Looking for a Husband to Confine Me - Chapter 35.2
Chapter 35.2
I unconsciously walked towards the window. A few beasts still roamed among the trees, though their numbers seemed to have dwindled.
‘Have they moved elsewhere?’
Now that they knew Haroon was in the back garden, they wouldn’t send the beasts there.
Watching the prowling beasts, I spoke. “The knights from the Imperial Palace should arrive soon. You’ll be much safer once they’re here, Your Highness.”
“It’s hard to guarantee safety when we don’t know who the conspirator is.”
“It will be better than now.” At least it would be better than the current situation, where danger could strike at any moment.
Seeing Bashar’s displeased expression, I continued. “Incidents like today will likely happen again. They might be orchestrated by the same people trying to force Haroon’s return, or perhaps by someone else entirely.”
“….”
“The position you hold, Your Highness, inevitably comes with such risks.”
“…A position I never desired.” His voice was laced with self-deprecation.
“But it’s a life your mother and Haroon protected. Isn’t it too precious to give up so easily?” I said, tapping my fingertips against the glass pane. I understood his feelings, but complaining about his situation wouldn’t solve anything.
“Besides, surviving by any means is the surest revenge you can take against your enemies.”
So, I would survive, too. I would never get involved with the mad prince, and I would bury Hector’s regrets with a scornful laugh. Hector had betrayed me, but I wouldn’t do the same to him. Simply living peacefully without him, that was the best revenge.
‘Once I’m safe, I’ll find a peaceful place to live with the children. I’ll need money for that.’
First, I needed to leave the Count’s estate. Staying there would only deplete my funds, not increase them.
I continued my thoughts as I watched the beasts drawing closer to the annex. Then, I realized Bashar hadn’t responded.
I tried to recall our conversation. Had I been too presumptuous? Had I said things I shouldn’t have?
‘I was so unnerved by the beasts’ movements that I just blurted out everything on my mind.’
Anxious, I carefully turned around.
Bashar stood still, his brow furrowed. Fortunately, he didn’t seem angry with me. He didn’t look happy either, though.
“Now that I think about it, you can rest assured knowing that Haroon is safe.”
Changing the subject was the best course of action in these situations. Sure enough, Bashar’s expression brightened at the mention of Haroon. He looked up at me, and our eyes met. His were the color of gold.
“How do you know?”
His voice was curt, but his expression betrayed his unconcealed concern.
“I overheard Pazl in the annex. He mistook Haroon for you and attacked him, but he eventually realized his mistake, and thankfully, he wasn’t injured.”
“Is that so? That’s a relief.” Bashar seemed visibly relieved, as if my words had reassured him.
“If something had happened to my brother because of me, I truly…” He trailed off, running a hand over his face. “I wouldn’t be able to live with myself,” he murmured, almost to himself.
Bashar Kisha cared little for his own safety, yet fretted endlessly over Haroon’s. He would readily die for him, at his command. To die protecting him would be a welcome fate.
Even if Haroon betrayed him, Bashar wouldn’t resist. He would grieve, but accept death with quiet resignation. And that was precisely what Haroon didn’t want. Though outwardly flippant, Haroon Kisha cared for his brother as deeply as Bashar cared for him. His willingness to act as a decoy for Bashar proved that.
“I imagine Your Highness has faced countless threats on your life?”
Perhaps the discussion of Haroon had eased his tension, for Bashar sat perched on the edge of the bed. He nodded, a flicker of confusion in his eyes at the sudden question.
“My claim to the throne is laughably weak, but even someone as insignificant as I am has many enemies.”
Any potential future threats were swiftly eliminated. Such was the way of the powerful.
“So, coming to the Lefkind Empire… that wasn’t your choice either?”
“Such things hardly matter to me. I never had a choice in the first place. But Brother Haroon… he came here when he didn’t have to.” Guilt laced his voice.
Unlike Bashar, Haroon had volunteered to come to the empire. The reason was undoubtedly Bashar. Haroon must have known that Bashar, away from his protection, would be in danger.
Especially in a foreign land, it would be all too easy to dispose of a powerless youngest prince. So, for his brother’s sake, he had come.
“Perhaps Brother Haroon would be better off without me. My existence only hinders him….”
“Haroon doesn’t want that.”
“But why…?” Bashar’s eyes were filled with confusion.
