Chapter 242: Between the domino
As the temperature dropped even further, exacerbated by the increasing windiness, the gathering began to draw to a close, with the harsh conditions making the location inhospitable. The guests started to make their way towards their carriages. Some opted to spend more time with each other, climbing into the same vehicles, while others left in the same carriages they had arrived in at the Forest of Red.
As Emily walked on the snowy ground with Janelle accompanying her out of the heart of the forest, she pulled her coat closer around her to shield the front of her body from the cold. She glanced left and right when her friend inquired,
"What’s the matter, Lily?"
"I just realised the carriage I came in has left with my mother," Emily replied, and her lips pursed. As her eyes scanned the row of carriages neatly stationed in a line, they caught sight of Raylen. As if wanting to hide, she turned to Janelle and whispered, "Jane, you don’t mind dropping me off at the castle, do you?"
"I have no issue with it. But..." Janelle began, her voice trailing off as her gaze shifted behind Emily.
"Princess," Raylen’s clear voice tore through the surroundings as he approached the spot where the two young ladies were standing. He offered a polite smile and greeted Emily’s friend, saying, "How are you doing, Lady Janelle? You should come by the castle for a meal with us."
Janelle graciously acknowledged the King’s generous invitation with a bow and replied, "That is very kind of you, King Raylen. I will be more than happy to attend."
Raylen hummed, the corners of his eyes crinkling, and he said, "Once the Hallow is over, I am certain you will have a good reason to come visit in the near future."
Emily noticed that she wasn’t the only one who grasped the underlying meaning of Raylen’s words, as Janelle’s eyes widened and their gazes met, silently conveying, ’Did you hear what he just said?!’ Emily cleared her throat, and the archdemon shifted his attention towards her with a smile.
"My attention hasn’t left you, Princess," Raylen reassured her playfully, and if it were possible, Emily would have combusted on the spot from his mere words.
"I—I will be going with Janelle," Emily informed him, because she didn’t know how their carriage ride back to the castle would be otherwise.