Mikhail tried to stand and desperately clutched the billiards table for support, but his legs were trembling, and he fell onto the floor. His eyes started to roll back into his head. It seemed he was doing everything he could to prevent himself from fainting, but he could only let out a few groans.
Bam! Bam! From above, loud thuds accompanied an object being smashed as numerous footsteps tried to make their way inside. Lucas looked up at the ceiling.
“Ah, they’re finally here,” he said.
In mere moments, the navy-blue suits of the Royal Police flooded into the basement. All the “dogs” were nowhere to be seen. The Royal Police proceeded to apprehend Mikhail.
Amidst the ensuing chaos, Lucas whispered in my ear, “The faction of the first prince controls the high-ranking officials of the Royal Police. Only after you were abducted and I was attacked did they finally agree to act and storm in here without ignoring the fuss.”
“I see…” I replied.
“It’s best if you two leave,” Leik said. “I’m sure the police will arrive at the manor to discuss further details.”
“I understand. Let’s hurry,” I said, glancing at Mikhail, restrained by the police, one final time.
His vacuous gaze fixed on me as his lips moved. I couldn’t hear his voice, but I guessed he was cursing me.
“Iris, let’s go,” Lucas said, taking me by the hand and bringing me close. He grabbed me by the chin, our lips touching for only a brief moment.
“Ah…” I gasped.
“Don’t look at him. You’ve got no obligation to keep him within your sights,” Lucas said.
My husband swiftly picked me up and walked up the stairs and outside. The hazy skies were now a bright blue as he carried me into the carriage.
“Hey, Leik,” Lucas said, setting me down on a seat before he turned to the smiling butler. “Don’t peek inside.”
“I know, I know,” Leik replied nonchalantly. He closed the carriage door.
“Iris,” Lucas said, removing his torn hat as he kneeled in front of me. His proud, confident demeanor from moments ago was nowhere to be seen as he checked my body worriedly. “Are you hurt? Did he touch you anywhere?” he asked.
“Y-You can sit in your seat, Lucas,” I stammered.
“Like hell. I’ll be so worried and restless until I can check if you’re really okay.”
His large hands brazenly glided across my body, making me feel embarrassed and ticklish, but when I saw the pained look on his face, I couldn’t tell him to stop.
“All right…” I relented.
Once he carefully inspected my body and saw that I was uninjured and my clothes were still tidy, he gazed at me with all seriousness, his eyes piercing through me.
“Then you’re fine?” Lucas asked.
“I am,” I replied with a nod.
He ran his fingers through his dull hair covered with powder and let out a large sigh. I could practically see the tension leaving his shoulders.
“As long as you’re safe…” he said. “I’m sorry for making you experience something terrifying again.”
“Leik was with me, so I had nothing to fear,” I replied.
“It was terrifying for you until you realized he was acting like he betrayed you, no?”
“He will never betray you, Lucas. So, I knew he was acting from the start.”
“Do you trust him that much?”
“I do. We’ve overcome several predicaments together.”
I recalled the time Leik and I had spent in the rose garden when he divulged his innermost thoughts. A man like him, who protected me while risking his life when I was separated from Lucas at the royal capital, had certainly well-earned my trust. Lucas looked grim as he grabbed my hands and lowered his head.
“I’ll tell you my reasons later, but I’m sorry about all this,” he said. “In the end, I used you as bait to capture Mikhail.”
“Lucas…”
When my husband looked so remorseful, a warm and gentle feeling filled me. He apologized for putting me in danger, but when I saw his tattered clothes soiled with blood, I knew he was in far more peril than I had been. He’d guided us all to put an end to this event. He could be prouder of his accomplishments but doesn’t care about being victorious. He’s apologizing because he’s more worried about me. He doesn’t need to be so bothered.
I felt my heart grow full.
“Lucas,” I said.
As he remained kneeling, I quietly wrapped my arms around him and brought him close.
“Iris…”
I brought his head to my chest, stroking his dull yellow hair and back. The grayish powder that temporarily dyed his hair stuck to my gloves—as I stroked his hair, the strands started to regain their lovely, canary-yellow sheen. It was a vibrant color that I loved, more brilliant than the sunset.
“Since I married you, I’ve always been prepared for my fair share of troubles. Please don’t make that expression,” I said.
“Your preparations and my responsibility for dragging you into trouble are separate matters,” Lucas’s voice was muffled since his face was buried in my chest.
“Goodness… Please let me share your troubles.”
“Don’t hug me too tightly. I can’t breathe…”
As he looked up for air, even his ears were bright red. His pained expression was gone, causing me to smile in relief. Lucas widened his amber eyes before he lowered his eyebrows and offered me a squinty-eyed smile.
“I’m no match for you,” he said. “As my wife, I’m sure you’ll continue to face more trials and tribulations, so you’d better be prepared.”
“Of course,” I replied. “I’m looking forward to it, you see.”
“Why?”
I took his left hand with both of mine and brought it to my face. After I lovingly gazed down at his hand, marred with scratches and dirt, I gently planted a kiss on his ring finger—much like the mark on my ring finger that he’d left months ago before we parted ways for the royal capital.