Athena just reached the royal palace of Jerivia. However, she instantly witnessed an unexpected thing.
When she entered her chamber, her husband was there.
Why was he here? Wasn't he supposed to be in Helsia?
The Queen initially thought that her husband won't know that she didn't return to Jerivia right away but... seeing him in flesh at their own chamber, she realized how wrong she was. As such, she ended up standing still.
Zaro Aventine was standing near the windows, quietly staring at the outdoors as if he was thinking of something. Maybe he finally realized the presence of someone in the chamber, he quickly turned to the door and saw his wife.
His eyes grew wide as he called out, "Athena!"
The Jerivian King hurried to his wife who suddenly showed up after days of disappearance. In no time, he stood before her and observed her. "Where have you been? Do you know how worried I was? You weren't here and I don't even know your whereabouts."
"Did you send someone to check on me?"
He raised a brow as he thought that the answer was obvious.
"You refused to be escorted by the soldiers and only left with Aziel," he said. "Do you expect me to not be worried? I immediately sent soldiers once I heard that you left with Aziel."
"Aziel is capable. He can protect me," she said and walked past her husband.
"How are you feeling now?" Zaro asked as he turned around to look at her.
"I'm fine," she replied and removed the red cloak that she wore.
"Where did you go?" her husband inquired. "You were gone for many days."
Athena halted her movement at his question and promptly recalled her conversation with Iria. Then she regained her composure and said, "I only visit some provinces outside the capital. But I conceal my identity not to create a hassle. I haven't been to many places in Jerivia and I was curious. That's why."
"It's not safe to go with just Aziel, Athena," Zaro stated. "What if something happens to you?"
"I return just fine, Zaro," she frowned. "Why are you here anyway? You have so much to do at Helsia."
"What do you expect me to do?" the King sighed. "I was worried. I just can't keep on staying there while there was no news of you. I came back and I only reach here in the morning."
"Then go and do your work," Athena said to him. "I return safe and sound. You don't have to worry anymore."
Zaro Aventine was taken aback by what she said. What had gotten into her?
This wasn't Athena whom he used to know. He could feel that.
"Athena," he muttered in a calm voice and walked towards her. "What's wrong?"
"What do you mean?" she asked him back despite knowing what crossed his mind.
It's just that... she wasn't ready to talk with him.
This was too sudden. She didn't even expect him to be here.
"Do you have anything to say to me?" her husband asked her, still maintaining his voice low and calm.
He was always patient with her even during their time as friends. That remained the same even after they entered an empty marriage.
"No," Athena said and shook her head. She tried her best to appear as calm as she could.
"This is not like you," Zaro Aventine said as he looked down at her. With their height difference, he was practically towering over her. Once again, he observed her and added, "I'm sure that something is wrong."
"I'm only tired, Zaro. The journey is very taxing," Athena argued. "I need a good rest."
Zaro's scrutinizing gaze was still on her for a while before he eventually relented. "Alright. Have a rest then. There are still a few hours before dinner and I will see you at dinner."
Athena nodded and Zaro Aventine walked out of the chamber.
* * *
The Royal Palace of Cedore
"A hunting trip?" Emperor Kalos asked when his only son mentioned his plan to go on a hunting trip.
The family were currently having dinner in the dining hall when Andres Francia bring out the topic.
"Yes, Father. I talked with Orius and we think that it will be a good time for a hunting trip," the Crown Prince replied. "Winter had just begun and some parts aren't that cold. It won't rain and it won't be hot either. The current atmosphere is perfect for that."
"You and Orius," Empress Amina scoffed. "You got married recently and Orius is pretty much the same. But you want to go on a hunting trip?"
pαпᵈα-noνɐ1·сoМ "I know you will say that, Mother," Crown Prince Andres said with a little smile. "That why both Ophelia and Valerie will come with us."
The Emperor and Empress were astounded by their son's words. Raising their brows, they exchanged glances with each other.
"You will go too, Crown Princess?" Empress Amina finally asked her daughter-in-law.
Ophelia nodded. "Andres discussed with me in the afternoon. I think it will be fun. Besides, Valerie also agreed to go. She is quite excited."
Once she finished talking, Ophelia glanced at her husband who slightly smiled at her.
"It's good if that's the case," Emperor Kalos remarked. "However, you should be careful. It's easy to get injured during hunting." He paused and asked, "Where will you go?"
"In the forests in the southeast," Crown Prince Andres promptly replied.
Hearing this, Kalos Francia raised a brow. "That far?"
"We've never been to that region," Andres Francia explained, trying to sound as convincible as he could. "So, we think that it will be great to explore it this time. You and Mother don't have to worry though. I sent Zane to observe the area first and he will be back soon."
"But isn't that so far?" the Empress spoke up. "What if something happens?"
"We'll be fine, Mother. Don't worry. I'm always being careful," the Crown Prince reassured his mother with his usual calm voice.
The Emperor thought about it for a while and nodded. "Alright. Go there but be careful.. Make sure to bring enough guards."
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