Chapter 92
“Your Majesty.”
Shanellica entered the king’s study with a pleased expression.
“You’re here.”
As usual, Eleusis smiled and rose from his seat to greet Shanellica.
Unlike other times, there were already many people present in the study. Shanellica had come with two maids.
Today was the day to select the wedding gifts.
The wedding dress had already been decided and tailored in the presence of the maids and noblewomen. However, unlike the dress, choosing the wedding gifts had to be done with the king. The wedding gift given by the king to his bride was a matter of royal pride, so tradition dictated that it should be made to match the bride’s taste as closely as possible.
Shanellica, concerned about Eleusis’s busy schedule, had almost said that she would gratefully accept any gift, so there was no need for such fuss. But she stopped herself. After all, seeing Eleusis’s face had begun to feel as difficult as plucking a star from the sky.
A month had passed since the day she drank because she couldn’t see Eleusis, and the New Year had arrived.
Even after that, it was still not easy to see the busy Eleusis often. Seeing him three times a week was considered a lot, and even then, it was just enough time to catch a glimpse of his face and exchange a few words. The long hours of trivial conversation they had when they first started speaking were all a thing of the past.
Because of this, Shanellica had often thought about how she could somehow bend the ridiculous rule that the future queen shouldn’t see the king often before the wedding.
It would be a lie to say she didn’t feel a little upset with Eleusis. At first, he had secretly come to see her despite the nobles. But seeing him so busy and exhausted, Shanellica decided to be patient.
After all, they would be together for decades to come.
Fortunately, she had grown accustomed to this routine. At first, she had wanted to rely on Eleusis and meet him often, but now she had adapted to the infrequent meetings. Even the queen lessons that had once felt exhausting were now manageable.
But the reason she could handle all of this calmly was that her mind was preoccupied with other, more pressing matters.
At the center of this mental chaos was none other than Derwin.
Shanellica was still bothered by her drunken behavior toward Derwin. Fortunately, he had never mentioned that incident, and they had never had a proper conversation since that day. Shanellica had gone out of her way to avoid even making eye contact with him, so this was only natural.
Still, just because time passed didn’t erase what she had done, so the discomfort remained. Moreover, there was another reason why Derwin complicated her feelings, one even more troubling than her drunken actions.
As a result, she thought less about Eleusis and didn’t pay as much attention to their relationship. Shanellica had become busy not only physically but mentally as well.
“Choose the gem you like first, and tell me the design you want.”
Eleusis spoke kindly. Though they spent less time together, he had not become neglectful. As always, he was warm-hearted.
However, Shanellica felt something different when she was with him.
She didn’t know what it was.
Eleusis’s attitude toward her hadn’t changed. He still liked her. Yet Shanellica couldn’t shake the subtle feeling that something was different.
Was it a problem with me, not His Majesty?
“Which one do you like the most?”
“…….”
“Shanel.”
“…….”
“Shanel.”
“Oh. What did you say…?”
Only after Eleusis tapped her shoulder did Shanellica snap out of it.
She was currently examining a variety of uncut gems in a luxurious box. Yet even the dazzling stones that could captivate any woman’s heart failed to pull her thoughts away.
Only when she realized that Eleusis and the jewelers’ eyes were all on her did Shanellica point to the most eye-catching gem in front of her.
“The black one?”
There was a peculiar nuance in Eleusis’s tone as he asked for confirmation.
“Is this not allowed?”
Surprised by the unexpected reaction, Shanellica asked. In response, the thin jeweler beside Eleusis bowed and said:
“Miss Shanel. You are selecting the gem for the necklace you will wear at the wedding. Typically, dark-colored gems are not used in wedding gifts.”
“Really? But it’s beautiful…”
Shanellica didn’t hide her disappointment. She had chosen it simply because she thought it was beautiful, as instructed.
“Then why is this gem here?”
Feeling slightly embarrassed, she asked. Why was it even placed here if she couldn’t choose it?
“This one is for daily jewelry, not for the wedding.”
“I see. Then I’ll set this one aside for that purpose.”
“Yes. Please choose again.”
Following the jeweler’s instructions, Shanellica chose another gem—mint-colored, exactly like her own eyes. At that moment, Eleusis, who had remained silent until now, spoke.
“Shanel. Do you like black?”
“Huh?”
Shanellica instinctively turned to look at him. Eleusis was not looking at her; his gaze was fixed on the black gem she had picked earlier.
“It seemed like you were disappointed.”
“No, it’s fine. I can wear it anytime I want.”
Shanellica answered casually and turned her attention back to the gems. However, the two maids standing nearby had to hide their startled reactions. Eleusis’s gaze at the black gem was anything but kind.
He was definitely thinking about Shanellica’s former fiancé.
The maids exchanged glances and sighed quietly. In the Campton Kingdom, black had long been associated with Derwin. People with black hair and eyes were rare. But it wasn’t just that. The cartel mansion, painted entirely in black against its surroundings, had long been infamous among nobles. And Derwin always insisted on wearing black clothing.
The maids understood why Eleusis’s mood might be affected. Though Shanellica seemed oblivious, they couldn’t blame her. She may have naturally liked the color from her time as Derwin’s fiancée, or it could simply be her preference.
So if anyone were to blame, it would be the lack of awareness, not Shanellica.
After selecting all the gifts, the two shared a long-awaited dinner. Eleusis had excused himself from all evening duties, using the wedding gift selection as an excuse.
It was a pleasant surprise for Shanellica. Recently, she had mostly dined alone or with her maids, so eating with her handsome fiancé was a treat.
Surprisingly, their meal was quiet. Eleusis focused on eating without speaking.
Usually, when they dined together, Shanellica would chatter endlessly, and if she were quiet, Eleusis would fill the conversation. But today, both were silent. Moreover, Eleusis’s every action felt unusually cautious.
What could be the matter?
Early in the meal, Shanellica worried as she watched him. But soon, her thoughts drifted elsewhere—toward that presence she tried not to think about.
I don’t want to think!
Thoughts of that presence followed Shanellica like invisible smoke. She shut her eyes tight. Here, she needed to focus on Eleusis.
“Your Majesty, are you worried about something?”
While waiting for dessert after the main course, Shanellica asked Eleusis.
“Worried? Did you mean me?”
“Yes.”
“I see. Was I too quiet?”
Eleusis smiled faintly. He seemed unaware that he had been silently eating. That behavior puzzled Shanellica, giving her the impression he was hiding something.
“If you’re worried, tell me. I’ll hear anything.”
Shanellica sat up straight. Eleusis had always been there for her in difficult times, so she wanted to help him if he ever needed it.
“There’s nothing to worry about.”
Eleusis smiled lightly.
It seems a little odd… but it’s probably fine.
“That’s a relief.”
Since he said he was fine, there was nothing more to say.
By now, a slice of milk cake was on the table. Shanellica took a small piece and chewed thoughtfully. Glancing up unconsciously, she saw Eleusis watching her.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Because you look pretty when you eat.”
A silly remark. Normally, Shanellica would have liked it, but today it didn’t resonate.
“Shanel.”
“Yes?”
“Shanel, what would you like to do once you become queen?”
After much hesitation, he had finally spoken. Shanellica didn’t notice that Eleusis’s hand under the table was tightly clenched, turning pale.
