My Dear Grand Duke on a Leash - Chapter 103

Chapter 52.1 — Night Getaway (1)

The summer night at the palace was dark, painted in deep blue hues, yet it was illuminated by a crimson glow. The streetlights scattered along the main path of the garden, combined with the light spilling from the windows of palace staff still on duty, replaced the starlight.

The light from the street lamps poured diagonally through the arched windows of the princess’s palace corridor. The silver-gray beams, casting regular patterns on the floor, were briefly interrupted by a small, dark silhouette.

It was Riette, draped in a black shawl like a thief.

Her wheat-colored curly hair fluttered as she hurried down the stairs, her steps matching the flutter of her silk shawl. Each time she heard footsteps from the maids, she pressed herself against a corner, holding her breath. Once she reached the end of the corridor, she pushed open a wooden door and stepped outside.

“Ah!”

Her foot suddenly sank downward. The stairs leading outside were higher than she had expected.

Her body lurched forward, and her black shawl and wheat-colored ponytail flew upward. As she squeezed her eyes shut, a strong arm gently caught her.

“…You’ve arrived.”

It was Cain.

Because he had caught her waist, Riette was left dangling halfway in the air. Cain carefully lowered her onto the stairs.

“Thank you. I’ve never come out this way before, so I got a little lost.”

“You were only forty-seven minutes late. There’s plenty of time.”

He had debated over whether to go look for her more than ninety times. However, remembering her words—that she would have to do everything alone to escape the princess’s palace—he had managed to hold his patience, knowing she must have had plenty to prepare herself.

They were in the royal garage, where a variety of limousines, each for different purposes, were lined up on either side. In the center, parked for their escape, was a single limousine.

The front hood, where the engine was located, was long and sleek, and the seats were arranged in a T-shaped pickup limousine design, resembling that of an elegant carriage. It was a vehicle intended for long-distance travel, not for city commutes.

All of a sudden, a small head popped out of the open window. It was Ian, his black hair and blue eyes strikingly similar to Cain’s, his chubby cheeks round like a seed pouch.

It was Ian.

“Princess!”

The child’s eyes sparkled as he waved excitedly. A glimmer reflected in Riette’s green eyes as well.

“Ian!”

Riette hopped down from Cain’s side and ran toward him. Watching her retreating figure, Cain raised an eyebrow slightly.

“You’re in human form! Are you okay? Things were so chaotic that I didn’t even realize you went out the window. I’m sorry. Are you hurt anywhere?”

“The bad person was bothering the princess, so Ian went to Brother! The princess got hit here. Does it hurt?”

“Mm, no, he didn’t hit me. Well, we…had a little argument? But Ian’s brother and I won, so you don’t have to worry too much!”

The fact that the princess had personally smashed the villain’s head was something she chose to keep quiet about to preserve the child’s innocence.

She then carefully examined Ian’s body. He was dressed in a tailored boy’s suit, complete with shorts, stockings, and shoes. His outfit, the typical style for a young boy, fit him perfectly. She thought she might spot a feather somewhere. However, no matter how hard she looked, there was no trace of a bird.

It was hard to believe that this child was the skylark who had once been confined to a cage.

“Ian, fix your attire properly.”

“Yes!”

Ian responded as if he were used to Cain’s stern orders. As the child picked up the beret that had fallen from the chair, Riette gently took it from his small hands and placed it on his head.

After adjusting the hat, she carefully fixed Ian’s hair, and Cain moved closer to her.

“I’ll open the door for you.”

Riette stepped back as Cain opened the rear door and offered his hand to escort her. She took his hand naturally and stepped into the car.

Once she was seated next to him, Ian, looking cheerful, smiled brightly and kicked his legs.

“Princess, are you coming to Ian’s house too? With Brother?”

“Yes. We’ll take the limousine to the station and then catch the train. Not the royal train, but a real train! Ian, have you ever ridden a train?”

“Yes! When Ian was little, Ian went on the choo-choo with older brother!”

“That’s not something to brag about, Ian.”

“Ah…”

At Cain’s cold remark, Ian immediately closed his mouth. His large eyes darted around nervously, and seeing this, Riette, feeling sorry for him, gently lifted the child and sat him on her lap.

“Don’t say it so harshly. He’ll understand without you having to go that far, right?”

Finishing her words, she gently patted Ian’s bottom as she leaned down to face him. The little boy’s chubby cheeks flushed shyly as he bit his lip and lowered his head.

It seemed like a response from someone who wasn’t used to receiving compliments.

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