Theon, who looked at the maids who were getting farther away, let out a deep sigh as if he were suffocating.
Then, his eyes turned blank.
Only then did he understand why Ayla's eyes were swollen like that this morning.
Theon felt sorry, but on the other hand, he also felt sad for why she didn't tell him this.
Theon, who stood still for a moment to organize his thoughts, slowly walked back to his office.
As Theon got closer to the office, Mason, who looked somehow urgent, appeared in front of his eyes.
"The secretary, Mason Fren, greets Your Highness the Prince."
"What's the matter?"
"Well A guest is here."
Theon frowned at Mason's words.
As if he expected that, Mason was fidgety.
"Is it Princess Ariel again?"
"It's not the Princess, but The Grand Duke is here."
"The Grand Duke? Why did my Brother come to see me?"
"No, that It's not Grand Duke Kyle Ermedi, Grand Duke Owen Arrot is here."
As Mason said it was Grand Duke Arrot, Theon's expression, which showed signs of uneasiness, regained its composure.
He didn't know why Owen came to visit him, but it was obvious that he was better than the two people mentioned earlier.
But contrary to his thoughts, Mason's expression was a little serious.
As Theon opened the door to the office, tilting his head, and came inside, he saw Owen, who was looking sharply at him.
***
Owen was always mischievous but, right now, he wasn't like that at all.
It felt like he was controlling his emotions in every action.
Like a child pretending to be an adult.
There was a chilling silence that had never existed between the two of them.
"The tea is getting cold. Drink it."
"I didn't come here to drink tea."
Theon's expression hardened coldly at Owen's aggressive reaction.
Theon, who sat down with a straight posture, tilted his head. With a look as if it were interesting.
Owen hesitated for a moment with Theon looking at him, and then slowly opened his mouth.
"Send Ayla back as my exclusive maid."
"Hm I think that is going to be difficult?"
Owen's words were unexpected, but Theon calmly picked up the teacup, as if he didn't care.
"She was mine originally. Give her back."
"You seem to be mistaken, you don't own anything in this palace, Owen. If the King has chosen to have mercy on you and let you enter the palace, you must keep the line there. Don't make trouble."
"Do you know the humiliation Ayla is suffering because of you? A woman who hasn't even married yet is being called a concubine. Your concubine, on top of that!"
""
"When she was with me, she used to be bright and well. That child was crying so much last night that it was pitiful. Hiding without anyone knowing. I can't watch it any longer."
Theon's relaxed expression subtly changed at Owen's determined attitude.
Unlike other people, the strange Ayla was always pretending to be fine, pretending to be bright; but he had no choice but to regret thinking that, this time too, she would let it go as if it were nothing.
Knock, knock, knock.
When Theon and Owen, who were silent, heard a knock coming from outside, the two of them silently exchanged glances and then turned their gaze towards the door.
The doorknob soon turned, and the main character of the conversation the two of them were having came in through the open door.
Seeing Ayla, Theon smiled weakly and muttered, We can ask her personally.', in a low voice.
Did I come at the wrong time?'
Ayla felt awkward because of the two men who had their gazes fixed on her, with a violent mood.
Ayla, who brought the tea, felt embarrassed as she saw the already filled teacups in front of Theon and Owen.
"The The west palace maid, Ayla, greets Your Highnesses."
"Isn't it heavy? Give it to me, Ayla."
Owen said while dashing towards Ayla, who was holding a tray with a teacup and a kettle on it. It was so natural that Theon was annoyed without knowing why. Theon's gaze, looking at the two of them, narrowed.
She could tell without even looking. Theon's cold gaze towards her, the chilly energy as if he were watching his prey.
Ayla, who is quick-witted, whispered to Owen, It's fine, please sit down.', and gave a side-glance at Owen as if telling him to go. Owen, who was standing hesitantly, returned to his seat with an awkward smile.
"You're late."
"I apologize. Your Highness."
Lowering her gaze at Theon's unfriendly tone, Ayla gave a short answer, and then remained silent.
Owen, who looked displeased with that, opened his mouth after much consideration.
"Ayla, you decide."
"?"
What is this person saying again?'
Ayla tilted her head with an awkward smile as if she didn't understand the words he was saying.