“Brother, I didn’t know you were here. If I am interrupting something, I can come back later.” “Don’t worry, you’re not interrupting anything. I have a meeting. I was just about to leave.”
Alessandro turned to Abril and said, “Don’t get out of bed unless it’s necessary.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And if you need anything, no matter what it is, tell me.”
“Okay, Your Majesty.”
“Cassian, take care of her and make sure she follows my instructions.”
“I will, brother.”
After Alessandro left, Cassian said, “It seems your relationship with my brother has improved a lot.”
“Yes, we talk more now, and he is kind to me.”
“My brother has always had trouble opening up to others, so don’t think ill of him. He is a good person and once he gets to know you, he will open his heart to you just as I did.” Cassian said as he looked at her.
At first, he had hated her, but as he got to know her, he realized how wonderful the princess is, and without realizing it, he had opened his heart to her. But he knew that having feelings for the princess was impossible. She was his brother’s wife, his only family. So, all he could do was wish them happiness.
Abril kept her gaze fixed on the balcony. Cassian asked her, “Do you want to go outside?”
“Yes, I hate being cooped up, but His Majesty will be angry if I get out of bed again.” She replied. “My brother does it because he cares about you. Your wound hasn’t healed yet, and if you exert yourself too much, it could reopen. It’s best for you to rest until you recover. Once you’re well, we can take a walk in the garden and bring the little fox with us.”
“I haven’t seen him in a while, he must have grown a lot. I would like to see him.”
“Then I’ll bring him to you.”
“But I don’t think His Majesty would like me to have an animal in his room.”
“My brother said you could ask for anything you wanted. Tell him that’s what you want, and I’m sure he won’t be upset.”
“Do you really think he won’t get angry?”
“Yes, I’m sure of it. So, I’ll bring him to you right now so you won’t be bored. I can also bring you a book to read if you like.”
“Really?” Abril replied excitedly.
“Yes. What kind of books do you like?”
“When I lived in the kingdom of Laios, the palace I lived in had many romance novels. I used to read them all the time. I would love to read one.”
“Then I’ll go to the library and bring you all the ones I can find.”
“Thank you very much.”
“You don’t have to thank me, you’ve done much more for me.”
Abril didn’t know what Cassian was referring to. She didn’t remember doing anything for him, she had saved him once, but that had been a long time ago. Cassian headed to the door and said, “I’ll be right back.”
Cassian returned shortly after, carrying a basket with Abril’s fox in one hand and several books in the other. He placed the books on the nightstand, took the fox out of the basket, and handed it to Abril. The fox was happy to see her, licking her face and rubbing his body against hers.
“Enough, little one, you’re tickling me.”
“Now that I think about it, you always call him “Little One,” Haven’t you given him a name yet?”
“Actually, no. Although he’s no longer little, I should give him a name.”
“That’s right. I think little one doesn’t suit him anymore.”
The fox settled on Abril’s lap. She ran her hand over his back, stroking his soft reddish fur, and said, “What name do you think would suit him best?”
“I’m not good at naming things, you should choose, Cassian replied.
Call me by my name
“How about Koda? It means ally.”
“I think it’s perfect.”
Abril moved the fox and said, “Then Koda it is. That’s your name now.”
The fox seemed happy with his new name. Abril scratched his ears and said, “I think he likes his name.”
“Yes, I think so too. There weren’t many romance novels in the library, but I brought you all the ones
I found. I hope you like them.” Cassian said, handing the books over to her.
Abril read the titles and said, “They seem interesting. I think I’ll enjoy them.”
“When I leave the palace, I’ll go to a bookstore and buy you more.” Cassian promised.
“Thank you.” Abril replied.
Abril’s stomach growled, and Cassian laughed, saying, “I’ve asked for some desserts to be brought up. They should be here soon.”
“Recently, they only give me soup to eat. It makes me hungry quickly.”
“That’s because the doctor ordered it, but I’m sure he’ll let you eat more solid foods soon.”
“I hope so. Although I like soups, I feel they don’t fill me up.”
That day, Cassian stayed all afternoon keeping Abril company. In the evening, he had dinner with his brother Alessandro. While they were dining, Cassian said, “The princess has a pet, it’s a fox. She wanted to see him, so I brought him to her.
“What?”
Cassian pleaded and said, “I know you don’t like animals, but she can’t leave your room. Could you let her keep him?”
Alessandro took a sip of his wine and replied, “If that’s what she wants, she can keep him. I won’t oppose it.”
“Thank you, Lessan.”
“How’s your leg?”
“Much better. I don’t even need my cane now, although I know it’s only temporary. When I don’t see the princess, the pain returns.”
“One day, your injury will heal. I promise.”
“You don’t have to make that promise, brother. You’ve already done everything possible to heal my injury, and I thank you for that.”
“You don’t have to thank me for anything, brother. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t…”
Cassian interfered because he knew what his brother would say next and said, “What happened to me wasn’t your fault, Lessan. Don’t feel guilty about it, it was never your fault.”
“But if I…”
“No, Brother. Stop blaming yourself for it. It’s thanks to you that I’m alive.”
After dinner, Alessandro went to his room and found Abril reading a book. She was so engrossed in her reading that she didn’t notice when he entered, nor did she hear his voice when he spoke to her. He took the book from her and said, “Don’t ignore me when I’m talking to you.”
“When did Your Majesty arrive?” She asked sincerely.
“A moment ago. I spoke to you several times, but you didn’t seem to hear.”
“I’m sorry, I was very engrossed in reading.”
“What are you reading?” Alessandro asked as he read the title, “My Beloved Warrior.”
“What is this book about?” He asked.
“It’s a romance novel. Cassian brought it for me.”
Alessandro noticed that Abril always called Cassian by his name, but she called him “Your Majesty,” even though he was her husband. He said, “Why do you call my brother by his name and not me?”
“Because he gave me permission.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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