mother. If that’s why, you don’t have to worry too much.”

“No, it’s because I want to.”

Reina looked at Kaiden with a determined expression.

Knowing how resolute she could be in those moments, he waited with interest for her next words.

After a pause, she said, “When I see Dahlia, I see my old self.”

“Really? How so?”

“She just… holds everything in, and it’s sad. She’s so young, yet so conscious of others’ feelings. It tugs at my heart.”

Kaiden gazed at Reina, carefully sharing her thoughts. It didn’t feel like she was saying it to impress. Her distant gaze added to that impression.

Kaiden agreed readily.

“We were just planning to find a new etiquette teacher for Dahlia. You could take that role.”