Married To The Enemy Kingdom's Illegitimate Prince-Chapter 50 — Missing Diary

Once the door closed behind Dylan, Lucian sat back in his chair, letting out a deep sigh.

"I need to talk to Adrian about disciplining him a bit more harshly. He’s too carefree."

Lucian’s gaze fell on the objects before him, his curiosity still piqued.

He reached for the large dark-colored hilt, pulling the heavy sword closer. As he examined the blade, his eyes widened at the realization—it was real.

"Why would she hide real swords?" Lucian mumbled, struggling to find a reasonable explanation for such a ridiculous action.

"If she was worried about her safety, she shouldn’t have been. I’ve placed guards near her bedroom ever since the attack on our first night. So... why?"

Dark thoughts clouded his mind, but he shook them off.

He needed to trust her. It had been three months since she arrived in Selvarys, and she hadn’t behaved in any strange way—only in her usual villainous manner.

But why would she keep such dangerous items? They’re extremely heavy; I doubt she can even use them.

Lucian brushed his fingertips along the sharp blade, which slightly nicked his finger. He didn’t hiss or flinch; this pain was negligible compared to the wounds he had suffered before.

Another knock echoed, and Lucian sighed, assuming Dylan had returned. He was a persistent young man who always wanted to prove his point, no matter the odds—even if he was wrong or had failed in his first attempt.

Perhaps that was how he had died on the battlefield, or when he fought against the demons who always overpowered him. His relentless determination had kept him alive.

"Dylan, you—"

Lucian halted as he heard a female voice.

"Your Highness?" The red-haired young woman spoke softly, dressed in a plain green dress adorned with a few floral patterns at the edges, giving it a hint of elegance.

"What brings you here?"

"I came to bring you the report instead of Adrian," she said, lifting a stack of papers as she approached the desk.

"You should call him brother, Fiona," Lucian said firmly, taking the papers from her and setting aside the one on which he had spilled ink.

"No."

"Why not?" Lucian raised an eyebrow, curious about her resolute expression.

"Just..." She sighed. "We’re twins. Just because he was born a few minutes earlier doesn’t mean he can be my older brother," she explained.

Lucian chuckled, finding the bond between Adrian and Fiona endearing. He envied their relationship, knowing he couldn’t have a sister like that.

Despite having a half-sister, he could barely remember her, having spent a decade on the battlefield without seeing her. Even during his time in the palace, he wasn’t allowed to meet Princess Arisia, who was often sick and rarely left her quarters. Initially, he would visit her, and they would play together. But as time passed, his role in the palace became clearer. The cruelty of the prince, the queen, and the servants intensified, making it difficult for him to move. Visiting the princess in such a state would have worried her, and his punishments might have only worsened.

"What are you thinking so hard about?" Fiona stood beside Lucian, leaning closer as she looked into his eyes.

***

Having breakfast, Cynthia entered her bedroom. She felt slightly more at ease now that she didn’t have to live in constant fear of being poisoned. Still, she didn’t let her guard down.

It hadn’t been long since assassins had been sent to kill her.

"At least I can manage the estate now," she said with a smile, taking a seat at her desk. She opened the first drawer and reached inside.

Her eyes widened in shock as she felt the empty space.

"My diary?" she mumbled, her lips trembling.

She hadn’t written in it often, but she occasionally glanced at it, making sure she didn’t forget any details her ten-year-old self had recorded until she turned seventeen. After all, that day had changed her life forever.

"Did the maids touch it?" she wondered, raising an eyebrow.

She quickly clapped her hands twice, and Anni rushed in. She had just finished escorting the grand duchess to her room but lingered nearby in case Cynthia needed anything.

"Yes, Your Highness?" Anni bowed as she entered.

"Call Hilda and Jane."

"Y-yes?"

"Now," Cynthia’s voice held a sharpness that contrasted with her usual soft-spoken demeanor, prompting Anni to hurry.

A few minutes later, the three maids stood before the grand duchess, all of them perplexed. Cynthia remained silent, heightening their anxiety.

Did we do something wrong?

Why isn’t Her Highness saying anything?

I hope she isn’t mad at us and doesn’t fire us.

"Y-Your Highness," Hilda hesitantly broke the heavy silence hanging in the air.

"Right," Cynthia said, as if she had temporarily forgotten their presence. "Did you touch my belongings?"

"Of course not, Your Highness!" the three maids replied in unison, their gazes steady despite their trembling hands.

It’s not them.

Cynthia thought for a moment before a soft scoff escaped her. She knew who had taken it.

"You are dismissed," she said, rising from her chair and stepping outside, leaving the three women dumbfounded by her unusual behavior.

They had expected her to throw a tantrum or perhaps being punished as they had heard rumors about her, yet again, she proved them wrong. Not only did she not lash out, but she didn’t even scold them.

***

Cynthia’s steps halted as she reached Lucian’s study. She didn’t bother asking Philip where he was, as she now knew where to find him. He often secluded himself in his study, even after she had managed to gain his trust.

"You’re really hard to understand," she sighed.

She raised her hand to knock but paused. Did she need to? As his wife, there was nothing he had to hide from her, right?

Curling her lips into a bright smile, Cynthia opened the door and entered.

Before her, the dark-haired man sat at his desk while a red-haired young woman stood beside him, her body brushing against his hand.

"And he is allowing it?" Cynthia raised an eyebrow, tilting her head.

"Your Highness..." Lucian mumbled, shocked by her sudden appearance.

He had expected her to visit, especially since she hadn’t done so in the past week. He was preoccupied with uncovering the mystery of the increasing demons in the forest and the people disappearing from the nearby villages.

Although Cynthia wore a bright smile, Lucian felt a sense of unease. He overheard his subordinates discussing their affairs, and even though he had done nothing wrong, it felt as if he had been caught cheating by his wife.

"Wife?" He froze, shocked by his own thoughts.

Visit freewe𝑏(n)ovel.co(m) for the b𝘦st novel reading experience