There was no glimpse of intense emotion on Arnoldâs face.
Just a pair of cold, indifferent eyes directed towards Raul.
âGet off her.â
ââ¦â
Despite the brief command, it made the eardrums go numb.
Even Rishe choked back a gasp. Raul, who was the direct recipient of it, must have felt even a sharper intimidation.
âI beg your pardon for this, Your Highness Arnold.â
The corners of Raulâs lips twitched for a while, before he managed a calm smile.
âIâm sorry you had to see that, but I have no excuse.â
âYour Highness Curtis!â
Rishe frowned at his misleading remarks.
âI beg your pardon. Your fiancée is dazzlingly beautiful.â
Seriously, whatâs wrong with your head?
Was he aware that he was now playing the role of His Highness Curtis, the First Prince of Sigwell?
Raul had always played his subject role perfectly, but he was now saying and doing things that were impossible for Curtis. Rishe was confused by his actions, so she strengthened her arms, which had been pushing Raul away from her all along.
âDidnât you hear me?â
The sound of Arnoldâs shoes echoed through the hallway as he approached leisurely.
Arnold walked toward them with an expression that said he had no intention of dealing with Raulâs provocation at all. At first glance, his behavior was no different than usual.
But the chill in his eyes and the grit of a murderous intent in his voice dominated the air.
âI ordered you to get away from my wife.â
âââââ â¦â¦â
Raul might end up getting killed.
The pressure was so heavy and frustrating that Rishe felt it instinctively. Raul slumped and then gently removed his hand from Rishe.
Arnold grabbed the freed Rishe by the arm and pulled her close.
His touch was very gentle, but it also carried a strength that denied any refusal. Arnold looked into Risheâs face, wrapped his arms around her shoulders where Raul had touched her, and asked in a quiet voice, âAre you hurt?â
âNo, Iâm fine.â
âWhere else did he touch you?â
âHe covered my mouth with his palm, but nothing elseâ¦â
Arnoldâs shapely eyebrows slightly furrowed.
Arnold seemed to be enduring something here.
ââ¦Other than that, are you feeling any discomfort?â
Rishe nodded immediately.
Seeing this, Arnold slowly lowered his eyes. Even though it was just a gesture, Rishe still felt a tingle of intimidation.
It was not directed at her, but at Raul, who was standing behind Arnold. But Arnold didnât even look at Raul.
âIâll walk you to your room. Letâs go.â
âYour Highnessâ¦â
Arnold was about to pull Risheâs hand, when a gentle voice threw him back.
It was Raulâs voice, pretending to be Curtis.
âDo you really care for your fiancée with all your heart?â
His question echoed with a deliberate provocation against Arnold.
âIf I were in your positionâ¦I would be kissing Rishe-dono right here and now to show him that I amâ¦a pillager.â
âYour Highness, Curtis, thatâs enough joking around âââ
âOr perhaps you should be slaying me right here. The rumors that Your Highness Arnold is a ruthless Crown Prince seem to be groundless.â
There was no doubt that Raul was provoking him. Rishe couldnât figure why he was behaving that way, so she could only scowl.
However, Arnold remained unperturbed.
ââ¦I see.â
On the contrary, he smiled generously and looked his nose down at Raul.
âIt seems that your arrival to this country is against the will of your master.â
ââï¼
It was Rishe, not Raul, who revealed her surprise.
Raul had a strange expression pasted on his face. Rishe couldnât see through his mind, but the situation seemed to have caught him off guard.
âWhat do you mean by that?â