I Became the Black Swan Mother of the White Swan Princess

unedited

Its just that Catherine you

T, thank you. For returning my daughter. Nothing else mattered to me right now as I quickly reached out for my white baby swan. Regardless of what his reasons were, I was thankful if he returned Haniel to me.

Ah My heart was full as soon as I held Haniel in my arms. My brain was able to run normally, me finding back my smile and laughter was all possible because of her.

Im really grateful. Really, really

Stop it. I felt like a piece of garbage. Rashids monotone voice suddenly calmed down. He might not like everything thats happening now and thus spoke in a deep voice but he kept his usual composure.

Catherine. I wasnt afraid of him getting angry, yelling at, or threatening me by now since I was used to it, but he didnt look like he was just purely looking at me. I thought it would be better if he had exploded there and there, but stings in my heart. I should say something to ease the tension, when something else popped into my mind.

I was about to return, but why did Your Majesty come out here? Did you have something to say to me?

Do I have to have something to say to you?

If not? He was asking the obvious.

I shook my head but had my eyes back on Haniel. I was hurt seeing that Haniel had her head buried in the basket, and couldnt see her face. Rashids indifference voice that sounded above my head like the wind.

I heard that the hunting competition in the Northern Lands will commence soon

Ah, the hunting competition? I dislike those events.

You dislike them?

Yes, and truthfully, the animals are innocent. If its for our survival, then theres no choice but its purely for entertainment, thats quite cruel Theyre quite pitiful. I replied hesitantly with whatever came to mind, but I couldnt make sense of what I had just said either.

However, Rashid seemed have something else in mind as he let out a light sigh. Not just the hunting compeition, theres also the banquet and parties after that

I hate them even more. Your Majesty had seen it the other day too. The looks everyone had when I appeared. Rashid remained silent at my reply.

Im not saying that to earn your pity. Im really content with my situation right now, look. I smiled as I fluffed up the once again puffy feathers on Haniels cheeks. However, it made my heart sting when I saw the subtle expression on Rashids face.

He wasnt asking if I actually liked or disliked the event, but I kept forgetting about my situation. Ah, if Your Majesty has to attend for some reason

No, he paused for a moment and continued, I dislike those events too. It couldnt get any more true than this as the strict Rashid cut me off like that. But he seemed to have thought that this wasnt persuasive enough that he even gestured with his chin.

I hate and despise it. Its savage and disgusting.

Ah I see. Theres no need to go to that extent. But a tingling feeling crept up from within as I heard those words. This must be due to my guilt, right?

I put a smile back on my face as I hurriedly placed the still shivering Haniel back in her basket. Anyway, since youve invited us Thanks for sending us back here. Well take our leave now.

Was he feeling apologetic for his actions earlier while neglecting Haniel?

I couldnt get used to him being all quiet and serious like that. Seeing how he was hesitating right now was a good opportunity to part ways.

As I was about to turn around to leave, Rashid clutched the end of my dress, Wait.

It didnt mean that everything froze when he had stopped there. Who is Darren?

***

You said so earlier. Something about Mr. Darren.

W, what? I tried to avoid this topic but he still managed to come at me like this. When did he hear me? His hearing must be great.

It was tough for me to fool him today as his eyes looked extremely sharp. Isnt it that mans name?

T, that mans name? I tilted my head instinctively upon hearing words that didnt have anything to do with me from him. But Rashid wasnt one to give up easily.

Dont pretend. I definitely heard the name Darren. Regardless of who he was

No. Why would there be any other man I denied.

Are you sure? He questioned in disbelief.