The Queen and the Lion - Chapter 23
He was a renowned general of Heiban, a lion of the plains who had lived freely. Though enduring his current state as a prisoner, he might be desperately yearning to return to his homeland.
He must be delighted, thinking of going back to Heiban even now.
The delicate fingers clutching the hem of her dress turned pale, with the knuckles jutting out. Forcing all her wavering emotions into her grasp, Lysian’s expression showed not the slightest sign of hesitation as she issued a clear dismissal to Kaplan.
“It’s getting late.”
“Call upon me at your convenience, and I shall gladly comply.”
“I plan to host a banquet soon to celebrate the prince’s visit. Let’s meet again then.”
Without leaving even the smallest room for doubt, Lysian nudged Kaplan out. She had already summoned Aslan at just the right time, intending to meet him once Kaplan was gone. However, Kaplan’s delay, insisting on exploring the room, had caused the timing to shift, and there was a risk the two might run into each other.
Kaplan bowed his head without much resistance. Though his demeanor was impeccably clean, his ambition for the position of Consort King remained intact. Indeed, this beautiful kingdom and its queen were too tempting to resist. Suppressing his desires, Kaplan smiled faintly.
Aslan stepped into Lysian’s study.
The thought of Lysian having just been alone with Kaplan was infuriating.
Lysian remained seated at her desk. She greeted Aslan with a welcoming smile, one that was no different from usual. Yet, seeing that unchanged expression troubled Aslan. How long would he be able to see this smile?
Kaplan, meeting with the queen in her study at such a late hour, could only mean they discussed the matter of the Consort King. Unable to contain his curiosity, Aslan cautiously broached the subject.
“Earlier, I saw Prince Kaplan leaving this place.”
Kaplan had also addressed Lysian formally, but Aslan continued to mix informal speech in his remarks. However, Lysian did not seem to mind his manner of speaking.
“Ah, yes. We were discussing some matters.”
Lysian responded casually, and Aslan felt a small sense of relief. He wanted to ask what they had discussed but couldn’t bring himself to. As nothing more than a prisoner, he feared it might look like he was obsessed with her.
In her own way, Lysian found Aslan’s questions about Kaplan unpleasant. Was he getting excited at the thought of returning to Heiban now? Her thoughts swirled with irritation.
Standing stiffly, Aslan stole glances at Lysian, rolling his eyes like a trained dog. It was proof he had grown accustomed to her.
Lysian felt quite satisfied with this. She scrutinized Aslan with her gaze. His spine stood straight, firmly supporting his body. His upright posture and broad shoulders exuded a dignified and commanding presence.
Come to think of it, today Aslan was dressed in Heiban attire. Given that Heiban’s delegation was visiting, it had seemed more appropriate for him to wear Heiban clothing rather than Floréan attire to maintain his dignity. Yet, Lysian hadn’t been particularly expectant.
Heiban’s traditional garments, made from leather and fur, were practical but seemed inferior compared to the silk garments worn in Florea. On the first day Aslan arrived as a prisoner, he had been wearing Heiban attire, but it had been so dirty from his long transport that it had left no impression.
Now that Aslan was properly dressed, his valor and wild charm stood out even more.
Heiban attire isn’t too bad, Lysian thought with satisfaction, smiling to herself.
“Heiban attire suits you quite well. It’s not bad to see it once in a while.”
Her casual remark caused Aslan’s heart to race.
While he appreciated the compliment, what truly thrilled him was the implication in her words. It sounded as though he might continue wearing Floréan attire in the future.
Lysian’s single comment caused Aslan’s expectations to swell. Perhaps… His thoughts spiraled, each leading to another. He barely managed to cut off his wishful thinking. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Clenching his teeth, Aslan chided himself.
To Lysian, however, his stiff and hardened expression only seemed to indicate indifference. She subtly tested him, speaking lightly.
“Come to think of it, your homeland has been searching for you.”
A bitter smile graced Aslan’s lips. He couldn’t bring himself to say anything. He didn’t know how to respond.
Lysian, however, interpreted Aslan’s silence as him being cautious not to upset her, even though he liked her.
Does he truly despise staying in Florea this much?
But Lysian had not yet stamped the royal seal on the prisoner exchange document. Since it was still unapproved, Aslan remained hers.
