Rhovian's POV
After the outburst they had, the couple could not face each other. Rhovian felt ashamed for having called her plotting a mere result of lust, and his heart was aching from the sight of her crying so sadly. Rhovian wished more than anything that he could ask for her forgiveness, hug her tightly and promise her that he would make her happy, but he was so angry that he could not bring himself to start a conversation with her, and even less apologize. Also, he could not make any promises like that right now.
He had heard of many couples that were strangers to each other and started being in love in the first weeks of their marriage and also couples that started loving each other and ended up in fierce battles after years of being together, but a couple that started with at least one of the parts liking the other to turn into that angry mess in the span of less than two weeks?
Sure, she was right in all her speech, but she should have let him take the reins and guide them, not act like that. And even though he could not be disposed of the blame, what did she expect, when she did all of that with only one purpose?
'Maybe another man would have given in a bit later, but no man in the world would have been able to fight the urge with enough vehemence as to actually get out of that room.'
With the memories of the moment he gave in, Rhovian felt his manhood rising up from its slumber.
— Oh, please… not now.
He had to take a few breaths and try his best to change his trail of thought so that the tumescence would go away.
Suddenly, a voice called him from his distraction.
— I heard there was quite a commotion in your chambers a few moments ago. — Nivan entered his office. — I must say, when I advised you to pray that one hypothetical lustful night wouldn't end up in a baby, I didn't think you were that faithfull of a believer.
— What are you doing here at this hour? — Rhovian ignored his joke.
— I was having dinner with the servants in the kitchen and they told me about your quarrel with her highness, and that you didn't even go to the dining hall because she was heading there, so I came to see if you were doing alright and brought your food.
— Thank you. I really forgot I had not eaten yet. What are they talking about in the kitchen?
— Don't worry, I believe they didn't understand that you faked the consummation on your wedding night. They just think that was the only time you did it.
— Should I kill the whole team? — He arched an eyebrow. — They are really talking about my private life as if nothing.
— You can't blame them that much. From what I heard, you guys were yelling so loudly to each other that even the birds on the trees outside the palace could not sleep.
— I am screwed… — Rhovian sighed tiredly.
— They will forget about it. And you said your father didn't force you to get her pregnant, so this will amount to nothing but a small stain on your impeccable secretive reputation.
— Yes. But that is not the whole point. What should I do now, with Ylenna? — He scoffed. — At this point, we are gonna end up hating each other in less than a month.
Nivan glanced him with a funny shine in his eyes.
— Maybe she does hate you, but you love her too much for that.
Rhovian crossed his arms and stared at Nivan with a skeptical face.
— Oh, now this is such a consolation.
Nivan rolled his eyes, sighing.
— What I mean is: you can always start making amends and getting her to love you. But, my friend, you have been doing things quite wrong.
— Oh, will you care to enlighten me about what I should be doing, then, Sir Nivan of the romantic fields?
— I've told you, already.
— But I…
Coming to think of it, on the day Rhovian had decided to start showing more affection towards Ylenna, he had received the letter urging him to leave for the intermediation.
— I have not had the chance… but I will do what is in my power.
— Now that is progress. Well, if your highness will now excuse me, I shall be heading to my chambers.
And like that Rhovian was left alone with his thoughts.
— I will… — He muttered to himself. — but not today. I have yet to placate this anger that is burning within me… Tomorrow.
And so, after finishing his meal and washing his mouth, Rhovian accommodated himself in the office bed and fell asleep.
— I am sorry. Can you repeat it? The Princess has moved out of our room?
— Ye-yes… your highness. — Zena's voice was only more than a whisper.
Rhovian's face twisted in a grimace.
— Why? And with whose permission?
— I… I am afraid I have no way of answering these questions, your highness.
— Where has she moved to? — He rose up from the chair. Zena didn't answer. — Tell me.
— I must not.
'Unbelievable…'
— Zena, I demand that you answer me right now. Where has Ylenna moved to?
— I won't answer this, my Prince.
