247: Drayce's Secret

Drayce's Secret

'He…left?'  1

She placed her hand on her racing heart, urging it to calm down. 

'I thought he was going to kiss me again! He was so close and he smells so manly, ugh! Was he just teasing me? I guess so.'

She raised her fingers and brushed them against her lips. 

'He always kisses me when he is drunk and doesn't know what he is even doing. No way he would want to kiss me when he is completely sober. I am a man and a mere peasant in his eyes, after all. He would obviously restrict himself from doing anything inappropriate, unsuitable to his status of a Crown Prince, even if he fancies that pretty boy. He was just teasing me as usual.'

Oriana did not realize she was feeling a little disappointed as she walked out of the study. She had to be outside to see Arlan off as part of his retinue. 

When she reached the front yard, the prince had already entered his carriage. He glanced at her but soon averted his gaze, his brows knitted. Even after his carriage left, he never once acknowledged her existence.

'Why is he suddenly in a bad mood? Just a while ago, he was playful. How did I offend him now?' 

She felt like her mind would go crazy with this man having mood swings worse than a pregnant woman. She could never guess when and how his mood would change.

-----

The summit conference meeting ended with the King of Hatha leveling a glare at the retreating figures of the Crown Princes of Griven and Abetha. 

Stepping out of the hall, Cian could not help but let out a broad triumphant grin, one that caused Arlan to point out his gaffe, at the expense of the countless eyes watching them.

"...I can't help it. His expression when we overturned his argument is simply priceless," Cian explained, but in the end, he resumed wearing an impassive face. 

"It was thanks to your timely information that we could counter it," Arlan said. "It sure pays to have a powerful mother from this kingdom. Even though she is so far away, her people are still loyal to her. Thank you for sharing the information with me beforehand. The benefits we received, I will surely let my father hear of it."

Those words were praising and mocking at the same time. Cian didn't mind but how could he not mock back. He offered Arlan a casual smile in response. "We are considered one family, after all. You benefit from my information, and I benefit from receiving ample care and treatment from your servant."

Arlan knew he was trying to provoke him, thus, he met Cian's smile with one of his own. Any of the leaders and officials would agree that the pair of princes appeared harmonious as they walked side by side.

But that was only because they had no idea of the dagger hidden in Arlan's smile. 

"I believe your relatives here can provide you with a better physician. Do not trouble my aide," was all he said in warning before walking ahead. 

Drayce, who had finished talking to the delegates of another kingdom, caught the last part of the conversation between his friend and brother-in-law.

"Are you having fun, Prince Cian?" Drayce asked as he matched Cian's step.

"I am," Cian replied. "Getting on his nerves is becoming easier these days. He was not like this before but I must say it's enjoyable."

"Do not overdo it. He is unstable these days," Drayce reminded him.

"I will keep that in mind," Cian replied, sounding genuine. He knew there was a limit he would not cross. 

"See you." 

After bidding him farewell,  Drayce caught up to Arlan who was about to climb inside his carriage.

"Stop sulking already."

"You are the reason," Arlan shot back at him.

"Me? What did I do?" he asked. 

"First, you have that annoying good brother-in-law who she admires, and second, you gave her back to me when she is still bleeding!"

Drayce observed his face, especially the shadows underneath his eyes. "Hmm, I think someone could not sleep well last night."

"You think? Do you really think a man can sleep when he is…" Arlan could only let out a frustrated groan. 

"What?" Drayce asked nonchalantly. 

"You know what I mean."

"I don't."

"Drop the act already." Arlan glared at Drayce. "Tell me honestly— do you really not get affected when Seren is bleeding? Are you a saint, or a eunuch?"

"I do not think this is the proper setting to talk about such personal concerns," Drayce sighed, "but to answer your question, I get affected as well. Only, Erebus is part of me, that is why it is easier for me to control my beast side unlike how difficult it is for you."

Arlan wordlessly looked at him as if he was not satisfied with the answer.

"Alright," Drayce admitted, "I cheat at times. Those days when she is bleeding, during the day, I am either at the throne hall granting audience to people or working inside my office in the Grand Palace, only returning at night to visit her chamber, waiting till she falls asleep by my side. As soon as I'm sure she won't wake up, I leave her side and go somewhere far, returning only when dawn is about to arrive and before she wakes up."

"See?" Arlan stared at him with an 'I knew it!' expression. "And you act like I am the fool here who cannot control himself."

"Because you are a fool," Drayce said. "Even though I am affected, not even once did I hurt or lash out at Seren. She doesn't even know how she affects me when she is bleeding as I never showed her a sign of me struggling. What about you? You throw tantrums and keep hurting your mate, pushing her again and again. That's why you are a fool."

"Tsk." A frustrated sigh left Arlan's lips. 

"What?"

"I cannot deny this accusation, and I hate it." Arlan let out a frustrated groan.

Drayce patted his shoulder. "You are already doing great. Recovery starts with awareness."

The two friends sat in their respective carriages to head back to their respective accommodations. 

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