In the Doghouse - Chapter 11
“No! Put me down, please!”
“I’m sorry. This is urgent.”
With Courtney in his arms, Richard quickly strode back to the sofa. There, sitting in the shadows of the Crown Prince’s presence, was another person Courtney hadn’t even noticed—a court physician with graying hair who bowed politely.
Embarrassed that the physician had likely witnessed her foolish display, Courtney’s face flushed red.
Richard gently placed her down on the sofa and knelt on one knee to carefully remove her shoes. His expression hardened as he saw her swollen, red ankle, but he said nothing.
“I-I can do it myself,” Courtney stammered.
“Stay still now.”
Richard placed a soft cushion under her injured foot, the fabric so smooth and luxurious that it seemed more expensive than her entire dress. Courtney fidgeted her toes nervously, unsure how to respond.
Once Richard moved aside, the physician stepped forward.
“Let me take a look.”
He carefully examined her ankle using various magical tools. As expected from a imperial physician, his simple treatments made the swelling and redness subside in no time.
“The bone isn’t injured, so with proper rest, you’ll recover soon, Milady. I’ll send medicine to your residence to help with any fever and further reduce the swelling.”
So, it will heal on its own, Courtney thought, though she nodded in silence, too flustered to say much more. She didn’t want to reveal just how embarrassed she felt, unable to even take proper care of her own injury.
The physician bowed once more and quietly exited the room.
The Crown Prince stood by her side in silence. Courtney’s foot, now bare, rested delicately on the plush cushion. She glanced at it, wondering if she should put her shoes back on. As she reached down to touch her toes, Richard spoke.
“…You were fine just a few days ago. How did you get injured?”
“H-Huh…?”
Courtney straightened up, her eyes wide. She had no idea what he was referring to. The last time she had even seen the Crown Prince—though it was more like passing by him—had been over a month ago.
To her shock, the incredibly handsome prince lowered his eyes shyly, answering softly.
“I heard you attended the tea party at the Wrighton residence. I went to see you there, but I was too late and only caught a glimpse of you leaving.”
It sounded as if he had gone there specifically to see her. No, that can’t be right. Courtney felt her face heat up again as she bowed her head, scolding herself.
But despite her attempt to hide it, her flushed cheeks were still visible. As her heart raced, she asked in a hesitant voice,
“Your Highness… are you not displeased with… marrying someone like me?”
“Courtney.”
Richard knelt down again before her, his handsome face filling her view as she stared at the carpet patterns below.
But what moved her more than his perfect features was the warmth in his gaze.
His eyes were so full of sincerity and affection that, for a moment, she saw a hint of her nephew in him—so pure, so full of love.
Richard gently took Courtney’s left hand. Didn’t he see me fidgeting with my feet earlier? she thought, feeling the situation grow slightly awkward. Yet, Richard remained utterly serious.
“I apologize. I knew this situation would be overwhelming for you.”
“No, it’s not that… I just… I can’t believe this is really happening.”
“I should have proposed to you properly first, but His Majesty was in a rush.”
Richard reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
No way…
Courtney’s heart was racing as she braced herself for what was inside. And just like everything else that had surprised her today, her prediction was right.
Inside the box was an exquisite ring, a large blue diamond surrounded by smaller, clear diamonds. It was likely worth more than most grand estates.
Holding the ring with the utmost respect, Richard spoke in a gentle voice.
“Lady Courtney Devon, will you marry me?”
Courtney almost answered yes right away.
But she bit her lower lip.
It wasn’t just about seeming too eager—she still couldn’t fully believe what was happening. What did the Crown Prince even know about her? How could he propose so suddenly? She struggled to understand.
“Your Highness, I-I think there’s been a misunderstanding. I, um, I don’t know why you’re saying this… My family… we’re, um… I don’t understand why you would choose me…”
Courtney noticed a strand of her dark hair falling over her face. She had often been told she was much too ferocious, but she never had any particular insecurities about her appearance. Still, she didn’t think she was particularly striking either. On top of that, her family’s financial situation was so dire that it was almost shameful to still call themselves nobles.
So, Courtney was still convinced that the Crown Prince’s proposal was due to some misunderstanding.