— Are you really defying my orders?! — He felt a burning sensation rising in his body. — I am the Second Prince of this nation, Lord of this wing of the Royal Palace and husband to the Princess. I have authority over her and any servant in this wing, therefore I have full authority over you. Now, answer.
— I dare not deny your authority, your highness. In any way. But my loyalty lies with her highness. So if you must have me executed for insubordination, I shall accept it, but my dear princess begged me not to tell you of her whereabouts.
Rhovian was baffled. How come she was being that bold?
But, given, this was a lost cause.
— Fine. — He snarled, heading towards the door. — I shall find her myself.
— Next one. — He said, after each door of the palace, opened by Karl with its key copy, revealed an empty room. — Also not here. Next.
— What is happening here? — A voice came from behind him.
— Brother. — Rhovian spared only a mere glance at Rhavi. — What are you doing here?
The Heir Prince sighed.
— Saving you from the embarrassment. Come, stop this nonsense right now.
— I am looking for my wife, leave me. Next.
Rhavi grabbed his arm and spoke close to his ear:
— Your wife is not here. Now stop being so stubborn, spare yourself of the pathetic role and follow me, would you?
Rhovian's eyes squinted, but he agreed to go with Rhavi.
— When the servants came to tell me you were engaging in such… humiliating behavior… for God's sake. I could not believe it. What has gotten into you? — Rhavi asked as they walked through the corridors.
— It is a matter between a husband and his wife. Why do you even care?
— Because it is, before, a matter concerning the royal heir's brother. So I shall not let you embarrass our family in front of everyone like that.
— Cut the bullshit, Rhavi. — Rhovian stood in front of him, blocking the way, and looked down, being he one head taller than his brother. — Tell me where my wife is, at once.
Rhavi scoffed.
— So much for always being so collected and secretive. You have really changed, Rhovian. And I wonder what has made you.
— Do not test me, brother. I am not in a good mood, right now.
— And is this the way you are gonna meet your wife? With a foul mood and a scornful expression? She already looks so gloomy. — Rhavi got away from him and resumed walking. — You are just gonna add to her sorrows.
— What do you… mean? — Rhovian's heart clenched in his chest.
— Last night she looked on the edge of falling into pieces during dinner. She seemed to be fighting her tears the whole evening. Also, she and princess Arletta have been getting close. And my wife told me Ylenna looked most terrible during their tea meeting today, as well.
When they arrived at Rhavi's wing of the palace, the eldest headed towards the drawing room.
— Excuse me, my ladies. I have brought my brother along. — He announced while entering, followed by Rhovian.
— Rhavi! — Arletta's voice was squeaky.
— It was this or letting him embarrass the whole royal family. He was desperately searching each and every room of the west pa-
— You have done enough, brother. Thank you so much. — Rhovian fought the urge to stomp on his foot. — Good evening, princess Arletta, princess Ylenna.
The younger woman did not answer.
— Please, let us return to our chambers.
Ylenna avoided his gaze, blatantly ignoring him.
— Arletta, let's go. — Rhavi called.
— Your highness, please, let me stay with her. — She held Ylenna's arm.
— I appreciate your concern for my wife, sister. But I must ask you to let us talk alone. — He broke his gaze to Ylenna only to stare at Arletta for a moment: — I guarantee I will not do her any harm.
— Prince Rhovian, I know you are not one to harm a woman, much less an innocent one. But Ylenna and I were in the middle of having a women's chat. It is quite indecorous of you to interrupt us.
— And it is quite indecorous of you to stay between a couple's issues, — Rhavi intervened. — much worse this late at night, wife. Let them talk.
Arletta sighed, defeated, and looked at Ylenna, who smiled at her.
— It is alright. Go.
They hugged each other, then Arletta followed Rhavi outside, side eyeing Rhovian.
— Ylenna… — Rhovian sat by her side. — Please, come back to our room.
— You are one to speak. You did not return there last night.
— I know. I am sorry. I just needed some time to gather my thoughts.
Ylenna then rose up to her feet.
— Well, it happens I also need some time to gather mine. Good night, your highness.