Chapter 621
“It has been far too long since we shared a dinner date,” Casaio said softly. The dim, warm yellow lights of the restaurant created a romantic ambience for them.
“Despite the weight of the crown and the stress you carry, you still find this time for us,” Zilia remarked. She focused on her plate, expertly rolling her fork to gather the garlic noodles. She leaned forward to take a bite, unaware for a moment of the sheer devotion in Casaio’s gaze as he watched her.
“I feel as though I don’t take nearly enough time for us,” he whispered, his eyes never leaving her face.
Zilia paused, her fork hovering as she looked deeply into his eyes.
“Zilia, we have a long journey ahead of us. We must win the hearts of the people and prove to them, once and for all, that we were never a threat to their peace,” Casaio asserted.
“Cas, it is I who must prove that,” Zilia corrected gently. “It is I who must show them I was never a harm to this country p>
“We are one, are we not?” Casaio countered, reaching out to cover her hand with his. “Let us not dwell on the shadows tonight. Finish your food before it gets cold.” He picked up his fork and began to eat again, while Zilia took a small sip of her drink.
Once the meal was finished, Casaio settled the bill and stepped out into the biting chill of the night with Zilia. She hooked her hand securely around his arm, leaning into his warmth, while her other hand clutched her purse. Two bodyguards moved to intercept them, but Casaio gave them a dismissive wave. He told them he required a moment of privacy with his wife, and they dutifully retreated into the darkness.
As they walked along the uneven cobblestone pavement, Casaio broke the silence. “What are your thoughts on bringing a new life into this world? I know it is a desire you carry; you spoke of it to me once before. So much has happened in such a short span of time that I fear I completely neglected the subject p>
“Yes. I want a baby,” Zilia stated firmly, her voice clear in the night air. She tilted her head toward him, a soft smile playing on her lips. “A symbol of our love p>
She squeezed his arm slightly as they walked. “The palace physician performed a medical examination on me last week, and the results were perfect. Your reports returned with good news as well. Physically, nothing is standing in our way p>
“Then, we must go for it,” Zilia stated with a smile, her head resting against his arm affectionately.
“Aren’t you going to let go of my hand?” Flora asked softly as they came to a halt outside the grand hotel where Zander was staying.
“Stay the night with me,” Zander said, his grip tightening just enough to show his reluctance to part. “I promise nothing will happen. I mean… we will just sit and talk. I’m not ready for this evening to end p>
Flora looked up at him. She saw the genuine sincerity in his eyes and felt a pull in her heart; she didn’t want to disappoint him this time. “Okay,” she whispered. “But I must inform my parents first p>
“Yes, go ahead!” Zander replied, a bright, relieved smile breaking across his face as he waited for her to make the call.
Flora tucked her phone away after ending the call. “They are in the palace, so I had to tell them. It’s best they know I’m safe p>
“You did well. Now, let’s go in,” Zander said. He gently tucked her hand into the warm pocket of his coat, guiding her through the lobby and up to the hotel suite.
The moment they entered, Zander placed the keycard in its holder, bathed the room in a soft glow, and removed his shoes. Flora walked toward the floor-to-ceiling window, which offered a sweeping view of the city lights. As she turned to look at the rest of the room, her eyes widened.
“Wait, there is only one bed!” Flora exclaimed, her voice jumping as she finally noticed the room’s layout.
“I will sleep on the couch. Don’t panic,” Zander replied, flashing a reassuring smile that reached his eyes. He gestured toward the plush mattress. “You can sit on the bed comfortably p>
Flora settled onto the mattress.
“By the way, did Alex’s mother try to contact you again?” Zander asked.
“No. I think now that Ophelia is dead, they won’t try to do anything like this. Moreover, Prince Gabriel’s gamma is looking into this,” Flora explained, her gaze following Zander as he finally settled onto the couch across from her.
“You mentioned once that Ophelia manipulated the Queen regarding Prince Gabriel,” Zander remarked, leaning back against the cushions.
“Yes,” Flora admitted.
“Alex and I were close friends. We practically grew up together. But as we became adults, traits changed, along with many other things,” Zander said thoughtfully. “Ever since you told me that Ophelia might have helped Alex’s parents escape the mine, I haven’t been able to stop thinking that she might have met Alex, too. She held a deep grudge against Amelie and everyone associated with her. What if it were the witch who manipulated Alex? I’m not defending his actions, but Ophelia clearly wanted to break Amelie apart p>
“Now, he is dead, so we don’t know. Besides, even if Alex was manipulated, I was not. I tried to Flora paused as guilt again formed inside her. “I-I wanted Amelie to disappear. I said those words to Alex. I wanted to ruin the life of my own sister. Indeed, you two were close. But Alex was evil at heart. He used Amelie, and I also despised Amelie for being weak. You see, I wasn’t a good person. I still feel I should not be forgiven by anyone, especially you p>
“Hey, don’t say that.” Zander was swift to cross the distance between them. His hand rested over hers. “At least, you tried to turn into a better person. Alex didn’t do so. He decided to kill all of you. I am sorry for even bringing something like this when it has no meaning left p>