Chapter 126: Maybe a little
Noelle’s eye twitches in frustration, irritation gnawing at him as he stands in his own home. He’s been hoping for a quiet moment, to bask in the glow of his recent news, to daydream about the future with Thorne. But of course, that peace is shattered by the arrival of another royal- Rolland. One of the royals Noelle despises most, and for good reason. Rolland had once tried to take advantage of Thorne during a vulnerable moment, drugging him. The memory alone makes Noelle’s blood simmer.
He casts a sharp glance at Rolland, who lounges in the parlor like he owns the place, his air dripping with arrogance. Noelle is grateful that Oliver is here with him, standing at his side. The blonde omega rests his hands protectively over his pregnant belly, his presence calm but sharp.
But it’s hard for Noelle to focus. His mind keeps wandering. It’s been a few days since the last letter from Thorne, and the silence is driving him restless. Noelle knows Thorne is busy—probably handling some urgent matter at the border—but it doesn’t stop the knot of anxiety tightening in his chest with each day that passes without word. He forces himself to swallow the concern, reminding himself that every minute Thorne spends out there is a minute closer to coming home.
Then Rolland’s voice cuts through his thoughts like a jagged blade, dragging him back to the moment.
"A commoner for a husband." Rolland’s tone drips with disdain, and Noelle feels that familiar prickle of anger flickering to life inside him.
Before Noelle can respond, Oliver does, sharp and biting. "At least I have a husband."
The words land like a clean knife strike, sharp and precise. Noelle doesn’t hide the flicker of satisfaction that briefly cuts through his irritation.
Rolland’s eyes flash with anger, his aristocratic features hardening. "I’d rather have no husband than stoop so low," he spits, his gaze flicking dismissively toward Oliver’s stomach with thinly veiled contempt.
Noelle tenses, the anger rolling through him. He opens his mouth, ready to defend his friend, but Oliver is already one step ahead. His voice, cool and cutting, slices through the air.