A Peacock Husband of Five Princesses by day, a Noble Assassin by Night-Chapter 59: The Royal Banquet (3/3)

Laura had always been protective of him, but her fire was always directed at others, not him. It was never him. But suddenly, he became the target of her scolding. He stared at her, searching her face, before reaching up to cup her cheeks in concern. "What’s wrong?" He asked softly.

Laura scoffed, but her eyes burned with something deeper. "Do you know what those people are saying earlier?" She demanded. "That my husband was too greedy and the same as any other man out there. That five beautiful wives aren’t enough for him, and now he is chasing after a foreign princess, too." She exhaled sharply, her hands clenching at her sides. "Tell me, Kael. What do you want me to do? Do you want me to make a scene and argue with them?"

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Kael stared at her in silence. He let out a deep breath, leaning down a bit, and whispered to her. "Tell them that I’m trying to help your brother," he said, his voice calm yet carrying an air of reassurance.

Laura’s eyes flicked over to Adam, who was now standing a bit awkwardly beside Princess Artemis. He looked embarrassed but somewhat pleased as he continued to chat with her. Laura let out a small sigh. "I should have known," she muttered. "I’m sorry. It’s just... I don’t know what came over me all of a sudden. I’m sorry. When we heard those words, Eldest Sister just laughed it off, but I got out of control. I… I…"

"Shhh..." Kael smiled, pulling her closer and brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I understand. So, calm down." He added with a soft chuckle, "Besides, do you think I would fall for anyone when I have this incredibly beautiful wife with me?"

Laura blushed, her cheeks reddening. "Okay, you can help him out. That goofy head doesn’t know how to talk with girls at all."

Kael nodded, giving her a brief kiss on the forehead. "Now, let’s go back before Adam becomes too nervous and passes out."

A minute later, while Laura returned to her group, Adam approached Kael, a broad grin on his face. The embarrassment had faded, replaced with excitement. "Kael!" he said, clapping him on the back with enthusiasm. "Thank you! I was... I was so nervous, but now I feel like I have a real chance!" He looked genuinely grateful.

Kael chuckled, pleased to see Adam so excited. "I guess it is a good thing I stepped away then. If you can deal with her alone, don’t waste your time. Go and strike when the iron is hot."

"Yeah, you bet." Adam’s smile widened, but then a moment later, his smile faltered slightly as he leaned in closer, lowering his voice so no one else could hear. "But... are you sure there’s nothing between you and the princess? I mean... You two seem awfully close."

Kael paused for a moment, surprised by the question but ultimately amused. He shrugged casually. "Adam, I’m a married man, and I’m happy," he said, his tone light yet firm.

Adam arched an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with that answer. "Except you’re married to five women, not one," he pointed out with a knowing smirk. "And don’t think I didn’t notice the way she looks at you. Somehow, it feels like you two go all the way back."

Kael smiled, this time with a hint of fondness in his eyes for his brother-in-law. He clapped Adam’s shoulder in a brotherly gesture. "You’re a good friend, Adam. But no, there’s nothing going on between me and Princess Artemis. I’ve had enough flirty gazes from women of all kinds over the years to know when it’s serious or just a game. And she had neither."

He leaned in slightly, his voice quieter now. "And I also beg you to woo her. Or your sister seems to be ready to flay me alive."

"Alright, alright," Adam replied, letting out a grin.

Kael gave him a good-natured laugh, clapping him on the back again. "It’s all good, Adam. Now, go talk to your princess and show her what you’ve got. Just don’t go falling too hard too fast, okay?" he added with a wink.

Adam snorted, looking much more relaxed now. "I’ll try. Thanks again, Brother." With a final clap on his shoulder, he turned toward Princess Artemis, who was watching the exchange with a small smile, awaiting his return.

Kael watched his brother-in-law go, shaking his head in amusement. It felt good to help Adam out, but it also reminded him of how delicate the situation could become. Relationships—whether romantic or political—could easily become a tangled mess. He had to stay focused on his own family and his duties.

As Kael walked toward a group of men who were all conversing something, he couldn’t help but glance once more at Artemis, who had resumed speaking with the royal preceptor. But then, his gaze suddenly captured the Queen’s gaze, which seemed like it was aimed at him. Their gazes were met from afar, and Remia gave a small nod as she slowly raised the glass as if she was greeting him, but instead of taking a sip, she put it down on the table.

Kael’s eyes narrowed for a moment. "Another mission?" He muttered under his breath. He forced a smile and turned around to walk away.

As time passed by, the royal banquet slowly began to wind down. Many of the guests were saying their goodbyes, but Kael and his wives remained seated, as per the Queen’s request. She had invited them to stay for a private dinner afterward, and Kael, as well as the princesses, had accepted.

Once the formalities were over, the guests were escorted to their respective rooms. However, just as Adam was about to leave, Artemis called his name. She stood near the grand doorway, a mischievous glint in her eyes. However, the flush on her cheeks gave away the fact that she wasn’t completely sober at the moment.

"Prince Adam," she called, her voice sharp enough to stop him mid-step. "I would like to see you prepare yourself for a swordfight. I changed my mind. We’ll meet again in one hour. Get ready."

Adam blinked, clearly surprised by her sudden challenge. "But… It’s already going to be dark by then," he said, glancing out the window, where the twilight sky was darkening.

Artemis raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed tightly to her chest. "We can spar indoors. Surely, you’re not afraid of fighting in a little dim light?" She added with a teasing smirk, "Or if you’re not interested, I’ll let it go."

Adam hesitated for a moment, his pride and competitive nature kicking in. "No, no. I’m up for it." He straightened his back, determination flashing in his eyes. "I’ll be ready."

Artemis laughed, a light, melodic sound that echoed in the quiet room. "Good. I’ll be looking forward to it, then."

As she turned around to walk away, Adam mumbled. "Well, I’m doomed. No Sh*t."

After a while, Kael left his guest room and walked all the way to the royal chambers on the other side of the palace.

He was led to the Queen’s chamber. The guards at the door stopped him.

But then Kael told them about the Queen’s summon. One of them entered the chambers and came out after a while.

"Her Majesty wishes to meet you. Please…" The guard opened one-half of the door. Kael nodded.

He stepped inside and the door was closed right away.

"You are here, my shadow. I was about to summon you out of impatience, you know," A voice called out to him.

Kael turned his head toward the source and went down to one of his knees, resting his elbow on the knee and bowing down. "K greets Her Majesty."