His Highness's Second Wife
His Highness’s Second Wife Chapter 29

“Azure and white for the flowers, just like those. His Highness likes blue, so let’s stick to it” Sarea nodded, pointing at the display in front of her. She moved to the table that held the different plates and utensils she had to choose from, narrowing her eyes at them. She needed something silver to go with the rest of the decoration, but the ones in front of her looked too plain for the occasion. “None of these would work. Find me others.”

“We have the new food menu ready for your approval, Your Highness,” the Grand Chamberlain announced, motioning toward another table that held even more documents to go over.

There were only a few weeks until Kassian’s birthday party and there was still so much to do.

The menu had to be revised and the quest list had to be double-checked. The invitations were already sent, but without the replies, she couldn’t finish the sitting arrangements. Kassian had said he’d prefer a less strict atmosphere, allowing everyone to move freely and enjoy themselves. He also wanted to hold the reception in the garden and he had told her that just a couple of days ago. She had already arranged for almost everything to be set up in the banquet hall in the Main Palace, and now she had to start from scratch.

She was very close to telling him to deal with it himself, but she knew that if she passed on the responsibility to him, he’d probably delegate it to that woman, giving her even more reasons.to be smug.

“I’Il take a break and we’ll go over the menu after,” she said, motioning for one of the maids to bring her something to drink. The girl hurried to pour some of the fresh tea Sarea had ordered while she took a seat under the shade of the pavilion, letting out a tired sigh.

She was just taking a sip when she noticed Kassian striding through her garden with a heavy, annoyed gait. The servants he passed by bowed, but he just ignored them, eyes locked on her.

“l got your message. You wanted to discuss something?” he said directly, and Sarea almost laughed. He wasn’t in a good mood by the looks of it. Not that he was especially cordial on the rare occasions when all the stars aligned for him, but lately he seemed even more irritable than usual.

“Hello to you too!” she said with a bitter smile. motioning toward the chair across from her. “Please sit. My neck is going to break if I have to keep looking up like that.”

He seemed to consider it for a moment, then slid into the seat he was offered. Her maid promptly served him a cup, retreating toward her station to give them privacy. Sarea watched him as he took a sip, staring at the hot tea for a second before setting it down and looking at her.

“So what is it?”

“I need your signature for several matters related to the banquet. I thought it would be best to get them out of the way now since with the military inspection coming up, you’ll probably be too busy,” she replied, and he let out a sigh.

“Wasn’t the point of me giving you free rein to do what you want so that I am not bothered with such details?” he asked, leaning back in his chair.

“We are talking about financial matters. Since the expenses will be coming out of your account and not the harem’s, I’ll need your signature. Your can complain to your Chamberlain for that.” She shrugged and watched as Kassian glanced at the man responsible for managing his estate. The Grand Chamberlain bowed with a calm smile, not at all disturbed to be put on the spot.

“Fine!” Kassian sighed, turning back toward her. “What do I need to sign?”

Sarea gave the Chamberlain a sign and he stepped toward the table where the food menu was waiting for her, picking up the pile of papers next to it. He brought them over along with a bottle of ink and a quill and set them in front of Kassian, who did his best not to grimace. For a moment, he looked much younger, just like the stubborn, guarded eighteen-year-old boy she had to marry all those years ago. He had changed a lot since then – he was taller, more muscular, and his features had turned even sharper. His palms seemed even rougher than before as he squeezed the quill – no doubt thanks to the fact that he was constantly holding a weapon even when he didn’t have to.

She thought once that she could make him happy even though they didn’t marry for love, but soon realized that no matter what she tried, he just refused to open up and let anyone beyond the sturdy walls he had erected over the years.

Considering his family and his past, she wasn’t all that surprised, but by refusing to become even a bit vulnerable and express his feelings clearly, he was closing himself off from the possibility of replaceing true happiness. Even love.

She had figured out it wasn’t her fault, at least. He was the same with all his other women too – there was always this barrier between him and them, no matter how close they got. Even Lara wasn’t an exception.

“Is this all?” Kassian’s voice took her out of her reverie.

“You’re done?” she asked, raising an eyebrow while he was getting to his feet. “You went through them all?”

“You said you needed my signature, not my approval,” he said calmly. “I trust you know what you’re doing, so I am not going to read through all of that. I have enough paperwork waiting for me after being gone for almost two weeks. If that’s all, I’ll be off…”

“Right.” Sarea sighed in resignation. “Good luck with your paperwork.” Kassian narrowed his eyes at the sudden encouragement, but then shook his head and turned to leave. Before he had done more than two steps, he stopped and turned again.

