As the murmurs increased, more people started gathering and everyone watched as King Michael entered the duke's residence. Adeline resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she stared at the king with contempt.
"Prince Sylvan," King Michael's loud voice rang out as he shook Sylvan's hand with a bright smile on his face.
Unlike every other person, the prince didn't have to show respect to the king and he didn't. Adeline had thought that since he seemed to be respectful to her family members, he would do the same with Michael but she was glad that he didn't because she could also do the same so she didn't curtsy like she was supposed to.
"My apologies for not attending your wedding. I had a very important matter to attend to and I couldn't come but I'm here to send you off," he talked with very little conviction and Sylvan just stared at him blankly.
What King Michael did was considered disrespectful and would have had severe consequences in any other kingdom, but he didn't want to waste time with him so he went along with it and nodded.
"Please send my regards to your father and take care of our dear Adeline, she's a good girl."
Adeline's eyes were now burning into Michael's face but her expression quickly changed when he turned to look at her and she forced a big, exaggerated smile.
"Take care my dear cousin. I know you'll be in good hands," he said, going as far as hugging her and Adeline almost spat on his face out of sheer annoyance as her hands clenched to tight fists.
Hers and Michael's relationship was nonexistent, and they were only related in words. Since he assumed his position as King of the Havenbridge kingdom, he had never treated them well and disregarded even her father, so they all distanced themselves from him unless it was necessary. Even right now, he just didn't want to cross the Roderick family and had to come with an excuse for Prince Sylvan otherwise, her family matters never concerned him.
"It's getting late, we should leave soon," Sylvan urged calmly, forcing the two 'cousins' to separate. He already knew they were estranged, and he was also getting tired of all this and wanted to get home and rest.
Since Sylvan didn't show any displeasure, Michael thought he had achieved what he went there for, so he left soon after amd didn't even enter the house to greet his uncle, the duke.
Adeline turned to face Adler and hugged him tightly, a part of her still not wanting to leave. Tears welled up in her eyes and her lips trembled. She pulled away and rubbed her nose to suppress a sniffle. Adler had the same reaction and he tried hard not to show weakness at this moment.
At this point, hurried footsteps came from behind them and an excited voice reached their ears, "What about me? You didn't say goodbye to me," Carlton half-yelled as he came to stand between them.
Adeline smiled and threw her arms around him. Carlton hugged her back then his eyes subconsciously glanced at the intimidating man beside her and he forced a smile, but Sylvan's face remained stoic as he waited patiently.
"You didn't come to my wedding," Adeline said accusingly as she pulled away.
"I did, just that I came late so I had to seat at the back. You know I wouldn't miss it," Carlton smiled warmly and Adeline smiled back, then inhaled and exhaled deeply. Rosa came from the backyard and handed Adeline a black cloak which she put on instantly because the air was getting chilly.
"Time to go. Don't miss me too much," she joked with tears in her eyes. "If you don't visit me I'll leave you a curse," she added as she turned around and started walking towards the royal carriage.
"Even you Carlton."
The prince surprisingly helped her climb inside the carriage, but she was too sad to notice. Once settled inside, the tears now flowed uncontrollably and she put a hand across her mouth to avoid crying out loud. She looked back and saw Carlton still smiling and waving at her, and Adler standing next to him with his eyes red.
She forced herself to look away as the carriage wheels started rolling and she cried in her arms, her hair falling over her face. The prince avoided staring at her, even though her cries disturbed him, but he knew she had to let it out so he let her be.
It took a while for Adeline to settle her emotions, and her eyes had now turned swollen as she stared outside the window in a daze. The lamp providing the carriage with light allowed Sylvan to see her reflection through the small glass window and he pursed his lips. She still looked like she wanted to cry.
She sighed, for the umpteenth time, then turned to look ahead, leaning her head against the window.
The journey to the Darkfrost kingdom was a long one and it didn't help that they were traveling at night. It was quiet inside the carriage and soon, Adeline started dozing off. It was an uncomfortable position to fall asleep since she couldn't lie down properly, but she was emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted and she couldn't keep her eyes open anymore.
She would jolt awake from time to time when the carriage shook, or her head slipped from the support of her hand. Meanwhile, Sylvan was leaning his head against the seat, his eyes closed but he was wide awake and could sense Adeline's movements. He had maintained the same position for hours, while Adeline almost broke her neck.
At one point her head fell to the side, but Sylvan caught her face in time, then pushed her away. Adeline continued sleeping and the next time her head fell, it landed on Sylvan's shoulder.
Sylvan gritted his teeth in annoyance and tilted his head, his hand an inch away from her face ready to tap her awake, but he paused for a second to admire her face. Her brown hair was let loose and some stray strands fell on her face. Her skin was fair and flawless, almost pale, but unlike him, she had a bit of colour on her cheeks and her eyes which had turned red from crying. She had a straight nose, aand bow shaped lips that were slightly parted.
Sylvan's eyebrows furrowed, his eyes deepening thinking of how attractive she was, but in the next second, his fingers were impatiently tapping on her face. Adeline didn't open her eyes and brushed off the cold hand and continued sleeping. His irritation mounting, Sylvan now tapped harder.
"Wake up," he called impatiently and his voice finally woke her up.
"Huh? Are we there yet?" She asked in a daze, her eyes looking around disorientedly. Her gaze landed on Sylvan and she realised they were still in the carriage. A groan left her lips as she raked her fingers through her hair, then massaged the back of her neck as she yawned sleepily.
"Can I lay my head on your lap?" She asked carelessly.