A Midsummer Breeze

Chapter 41

"I see the problem." said the Crown Prince as he stared at Rachel while she glared back. Though both may look composed, one was furious and the other was having fun.

"Then both of you may find ways to apologize to each other." he announced. Felix stepped in, promoting that the fabrics which were delivered to Schelias was from the merchant that House Yvonne sponsored for years. 

"If so, why did he not show me the spare contract of the sponsorship?" Rachel countered back. The answer was simple enough. Because House Yvonne no longer had the power nor wealth to keep sponsoring him.

"If you both don't apologize," the crown prince reached out his hand, creating layers of thin air which later converted to edges of sharp, clear ice ; pointed at the four nobles. 
"there might be a funeral to attend tomorrow."

Rachel took one of the thin ice, scaring her hand and swiftly she swung her hand.

"My Lady!" 

Cutting her hair.

Her pink hair was now to her shoulder, or even shorter since it was not an equal cut, her actions surprised everyone. She threw the weapon away and walked over to Abigail with her bloody hands.

"I, Rachel Octivus, daughter of Duke Octivus apologize for the wrong doings I had to fix for someone." she sneered as she shoved her hair to Abigail. She walked out as Canaria followed her with worried eyes.

"I hope we meet again, Lady Yvonne." Elios smiled a deathly glare and left the banquet hall. The Crown Prince exited with a cheerful look on his face.

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Back in the carriage Rachel was being treated, Elios offered her to stop by the mansion for better treatment but she declined since she didn't want any suspicion to risen.

"I'll go back to Schelias and extend my stay there for a while." she sighed as she laid her head. 

"You could've just sent her a gift as an apology there wasn't any need to cut your hair." Elios offered her a wrapped candy which he always carried around for a short time of refreshment. She took it and said.

"I'm not a butterfly for show Sir Cards." she ate it, making Elios chuckle.

"I-is there something you find funny?" Rachel didn't like being embarrassed or teased, the slightest would make her blush.

"No, not at all, My Lady." he simply smiled and added, "Just that...you remind a lot of my sister." 

*I guess I'll stay in Schelias for a while.* 

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Soon after viewing a magnificent scene his wife made for him, Augustus suggested that they headed back to the mansion. Estelle agreed to the suggestion, but was hesitant since she didn't have a horse to ride on. 

"Get on." he offered his hand to Estelle, guiding her to get on the horse. She gently placed her palm on his and seated herself on the stallion. Hoping that the Duke wouldn't put much pressure on her back when he rode on it too.

But her expectations rather averted reality. Augustus took the reign and walked. A feeling of embarrassment rose in her chest that it was stupid and bashful of her to wish that the Duke would also ride the stallion with her. But for some reason, she was slightly disappointed that he didn't too. 

What must she do in her own world of unknown feelings? 
While the person she doesn't want to show them most was right in front of her? 

He went through the forest tracks, cutting branches with one hand, while the other was clinging onto the reigns. How he wished to have see her flushed ears from behind and watch her shoulders giggle up and down while returning home. 

Home...
Since when did he consider that which was once a cold building is now is home. He couldn't explain this feeling, it was warm and light, it didn't cause him any desire to get rid of someone. Yet, it caused a voice inside of him which yearned that his wife, will always be his wife. 

The way she is, strong, beautiful, greedy and...incomplete.
The incomplete wife of his.