In the Doghouse - Chapter 27
The next day, Courtney prepared for her outing just as Richard had suggested—dressing simply and discreetly.
What awaited her outside, however, was not the usual gilded imperial carriage, but a suspicious-looking black carriage with no insignia. As soon as she stepped outside the front gate, the door of the dark carriage creaked open slightly.
“Courtney.”
All the windows were covered, and Richard was seated inside, wearing a pitch-black robe that covered him from head to toe. If she hadn’t recognized his voice, she might have thought it was a kidnapper waiting for her.
“Your Highness?”
“Get in first.”
As soon as she stepped inside, the maid who had accompanied her closed the door quickly. Though the outside of the carriage was gloomy, the interior was fortunately well-appointed. Once Courtney settled into the plush seat, Richard handed her a black robe as well.
“Is something going on?”
“We’re heading to a rather secret place today.”
Courtney thought about asking where they were going but decided against it. Knowing in advance wouldn’t change anything, and it was probably better to remain blissfully unaware for as long as possible.
Once she donned the robe without resistance, Richard knocked on the back wall of the carriage. It set off quietly. With the windows covered, she had no idea where they were heading.
Richard, looking as excited as a child on a field trip, spoke up with a smile.
“We’re going to pick out our wedding gifts.”
“You’ve already given me so many.”
In response to her reply, he smiled bashfully, like a shy boy. Somehow, she had a bad feeling about this. And her ominous premonition soon came true.
“For our special night…”
“Enough. I get it.”
Courtney cut him off sharply, just as she did with her family, and turned her head away. After all, Richard himself had asked her to treat him that way, so she didn’t feel guilty.
Calling perverted items ‘wedding gifts’? How absurd.
But when Richard fell completely silent, she felt a bit uneasy. Maybe that had been too harsh. No matter what, he was still the Crown Prince of the country. Stealing a glance at him, she saw—
“Courtney, you truly are the best.”
His eyes were red with emotion and excitement. Exasperated, she turned her gaze back to the wall.
The carriage traveled for quite some time. Considering how the Devon residence was located on the eastern outskirts of the capital, they must have crossed to the western side of the city by now. Every time she stole a glance at Richard, their eyes met. She clenched her lips and nervously wiggled her toes under her dress.
Could they be heading outside the capital? Just as she wondered, the carriage came to a halt. Richard peeked through the heavy curtains and adjusted his hood.
“We’re here.”
Courtney followed his lead and pulled her hood down low. The last thing she wanted was to make friends with other weirdos frequenting whatever shady shop they were visiting.
When Richard got out of the carriage, he extended his hand to her. No matter how hard she tried, Courtney couldn’t deny how graceful his movements were, even in such a simple act. It was annoying. How could someone still shine like that, looking like a thief in a sack? Why did he have to be a pervert?
They had arrived at the western part of the city, just as she suspected. But this wasn’t a busy boulevard lined with boutiques, nor the bustling marketplace. It was the entrance to one of the backstreets, the kind that only came to life at night. Courtney knew well enough what these streets were known for.
“This place…”
“Don’t let go of my hand.”
It was the capital’s infamous red-light district. Fortunately, since it was daytime, all the shutters of the establishments were closed. Richard gripped Courtney’s hand tightly as they walked down the street.
As soon as they entered the area, Richard turned down a narrow alley that was too small for the carriage to follow. They wound through the tight spaces between buildings, changing directions a couple of times along the way.
Courtney had no idea where they were, but Richard moved as if he knew this maze-like area well. Had the Crown Prince been coming here to indulge his twisted desires all this time? She didn’t dare ask.
Finally, Richard stopped in front of an unmarked building. Just as he was about to enter, Courtney tightened her grip on his hand, stopping him.
“Wait…”
“Yes?”
“I’m not… I’m still not ready for this…”
What was going on inside? The disturbing illustrations from the book flashed through her mind. She was terrified that the moment she stepped inside, she’d be greeted by men tied to the walls, hanging like slabs of meat.
Richard realized belatedly that he hadn’t properly explained their destination along the way. He gently reassured her in a soft voice.
“Courtney, we’re just here to buy some items. It might look a bit suspicious… but I promise there’s no danger, so please don’t worry.”
She couldn’t avoid it, but she couldn’t exactly enjoy it either. With a frown on her face, Courtney hesitated, while Richard, without rushing her, waited calmly.
At last, she made up her mind. Even if he was a pervert, Richard had never done anything to harm her, and it wasn’t like she could back out of the marriage now just because she was scared.
“Let’s go in.”
“As expected, Courtney, you are truly—”
“Yes, yes, I know. I’m the best.”
Richard’s face lit up again, shining with admiration like someone truly in awe. Well you’re clearly infatuated, though not in the most normal way, Courtney thought as she grumbled to herself, taking a step forward.
The large wooden door of the entrance was firmly shut. Richard knocked on the round door handle, and soon, the door creaked open from the inside.
“We’ve been expecting you.”
The person who greeted them was wearing heavy makeup and a tight-fitting dress. But Courtney quickly realized that her initial thought was only half right. Though they were dressed and made up like a woman, it wasn’t a woman. The low voice and flat chest gave that away. Surprised, Courtney instinctively clutched Richard’s hand tightly.
As if the person’s words were literal, it seemed they had been familiar faces. Richard calmly accepted the greeting from the cross-dressing shopkeeper and stepped inside first. Nervous about what might come next, Courtney stuck close to his side as they entered.
“Please take your time looking around.”
