His Highness's Second Wife
His Highness’s Second Wife Chapter 83

“Please accept my sincerest condolences, Your Highness.” A tall, dark-haired nobleman said with a stony face as he bowed in front of them. His expression didn’t change and his words held very little of that sincerity he spoke of. His eyes shot towards Raena standing beside Kassian, but when she met his gaze through the black veil, he quickly looked away. She raised an eyebrow while he was walking away, wondering if he was just a regular creep or Someone sent there to watch her. Every face she couldn’t recognize seemed suspicious these days. Not that seeing most of the ones she recognized brought her that much comfort.

Before the procession, only Sarea’s closest family was allowed into the East Palace – and of course Raena as Kassian’s remaining official wife – but after the burying ceremony and the rites, everyone who came to give their condolences was allowed to enter the former first wife’s residence.

Most of the newcomers were nobles who came for appearance’s sake – even she could tell they held very little interest in who was lying in that coffin.

The Crown Prince’s representative, one of his aides, was in attendance too, and when Raena saw him whisper something in Kassian’s ear, it became clear that the funeral was not going to be the main event of the day.

Kassian said nothing to her, though. He kept his hard expression and stiff posture the whole time, receiving the condolences with a nod of the head or a handshake. She noticed that the only ones that received a handshake were people who actually looked like they knew they were attending a funeral and not a fun tea party.

Raena stood quietly next to him, nodding politely when somebody turned to her, but saying nothing. Her presence was a formality, and it was making her feel bad for standing where Sarea used to stand, looking at those broad shoulders and back that seemed to hold more of the weight of the world than she thought. She had tried to excuse herself and leave after receiving a few glares from Sarea’s youngest sisters, but Kassian had caught her hand and given her a look that asked her to stay louder than any words. So she had resumed her position on his left, glancing at Blaine who was standing on his right, pretending to mind his own business.

“Those were the last ones,” Blaine whispered after the last couple of nobles moved away from where they stood and headed towards the table with refreshments prepared for the occasion. The place was buzzing with voices, some whispering among themselves, others laughing and chatting in loud voices. It had stopped raining as well, although the sky was still stormy gray, as if ready to pour hell on them at any second.

“We can go?” Kassian asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You can go.” Blaine nodded. “I’ll go alert the others and we’ll meet you there.” Kassian nodded, then turned to look at her.

Before she could ask what was going on, he grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the stuffy room, leading her towards the wide-open front door. A few nobles were standing outside at the staircase, talking in hushed voices, but they quieted down at their approach. They lowered their heads politely as the two of them passed, but Kassian continued without slowing down, holding her hand just as tightly. Without even looking at them, Kassian made a sign to the guards positioned outside to stay in their spots just as they were about to follow them.

Raena flicked her veil back so she could see the path properly, then let herself be pulled for a few more minutes until the road took a turn and the East Palace disappeared from their sight.

“May I have my hand back now?” She asked, and he finally turned to look at her.

“Why?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. “You don’t like me touching your hand?”

“It’s not that.” Raena sighed. “It’s just that to the outside world, we don’t have a good relationship. And if suddenly we are seen holding hands so casually..” Kassian stopped, allowing her a moment to catch her breath. “By tomorrow all kinds of rumo..”

She didn’t get to finish because he turned around, stepping towards her and cupping her face. His lips covered hers, still cold from the rain and so desperate that she dared not move until he pulled back.

“I don’t give a damn what those people think. As long as you are willing, I’ll touch you whenever and however I want.” He whispered, still holding her face as if to prevent her from looking away. “Do you have a problem with that?” Raena swallowed the butterflies in her stomach, shaking her head. His lips twitched as if he was about to smile, but then he stepped back, intertwining his fingers with hers and pulling her after, gentler this time.

“Can I ask who the others are and where we are going?” She asked in a few minutes when it became clear they were heading towards the Main Palace. He had slowed down to match her pace after she had started panting again, and now they almost looked like a couple out for a stroll in the garden. It was such a weird feeling. Not a bad one, though.

“We’re going to my quarters. We’ll talk here.” Kassian replied without looking at he.

“Talk?” she asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. Kassian finally looked at her, a smug smile appearing on his face.

“Yes, just talk. Since there will be other people there.” He added and for a moment, she just stared at him dumbfounded, until she realized what he meant.

“That’s not what I meant.” She sighed, rolling her eyes.

“You’ll find out shortly,” Kassian said with his serious tone again and when she looked back at him, he was again staring up at the Main Palace that appeared proudly in front of them. They climbed the steps and walked past the guards that stood on duty. Raena looked around as Kassian led the way, realizing that this was the first time that she was actually awake on the way there.

The Main Palace was in the same style as the North Palace, but it was obvious the place had never been left to neglect. Even the handles gleamed as if somebody had rubbed them clean few seconds ago. Yet, it still had the cold, empty feel of his bedroom that she remembered.

Raena felt Kassian let go of her hand, so she tore her eyes from the impressive ceiling and enormous paintings, locking them on the door he had just opened. She paused at the threshold and by the time she entered the familiar bedroom, he was already yanking off his jacket and tossing it on the bed, then stripping his shirt as well.

Raena closed the door, staring at the bulging muscles on his back as he strode to the chair on the other side of the room where a spare shirt was hanging from the backrest.

“Are you wet?” He asked as he slipped the shirt over his head.

“Excuse me?” Raena said, blinking in surprise at the unexpected question.

“Your clothes. Are they wet?” He asked, still with his back to her. Raena closed her eyes, sighing inwardly. This was not the time to be thinking about such things just because they were in a bedroom. They just left the funeral. What was wrong with her?

