In the Doghouse - Chapter 159
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Rebecca rolled her eyes subtly, exchanging a glance with Isabella, who was equally silent.
‘What’s going on with Her Highness?’
When Rebecca signaled with her eyes, Isabella shrugged slightly and shook her head, mouthing back.
‘No idea.’
Rebecca couldn’t help but wonder if she was being left out again. She studied Isabella’s face suspiciously for a moment, then quickly shifted her gaze back to the source of their worry, the one who’d kept them all on edge that morning.
It was easy to guess what—or rather, who—was causing the tension. Naturally, it was their lady, the Crown Princess, who had been acting strangely all morning.
Everything had seemed fine the previous night. In fact, the Crown Princess had been in such high spirits about spending time with the Crown Prince that she’d dismissed her ladies-in-waiting early. But that morning…
“Good morning…”
She had greeted them first thing in the study, dark circles under her eyes. It was evident she hadn’t slept well, and whatever had happened was serious enough that none of them dared to ask.
Ignoring her fatigue, she had insisted on rechecking the winter preparation ledgers, despite everything being nearly complete. The fact that she was digging into unnecessary tasks hinted that something was definitely wrong.
Yet, as she sifted through the books, she seemed lost, her mind somewhere far away. She sighed repeatedly, oblivious to the worried glances of her attendants.
“Huuuuu…”
Another long sigh escaped her lips, making Isabella and Rebecca flinch.
They speculated silently. What could cause such awkwardness in a couple’s bedroom? Perhaps a failed intimate moment? An awkward situation where things simply hadn’t aligned as expected?
That night, it seemed to have been the same for Richard and Courtney.
“I’m sorry… but please leave for now.”
When she suddenly declared an end to their evening, Richard could only blink in shock. But Courtney hadn’t stopped with mere words. She freed his wrists and removed all of the tools she had used on him.
“W-Wait…”
She avoided looking directly at Richard, who was clearly distressed.
“Courtney, why…?”
Richard’s voice had been filled with confusion, but she couldn’t answer. She didn’t know herself—there was nothing she could say. She couldn’t offer a reason, let alone an excuse.
“We can talk… later.”
She looked down, her voice trailing off. With the wall she had suddenly built between them, Richard could only move his lips without uttering another word. Eventually, he quietly dressed and left the room as she silently watched him go.
Why had she done it? Courtney herself couldn’t understand. Everything had seemed fine until she had freed him from the gag.
It was as if she had snapped awake from a dream, suddenly aware of the reality of her actions and the results in front of her.
It felt as if someone else had taken over her body, leaving her with a hollow, inexplicable fear. Her instincts screamed at her that if she crossed this last line, she would never be able to turn back.
Isabella, who had been watching her cautiously, finally spoke up.
“Your Highness, you should have lunch…”
“Hmm?”
Only then did Courtney glance at the clock. It was already past noon. Though she had skipped breakfast, knowing she couldn’t avoid Richard forever, she finally gave a nod.
“Yes… I suppose I should.”
“I’ll take care of the ledgers!” Rebecca quickly offered as Courtney moved to gather her things.
Clearly, the couple had had some sort of argument, but Rebecca held hope that their typically close bond would smooth things over once they sat together.
The pile of ledgers was swiftly organized into a neat stack, and with the gentle but insistent nudges from her attendants, Courtney finally left the study, her steps unusually heavy.
The dining hall felt like a chamber of judgment. Courtney was unable to escape or delay any further. Richard was already there, waiting.
“Courtney…”
He looked just as weary and disheveled as she felt. She averted her gaze, awkwardly greeting him.
“Did you… sleep well?”
“Yes…”
Their exchange felt hollow and awkward. Neither dared broach the subject of the previous night, leaving them both sitting in silence, uncomfortably aware of the unspoken tension.
The attendants took a cue from the atmosphere, exchanging anxious glances before quietly excusing themselves from the dining hall. The servants, too, withdrew after setting the table, leaving the two of them alone.
The silence was stifling. Though she picked up her utensils, Courtney found no appetite. She avoided looking at Richard, fearful of the inevitable conversation she was dreading.
