I Became the Black Swan Mother of the White Swan Princess - Chapter 202

“So your house looks like this.”

“Your Majesty…”

‘Acting like you’re seeing it for the first time, huh?’ She suppressed sheepish laughter as she watched Rashid solemnly survey the inside of the house near the entrance. Just as before, he didn’t move from that spot. There was no change this time either. Anyone would think he drew a line right there. The man who exuded a commanding presence even in the Grand Winter Palace lingered at the entrance as if he were a decorative staff set in place.

“Please, have a seat quickly.” She called Rashid while pressing the corner of her mouth. He turned his head slightly and their eyes met, and he habitually adjusted the sword at his waist. His handsome face shimmered like mist amid the warm steam rising from her cup of tea.

“Your Majesty.”

“Rashid.”

“…”

“How many times do I have to tell you?” The man who was approaching with annoyance suddenly stopped near the fireplace. As soon as she realized what he was looking at, she stood up and approached him. “Your Majesty.”

“It looks like she’s sleeping here?”

With his knees bent, Rashid reached out towards Haniel’s cradle. The makeshift crib made from a basket used to carry bread was probably considered quite humble in his eyes. He didn’t say anything and she felt even more embarrassed.

“Yes. It might look like that but it’s surprisingly sturdy. The baby likes it too.”

“Of course.” Rashid’s fingers picked up the ribbon inside the cradle. Even with the basket full of ribbons and trinkets that Haniel liked, he didn’t mock it. He gave a wry, short smile, but that was all. He ran his thick fingers over the ribbon again. “I wonder where the princess went. If she knew I was touching her things, she would have caused a fuss again.”

“You too, Your Majesty.” This man wasn’t entirely oblivious either. She thought he was like an iron statue, but he seemed well aware of when he needed to be cautious. Still, he didn’t put down the ribbon. “You seem amazed. Well, Your Majesty, it’s probably your first time seeing such a small crib.”

“No. I’ve seen it before.”

“…”

“It’s probably still there.” His gaze deepened. As if being drawn by Rashid’s profile, which was like a jewel held by a noble princess, she also lowered her head. Catherine felt like she knew whose story he was telling. “Are you talking about the princess’ crib in the royal palace by any chance?”

“The previous Emperor personally made it for Princess Haniel.”

“Oh, then…”

“Of course, you didn’t see the child lying in it, though.”

“…”

Catherine’s mouth went dry, mirroring his sly smile. Her heart was fluttering to the point where she considered bringing Haniel here and laying her down immediately. Unfortunately, Haniel had already taken refuge with Selene to avoid her fearsome older brother.

“So that’s what happened. If you had seen it at least once, you would have liked it.”

“Seeing it once wouldn’t have been enough.”

“What?”

“So, you want me to———-No.”

Forget it! Such things—— Haniel’s ribbon slipped from Rashid’s hand as he lowered his head. Without realizing it, she reached out and their eyes met.

“…”

The unexpected silence seemed much longer than before. Even though it was just a single ‘kiss’ they had shared, of course, it was too…

“Why is the expression of someone newly representing the North so unrefined?”

“Well, I don’t know about that. You have seen everything so it’s time to have tea——-”

“Can’t we do that here?”

She tried to stand up from her seat, but his fingers tightly grasped her wrist and pressed it down. A few days ago, it was his hand resting on her waist.

THUMP THUMP

Her dry throat seemed to pass over his fingers rhythmically tapping her at that moment. If it was intentional in his part, this would be really bad, and if it was unintentional, then perhaps, this was merely a reflex. Either way, it was awkward for Catherine.

“You went to the trouble of inviting me and even served me tea, but why are you acting like I’m a burden?”

THUNK

Rashid, who had bent his knees, sat down on the floor and stretched out one leg. Despite the worn fireplace and the shabby crib next to him, he still looked dignified. Maybe the concept of a setting was meaningless to the man from the very beginning.

“Still…”

As she thought of what she was going to say today, she looked at the tea table she had set up. It would be better if it was over there next to him, but she didn’t have the strength to lift it up. Reluctantly, she lowered herself from her seat and he immediately offered her the seat next to him, as if he had been waiting.

“…”

From the beginning, it was bound to be like this. Rashid’s chuckle transformed her face like flames in the fireplace. If she closed her eyes completely, the picture she painted would become even more strange. She hadn’t even said a word properly, but her time all alone in this house became even more distant.

“I heard a rumor that you’ve been extremely busy lately.”

“There are quite a few responsibilities I have to take care of.”

“I suppose so. If you don’t even appear for a few days, everyone worries that something might have happened.”

Rashid, who leaned his arm on his knee, supported his head. His measuring gaze seemed somewhat playful. “So, that’s why you’ve given me this precious time——-”

“To take responsibility.”

“…”

Catherine said it. She finally said it. It was an utterance that seemed to spoil some kind of mission, but anyway, it was an issue she couldn’t avoid at this point. Moreover, seeing Rashid, the ruler of the realm, with such a flustered expression didn’t make her feel too bad.

“What are you trying to do?”

“I said I would take responsibility, didn’t I?”

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