Marriage with a Suspiciously Demure Husband - Chapter 101.1
Chapter 101.1
‘Why am I here? What in the world is going on?’
As I was reeling in confusion, his hand touched the back of my head. At some point, I had been drawn into his embrace, my head resting against his chest.
“It’s alright, nothing happened.”
Silence.
Amidst the chaos, listening to Kairos’s low, calm voice eased the frantic pounding of my heart, though it didn’t resolve my confusion.
I distinctly remembered leaving the ballroom with Kairos and heading towards the bedroom. I recalled him stroking my hair as we walked, complimenting my appearance and remarking that this was the most magnificent ducal castle he’d ever seen.
He’d even teased, suggesting I should be the one sitting in the seat of power. Even as I listened, I felt a surge of annoyance… and then? Strangely, my memory blurred after that.
I furrowed my brow, struggling to recall.
“You must have been tired from preparing for the ball.”
Kairos soothed, gently stroking my hair, but something still felt off.
“Is that it…?”
It was ironic, considering how I’d always avoided overexertion, but had I somehow pushed myself too hard? Even so, if I collapsed from exhaustion, why was I in the imperial palace?
“And you indulged my whims on top of it all. It’s no wonder you’re tired. How are you feeling now?” Kairos’s hand brushed my eyebrow and then caressed my cheek.
“I’m alright. I feel a little sluggish like I haven’t fully woken up. But why are we at the imperial palace? If I collapsed from exhaustion, I could have just rested in bed.”
Our eyes met, and a long silence hung in the air. Now that I looked at him, he seemed quite tired. Had he been working too much?
“…I had some business at the palace, and I couldn’t leave you. I was too worried.”
Even so, to bring me all the way here?
“Don’t tell me you were worried I’d fall for that adorable young man?”
Kairos’s lips curved into a smile.
“…I suppose so. We’ll go back as soon as you’re feeling better, Hazel.”
A knock echoed. My gaze shifted to the door.
“Enter.”
At Kairos’s command, the door opened, revealing a welcome face.
“Your Grace, I was wondering how your wife was… Oh, Duchess! You’re awake.”
Lily hurried over. I dipped my head, unable to hide my embarrassment. It was mortifying, as if he were some lovesick fool.
“I’m so sorry, Your Highness. My husband has been particularly anxious lately. I had no idea he would bring me here. I must have overdone it. I really shouldn’t have…”
“What? But…”
Lily’s eyes darted between Kairos and me.
“Oh, of course! That can happen. I heard you held a ball. It’s alright; I’m used to overprotective behavior. His Majesty tends to worry quite a bit. I just didn’t expect the same from Your Grace. Right?”
“Indeed.”
I blinked, listening to their exchange.
Were they always this close? They spoke with ease of familiarity, and Lily even laughed at one point. I knew they were no longer adversaries, but it was as if they’d always been friends. While I was glad, it was an unfamiliar dynamic. It was still strange to hear the title ‘Duchess’ from Lily’s lips.
“Anyway, I apologize. We’ll head back soon.”
“You’re welcome to stay longer.”
“No, I couldn’t impose any further. Are you finished with your business here?”
“Almost.”
“Ah, then please wait just a moment. I prepared something for the Duchess to help with her fatigue. I’ll be right back.”
As Lily hurried out again, I gazed at Kairos.
“Why?”
“It’s just… things seem so different now. It’s good to see you two getting along.”
He chuckled softly.
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