Belhart gently massaged his tired forehead. If it weren't for some of the nightmares that haunted Cattarina that day, Belhart wouldn't have possibly left his tight guard for Cattarina to Neil.
Belhart can certainly look after Cattarina better than anyone. But because of the royal duties assigned to him. Belhart couldn't possibly look after Cattarina twenty-four hours straight, even if he wanted to.
There were several words that Cattarina mentioned in every nightmare that bothered her.
"Don't .. kill .. me. I ... Beg ...."
Who knows who intended to harm her. Belhart promised, on the first day he knew the nightmare. He will beat up anyone who will try to harm his wife no matter what.
It didn't matter if they were an important person in the empire. Or people with high positions. If they dared to do that. So Belhart would guarantee, cut off the person's head and would give it to the dogs to make food.
Yes. Because of that, all this time Belhart had been very calm towards Cattarina. He didn't want to disturb Cattarina's composure for herself, nor to push her.
But let alone get a glimmer of hope that Cattarina will be able to notice, Belhart actually got a nauseous look from Cattarina at the ball??
Hah! What a "hopelessly unrequited hope"! Could this be the karma that he had to endure?
The former Belhart was Belhart who was very well known as a cold and heartless man. Because of this, his father, the Emperor, was eager for him to quickly marry someone and then change.
Now, was this evolutionary change his father wanted?
Become a man who can't do anything for the people he loved. And being a man so cowardly as to admit his own feelings. Could that be what his father expected?
Honestly, if Belhart could choose. He wanted to remain who he was. Cold and like a walking stone. So that by doing so, he no longer needed to worry about all his tiring daily lives. The disappointment he continued to feel, every time he saw Cattarina. And acute restlessness that continued to eat away at him whenever he wanted to approach her.
Could all that be over soon?
Or rather, could it be that his decision to marry Cattarina was a mistake? That's why Cattarina, who was so eager to reject her marriage to Belhart at all costs, failed?
Belhart's heart was torn apart. He knew it was too much to expect Cattarina's attention to return to him. But, should he continued to be treated unfairly like this?
When a bodyguard and a palace doctor were given the opportunity to be able to drink tea with Cattarina. Belhart should get the opportunity with his own intentions and efforts without the initiative of his wife?
If not for his own will, and his pretense of wandering around during Cattarina's tea ceremony with Neil. Belhart must have had a deep grudge against Neil and Alliesia throughout his life.
Especially after seeing how Cattarina was so surprised to see him at that time. Cattarina seemed to see a guest she had never invited and expected that she would come to visit.
The woman, like a moving doll, was beautiful and empty for a few moments, unable to face what she had just seen.
Was Belhart's presence in his own garden was so unexpected?
"What are you doing here?" Belhart asked on purpose, when he saw Cattarina and Neil seeing him simultaneously.
Belhart could even see Cattarina spontaneously become nervous and overwhelmed.
"Your Majesty..?!! I didn't know you were coming here. What ... do you need something?" Cattarina asked with a super confused face.
Belhart stared Cattarina down to the deepest bead of her eyes for a moment. Then glanced at Neil with one glance. Then, after having quickly understood Belhart's point, Neil immediately stood up and saluted, then also reasoned to leave.
"Your Majesty. Since I have something important to do, I will excuse myself for a moment. I'll be back when my business is done. Excuse me," Neil exclaimed quickly, then left Cattarina and Belhart in silence for a long time without them being able to prevent because they felt awkward for each other.
What a situation that not only made Cattarina felt very awkward. But also Belhart, who at that time was also confused about how he would better start their conversation. Until a slightly shaken words emerged from Cattarina's tiny lips.
"Would you like a cup of tea?" Cattarina offered while lifting her teapot.
Belhart smiled faintly and nodded.
"This is a special tea that Lily made for me. Whether it tastes right or not, I hope you will like it. If something is missing, I will ask someone to replace it. " Cattarina said explaining so well that Belhart continued to stare at her.
"Jasmine tea?" Belhart exclaimed as soon as he tasted the hot tea.
Cattarina nodded.
"It is my favorite tea," Cattarina said shortly. Like worrying that the taste of her favorite tea will be hated.
But Belhart, who has now changed, will clearly like whatever she liked. For that, he smiled and took his drink back comfortably.
Until this precious moment was accidentally disturbed by someone else. None other than Alliesia, who appeared because she had an appointment with Cattarina.
Alliesia lowered her head and apologized.
"Sorry, Your Highness. I did not know that you were with The Majesty Prince Dominic. If I knew, I .. "
Belhart would actually be very grateful if Alliesia immediately realized the situation and left the two of them. But even though she just felt like she was annoying, that woman didn't disappear from there either.
So that with all the friendliness that came from somewhere, Cattarina invited Alliesia to join them voluntarily.
What a situation that made not only Alliesia stare at Cattarina in surprise and confusion. But also Belhart who was already looking at her in utter amazement and disbelief.
What did Cattarina do? She invited a subordinate to have tea with them without his consent at all?
***