Chapter 26
By now, the path to Aiden’s cell was so familiar that Raylenne could easily navigate the dark corridors. As she approached the door, she heard the familiar clanking of chains. The memory of Aiden’s words from the previous day made her anxious.
“I like you as a person.”
Before entering, Raylenne reminded herself, ‘No matter what Aiden says today, I won’t be swayed.’
Opening the door, she saw Aiden standing next to the iron gate as usual. He always stood as close to the door as the chains would allow, making them taut. It must hurt his ankles, yet he lingered there like a dog waiting for its owner.
‘He doesn’t always stand there, does he?’ she wondered. She only saw Aiden for a few minutes each day, so she had no way of knowing for sure. Pushing the thought aside, she noticed Aiden staring at her with a somewhat surprised expression.
“Why… Is there something on my face?” she asked, patting her cheeks.
“You look particularly radiant today,” Aiden replied. Raylenne realized she hadn’t changed her makeup or hair after meeting with the Crown Prince earlier. She must look more glamorous than usual.
“Where have you been?” Aiden asked carefully.
“I had a visitor this morning, so I dressed up to show proper respect.”
“A visitor?”
“Yes, from the palace…”
Raylenne stopped herself. She realized she was sharing personal information with Aiden, which she shouldn’t. Her role was to help Aiden recover and escape, not to bond with him.
‘I need to maintain a boundary.’
With a somewhat cold tone, she said, “It’s none of your concern.”
“I understand,” Aiden replied, lowering his gaze. He looked so dejected that Raylenne wondered if she had been too harsh. But she steeled herself.
‘No, don’t worry about it,’ she thought. ‘Let’s just focus on today’s task.’
“Aiden, come here.”
Aiden stepped closer, and she looked down to find the keyhole in his shackles. As she did, she noticed his ankles, red and sore from the pressure of the chains. Raylenne frowned.
“Stop straining against the chains. Look at your ankles; they’re red and swollen.”
“I don’t want to.”
Raylenne looked up at him. “Why not?”
“That’s none of your concern.”
Aiden was mimicking her words from earlier, sulking because she hadn’t told him about her visitor.
“Aiden.”
“…”
“My job is to watch you. I can’t allow you to act as you please.”
Though she tried to sound stern, Aiden didn’t seem fazed. She had forgotten how stubborn he could be, having endured beatings from Caverion Ergen without complaint.
Realizing threats wouldn’t work, Raylenne decided to change her approach.
“Are you upset because I didn’t tell you who I met?”
“I was curious who you dressed up so beautifully for,” Aiden admitted.
“Why does that interest you so much?”
Meeting her gaze, Aiden said, “I only see you for a few minutes each day. So, I wonder what you do, what you eat, who you meet. And especially…”
For the first time, Aiden spoke quickly and passionately, leaving Raylenne to wonder what had stirred such emotion in him.
“I’m especially curious who you dressed up so beautifully for.”
Seeing the heat in his gaze, Raylenne realized that Aiden had genuine feelings for her, perhaps even romantically. But his feelings didn’t resonate with her. She knew he was mistaking gratitude for affection, common for someone in his situation, feeling isolated and desperate.
‘It’s natural for him to develop feelings for the only person he talks to in this dark cell.’
Raylenne felt a mix of pity and guilt. She decided to be a bit kinder to him.
“The person I met today was an important guest from the palace, here to see my father. I was just there to greet them.”
She left out that the guest was Crown Prince Harbian, her unexpected fiancé. The truth was too ridiculous to share.
She continued, “I woke up around seven this morning and had broccoli soup. I prefer a light breakfast.”
Aiden’s eyes widened. He had been so upset moments ago, but now he looked like a surprised puppy again.
“Is there anything else you’re curious about?”
With a gentle smile, she asked, and Aiden, still looking stunned, carefully asked, “Have they caught the person who tried to harm you?”
“No, they vanished like a ghost.”
Helen wasn’t the true culprit, but capturing her would have made things easier.
“Can you tell me who the culprit was?”
“It was my maid, likely acting under someone’s orders.”
“So, finding her could solve everything?”
“Probably…”
Aiden fell silent, deep in thought. After a while, he said, “I know someone who’s good at finding people.”
Raylenne looked skeptical. “Even my brother can’t find Helen easily. Do you really think this person can?”
Aiden’s voice turned cynical. “Caverion Ergen is just a noble sheltered within the castle. He doesn’t know how to bend the rules, so he’s limited in what he can do.”
Raylenne realized he was right. Caverion had followed a typical elite path, unlike Aiden, who had survived by any means necessary, often using unconventional methods.
“This person is very skilled. I’m confident they can find the maid.”
Convinced by his confidence, Raylenne nodded. It was worth a shot.
“Do you have paper? I’ll draw a map to his office.”
She stepped outside to Haele’s desk to fetch paper and a pen, glad that Haele was napping and didn’t ask questions.
“Here, draw it,” she said, handing the items to Aiden. He sketched a detailed map and wrote down a name in elegant script.
“Cashwood.”
“Cashwood was a knight who served my family. If you mention my name, he’ll take the job.”
“Understood.”
As Raylenne took the paper, Aiden added, “And make sure not to reveal that you’re from the Ergen family.”
Cashwood wouldn’t help if he knew. Raylenne would need to disguise her dark blue hair and eyes well.
“I will.”
Planning to visit Cashwood the next day, she noticed Aiden watching her intently.
“What else?”
“The area around Cashwood’s office is dangerous. Be cautious.”
“I will.”
Despite her reassurances, Aiden sighed, “…I’m worried.”
“…”
“If I could stay by your side, I’d protect you.”
Raylenne was taken aback. Aiden’s feelings were plain and intense. She collected herself before replying.
“I can take care of myself.”
Thanks to Aiden, she had learned about the drug on the magnolia flowers, but she still needed to rely on herself for protection.
‘Let’s finish today’s task.’
Raylenne sat down and examined the shackles on Aiden’s legs. She needed to know how to unlock them for the day of his escape. Aiden looked nervous but stayed silent.
‘No need to tell him now. He’ll understand when the time comes.’
The keyhole was in the center of the shackle. As Raylenne inspected it, she noticed the skin beneath was raw. She touched it lightly, making Aiden flinch.
‘Stubborn despite the pain.’
Deciding to bring some ointment next time, Raylenne stood up.
“Once again, don’t strain the chains. It’s my job to ensure your well-being.”
Aiden’s eyes flickered with displeasure, but she ignored it. She knew he waited eagerly for her visits, but she couldn’t allow him to harm himself.
“Answer me.”
“…I understand.”
Satisfied with his response, Raylenne patted his head.
“Good. You look much nicer when you behave.”
“…”
Turning to leave, she said, “I’ll go now. See you tomorrow.”
Aiden didn’t reply, keeping his head down. Raylenne left the cell, missing the sight of his blushing ears.
midori
thanks! hmmm i am kind of looking forward to the great escape! heh the duke is scared of his eldest son finding out he had betrothed his daughter against her will?