Her Highness's Second Life

Chapter 14 - The Solemn Departure

“Do you really have to go, Daddy?” Elora asked in a pleading tone, her arms tightening around Kassian’s neck as he tried to pry them off. “Can’t someone else go? I want you to stay and play more with us! Right, Lia?”

Lydia nodded eagerly, hugging her doll closer to her body.

They had barged into Raena’s bedroom bright and early in the morning, determined to stop their father from leaving, only to find he was not even there. Luckily, Raena had already changed and cleaned herself up so they didn’t find her sitting like a weeping ghost in the corner. There wasn’t much she could do about the bloodshot eyes and puffy face, but at least neither of her daughters questioned her words when she told them it was all because of the pregnancy.

They had dragged her outside to where the group that was accompanying Kassian was making final preparations for departure. Kassian was there too, giving directions and confirming routes and formations while his horse danced impatiently next to him.

He had looked tired and tense while he talked, his shoulders slumped and his face paler than usual. Once he saw the three of them step out through the door, he seemed surprised for a second, but then a warm smile appeared on his lips as he crouched down and opened his arms invitingly. The two girls had thrown themselves into his embrace without hesitation while Raena slowly made her way down, looking around so she wouldn’t be forced to meet her husband’s gaze.

That’s when the pleading had begun and any other day, she would have laughed at the persistence their daughters showed. At that moment, though, all she wanted was to kneel next to them and beg the same. Every time she thought about doing it, his words echoed in her head, ‘I do not want to look at you right now’.

“I wish, my darling, but uncle will be very angry if I don’t go,” Kassian replied in the soft voice he usually used just for their children, pinching Elora’s nose playfully, then ruffling Lydia’s head. “I will be back in no time. Meanwhile, listen to your mother and don’t cause your nannies trouble, you hear me? If you do, I won’t bring you any presents!”

Their eyes widened in horror and they looked at each other, as if communicating without words. They nodded in agreement, then looked back at him.

“We will listen, we will listen!” Elora declared in a loud voice and Kassian smiled at her. “Bring me a horse! A big one, not a pony!” she demanded with a serious expression. “And not a donkey! Donkeys are lazy and bite too much!”

“Alright, alright!” Kassian chuckled weakly, then leaned down and kissed each of them on the forehead. One of his men ran to his side, reporting that they were all ready to go and the rest of the escort would wait for them just outside of the Capital. Kassian nodded and the man hurried to his horse, pulling himself up on the saddle.

Kassian gave the girls one last smile before his gaze settled on Raena. She sucked in a sharp breath, meeting his eyes on instinct. She looked away almost immediately, hoping he hadn’t noticed her state, when she saw him opening his mouth. She waited for his words, her chest heavy and her heart beating so hard that it hurt. In the end, he changed his mind and looked away as one of the stable hands moved to bring him his horse. Kassian took the reins with a thankful nod, preparing to climb on the saddle. He stared at the horse with a torn look on his face when he dropped the reins and strode toward her.

Raena tensed as she watched him take the space between them in a few big, heavy strides and before she could react, he cupped her face and kissed her. It wasn’t like the usual kisses he gave her in front of people—this one felt distant and hesitant, his lips gently brushing against hers instead of stealing her breath and making her melt just from that simple touch.

He pulled back just enough to stare into her eyes, and this time she didn’t have the strength to look away. He stared for a few seconds, then kissed her forehead.

“Stay safe,” he muttered before striding to his horse and hoisting himself upon the saddle. Shooting her another glance, he turned the animal around and shouted for everyone to move out.

“Mama?” Lydia’s voice made Raena jump, and she looked down at her youngest daughter, who stared at her with wide eyes, her lips quivering. “Mama crying?”

“Mommy is crying because she is also sad that Daddy is leaving, silly!” Elora explained, patting her sister on the head. “Don’t worry, Mommy, we’ll sleep with you while Daddy is away so you won’t be lonely!”

Raena forced a smile, crouching down and pulling them into a tight hug.

“Mommy, I can’t breathe!” Elora complained and Raena quickly let them go, getting to her feet. Before she could say or do anything, somebody cleared their throat behind her. They all turned around to find Blaine standing nearby, awkwardly adjusting the glasses on his nose.

“It’s a bit chilly. You should all head inside. Breakfast is served,” he announced, and the girls squealed excitedly, sprinting to the front door of the mansion where their nannies and the Grand Chamberlain were waiting.

Blaine fell in step with Raena, pulling something out of the inner pocket of his jacket and offering it to her. She blinked at the handkerchief but then she just nodded in gratitude. He was nice enough to pretend he didn’t notice her drying her eyes.

“Is there any work that needs my attention?” she asked, trying to force the gloomy thoughts out of her head.

