His Highness's Second Wife
His Highness’s Second Wife Chapter 35

“Check and mate again, brother.”

Kassian gritted his teeth, looking up at Yulien, who smiled at him like someone who had beaten him four times in a row. It wasn’t a condescending smile, but it clearly said,’ Are you a masochist?’ loud and clear, considering Kassian had been the one to ask for all of those rematches. And while Yulien was the one who mainly talked throughout the game, his moves were always bold and decisive, like seeing through Kassian’s plays and traps was no big deal. “One more?”

“I don’t think my pride can handle another game,” Kassian sighed, leaning back in his chair and running his hands through his hair. The council meeting had finished sooner than expected since the Emperor didn’t attend due to his declining health, so Yulien had baited him with a promise of food and drinks. What really sold it for Kassian was the fact that as long as he stayed in the Imperial Palace, he didn’t have to go back to the pile of documents waiting for him at home.

“How about a walk, then? You must go back soon or Blaine will show up at my door and drag you away.” Yulien grinned, pushing his chair and getting to his feet. Kassian grimaced.

“Next time, we’re just drinking!” Kassian said as they left Yulien’s quarters. Yulien’s two personal guards that were waiting outside the door silently fell behind them. Kassian had grown used to their constant presence – at first, he was annoyed, but then it occurred to him that Yulien wasn’t nearly as adept at fighting as he was. The crown prince knew how to use a sword and got a passing mark in archery, but a professional assassin could probably dispatch him before he could even scream for help.

So those two guards were his brother’s shield, so having them there meant Yulien would be safe.

“Leave,” Yulien said suddenly, glancing at his guards. They looked surprised fora second, then concern crossed their faces. “Il be safe with him, don’t you think?” Yulien smiled, nodding toward Kassian. The guards hesitated, glancing at the sword hanging from Kassian’s waist. “Right, brother?”

Kassian held back a sigh as the men stared at him almost pleadingly.

“Just follow us from a distance,” Kassian said and they perked up. Yulien grimaced, turning around and striding down the corridor. Kassian caught up with a few heavy strides, falling in step with him.

“You know, I could have used a moment to breathe without them watching me,” Yulien murmured. “It’s so rare to be able to slip them – they even stay outside of my bedroom when I am being entertained by one of my ladies.”

“Stop complaining, they are doing their job,” Kassian scolded him. “You’d probably be dead ten times over if it weren’t for them. Loyal people are hard to find.”

“True” Yulien nodded, clasping his hands behind his back. “Just the other day, one of my servants tried to stab me while he was helping me change. I dodged him by pure luck, but thanks to them, he was, let’s say, apprehended, before he could do anything else. And now I am stuck with one of them watching me even while l change, bathe and work. If they insist on watching me have s*x, I am demanding their participation.”

Kassian shookhis head. He wasn’t aware there had been another attack on Yulien’s life and his brother had mentioned it so casually, like it was an everyday occurrence. Kassian was getting sick of sleeping with one eye open and suspecting his own people. Most days, he regretted being born into this complicated family. While he could just throw everything away and leave – the emperor probably wouldn’t care if he was there or not anyway – he couldn’t leave Yulien to fend off all those hungry monsters by himself.

A group of maids appeared around the corner, whispering excitedly. When they saw them, they moved out of the way, bowing down, and once the two brothers passed them, the girls hurried away, returning to their conversation. Kassian managed to catch the words ‘Ruby Street’, ‘restaurant’ and madam’ before they were out of reach and his frown deepened.

Five days had passed since his visit to Highness’s Secret Palace and Blaine was still digging into the past of that woman that seemed to appear out of nowhere and force her way into every conversation. It turned out the documents for the building and the restaurant seemed to have been misplaced by the bureau, so his aide was stuck at her their office looking for more information and the missing papers. Kassian’s Shadows had run into a dead end too – they reported that Madam Lydia rarely left the restaurant building and when she did, it was just to meet with suppliers and vendors.

Apart from the mysterious aura and the fact that nobody knew anything about her, she had done nothing suspicious so far.

“I got the information you requested on that brothel,” Yulien said out ofa sudden. “It seems that Rissen did go there solely for pleasure, but it’s still worth looking into since he had been frequenting the place. Maybe his next meeting will be held there as well.”

