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

Chapter 48: Scolded

Stepping back into Vethela was incredible. Orion was very eager to be back home, especially since (Y/n) had come with him. She didn't specify why she wanted to return, but he was hoping it was because she liked the country more than Echal. Though, Sona had come with her, too, which baffled him. As they rode the car back, he felt a lot of joy by watching her gawk at the passing trees. He, like most people in Vethela, took a lot of pride in their scenery. It was unmatched in the world; a paradise unlike any other place on the earth. The male began to rack his brain for what other incredible things he could show her. Now that Haru wasn't lingering around her, he had tons of time with her.

The front gates to the palace opened, allowing them to enter, but, as they moved to transfer to a carriage, Presley and Mica were waiting. It wasn't the kind of scenery Orion particularly wanted (Y/n) to see. Neither of the two looked particularly amused, Orion shrinking as he felt their eyes on him. Shyly, he hid behind the older girl, not knowing what to say. He knew they were mad. Of course they would be. He had gone and vanished before they even knew what was happening. It wasn't like the prince had ever been rebellious. It might have felt like a betrayal to them.

"You went halfway across the world," Mica started, stating the obvious first, "but you couldn't go five feet to tell me you were leaving?"

"...Mother said she would - "

"She did tell us. She told us after we sent out hundreds of royal guards looking for you! Did you enjoy it? Having some reckless independence and watching us run around like chickens with our heads cut off?"

"I didn't mean to make anyone worry," the male sniffled, averting his gaze, "I just wanted to have some fun."

"Did you even look at the news? The entire world is talking all about how you ran away to side with the Akahito family! Did you forget the tension between our countries right now? Or is it because you aren't the one that has to deal with the repercussions?!"

Presley was about to put his hand on the regent's shoulder in order to indirectly tell him to calm down, but, he flinched. He wasn't to touch a royal, especially not Mica after what he had done to Kazuki. So, instead, he used his body language and made eye contact with the regent to achieve the same purpose. Similarly, the young prince was trembling. He had never been scolded before. No one ever yelled at him. It wasn't like he knew what would happen if he left the country. He just wanted to have a bit of fun. He never meant any harm. If he had known, he never would have left in the first place. In fact, he would have stayed to help his great uncle. Then again, it wasn't like he knew how to run a country, so what could he have done?

"I'm sorry," he whimpered, grabbing at the older girl's shirt, "I won't do it again."

"Miss Shiratori, please follow me," the regent sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and pushing his glasses back.

"What? No! It was my fault!"

"It's not what - "

"Everything was my fault, so please punish me! She didn't do anything! S-She was only following along with my selfishness! So, you can't - "

"Orion, I'm telling you - "

"Miss Shiratori has been very, very kind to me! S-So, i-if you don't leave her alone," A pause as the male thought of the most effective threat he could make, "I-I'll hate you, uncle!"

Everyone went silent. Orion thought that it was because he had been too harsh, the prince wondering if he had broken the man's heart. However, as (Y/n) let out a few snickers, he found himself blushing. When he began assessing Presley's reaction, he found something similar. And with Mica, it was always a bit hard to determine his exact emotions. He had built up a political persona in his sister's absence. However, as the man buried his face in his hand, the prince tilted his head, concerned.