Looking for a Husband to Confine Me - Chapter 36.1
Chapter 36.1
With every blink, Bashar’s long lashes fluttered like restless butterflies. His expression was one of utter bewilderment, far exceeding any he’d worn when he’d suspected Haroon of betrayal.
“Why would you become bait to protect me? You don’t have to do such things. Why?”
This seemed to be the first question Bashar had ever truly pondered regarding Haroon’s actions. He appeared almost uncomfortable with the unfamiliar feelings of confusion and doubt swirling within him.
Bashar Kisha relied on his half-brother, Haroon Kisha, but seemed oblivious to the possibility that the sentiment might be mutual.
‘He’s a complicated prince.’
Bashar seemed utterly incapable of grasping the depth of Haroon’s feelings for him. For a fleeting moment, his obliviousness was almost irritating.
But perhaps it was understandable, given Bashar’s upbringing. Everyone around him had either been indifferent or actively trying to kill him. Only Haroon had offered him protection and kindness. So, Bashar, it seemed, was prepared to offer his life in return.
But that was a misguided notion, a sentiment even Haroon wouldn’t want.
“You can ask Haroon yourself,” I said.
“…Brother?”
“Yes. If you live, you can ask him anytime.”
“….”
“So, right now, surviving is our priority.”
“Right, I just need to live,” Bashar murmured, echoing my words. He gave a small nod, and a faint smile flickered across his lips.
“But what—?” he then asked, lifting his head, having finally moved past his repetition.
He furrowed a brow and sat up in bed, seeking further explanation.
“Shh.” I placed my index finger against my lips. Bashar froze, remaining still in his half-risen position, his golden eyes filled with questions.
Carefully, I took a step away from the window, and Bashar’s gaze followed. I moved silently, slowly.
“…Now.”
“Your Highness.”
As Bashar started to speak, I shook my head and whispered his title, silencing him. He pressed his lips together in a disgruntled pout as I reached the fireplace.
Leaning against the wall, he looked at me expectantly. Without a sound, I mouthed the words, ‘I heard something from here.’
From this hidden space behind the fireplace, close to the secret passage where Bashar had just been, I could sense someone approaching.
‘…Something?’
‘More precisely, I sensed a presence.’
‘Are you sure?’ I nodded vigorously, my neck aching, hoping he could see the movement. At first, I thought it was the wind, but there was a subtle difference—a dragging sound, almost like something scraping against the wall.
Whoever was in the secret passage within the fireplace seemed to have no intention of concealing their presence. While Bashar remained oblivious, from where I stood, the strange sound grew steadily closer.
‘…Pazl?’
‘I don’t know yet.’
The footsteps, the presence, didn’t seem to belong to Pazl, but I couldn’t be certain. I pressed myself against the wall, straining to identify the approaching presence.
My eyes scanned the room for anything that could serve as a weapon. Unfortunately, there was nothing.
‘Your Highness.’
‘…?’
‘Do you have anything that could be used as a weapon?’
‘A weapon?’
I cursed the absence of Snowy, my usual weapon. Of course, I couldn’t transform Snowy into a sword in front of Bashar anyway. Even though Bashar wasn’t as skilled with a sword as I was, I figured he’d likely carry a small weapon for emergencies.
Fortunately, I was right. Bashar pulled a dagger from his robes, placed it quietly on the floor, and then slid it towards me with a forceful push.
‘What are you planning to do?’
‘It seems they’re trying to enter the bedroom through the passage. If that’s the case…’
I picked up the dagger and mouthed my explanation, adding hand gestures and meaningful glances, knowing Bashar struggled to understand lengthy silent pronouncements.
I was standing in a blind spot, invisible to anyone emerging from the fireplace passage. If the approaching presence proved hostile, I intended to attack. Bashar shook his head at my explanation and reached out a hand as if asking for something back.
‘Let me do it. It’s too dangerous.’
Ah, he wanted the dagger back. I shook my head and hid the dagger behind my back.
‘…I think I can do this better than Your Highness.’
‘That’s…’
He didn’t argue, only deepening his frown.
midori
thanks! lolol bonding in dangerous momentsss