“What did you find?” Kassian asked, glancing around to make sure there was no one close by.

Yulien’s guards were far enough, so it was impossible for them to hear a word.

“The owner is one Marden Robick, a count. Or rather, a count’s bastard,” Yulien said. “He inherited his father’s title six years ago, after the old man died from alcohol poisoning. The old count used to have two other legitimate sons, but they died even before the father – one in a street brawl, the other one from breaking his neck after falling from a horse. So he was forced to recognize his bastard child and pass down the title and all of his gambling debt.”

“So this Marden is a fallen noble?” Kassian asked.

“Yes, he has nothing but a title.” Yulien nodded.

“His estate is in ruins, he has an old butler and a maid, who are probably staying there since they have nowhere else to go rather than out of loyalty.

The only thing he owns that he hasn’t sold to cover the debts is that brothel.”

“That makes things even more suspicious.” Kassian frowned. “The brothel I saw didn’t look like a place that’s owned by somebody in debt. Maybehe is being sponsored, but if that’s the case, who is sponsoring him? You don’t think.

“Let’s not jump to conclusions just yet.” Yulien smiled, but there was no amusement in his eyes.” For now, let’s keep an eye on him and see what his next move will be. With you and Rissen visiting his place, you just gave him the biggest advertisement he could ask for. I bet every noble who likes those places is going to go there to see what the fuss is all about.”

“Like I care!” Kassian sighed. “l only went there to see what Rissen was up to.”

“This reminds me… how’s your wife? The new one.” Yulien grinned, turning to look at him. Kassian tried to keep his face straight as he met his brother’s eyes.

“How does the talk about brothels remind you of my wife exactly?” he asked and Yulien chuckled.

“Oh, come on. Are you still avoiding her?”

“Why would I be avoiding her? I just have nothing to say to her!” Kassian snapped.

The two of them took another turn and Kassian realized Yulien was leading him toward the building, but taking the long way there. They were crossing one of the overhead bridges in the garden when he heard voices coming from below. A couple of servants were kneeling in the flower beds, pulling the weeds, and talking quietly.

“Yes, my brother said he went during the opening day. They even let commoners dine there!

There is a floor for commoners, for nobles and even a special room for important quests. He said he saw the second and third princes there!” one of the girls said excitedly, wiping her sweaty forehead.

“I want to go too! | heard from a friend that the food was amazing and it was even affordable! I don’t have to sell my body for just a bite like in most other restaurants!” the second girl murmured, sitting back on her calves and looking at the sky with a dreamy expression. “When is your next day off? Let’s go together!”

“Was it that amazing?” Yulien suddenly asked, bringing Kassian’s attention back to himself. “That place, I mean. Everyone keeps talking about it.”

“It was… unique,” Kassian said after some deliberation. “Clean, tidy and expensive looking. The third floor where we sat looked like the summer hall here in the Imperial Palace which makes me think the owner might be a noble that has visited the Palace.” Yulien raised an eyebrow in surprise. “And the food was… better than the food here.”

“That’s a high praise coming from you.” Yulien laughed, then made a sad face. “I wish I could go too.

“Just order some of it to be delivered here.” Kassian shrugged. Considering his brother’s position and the dangers waiting for him even where he was supposed to be safe, there was no way he could go out in an unfamiliar place, even with his bodyquards. He wasn’t that stupid.

“I’ve tried!” Yulien g*****d. “I’ve sent a messenger, and do you know what I was told? Regrettably, they are unable to comply since they do not deliver food or cook outside of the restaurant for anyone else but the Empress.”

“I really don’t like the sound of that.” Kassian bristled. “First, they appear out of nowhere. They pick Ruby Street of all places, their food is strange and their manager hides her face with a veil! I can’t decide if they are trying too hard to be interesting or if they are hiding something big.”

“Patience, brother. We can’t afford to rush into things.” Yulien smiled, patting him on the back.

They had already left the Palace behind and were now walking toward the stable where he had left his horse earlier. “For now, let’s just observe. It might turn out they are just lucky people trying to make a living. There is nothing wrong with that.”

“Let’s hope that’s all they are,” Kassian muttered. “If they are not, they won’t live long enough to regret it. We’re taking Rissen and his viper of a mother down, even if it kills me.”