Chapter 422: A Secret Pact
"If this is about my rough behaviour towards Miss Canton, I apologise," Noah began.
"Let’s forget about that. I understand now why you acted the way you did. Anyone in your position would have reacted similarly. Besides, that’s not the reason for my visit tonight," Kiev replied.
"If that’s not the case, then what is it?" Noah asked.
Kiev smiled casually, taking his time before revealing his true intention.
"I was wondering why you’ve become so silent. I heard from Rafe that you argued with him, and when he raised his concerns about Elis’s dignity and its effect on me, you just... withdrew. Were you perhaps waiting for the right moment to snap again? Knowing your temper, you wouldn’t simply let this go, would you?"
Noah sighed, his steps halting, prompting the Mederian Prince to stop as well.
"I was angry and wanted to reclaim what I believed was mine. But if Miss Canton is going to suffer a lifetime of humiliation because of my desires, I can’t do that! She’s already lost her sister in such a cruel way and suffered greatly. How could I put her in such a situation for my sake?"
"Is that the only reason?" Kiev asked again.
"Sir Navin mentioned it was all part of your plan for the duel... to give me a chance to be with my wife. It might not mean much to you, but I’m truly grateful for that. Trust isn’t easily obtained, yet you were willing to give it to me. So consider this my way of repaying that."
"Why didn’t you go after the men who framed you for the crime?" the Mederian Prince probed further.
"I want to... so much that I’d like to burn those people to the ground. But I have a family now. I can’t put Emily in danger by acting rashly. If I follow my heart without considering others, she won’t be happy, and I don’t want that. If I have to let everything go for her, so be it."