Part 4

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„Looks like he still hasn't told you. Actually..." I could hear the superiority he thought he had over me in his voice. Even the thought was ridiculous.

„Is there anything I need to say my wife?" My heart skipped a beat and then started racing like never before. My wife. I can confidently say that he doesn't want to leave me.

His voice reached us sooner than he did and then I felt a strong arm around my waist. He drew me closer and I leaned into him.

„You should have informed her that you came back here to your kin to lead our tribe as our rightful leader, so... Of course, you two can't stay together."

Ryenne wasn't the type to smile openly, I felt really lucky if I caught a glimpse of his subtle one, but this time he had a a big, malicious grin on his face. I absolutely loved it.

„I don't remember saying I will stay here." I could feel the surprise emanating from the three hooded figures. „Don't interpret situations according to your own convenience." He pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. „I would never leave my wife." We have to get married quickly.

„Then why...?" The man stepped forward, revealing his face. His hair was the same as Ryenne's, but his eyes were the colour of daffodils. If negative emotions hadn't influenced my vision, he probably would have been incredibly handsome. But so I saw only a pathetic young man with symmetrical features. „Why would you come here if not to join us?" He really couldn't seem to think of any other reason. To be honest, I was interested too.

„This forest is on Aprudeé's land, so if something goes wrong with it, it could affect our people as well. I had to check the situation myself." Oh. He wanted to keep me and our friends safe, so he came even though I'm sure he hated every moment of it.

„Don't misunderstand me, I couldn't care less about you.„ His eyes were filled with contempt and resentment.

„But we are your kin." I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness. You're only thinking of him as a family when it is convenient for you.

„I don't remember you thinking like that when my parents were still alive." That caught him off guard. „I advise you to take someone as a wife and have a talented child yourself, because I will never come to your aid again, and you better not even think of bothering my future children."

He turned me around with himself and we walked away, the knights following us. I glanced over my shoulder and saw the two hooded figures bowing as the old man stood there.

Once we were out of the forest, I sent the knights ahead to be alone with Ryenne. We rode the horses home at a leisurely pace. I had so many things to say and so much to ask, but I didn't know where to start without sounding too accusatory.

„Is everything okay?" I wasn't sure exactly what I meant, but it was up to him how he answered.

„Yes. Now that I see you, everything is alright. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before I came here." He sounded sincere, but he was looking everywhere but me, so I knew he was feeling guilty about something.

„I can believe that you couldn't find the opportunity to tell me in person because our situation was awkward, but you could have left me a note or said something to one of my maids or knights." He could have founded a way if he really wanted to. He didn't, which means... What does it means?

„I am sorry, I just wanted to test you." He still didn't look at me.

„Test me?" I raised an eyebrow quizzically.

„You told me that maybe I could be happier somewhere else, so... I wanted to see how you would react if you thought I left you." I saw a tinge of pink on his cheeks. He was really cute. And I wonder... Was he trying to get a little revenge on me for hurting him? I could accept even that.

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