Everyone were already out the doors and returning to each of their houses—alive and with intact limbs. Before they allowed themselves to rest easy and sigh of relief.

That was the scariest Casimir had been for a while now.

The more wordy he was, the more they felt his oppressive anger overwhelming them to the point they were drenched with sweat and tears and unconsciously trembling in fear.

Although they didn't know who the culprit was after all, they were sure that black-hearted prince won't ever let this incident go. Since it specifically involved his woman.

...

Casimir went back to Adira's side. She was temporarily at the farthest end room of the East wing of the palace. And no, he didn't mean to arrange it like that so no one disturbs them—Okay yeah, he did arrange it like that.

But partly because they had to secretly bring Heise when Lyfa came over. Heise was throwing a bit of a tantrum—probably feeling his mother's discomfort or the disturbance in her mana.

He even meant to just let her rest in his room but rules and circumstances would not allow that and he doesn't want to paint a bad impression on his soon-to-be parents.

He remembered she wanted to meet that person to ask why he/she drugged her with an aphrodisiac. So he came to report to her.

Knocking gently, he pushed the door open as soon as he heard her acknowledging voice and found her leaning against Heise for coolness in front of the fireplace for a little bit of warmth.

She had already changed into more comfortable clothes and let her hair fall in natural waves, looking so soft and homey. Like a wife waiting for her husband to return home.

And, upon seeing her weak figure, he decided to put it off for awhile.

"How are you?"

"Mm. Better. Heise's scales are very cold tonight and he's very perfect." Adira answered and snuggled closer to Heise, which was to the latter's absolute happiness.

"They say I'm cold." He subtly inserted and sat close to her while keeping his icy platinum orbs on her.

Adira giggled cutely and smiled brightly.

Was she really getting better? Why is she a hell lot more beguiling?

She slightly turned her body and opened her arms to receive him. She's been with Casimir for a long time that she can guess what he wants more often than not.

Brightening up at Adira's gesture, Casimir slowly shuffled closer to take her in his arms gently. Of course, he must not look too eager!

"Mm. Casey's warm not cold. Those people are lying."

And Casimir believed that. Whatever comes out of her pretty little mouth was his only truth.

"I can cast ice magic." He reminded her, though it wasn't needed, and Adira only shook her head. Casimir's temperature was perfect for her.

Or was it the person himself?

"Did you find the person?" Adira cautiously asked. She knew that asking about this incident would upset the great demon lord. She could clearly see it when he stepped into her temporary room.

But, she needs to know. She has this gut feeling that this incident wasn't all that it seems at the surface.

And true to her expectations, the temperature in the room dropped a few degrees after she mentioned it. Casimir was upset and his whole being was austere.

"Yes."

"Did you kill?"

Although she already knows the answer to that, she wanted to hear him say it. She wanted to hear him talk.

"No."

"Mm. Casey really is kind."

Who's kind? I didn't kill him only because you asked not to.

"I.. want to hear that person's reason." She added in a small whisper.

She wasn't all that advertent of her surroundings because she was more cautious of Casimir's surroundings. She was more worried of his impending assassination that her own security totally flew over her head.

Honestly, as idiotic it may sound, it didn't really occur to her that she'd also be a possible target.

Of course, Casey is strong. So what better way to hurt this man than to harm his only weakness?

She felt somewhat upset when she thought that. At first, she rigorously trained to perfection so she could protect herself. But now, she was being so pathetic and being a burden.

She even had the audacity to boast about protecting Casimir when she couldn't even protect her own self!

How am I supposed to protect him if I'm this weak?

"I'm sorry, Casey." Adira suddenly apologized and Casimir stopped playing with her long ash-grey hair to look down at her sad little face.

"Why?"

"I'm a burden to you, aren't I?"

It breaks his heart to see her like this— unsure, sad and doubtful of herself—he thought that maybe he really should've went and killed the person on sight.

"You're what makes me strong." He consoled her and gave her a comforting kiss on her head.

If he could cut his heart out and offer it up to her or slice his brain open and show her what he thought of her, he would. He'd do anything to see her strong and confident smile again.

Although it wasn't that bad to be needed like this, he'd still rather see her confidently stand up and face her challenges than mope like this and doubt herself.

"Casey makes me strong too, you know? Because I know that you'll be there when I turn around, I can move forward without fear."

She finally dozed off—breathing evenly and peacefully—after being in Casimir's warm hold for a while with Heise's head resting on her lap.

Casimir transfered her to her bed so she was comfortable while Heise's tail flicked and hooked the edge of the blanket to cover his mother.

The former stroked her head a few more times before answering her slumbering figure in a soft whisper,

"You don't need to turn around. I'll be holding your hand every step of the way. I'll be with you even if you don't want me to."

...

The next morning, Adira finally returned to normal and Casimir felt proud for passing through the night safely—albeit sleeplessly.

Casimir stayed over at her room to protect the weakened Adira, in case that person decided to finish his job, but wasn't confident in himself so opted to wile his time at the beige victorian couch a little ways away from Adira's bed.

Heise was resting his head on the bed, in the space beside Adira's slumbering figure getting too small for him, and was told by his father to protect his mother against anyone that enters.

Lyfa, after being informed of what happened to Adira, was very worried about her mistress that even if she wanted to sleep she couldn't.

So just like back then, when Adira fell into a long sleep after falling off the horse back when she was a kid, she stayed by her bedside and guarded her.

Only difference this time was she's got two more accompanying her vigil.

...

Casimir and Adira were both summoned to the audience chamber later that day and was asked about the commotion Casimir incited last night. They demanded a proper explaination.

Adira, taking the sudden interrogation the wrong way, panicked and tried to protect Casimir and shifted the blame to her.

"It is not his highness' fault, Your Majesty, Father and Mother! I asked his highness to find the culprit which caused the commotion and created unnecessary fear and anxiety!

If someone should be blamed, it is only I alone! Please don't blame his highness, Prince Casimir!"

Everyone was very shocked at Adira—most especially her parents. They had never seen this burning passion to protect someone in her all those years ago! And mind you, she never rose her voice like that as well!

Casimir glanced at her warmly and lovingly.

So this is how it feels to be protected?

"Adira, they're not chastising me. Calm down." He told her gently, taking her hands into his large ones and used his other free hand to pat her head.

"That is right, daughter. Casimir failed to properly explain to us yesterday because he suddenly took off after seeing all guests out. To which I could guess where."

The king calmly comforted the panicking Adira with a hidden smirk and reveled in the blush that coated her cheeks when she realized that she just overreacted.

However, Adira's father had a complaint.

"Who are you calling daughter? They're not even married yet and you're already calling my daughter yours?"

Father, we have a more serious issue at hand here.

Notes:
Hello! Thank you for all your lovely and funny comments! I had a great time reading them! Thank you also to those who voted relentlessly! Love ya!

Btw, I saw someone with a Lucas image as their profile and I couldn't help but say "Duuuude! You're the beeeest!
I miss my boy!"

And to the Hamilton dude! I am not throwing away my shot! Deng! 😂❤️