In Sickness And In Health (Yandere M. Genius x F. Reader x Yandere M. Prince)

Chapter 24: Parallel

Mica stared down the guard in front of him, noting the shifty look in the male's eyes. The regent had been juggling so many things prior to the incident, probably resulting in him forming a grudge against the young man. He fully understood his thought process. Orion was precious and his body was weak. Using violence against the weak boy for simply trying to greet him was a response uncalled for. And since the orange-haired male was shocked in the process and spiralled into a coughing fit not long after, it was terribly worrying for the aged man. Still, Presley should have acted with more tact, considering the brunette's origins.

The coral-haired male was gripping his hands, knowing the immense disappointment the man had in him. He, too, understood his failings, always far too emotional when it came to one of two people. Orion was simply too special to allow such disrespect. The knight could barely stand it when the brunette was dismissing his divine birthright, but seeing something like that made him spiral out of control. It was only right he should be kneeling in front of the royal, begging for forgiveness. Still, apologizing to the Akahito was not something he felt he could do. At least, he knew he would never be able to do it sincerely.

"You have many responsibilities in the palace, but disciplining foreigners is not one of them," the silvery-blue haired man sighed, moving to grab at his sister's ring on his pinkie - a bad habit of his, "I've spoken to Verona about this matter as well."

"You...did?"

"You sound as though she's going to eat you alive. Well, to tell you the truth, she certainly sounded like she would."

"But his highness was hurt! Surely she must have understood my actions dictated that I - "

"Count Alvaric."

The knight hung his head obediently, sealing his lips shut. He had committed another mistake, speaking against the regent and raising his voice. Though his emotions were high-strung because of harm coming to Orion, he knew he should have controlled himself. After all, though Verona treated him as an adoptive son and the previous queen had been very fond of him, Mica had no such affiliation with him. To him, before him was simply an overeager knight babying the crown prince and baring his teeth at a guest. In addition, it was clear that the man still had a grudge against what happened with him and the first prince.

"My niece did not understand your actions. In fact, I placed the matter of your discipline in her hands, and she decided to suspend you from some responsibilities for the time being."

"Please, archduke. I understand my faults, but please allow me to remain by his highness's side as his escort. I feel...if you will forgive these selfish words; this impacts him as well."

"They are selfish words, and arrogant, too. You are not the only one that serves him. I'll have more knights around him to fill in for your absence. Of course, you are to continue your duties as the chief of staff even during this suspension."

Presley said nothing. Instead, he felt self-pity for the loneliness he knew he would inflict Orion with. As a prince, he already found it difficult to bond with others, but as a dying child, it was even worse. Though no one mistreated him or ignored him, there was a notable difference in the treatment towards him against his cousins. The coral-haired man just hoped that his personal attendants would notice the male's loneliness and make an effort to give him some happiness. But, if not, he could always just convey that to them directly.

"Before you leave, you'll attend a luncheon with the Akahito heir. You will also apologize for your hastiness."

Though the coral-haired man darted his eyes away, narrowing them in discontent, he did not dare reject the order. After all, this was the only way the royal family could make amends with the Akahito's. But to apologize to such an arrogant and impulsive brat was demeaning. Mica knew exactly what the knight was thinking, the man suddenly letting go of the ring and sighing.