Chapter 413 - 412. Back To Where He Belongs (1)
The second morning arrived with a quiet chill in the air, a stillness that felt heavier than usual. I had already made up my mind to take Kai to Fairisles Mansion to begin his punishment period. Unsurprisingly, he didn’t appear eager about the journey. His usual spark was dulled, replaced with subdued silence as we prepared ourselves for the day.
We sat in the grand dining hall, the morning sun casting golden lines across the polished floors. Breakfast had been served, though none of us had touched it yet. My seat was at the head of the long table—customary and expected. Kai sat to my immediate right, quiet and tense, while the seat on my left remained empty, reserved for Davian, who had promised to join us but was, as usual, late.
Kai kept stealing glances at me, eyes wide and glistening with that unmistakable look—pleading, hopeful, trying to melt whatever resolve I had with a gaze as pitiful as a kicked pup. I ignored him. I had already made the decision. No amount of coaxing would change it.
The silence was broken by the soft sound of footsteps and the long, drawn-out yawn that followed.
"Morning," Davian mumbled, stretching his arms lazily as he entered, his jet-black hair still slightly tousled from sleep.
"It seems you slept quite well, Your Highness," I remarked, unable to suppress the amused curl at the corner of my lips as I watched his languid posture.
Davian smiled, boyish and unbothered. "Indeed, it’s been a while since I had such a great sleep."
He dropped into his seat like a man who had no weight on his shoulders. The maids glided forward, placing plates before us with practiced precision. The clinking of silverware filled the air, and I noticed how Kai was still fidgeting beside me, hands in his lap, shoulders stiff. Davian seemed to pick up on the tension.
"I’ve been meaning to ask since yesterday," he began casually, spearing a piece of fruit with his fork, "but where’s your ever-so-loyal shadow? The one who’s usually stuck to your side like a second limb?"
"Lyall is also punished," I replied, my tone clipped.
"Punished?" Davian’s brow rose as he looked between Kai and me. His gaze lingered on Kai, who had lowered his head as if that single word had doused him in shame.