Looking for a Husband to Confine Me - Chapter 26.2
Chapter 26.2
“I think it’s a splendid idea. What are your thoughts, Lady?”
“You’re referring to Prince Bashar, correct?”
“Indeed. Is there another Bashar here?”
“….”
“As it happens, Bashar is of marriageable age. It seems fitting to forge a connection with our benefactor.”
Haroon spoke of his brother, Bashar Kisha’s marriage, with a remarkably casual tone. It was no different from how my own family treated my marriage prospects.
“Bashar, what are your thoughts?”
“…If it is Brother’s wish, I will comply.”
Bashar Kisha’s golden eyes flickered with bewilderment, but he didn’t voice any objection to his older brother, Haroon.
“Then, Lady?”
“Are you serious, Your Highness?”
“Of course. Do you think I’m incapable of fulfilling a single request from my benefactor?”
“Your Highness, I…”
Haroon Kisha spoke as if he would immediately grant his consent. It might be an opportunity to quickly forge a connection with Bashar Kisha, without having to consider other candidates.
From a distance, I felt Ricardo’s enigmatic gaze. I also felt Kelliard’s jealous stare and Rettie’s hand, crumpling my sleeve in her grip.
I slowly opened my mouth.
“As I said before, I don’t expect a reward.”
“…Hah! Even after all this? Are you serious?”
“Yes. Because I haven’t done anything deserving of a reward.”
“Surely you don’t find our Bashar displeasing?”
“That’s not it at all. As Your Highness is aware, I have a fiancé. Therefore…”
“Weren’t there talks of breaking off that engagement?” Haroon interrupted, his expression puzzled. News of the broken engagement had reached even the princes; the rumors spread fast.
“That’s precisely why. I’m concerned that my situation might lead to unpleasant rumors surrounding Prince Bashar.”
“Hmm…”
“Furthermore, I believe marriage should be approached with utmost caution. So, please don’t concern yourself with me. I was merely coincidentally involved.”
“Coincidentally.”
“Yes, coincidentally.”
I repeated my answer, echoing Haroon’s murmur. I wanted nothing from them, and I hoped they would stop paying attention to me. Haroon’s now humorless golden eyes fixed on me, as if scrutinizing me.
“Amelia, are you crazy? Why are you refusing?” Rettie’s incessant fussing made me clench my jaw.
“Rettie, if you don’t want to leave right now, you’d better be quiet.”
“You really…!” Rettie, frustrated by my rejections, trailed off, unable to retort after my threat to send her away.
“Tsk.” Haroon Kisha clicked his tongue. With a bored expression, he sank deeper into the plush sofa.
“If that’s what the Lady wishes.”
“Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness.”
“You live a boring life.”
I never believed Haroon had summoned me simply to express his gratitude. That’s why I couldn’t carelessly accept his offers.
Perhaps he also wanted to observe me, to see if I was connected to Pazl, the culprit behind the previous poisoning attempt.
With each offer—money, prestige, power, a political marriage—Haroon Kisha’s scrutinizing gaze intensified, trying to discern my motives.
‘It was a chance to get closer to Bashar Kisha, so I hadn’t intended to refuse the invitation.’
There was no evidence against me, so there was no reason to decline.
‘However, because the accomplice had snake bite marks on their ankle, I couldn’t bring Slinky.’
A small snake like Slinky wouldn’t have been noticed, but these weren’t ordinary people, so caution was necessary.
“I summoned you intending to grant you a reward, but you desire nothing. How disappointing.” Haroon Kisha said, his expression turning sly once more.
“Simply meeting Your Highness is reward enough.”
“It’s not an opportunity that comes easily, you know.”
The one who seemed disappointed by my words was Rettie Hazel, seated beside me. She continued to
mutter curses under her breath.
Bashar Kisha didn’t outwardly display much emotion, but he seemed relieved. He would have obeyed his brother’s command, but he likely didn’t want to marry a stranger either.
“Then I wonder how the other benefactor will react. Though, we must wait for him to arrive first.”
‘The other benefactor’ likely referred to Damian. It seemed word of his unavoidable delay had already reached the princes.
‘Given Haroon’s personality, I doubted he’d approve of Damian being late for personal reasons…’
Yet, Haroon seemed unconcerned by Damian’s tardiness or the need to wait for him. Suddenly, I felt Haroon’s gaze upon me. I met his eyes questioningly, but he didn’t speak. He simply observed me, his face thoughtful.
Then, his gaze drifted upwards, towards the clear blue sky visible through the open roof that spanned nearly half the drawing-room.
“Hmm.”
Haroon made a soft sound in his throat and abruptly straightened. He’d been idly stroking the fur of the magnificent beasts lounging around him, but now he rose slowly to his feet. “Well then, my lady, what do you say to a stroll through the gardens? I’ve had them arranged… in the Kishani style.”
His gaze locked with mine as he spoke.
“The gardens, Your Highness?”
“Indeed.”
A thoughtful expression settled on Haroon’s face as he sauntered out from amongst the beasts.
Instead of answering his unexpected question, I glanced around, assessing the atmosphere.
“That’s… unacceptable, Brother.”
At the same time, Ray Kewind, the captain of the guard, added, “Your Majesty, it’s still too dangerous for you to move about freely.”
Bashar shook his head as well. Haroon Kishar grimaced, clearly irritated. It was plain to see he was thoroughly bored with sitting still.