“No, Your Highness,” Blaine replied in his usual tone, their eyes following the children who were rushing ahead along with their nannies. “His Highness did his best to finish all work, including anything that needed to be taken care of during his absence since he didn’t want you to overwork yourself. However, there is the matter of the celebration of concubine Messala’s pregnancy…”

“What about it?” Raena frowned She had already agreed to Arina’s request to take over the preparations in her stead and play co-host to it while the Empress was recuperating. She had received all the planning and the reports with the arrangements and she was going to the Imperial Palace to oversee them. Did she miss something?

“Well, it would be a bit difficult to deal with both the party and the preparations for the festival. So if you need any assistance in—”

“That won’t be necessary,” Raena interrupted him, and he looked at her with concern. “I’ve decided that I’m not going to be dealing with the preparations for the festival. Kara and Marden are apprised of what needs to be done, so as long as they follow my instructions, they can handle it on their own.”

“But…” Blaine continued to stare at her, a look of confusion on his face. “You were so excited about it! I heard you even came up with some new invention that would definitely impress the delegation! Don’t you…” Blaine trailed off when she gave him a somber smile.

“Some things are more important than having fun,” Raena replied, looking at her daughters, who had just disappeared through the door leading to the dining room they usually used when they were alone. “Besides, as you said, I’ll have my hands full with the Imperial business. It can’t be helped.”

“As you wish.” Blaine nodded. “His Highness also asked me to be your escort at the celebration in his stead if that’s alright with you.”

“That’s perfectly fine with me, but won’t you prefer to have Kara as your date?” Raena asked, raising an eyebrow. “I will be fine on my own. It’s not like I would have much time for dancing or mingling.”

“I promised His Highness I would if you’d have me. Besides, we’ll meet with Miss Kara there, won’t we?” he said with a reserved smile. “She’ll probably refuse, anyway.”

“You never know,” Raena scoffed. “What if Marden asks her then?”

Blaine stiffened, a vein bulging on his neck, but then he quickly calmed himself.

“Miss Kara is free to choose who accompanies her. It’s not like she has promised to go with me, so there is nothing to be done,” he announced in a tone that sounded like he was talking to himself. When he turned to look at Raena, his eyes were brimming with quiet determination. “I will accompany you. Just so you know, I received an urgent summon from my family estate so I shall be away for three days before the celebration. I will return on time, so you needn’t worry.”

“An urgent summon? Is everything alright?” Raena frowned, studying his face as they reached the dining room and stopped at the entrance. “I thought you didn’t get along with your family.”

“Well, either way, I’m still part of it, so it is required of me to return,” Blaine said with an exasperated sigh. “I have my suspicions as to what is the reason for them suddenly remembering they have another son, but it’s nothing Her Highness should worry about. It will not impede my work or prevent me from accompanying you. I do hope that while I am absent, you will rely more on Miss Elene and Miss Kara and not overwork yourself. Your health is precious to all of us, especially to His Highness. He’d have my head if anything happens to you while you’re under my care.”

“I’ll be fine, I promise,” Raena assured him and reluctantly, he nodded.

“Very well then. I’ll be leaving in a few hours, so I should go and finish my preparations.” His eyes darted to someone behind her. “Please take care of her while I’m away, Miss Elene.”

“I will.” Elene stopped by Raena’s side just as she was turning to look at her escort. “Leave her to me.”

Once Blaine was gone, Elene’s eyes snapped to Raena, one thin eyebrow rising.

“What happened to your face?” she muttered, cringing her nose. “Did you cry?” Raena looked away from her, lips firmly pursed, until she heard Elene sigh. “When are we leaving for the restaurant?”

“We’re not,” Raena replied, fixing the sleeves of her dress that had gathered up her arm. “I’m taking today off, so you should, too. I’ll just stay in my room and rest. Tomorrow we’re going to the Imperial Palace to oversee the final preparations for the celebration. We might be staying overnight, so tell the nannies to have the girls ready in the morning.”

Raena moved to leave when Elene’s voice stopped her.

“Raena,” she said, her voice tense. Even though Raena allowed her to call her by her name, she rarely did it, especially in a place where others might overhear. And she had never heard her sound so worried before. “Did something happen? Are you alright?”

Raena swallowed the lump in her throat, making sure her voice sounded normal when she spoke again.

“I’m fine, Elene, just really tired.” Turning to look at her, Raena tried to smile as usual. “Take the day off. I know you don’t like the Imperial Palace and we’ll be spending the next few days there, so you’ll need the rest just as much.”

“Fine,” Elene muttered, still watching her with her piercing blue eyes. “Call for me if you decide to go somewhere.”

“I will.”

The moment Raena turned, she let her smile drop, ignoring the maids and guards who greeted her on the way to her bedroom. She sent her attendants away when she found them tidying up the place, then sneaked under the covers and hugged Kassian’s pillow tightly. After the long, restless night, his familiar scent and the warmth of their bed quickly lulled her to sleep.