"I should head back." Shifting his feet towards the door but has paused after remember his King brother's request. The king asked Noah to give Raeliana a ride back home so she could safely arrived to her home. "You're coming with me."
She nodded her answer. In fact, she fell silent after Noah had informed of ride to home. Raeliana was uncertain why duke was acting indifferently towards her. He was supposed to be cruel and cold, but she was receiving the opposite. Despite the changes within the story, Raeliana was determined to live peacefully without getting deeply involved to the novel's main characters. She may have thawed the cold duke but it doesn't change the fact that her life may be endangered upon deepening her ties with him. She was the novel's antagonist afterall.
Arriving at the main gate, Raeliana saw nothing but puddles left by the downpour. There's no carriage seen neither horses. Noah reassured that she can safely go back home. It was past eight yet she was still on the palace. Raeliana promised her mother to come home early as she was alone there. She was utterly disappointed to let her mother wait for her return. Raeliana had asked Noah if she can give herself a ride back home, but he insisted that he will be guiding her. It was the king's request nevertheless.
"My mother will surely get worried of me. If I happened to be a little late, there's no saying that I can live till tomorrow." She prompted.
"Then I will take responsible of you. Rest assure lady Mcmillan. I will explain thoroughly what caused your late arrival."
Rather than getting disgusted, she was flustered upon hearing his reassuring words. It sounds like confession, which she had never have during her life as Park Eun ha. Her cheeks was as red as cherry. Take responsible? Duke sounds a man asking for the parents' hand or approval. She liked the slightest idea, but was still concerned of her mother.
"I-I'll be in your care." She said shyly.
The duke has already sent a notice to the Mcmillan's household. Her mother had read the message and was relieved that her daughter is safe and sound. She understood the reason, so she let Raeliana stay at the palace for the meantime until the rain has submerged.
At the palace, where Raeliana was given a room to stay for the night. It was a guest room yet very grand. Bigger than her actual bedroom, with expensive furnitures. Even the mattress was made out of pure cotton. Surely, the palace gets a hefty sum of money. She was thinking of stealing one of the golden figurines placed on the table, but she will be surely beheaded when someone learned the theft. Getting richer? No way! She chose to live longer!
"Lady, please inform us if you need anything. We will be complying your request. Goodnight." Bowing her head and wishing a good night sleep.
She was feasting her eyes with gold that can be seen in every corner of the room. From the figurines to furniture, even to the headboard. It was undeniable real gold. Drooling over the riches, someone suddenly knocked causing Raeliana to be startled. She quickly withdrew the weird expression she had while thinking of robbing the room, and opened the door with a smile. She welcomed the man with a smile, but her smile faltered after recognizing the face.
"W-what brings you here?"
"Can I come in first?"
She stepped backwards and gestured her hand to the couch. "Please have yourself a sit."
"Apparently, I received an information from an intel that there would be an assassination here at the palace."