After a brief gathering with the other Commanders and Generals who participated in the war, Orius walked inside the chamber prepared for him.
Much to his surprise, Valerie was there, standing near the window.
She was here?
Why wasn't he informed of this?!
"Valerie," he called out and Valerie quickly turned in his direction.
When she saw him, she hurried to him and hugged him. "Orius."
"What is this? You're here?"
This wasn't a dream, right?
"I arrive in the morning and... I asked Prince Morin to keep a secret," Valerie said with a little smile. "The Prince told the Queen so that she can send you to this chamber." She pulled back and added, "I just wish to surprise you."
With a smile on his face, Orius's cupped his wife's face and kissed her on the lips. Then once again, he embraced her. "I missed you so much and I kept on wondering if you are having a difficult time because of me."
"I indeed worried about you but... I trust that you will return," Valerie said with a smile on her face.
Before Orius could say anything, the door was suddenly opened and the Duke pulled back as quick as possible. When he turned to the door, Iria walked inside and Orius sighed.
"Iria, I know you're the Queen here but you should at least knock the door," Orius Alewine promptly said. Though there was displeasure on his face, his voice was still calm.
"Why are you so sensitive, brother? Did you do something that I shouldn't see?" Iria asked with a playful smile on her face.
This time, Orius sighed even heavier. "You and your naughtiness. You're already 21. Don't you think it's time for you to grow up?"
The young Queen frowned and sat down on the couch... uninvited. "You start lecturing me again, Orius. You are only older by a few minutes but you always act like you're my father," she complained yet there was still a playful smile on her face. Just when Orius tried to speak up, she turned to Valerie. "Sister-in-law, it's great to see you again. I'm so glad that you come."
"I'm glad to see you safe and sound too, Your Majesty," Valerie promptly said to her with a smile.
Iria flashed a smile but when she looked at her brother, she frowned once again. "Why are you giving me that face, brother? Do you want me to leave?"
"You should go and rest," Orius said to her in a rather blunt tone.
"But I'm not tired."
Valerie chuckled but Orius let out a sigh. "You should still go."
"This is not fair, Orius," Iria suddenly said and rose from her seat. "Your wife is here and you neglect me right away. I don't expect you to do this." She put on an obviously disappointed face as she stared at her brother.
Though Valerie saw through her act, it seemed like Orius didn't.
He really buy it?
Maybe. His troubled expression proved that.
"You really mean that?" Orius asked, still feeling somewhat confused.
Iria nodded and just like before, her face still hinted at disappointment. Then before Orius could say anything, she walked out of the chamber.
Orius looked at his wife who didn't say anything and only exchanged his glance. "Wait here. I'll be back soon," he said to her and quickly went after Iria.
With a victorious smile on her face, Iria maintained a fast pace and hurriedly walked inside her chamber where Arin was sitting.
"Where have you been?" the King quickly asked his wife who still had a smile on her face.
"Just playing around," Iria muttered and walked towards Arin. However, just when she sat beside Arin, the door was opened and Orius walked inside.
The Duke glanced around the chamber and when he saw his sister, he quickly walked to her.
"Orius, what's the matter?" Arin asked his brother-in-law with confusion written all over his face.
Orius slightly shook his head and pointed his chin at Iria who refused to look at him even once. Then the King understood the situation.
Was this what his wife meant by playing around? With her brother?
He noticed how troubled Orius appeared and he inwardly sighed.
What kind of game did Iria play this time?
"Iria -"
"Why did you come? You told me to rest and I return here to do that," Iria bluntly said, making Arin raise a brow.
Wasn't she fine just a while ago? What's now?
"You know I don't really mean what I said," Orius explained. "Why did you take it seriously?"
"But I mean everything I said to you," the Queen promptly said, still refusing to look at her brother even once. Nevertheless, she was feeling quite excited on the inside as she wondered how far she could take this little game.
Well, it's not her fault. She didn't know that she will be able to trick her brother this easily.
Orius stood still, wondering what to say to his sister while Arin looked at him with pity.
If only he knew!
"If I had known that you will be crazy about your wife and neglect me, I won't arrange your marriage," Iria said in a low yet displeased voice. "I'm not just your only sibling but your twin sister. How can you treat me like that just because your wife is there?"
The more Orius struggled to say something, the more Iria finds it fun!
Taking pity on him was so far!
"I really don't mean what I said," Orius finally repeated after remaining quiet for a while. "I'm sorry, Iria. I don't mean to upset you. You know how much you mean to me."
Despite the Duke's sincere words, an idea which wasn't in his favor still appeared on the Queen's mind and she flashed a little smile in secret. Finally, she rose from her seat and looked at Orius.
"If I matter to you as you said... " she started and walked closer to him.. "Then tell me, brother. Right now, who is more important to you? Me or your wife?"
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