Chapter 15
When two members of the royal family walked side by side through the garden, the once lively atmosphere immediately turned solemn.
The gardeners, terrified that they might have missed pulling a single weed, trembled so much their hands shook.
But Kali and Dylan, clearly used to such reactions, walked leisurely with calm expressions.
Kali lifted her hand to block the sunlight and looked up at the sky with a satisfied smile.
“The garden is rather charming. When you first said you wanted to buy such a small house, I wasn’t thrilled about it.”
“The residence Your Majesty chose was far too large.”
“And what’s wrong with that? You’re a member of the royal family.”
“Precisely because I am. A smaller home suits me better. It’s easier to manage.”
Of course, objectively speaking, the townhouse and its garden were not small at all.
But to two people who had lived their whole lives in a vast imperial palace, this place must have looked like a dollhouse.
Kali took another look around and smiled slyly.
“I wonder if your bride will like such a modest place. What if she nags you, saying, ‘Why did you refuse the grand mansion the Emperor gifted us?’”
“She’s not that kind of person.”
“Already taking her side? You’re completely smitten, aren’t you?”
Kali had expected a stiff response — something like ‘You misunderstand, Your Majesty,’ or ‘I don’t mix personal feelings with duty.’
But to her surprise, Dylan just nodded calmly.
“She’s more than I deserve.”
“What?”
Kali widened her eyes, then burst into laughter, clutching her stomach.
“Did my little brother just say something romantic? I should’ve known something was different when you said you wanted to choose your own wife!”
“That’s enough. Please stop. Have you come to a decision?”
Dylan frowned, clearly weary of her teasing.
Kali tapped her chin thoughtfully, recalling her earlier meeting with Agnès.
“I swore I’d make her cry before I left, but she didn’t even flinch. Impressive.”
“You should remember your position, Your Majesty.”
“And what about it? That’s the advantage of being Emperor — I can act however I want, and even that strong little woman couldn’t say a word against me. You should learn to appreciate my restraint.”
Dylan narrowed his eyes but didn’t argue.
“Once the social season ends and the capital quiets down, I’ll hold the wedding.”
“I don’t remember giving my approval yet.”
“You already decided. Stop pretending otherwise. I know Her Majesty must have liked Lady Everchen.”
“What a stiff pair of siblings we are.”
Even as she complained, Kali didn’t deny it.
“All right, fine. I like her. I liked that she didn’t cry, and that she’s brave. When I glared at her, she actually stood in front of that butler as if to protect him. And she kept a straight face the whole time.”
“Wait— you stared at Gaveline again?”
Kali raised a hand to silence his protest.
“Relax. I only looked at him once. Anyway, if you want to marry Lady Everchen, go ahead. I thought she might be some fragile woman, considering she was cast out and even lost her child to her ex-husband… but she’s stronger than she looks.”
Kali meant what she said — she truly respected Agnès.
Most married noblewomen, especially those who married young like Agnès, lived in tiny worlds.
Their lives revolved around their house — maybe a single carriage ride beyond that.
Even a small wave felt like a raging storm to them because society never allowed them to experience real hardship.
Agnès had seemed like one of them — delicate and sheltered — but Kali realized there was steel beneath her grace.
“Don’t think you’re the one losing out in this marriage. The gossip will target her, not you. Still… she seems strong enough to endure it.”
“I understand what you mean. But I don’t see this as a loss.”
Kali chuckled and clapped a hand on his shoulder. Her long fingers pressed down firmly, then relaxed into a gentle pat.
Dylan sighed and met her gaze.
“Please don’t visit unannounced again.”
“Fine, fine. You know, not everyone treats me this rudely. Even your sister Serene always—”
“I’ll send a letter to Serene and tell her to return to her territory immediately.”
“Ugh! You really are hopeless. Before you chase me away too, I’ll take my leave!”
Kali threw her hands up in mock despair and strode toward her carriage.
Dylan saw her off properly, performing every gesture of respect due to an Emperor.
But once she was gone, his face darkened. The mask of calm fell away, replaced by quiet exhaustion.
He rubbed his forehead and turned toward Agnès’s room.
Outside her door, he asked a maid if she was resting. When the maid said no, he knocked gently.
“Who is it?”
Her voice sounded tired — more than he had ever heard it before.
It seemed the cheerful poise she’d shown before the Emperor had cost her more energy than she’d let on.
He hesitated, wanting to let her rest, but he had things he needed to say.
“It’s Dylan. May I come in for a moment?”
“Ah— Your Grace! Please wait just a second!”
There was a flurry of footsteps inside, then the door opened.
Agnès stood there, wearing a soft silk nightgown with a warm shawl draped over her shoulders.
Without her makeup, she looked younger, her face full of innocent curiosity.
I can already guess what she’s thinking, Dylan thought.
And indeed, Agnès’s first thought was: Is he here because he needs more blood?
Instead of voicing it, she quickly guided him to the small table by the window.
The sun was setting, painting the room in soft gold.
Agnès placed a teacup before him with her usual graceful smile.
“This room is so beautiful. Every time I look around, I can’t help admiring it — especially the view from this window.”
“When you bring Noah back, this will be his room. It’s just a townhouse, but I’m sure you’ll visit the capital often.”
Agnès’s eyes widened in surprise. Dylan noticed and sighed quietly.
“Once we’re married, we’ll need adjoining chambers. It wouldn’t look proper otherwise.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I was only surprised because… I didn’t expect you to think of Noah’s room too. Of course, I’ll stay near you. We may not be a normal couple, but we will be husband and wife in name.”
She smiled softly, her earlier surprise fading into gratitude.
“You’ve been so considerate, Your Grace. It makes me want to do my very best as well. Thank you — truly.”
Agnès curtsied gracefully… but at the end of the movement, she swayed slightly.
It was so faint most people wouldn’t have noticed — but Dylan did.
He reached out immediately, steadying her with a hand on her arm.
“You’re still not fully recovered.”
Agnès hesitated, then gave up trying to deny it. There was no point lying to someone so observant.
“I feel a little dizzy, but it’s nothing serious. One good night’s rest will fix it.”
“It’s because the Emperor dropped by so suddenly. You couldn’t rest at all.”
Agnès just smiled instead of denying it. Who would believe her if she said meeting the Emperor had been “relaxing”?
Dylan sighed softly and guided her to sit more comfortably in the chair.
“I’m truly sorry you had to meet Her Majesty like that. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
“Please don’t apologize. I’m your wife — or will be soon. Of course I should meet your family. Though, if you could tell me in advance next time, I could prepare better to receive Her Majesty.”
She laughed lightly, brushing it off as nothing serious.
She wasn’t wrong. Dylan might no longer hold the title of prince, but he was still royal — and that meant appearances mattered.
In fact, Agnès thought the visit had been a good reminder of her new responsibilities.
So she changed the subject carefully.
“Really, I’m fine. I’ll take care of myself so I’ll be healthy next time you need to… eat. By the way… how have others handled it? Did they also feel dizzy like this?”
Her tone was casual — but her golden eyes shimmered with quiet curiosity.
