Chapter 95 - I Hope You Understand
Chapter 95 – I Hope You Understand
Rinnie had fallen asleep in Hugo's arms. Keeping her on top of his body, he rested his back against the headboard. He raised the quilt over her shoulder, stroking her bare back gently.
"I don't want to be alone, Hugh. It scares me."
Hugo leaned his head down to sniff the scent of her hair, hearing her previous words in his head like a broken record. A glint flickered across his eyes at the sight of her lash scars under her buttocks. A hidden part of her body.
"Everfell…" he muttered in a menacing tone but was still stroking her back gently. "… what the hell is that place hiding?"
The more Hugo get to know Rinnie and the people coming after her, the more questions arose in his head. Not just questions, but also realization. At first, he thought Rinnie was a pampered princess who never felt pain in her life. He also considered that her parents were just overprotective to keep her away from the restrictive life within the palace.
Hugo tried to deny Ivo's conclusion, even though the latter's intuition was always correct. But Ivo had a point. More than being protective, it just looked like Rinnie's parents were more than what was shown on the surface. Rinnie mentioned nothing bad about her parents or the few people she knew. That was why he was getting more worried; what else was she not telling him? Or rather than keeping a secret, just what more bad things did her mind automatically erased just so she could keep deceiving herself and keep those people on her side?
A deep sigh slipped past his lips, glancing at her. "Rinrin," he whispered, leaning his face closer to her head. "Don't be afraid now."
He tightened his embrace momentarily before loosening it so she won't wake up. Hugo hissed as he cocked his head back, eyes on the ceiling.
'Azazel, Niall the crown prince, Everfell, Daniel… just how are you all connected?' he wondered solemnly, having a faint headache with this mysterious red thread that tangled all these individuals. The Hendrik Empire and the Ronmin Empire stood away from each other's ways, as both leaders didn't want anything to do with each other.
Hugo already knew about Ronmin Empire's only connection with Everfell. That was Hugo, who requested the hand of the king's hidden daughter, Rinnie. If not for Hugo's selfish request, the empire had nothing to do with the said small land.
So why the hell did Azazel mention Daniel's name? His brother supported Hugo and Rinnie. Although Daniel kept reminding him of the possible consequences, that was just how Daniel. He was a worrywart.
"A power that can bring ruin to both empires, huh?" he hummed while patting her back gently, keeping his silence to ruminate about it. He quirked a brow when there was a slight knock from the door before it creaked open.
"My lady…" the servants that were tasked to take care of Rinnie froze by the door when they caught Hugo and Rinnie on the bed. The latter was lying on top of him while Hugo was reclining with his back against the headboard. Even though there was a quilt covering them, it was obvious they were naked as Hugo was missing his top.
"Shh." Hugo placed a finger in front of his lips, not saying a word as he waved afterward.
"Apologies, Your Highness." the maidservant bowed deeply and spoke in a muffled voice, glancing at Rinnie's back. She didn't speak anymore as she glanced back at the other maid, gesturing them to leave without making the slightest noise.
A minute later, the door was carefully shut closed. Hugo stared at it for several more seconds before he shook his head lightly.
"She should stay on the bed today. I think I was a little rough earlier," he mumbled, recalling their first. Actually, he barely kept his consciousness earlier. If not for the scars that he discovered on her fragile body, he wouldn't let her sleep and just seduce her. He would just continue without consideration.
Hugo shook his head to get those distractive thoughts out of his head. There were more important things to think about. He would be reporting to Daniel regarding his meeting with Azazel and those vampires they encountered. He couldn't just blindly tell Daniel everything, though.
In Hugo's own discretion, although he didn't completely believe Azazel's words, especially his warning about Daniel, he couldn't also completely disregard his warning. All Hugo could do was to stay neutral in this matter, since his brother and Rinnie were involved. The last thing Hugo wanted was to doubt Daniel, his reliable and responsible brother, the future emperor, and leader of the werewolves.
"My Bambi, just what the hell would they want from you?" he murmured, closing his eyes as he bowed until his nose was on top of her head. "We will set off early to Belcoot once you recover. We both need rest and that place… although the people are troublesome bastards, it's a place I can keep you safe."
He didn't like it. He felt like he was unconsciously taking the path of her parents — keeping Rinnie away from everything to keep her safe. The only difference was that Belcoot was a much larger cage. But Hugo could risk neither Rinnie nor Daniel. If he had to choose between them, he wouldn't have an answer. They were both important to him, so he didn't want to get to a point he had to choose between his brother or his lover.
"I hope you will understand me, Rinrin," he whispered, staying in that position for a long time. Hugo didn't get a wink of sleep until it was time for him to go and fulfill his duties as the seventh prince and the grand duke of Belcoot. He carefully laid her to his side. Fortunately, Rinnie didn't wake up.
As he sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes softened while the corner of his lips curled up subtly. He brushed her cheek lovingly.
"I'll come back later," he muttered, staying with her for a moment before getting up to his feet.. Hugo then marched towards the door but looked back for the last time when he was by the door before he left.