Reina was both amazed and grateful that Aiden didn’t misinterpret his brother’s awkward behavior.
After a moment, Aiden spoke with a lingering warmth.
“Though it’s late, welcome to the North, Sister-in-Law.”
Sister-in-Law.
The word carried a weight she hadn’t expected.
It felt like being acknowledged by Kaiden’s family.
Blushing, Reina lowered her head. “I look forward to getting along.”
* * *
The weather was exceptionally clear today. The sun shone brightly, and the harsh winds of the North had calmed.
It was perfect for horseback riding, and Reina and Dahlia couldn’t hide their excitement.
Wearing wide-brimmed hats to shield the sun, their hair braided in twin plaits, the two looked as affectionate as mother and daughter.
Dahlia, brimming with enthusiasm, grabbed Reina’s hand and shook it.
“This is my first family picnic! Dad’s always busy, and Mom was always sick.”
“We’ll have many more from now on.”
“Really? Promise!”
Dahlia hooked her pinky with Reina’s, grinning widely.
Her excitement was contagious, lifting Reina’s spirits.
Reina’s hand drifted to the small pistol tucked in her coat, a gift from Kaiden.
“Just in case, take this for protection. You know how to shoot, right?”
“Have you forgotten I’m a princess?”
“You don’t act like royalty most of the time, but now you’re a princess?”
“I learned to shoot as a child. Don’t worry.”
“I’m just saying, don’t stand there clueless like last time.”
The incident at the training grounds must have left a mark on him.
Though she grumbled about his unnecessary concern, she was secretly pleased.
At that moment, Lily shouted, “Your Grace! My Lady! Come here, there’s a squirrel!”
“A squirrel?!”
Dahlia squealed, tugging Reina along.
Meanwhile, Rose, dragged along reluctantly, had already settled in the shade with Mrs. Merry, unpacking.
She couldn’t understand why a mere squirrel caused such a fuss.
A picnic in a time when demonic beasts could appear felt reckless to her.
“So excited,” Rose muttered sarcastically.
Mrs. Merry glanced at her.
She’d noticed Rose’s half-hearted service to Reina before.
The second daughter of the Deilry family, was it?
Rose had been high on the list of potential duchesses.
Had Reina not arrived, she might have been Kaiden’s wife.
Her jealousy was obvious.
Mrs. Merry, accustomed to young ladies pining for the Duke, began scheming.
This could be an opportunity to stir things up without lifting a finger.
“It’s getting warm, isn’t it? Have a drink and rest. They’re too distracted to notice us anyway.”
Unaware of Mrs. Merry’s intentions, Rose took the drink absentmindedly. “Thank you, ma’am.”
Her eyes remained fixed on Reina.
As her lady-in-waiting and occasional bodyguard, she had to stay vigilant.
Rose was skilled with a gun, having been chosen for last year’s subjugation team.
Reina, who seemed too delicate to even hold a weapon, irritated her further.
Honestly, if they stayed in the safe zone, no protection was needed.
Had Lily not insisted, Rose wouldn’t have come.
She’s holding up better than I thought… She’s not planning to stay in the North forever, is she?
Rose had expected Reina to break down and leave within days, but nearly two weeks had passed.
Worse, Reina had grown close to Dahlia Crensia, the heir, seemingly on purpose.
Befriending Dahlia would win over her followers, and the North’s initial hostility toward Reina was visibly softening.
At this rate, Reina might steal Kaiden for good, disrupting Rose’s plans.
“The princess is just for show. She’s useless, so you’ll shine by her side. Soon, the role of mistress will fall to a concubine. That’s your chance.”
Rose bit her nails, recalling her mother’s advice when recommending her as Reina’s lady-in-waiting.
She’d taken the role believing it, but her confidence was waning.
Kaiden and Reina’s bond seemed stronger than expected.
Her unease had spiked when Kaiden gave Reina the flowers Rose had gifted him.
Seeing Reina accept them so readily fueled her anger.
What’s so special about that pathetic princess?
Rumor had it Reina was an insignificant royal, with no powerful backing or claim to the throne.
That such a nobody occupied Kaiden’s side was unbearable.
If she were someone formidable, it might sting less.
Mrs. Merry spoke again. “You’ve known the Duke since childhood, haven’t you, Rose?”
The sudden personal question made Rose wary. She answered politely, “Being the same age, we’ve known each other since we were young.”
Mrs. Merry smiled warmly. “No need for modesty. Not just anyone can be close to the Duke. My daughter didn’t even make the candidate list.”
Her flattery eased Rose’s guard.
After some casual chatter, Mrs. Merry glanced at Reina and said subtly, “It’s a pity. Someone like you by the Duke’s side would’ve been so reassuring. As Northerners, we can’t help but worry.”
She sighed and continued, “With the 100-year cycle approaching, I fear complications. We need a duchess skilled in both martial and civil affairs.”
“…”
“Oh, I’ve said too much. Please forget I spoke.”
Rose forced a faint smile, masking her reaction.
Mrs. Merry’s words echoed her own thoughts, and she barely resisted agreeing.
Mrs. Merry smirked inwardly, noting Rose’s agitation at her subtle prodding.
She murmured casually, “Lovely weather. Days like this, hungry bears might wander the woods. I should warn Lady Dahlia to stay within the safe zone.”
* * *
The tree’s shade painted beautiful patterns on the ground.
Riding through it felt exhilarating, the cool air refreshing.
The North’s forest was remarkable, shaded from the hot sun, it felt crisp, like galloping at dawn.
Reina scanned the ribbons marking the safe zone.
Kaiden had stressed their importance, and she checked them constantly.
She’d heard the ribbons were infused with a scent that repelled beasts, keeping the area safe.
Confirming their safety, Reina halted her horse.
It was tired from the long ride.
“Dahlia, shall we rest here?”
