Chapter 66: Taking Responsibility

All the trauma Ailea went through was because of the powers sitting in the throne. His wife had been dragged and wounded in those times. Something inside him cracked, and Ailea could feel it. Her hot tears ceased, so did her trembling. She bore no resemblance to her father, not even her facial features, but at times, her courage did remind him of Captain Ron.

“Clint, don’t say such things. Those are very dangerous words to say,” Ailea said.

He was reminded of the words Captain Ron said to him. “You’re very important to Teniac. How long has it been since we’ve stabilized this country’s borders? Right. Clint, if we die, you’re the leader. You know that, right? I know you’ll do a good job. Better than me, at least.”

Clint breathed heavily. Why is it that the people in that family tried their very best to protect him with such gentleness?

Look at that, Captain. It’s better for me to have died than you. You have a family. I don’t. Your daughter has become a fine woman that I’m sure you’d be proud of. She’s with me now. I can’t help it. I owe you my life. I have no choice but to take responsibility and care for your daughter with my utmost best.

***

After a warm bath, Clint changed into his nightwear. He wasn’t at ease and went to his wife’s room. Sitting beside, he held her hand and said, “If anything happens, run outside.”

“I will be alright.”

“How can you be alright? You cried a lot, you know? Just sleep tight.”

He laid her back, urging her to sleep; she couldn’t. She tossed and turned for hours, and when she finally couldn’t take it anymore, she stood up from her spot. She thought of drinking warm mint tea. Maybe that’d help her fall asleep. Since she didn’t have a maid, she went to get it herself. When she opened the door, she found Clint sleeping in a sitting position, his back leaning against the wall.

“Clint…” Tears welled up in her eyes.

Clint tilted his head and looked up. Mumbling, he groggily said, “Why did you wake up?”

“What are you doing here?” she asked softly.

He smiled. “So that I’ll be here right away if I find you having a nightmare.”

Her heart tugged. Why was he so sweet to her? Her lips curled up. “I… I can’t fall asleep. Do you… want to drink tea together?”

“With you, yes.”

Ailea nodded silently. She went out for a while and brought two warm mint teas. She wondered whether the mint teas were feeling giddy today. The fragrance was extra delightful, warming the atmosphere as Clint and Ailea smiled tenderly as they drank their tea.

***

The next day, Lawrence’s sister, Daisy, invited Ailea to tea time. Daily was interested in her ever since watching her dance at the banquet. The same couldn’t be said for Ailea. She was intimidated at the mere thought of having to spend time alone with the princess. Though, subconsciously, she did want to accept the invitation. She had no friends.

Clint had forbade her to go at first, but after seeing her conflicted emotions, he seemed to know what she was thinking. In the end, he allowed her to go. He ended up wandering around the Imperial Garden some distance away from where his wife and the princess were located.

Rita was there too; she wanted to maintain a friendly relationship with the crown prince’s sister. At first, Ailea fumbled around with her fingers, too awkward to make the first move, causing Rita and Daisy to greet her reluctantly.

After settling down, they had a fragrant tea. Rita said it was the best in the country, though Ailea begged to differ. Somehow, the ordinary mint tea she had with Clint tasted a little bit better.

“Did… you do it on purpose?” Rita asked Ailea.