Ylenna's POV
That night, after they named Happy, Rhovian came to fetch Ylenna, as promised.
He showed up in an all-black attire, which Ylenna had noticed to be his customary color. She wore a creamy dress and the ruby jewels he had gifted her. As soon as he took her into view, Ylenna could notice his breath stopping, before he inhaled deeply and gulped down. His facial micro expressions went through a few changes before he could put on a smile and speak:
— You look stunning, wife.
Ylenna's chest burned with his words. It was the first time ever Rhovian called her "wife" like that, as she used to call him husband. Deep in her soul, she prayed that these changes in his attitude meant he was opening up to her, that he would finally start to give her his heart.
But she also didn't want to be let down again. She couldn't stand the thought of feeling the same disappointment and sadness as when he got mad because they had their first night.
So Ylenna only smiled curtly and did a small curtsy toward him.
— Your highn… I mean, you were the one who chose stunning dresses for me, husband.
— It is not the… — He stopped himself, gazing down and sighing. — Shall we go?
She could see the conflict in his eyes. What was he about to say? 'It is not the…'? 'The dress', maybe?
She took his extended arm and walked out of the room.
Though they walked in silence, she didn't feel awkward, as it had happened before, especially on the night he told her not to talk about kids again. No… this time, Rhovian was being somewhat warmer toward her, even though there was not a single word exchanged.
He touched her hand on his left arm with his right hand, almost as if caressing it. Ylenna wasn't sure if he was even paying attention to that action, but she felt good about it. When they arrived at the staircase, he gently took her hand off his arm, just to hold it with his own hand, going a step below to guide her down the stairs, careful that she didn't stumble.
— My daughter. It is such a delight to see you by my son's side. — The thunderous voice of King Ronan called as soon as they entered the big dining room. — This dress and jewels suit you very well. Shall I assume they are Rhovian's doing, again?
Ylenna felt her cheeks flushing with blood. She smiled politely and did a curtsy.
— I… I am flattered, your majesty. And, yes. They were Prince Rhovian's generous gifts to me.
— Do not be. I am just happy to see that the Prince is doing better in his role as your husband. — Ylenna heard Rhovian sighing by her side. Though he didn't seem to disagree with the King, he probably wanted to handle their matrimonial issues without making a spectacle out of it. For more she wanted to complain about his previous attitudes, as his wife, her role was to keep his honor intact in this matter:
— His highness has always been… good to me, your majesty. You need not worry. — Ylenna almost heard the snap of Rhovian's head turning to her. She wished she could see the expression on his face.
— Well… — King Ronan laughed heartily. — I suppose you are a great wife to my son, seeing as you are taking his side without missing a beat, even if you have to lie to your king. — He laughed again. — Well, come, my children, sit down and dine.
They greeted the other members of the Royal family while heading to their seats. Rhovian pulled the chair so she could sit before sitting on his own.
— Today's menu includes another one of your favorite dishes. — He explained to her while filling her plate. — Creamy salty vegetable pie, with carrots, spinach and peas.
— Thank you-
— Don't. — He cut her midway, placing a kiss on her lips before realizing that he had done it in front of everyone. Luckily, they were all focused on their own food. — For… forgive me. I acted out of line. I apologize.
Ylenna chuckled softly.
— Don't. — She answered, looking him in his eyes.
For a moment, they both could only see each other, Ylenna gulped down and her hands trembled, before the sound of Rhavi cleaning his throat reached them. When turning to the Heir Prince, though, he seemed to have done it for any other reason, since he looked unfazed by any of their interactions.
— That sly fox… — Rhovian chuckled, shaking his head and turning to the dishes again.
— What… I did not understand.
— Nothing. It is just that Rhavi noticed our interaction and found a discreet way of warning us.
— But… he did not seem to have realized anything…
— That is why he is a sly fox. He notices everything around him, even when he does not seem to pay attention.
— I see… — She muttered, before trying the pie. — Wow… it is delicious!
— I am glad you like it. — He grinned and put some more pie on her plate.
— Wait… I only had one spoon of it. — She protested.
— Anyway, you should eat a lot. I know you did not eat well while I… — He took a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling, before continuing. — after I left without bidding you goodbye, that day.
Ylenna blinked, feeling her cheeks burn.
— I… I ate enough… — She muttered reluctantly.
He shook his head in disbelief, before taking a sip of wine from his goblet and slowly putting it down.
— Ylenna… — He started, in a low voice that she knew only she could hear underneath the cutlery sounds. — I… am sorry for the way I talked that night… before I left for Turga. I did not mean to hurt you.
She was taken by surprise. If she'd ever picture Rhovian apologizing like that, it would be about the way he talked to her after their first night together, or even for having left without warning her beforehand.
Seeming to read her confusion, Rhovian gave her a sad smile.
— I shall not apologize for those bigger mistakes in the middle of a dinner with everyone around. I must do it properly.
She nodded in understanding, before silently going back to filling her stomach.
After they were finished, the couple headed back to their room.
— May we talk? — Rhovian asked, before Ylenna entered the room.
She nodded, not finding her voice to answer, and they went inside, where Rhovian pulled a chair for her to sit, taking one beside her.
— Ylenna… — He sighed, so heavily it seemed like he was blowing the weight of the world from his back. — I know that… you probably hate me now. Well, I used to believe you hated me before, and found out you did not. But I know that is probably how you think of me, after… after everything I said and did. Or did not.
Though she wanted to deny it, Ylenna kept silent. It was true that a part of her wanted to hate him, badly, but the other one, the part who longed for him for years, the one who wanted him to take her in his arms and kiss her until she felt dizzy, to get upon her on bed and make her body shiver like that time… this part couldn't hate that man.
But she could not show him this side of her. Not yet.
— There is something… that I cannot tell you right now. Maybe, someday, I will be able to. But not now. This circumstance… it is what makes me refuse to produce an heir. — He glanced at her with clear pain in his eyes. — It is not that I do not want to make you bear my children. Much less that I do not desire you. — His eyes traced her face and body with clear longing. — I just cannot do it now. For your and our future child's own safety. So, please. Forgive me.
Ylenna's gaze went down. So that was it. He was adamant at not taking her again. She held back her tears before he took her hand in his, turned her face up and looked her in the eye.
— One day… I will tell you everything. — He kissed her forehead. — I shall fetch Zena to help you wash. Good night. Tomorrow is the knighting ceremony for the new knights. I will be busy the whole day. Please, be sure to eat well.
She nodded and he smiled, satisfied at her answer. Then, he headed to the door and left.