In the Doghouse - Chapter 168
Among all her ugly thoughts, a different idea surfaced, like a lone splinter. It was almost a mixture of regret and hope, a flicker in her heart.
Richard would never do that. He just wouldn’t. Perhaps he was preparing a surprise to cheer her up. Or maybe he was doing something foolish to try and make her jealous, attempting a push-pull tactic because simply pursuing her hadn’t worked. After all, he was a man who was notoriously difficult to predict.
In light of everything, that scenario actually seemed more likely. With a sense of relief, Courtney’s hardened expression softened. She glanced at Rebecca in the mirror and spoke up.
“Rebecca.”
“Yes?”
“What type of man do you like?”
“Pardon?”
Rebecca’s eyes widened at the unexpected question. A moment ago, Courtney had been muttering to herself in anger and scowling fiercely, and now, she was asking such a sudden question. No wonder it sounded odd.
But Courtney wasn’t asking with any deep meaning in mind. She hadn’t given much thought to her own preferences before marriage, so she was simply curious about what others thought. She casually added an explanation.
“You’ll be getting married soon. I wondered what type of man you’d ideally want to marry.”
“I’m not exactly in a position to choose…”
Rebecca trailed off. To her, understanding the Crown Princess’s intentions was far more pressing than her own future. But as Courtney urged her on with a look, Rebecca hesitated before finally speaking.
“I’d prefer someone quiet, even if they’re a bit reserved.”
“Hm?”
It was surprising, considering she hadn’t mentioned family background or wealth first. When Courtney blinked in surprise, Rebecca added with some embarrassment.
“I can be a bit… lively, you know? If the man’s talkative too, the house would just be noisy all the time.”
Courtney found herself impressed with Rebecca’s self-awareness. But then, she felt a pang of guilt. Who was she to judge someone else? She muttered awkwardly,
“You’re not overly lively… just cheerful.”
“Thank you for seeing it that way.”
Rebecca replied brightly, brushing her hair down with swift strokes. Courtney blinked at her own reflection in the mirror.
After all her spiraling thoughts, she was back at square one.
Why had she fallen for Richard in the first place?
Was it because he was a handsome prince? The only man who had ever been kind to her? Or was it that his unique desires aligned surprisingly well with hers?
Or… was it something else entirely?
She thought of Frederick struggling somewhere far away. Her foolish and lacking brother had, in one way, managed something she hadn’t. At least he hadn’t fumbled when it came to knowing how to love.
Determined not to run from it anymore, Courtney resolved to confront the matter head-on.
* * *
Courtney’s decision to finally confront Richard didn’t go as planned, as he struck first yet again.
Sitting across from Anton, who had shown up unannounced, Courtney’s eyebrows were still knitted in suspicion. He looked as tense as a condemned man awaiting his sentence.
“Your Highness, I’m so sorry. I really didn’t want to do this…”
“Alright.”
Courtney was getting tired of this. She’d dismissed the attendants, and they’d been going around in circles for what felt like ages. Anton, despite his position as the Crown Prince’s aide, had yet to state his purpose, rambling endlessly instead.
As much as she respected his role, Courtney knew that a private conversation like this didn’t look good. With a sigh, she cut him to the chase.
“I understand, but please, just get to the point.”
Anton squeezed his eyes shut, as if bracing himself to reveal something monumental. Courtney debated just dismissing him when, suddenly, he pulled something from his jacket and handed it to her.
“Hmm?”
“Your Highness, I am truly on your side. Please believe that, if nothing else.”
It was a single envelope, completely unmarked. With a hesitant expression, Courtney accepted it.
“What’s this?”
“I can’t say… but once you read it, you’ll understand. I swear, it’s for the sake of you both…”
“Alright, alright. You can go now.”
She could barely stand hearing any more. Waving him away, Courtney gestured for him to leave.
Even as he stepped back, Anton cast her a worried look. Courtney only nodded dismissively, signaling him to leave.
She stared at the envelope in her hand. It was likely from Richard—there wasn’t anyone else she could think of. But why send a message instead of coming himself?
Deciding to open it before the attendants returned, she unsealed the envelope. As she had suspected from the thinness, it contained only a single sheet.
Could it really be from Richard? She had no idea what could be so important that Anton would make such a fuss over it. With a faintly disinterested expression, she unfolded the paper.
Written in an elegant hand on fine stationery, the first line made her eyes go wide with shock.
「 To my beautiful and merciless master 」
Despite knowing she was alone, Courtney looked around instinctively, startled. Her heart thudded in her chest. Seeing the title in writing was somehow even more embarrassing.