“One more thing,” he said, licking his lips.

Make sure Raena attends the celebration as well.”

Sarea blinked in surprise, searching his face for an explanation. His expression was calm, but just for a moment she noticed a little spark flash into his serious eyes before disappearing behind the facade of disinterest.

“Why?” she asked, frowning.

“What do you mean, why?” Kassian frowned.” Because she is my wife. The Prime Minister and his family will be coming, so if she is not there, he won’t be happy.”

“I see,” she said, “I’ll inform her. But just keep in mind that…”

“Your Highness!”

Sarea jumped at the sudden shout coming from behind her, turning to glare at the person. Her eyes landed on Darla, who was panting heavily, a slight blush painting her cheeks as if she had been running. Considering she was almost sixty years of age, whatever made her run had to be something big.

“It seems you have your hands full. “l be leaving then,” Kassian announced, turning his back on her again. Sarea glanced after him, then switched her attention to her Head Maid.

“What is it?” she asked impatiently.

“Her Highness Raena has collapsed!” Darla replied after clearing her throat and taking a deep breath. Sarea raised her eyebrows, waiting for her maid to continue when she heard steps behind her.

“What did you just say?” Kassian asked from behind Sarea’s chair. His eyes were locked on Darla, who looked startled for a moment, but then quickly bowed. “Collapsed2 What does that mean?”

“I was running errands at the Main Palace when I heard a few maids talking about it,” Darla said politely, her voice slowly going back to normal.

“So I went to the North Palace on my way back and I found out that Her Highness collapsed while having tea with a few of His Highness’s concubines that went to visit her.”

“Poison?” Sarea asked, tensing in her seat.

How could she get poisoned so quickly? It’s true that she was a little dumb, but her maid seemed sharp, so as long as she was on Raena’s side, the girl should have been protected from something so silly as poisoning.

“She had a meeting with the Empress a few days ago,” Kassian said, and Sarea shot him a glance. “Could it be a slow-acting poison?”

“They say it wasn’t poison.” Darla shook her head. “They called a doctor and he said that due to stress and physical strain, she got sick with a high fever and that is why she collapsed. He found no traces of poison on her or in her food and drink. None of the concubines were hurt, either.”

“Which ones were there?” Kassian asked, frowning.

“Well,” Darla hesitated, glancing at Sarea. “Lady Lara, Kela, Aria, and Myla. They are all fine.”

“Damn it. I’m going there!” Kassian murmured, turning to leave. Sarea caught his sleeve, stopping him in his tracks. He looked down at her with a surprised expression, his eyes moving to her fingers until she let go.

“Don’t be so rash. They won’t let you in even if you go!” she said carefully.

“l am the head of this family and I own the North Palace and everyone in it!” he snapped at her.

“Tell me again how are they going to stop me!”

“And then what?” Sarea asked. “Even if you go, what can you do? The doctor said it was stress and he probably prescribed medicine for it. You’re not a doctor nor a nursemaid. Will you be staying by her bedside, holding her hand?” Kassian’s face stiffened, and he glared at her. “if you go there now, rumors will spread that it’s serious enough for you to visit. Word may get to the Prime Minister or worse, your enemies may use the opportunity to do something to you or her.” Kassian pursed his lips, his stance relaxing a little. “She is part of the harem, so she falls under my care. I’ll make sure she gets well.”

“Thank you,” Kassian said and she raised her eyebrows. She couldn’t remember the last time he actually thanked her for something. “I’ll leave it to you then, “

“Yes, I.” Sarea closed her mouth quickly, drawing her handkerchief from the pocket of her dress and pressing it to her face just as the fit of coughing started. Kassian stared at her with a frown, so she forced a smile, waving dismissively with her hand.

“I’m fine,” she said against the handkerchief.” Just a bit of cough. Don’t let me keep you.” His frown remained, but he nodded, walking away with a heavy stride. Sarea stared after him for a second, then pulled the handkerchief away, staring at the bloody splatters with a resignation.

“It’s getting worse, Your Highness,” Darla said with a concerned voice, looking down at the handkerchief. “Would you like me to bring another doctor to examine you again?”

“There is no need, I know what they are going to say” Sarea replied, giving her a grateful smile.

Besides, it doesn’t hurt or anything. I don’t have time to roll around in bed, there is so much work to be done.” Sarea got up from her seat, stepping toward the Grand Chamberlain, who was still waiting patiently, talking quietly with his helpers. “Well then, let’s see that menu.”