“No, I’m. they’re fine.” She replied, looking at him again. He had already turned and was watching her while swiftly buttoning his shirt. When he was done, he took a few steps towards her. Raena tensed in anticipation, but he just stopped in front of her, taking her face into his hands and nudging it upwards so she could look him in the eyes. His expression wasn’t one of a man that was about to k**s her though.

“In a few minutes, I’ll bring you in front of a group that I trust with my life.” He said in a serious voice, holding her gaze. “Allowing you in, to them, it means that I trust you completely. So I need you to answer all questions and let us know everything you know with complete confidence. If you give them something to doubt, they will.” Raena swallowed the lump in her throat, but nodded.”

Also, you’re not going to tell them what you told me. Nothing about reincarnation or past lives or future events. If there is a question you cannot answer, say ‘I’d rather not say’ instead of talking about knowing the future. I’ll take it from there.”

“Does that mean you don’t believe what I told you?” She asked.

“That’s not what l am saying. I am different. I want to keep you alive.” He said bluntly. “The others are loyal to me and my brother. They don’t know you and until you prove your loyalty. You’re a dangerous element and dangerous elements are to be eliminated. So don’t give them a reason to suspect you.”

“l got it.” She nodded, smiling. “Thank you for choosing to believe me.” His fingers tightened around her face, and he leaned even closer.

“Then don’t lie to me again. Not even for the smallest thing. Once this craziness is over, you’re going to tell me every single thing, no matter how small or insignificant.” He whispered, staring expectantly. “I don’t hide anything. That’s the same as lying. If there is any problem, tell me.”

Raena smiled, her chest tightening. How stupid. She should have listened to Kara from the start.

“Fine. I have a problem.” Raena sighed. Kassian tensed, his eyebrows creasing.

“What is it”

“You’re too tall,” Raena shrugged. Kassian blinked in confusion, then frowned. “I’ve been standing on my toes for a while now and I still can’t reach your face to k**s you. It’s kind of annoying.”

His confusion disappeared instantly and Raena felt two strong arms slide down to her legs, picking her up. She gasped as Kassian pressed her back against the wall, keeping her just high enough so she could look him in the eyes. He stared at her expectantly, a smirk making its way to his lips.

“You could have just leaned down, you know.” She said, wrapping her hands around his neck.

“But I like this bette…” He started but didn’t get to finish as Raena pressed her lips against his.

He responded instantly, sliding his tongue into her mouth and pressing himself harder against her. She could feel his hunger, his desperation and desire every breath they shared, in every touch and every heartbeat. His movements turned almost frantic as he deepened the k**s, like a thirsty man who had finally found a pool of fresh water.

She knew that this wasn’t the right time, but everywhere he touched felt so good, she wanted him to hold her just a bit longer. Zen’s closeness and flirting had been sweet and enjoyable – while she still thought he was just her guard who was in love with her – but Kassian’s touch was starting a fire with something as simple as a caress on her cheek.

She wasn’t sure when it started exactly, but slowly, surely, she had been falling for that honest face and heart that was ready to forgive and forget anything, despite the wounds from the past.

Kassian broke the k**s, his lips tracing the line of her jaw until his hot breath tickled her ear. He placed a quick peck on her neck, just below her ear, then another one, lower this time, his tongue tickling the bristling sin. Raena leaned her head back on the wall, giving him full access to the rest of her neck, and he g*****d approvingly as his mouth continued to tease her sensitive skin, making her dress suddenly feel extremely uncomfortable.

A loud knock came from the door, and Raena glanced at it with annoyance.

“l gnore it” Kassian whispered, bringing her attention to himself. “They can wait for a few minutes.” He added, claiming her mouth again.

Another knock followed, but she ignored it like she was told. Just as she thought they had left or were patiently waiting outside, the door abruptly opened and a man barged inside, his hand squeezing the hilt of his sword as if preparing to draw it.

Raena jumped in surprise, staring at the intruder with wide eyes while Kassian stood frozen next to her. It took her a second, but she recognized the soldier – he was the one that had taken Sarea’s Head Maid into custody. The same big.

Scary-looking guy was now staring at them with a mix of shock, horror, and panic, his expression one of a man that just realized he had stepped on a landmine.

“I thought.” He said, his eyes moving to Kassian for a split second. “Sorry. Carry on.”

He stepped back and slammed the door shut, a quiet curse coming from the corridor outside.

“That idiot…” Kassian mumbled, and a second later he put her down on her feet. He reached out and pushed a string of hair behind her ear and, as Raena looked up at him, he was wearing a regretful smile. “I’m sorry if that made you uncomfortable. Take a minute. We’ll be right back.”

He stepped away from her, opening the door and leaving the room. The soft whispers in the corridor died down and a few seconds later, a loud grunt broke the silence. Kassian’s muffled voice said something, then a few sets of steps moved together, followed by the door opening.

Kassian shot her another glance before moving inside the room and leaving the door open. Blaine entered first, then Yulien’s aide and the last person was the soldier who had barged in, now rubbing his stomach with a grumpy expression.

When their eyes met, he immediately looked away, busying himself with closing the door and locking it.

“You can go in.” Kassian’s voice made her turn just as he was opening the door leading to the dark room where he had brought the immunity tablet from the other day. He handed Blaine one of the candelabras he had lit and picked up the other one himself while the rest of the group made their way into the room. When Kassian turned to look at her, Raena realized she hadn’t moved from her spot.

“Come on.” He said, beckoning her with his fingers. Raena took a deep breath and crossed the room, taking his hand. He squeezed her fingers for a second as they entered the room, then turned, around and closed the heavy door.

“Well then,” Kassian said as he stepped next to the table in the room, putting the light in the middle of it. “Let’s get started.”