Wife of The Demon Prince
Chapter 235: Let it out

Chapter 235: Let it out

A deadly silence fell in the court room after the second Prince was taken away. Frederick cleared his throat and addressed the people, "Is there anything more to discuss while we are gathered here to honor the De Biville’s?"

"..." Nobody spoke, it was impossible to discuss about any other matters after what had happened before them today. When no one stepped forward to speak, Frederick rose from his throne chair with a heavy sigh, "We shall end our discussion then. This year’s celebration is dismissed."

"Y-yes, Your majesty!" The hall echoed in unison as they all stood to their feet to bow.

Frederick stepped down the few steps of the throne and made to exit the hall with restrained, but dignified steps. The moment he walked out of the hall, standing to one side of the corridor was Hamon, he had a distant look on, as if he was deeply absorbed in thoughts, Frederick walked towards him instead, with a smile he patted Hamon’s broad shoulder,

"You did well today, Hamon." He said. Frederick had ignored the official’s protests, because Hamon had came to him beforehand requesting for some time to prove Cassius’ crimes. He knew how Merona had spoiled his second son, and he didn’t doubt Cassius was capable of doing such things. Thus, he didn’t order Hamon to release Cassius then.

However, the outcome was completely favorable to Hamon, but...Cassius was still his son. Frederick had started to walk past Hamon after patting his shoulder, but he suddenly stopped and looked back, "Hamon." He called.

"Yes, Father?" Hamon walked forward to meet Frederick.

"Cough, Cough. No matter what Cassius crimes were, always remember he is still your younger brother...please don’t hate him too much."

Hamon’s crimson eyes flamed up, "That is why he is still alive, because I still consider him my brother, or else..." He would have been long dead! He added in his mind.

Frederick understood the conflict between the brothers. Even he had had a rough relationship with Cornell, and despite how much Cornell had tried to harm him before Frederick was crowned, he still hadn’t got it in him to kill his own brother then.

Hamon had restrained himself from killing Cassius despite his sinful crimes in honor of their father. As long as Frederick was still alive, he had no intention to kill the brat, but if he should try to act stupid again, or come anywhere close to his wife...

Frederick patted Hamon’s shoulder again, as he felt the angry energy radiating from him, "I have deprived Cassius of the right to succession, That is enough for a punishment, Please spare his life if you can...And also your sister, take good care of both your siblings..."

Hamon had heard about Eadlin being locked up, and he had no intention of interfering in the mother and daughter affairs. He didn’t comment to that, and turned his eyes towards the women in red on one side, "A lot of people aren’t happy that Cassius is still alive after what he did."

Frederick also glanced to the direction of the victims, with a bitter smile, he remarked, "Your brother had committed a grave sin."

Hamon’s expression darkened, just because Cassius was his brother, it did not mean he would be punished lightly. He mused.

Frederick said again, "You can punish him, but don’t kill him...That is a request I’d so much want you to grant me, Hamon."

Hamon bowed, "If that is what you wish, Father, I will try my best not to kill him."

He did not promise, Frederick noted. He knew it was the best he could do, Frederick understood his son’s militant nature better than anyone else. He was also envious of him more than anything...Hamon had the nature of a true king, a righteous king.

"Hamon, you will be crowned soon, so you should be prepared for the coronation day."

Hamon bowed his head again, "Yes, father, I won’t let you down."

Frederick smiled, his condition had continued to deteriorate further. And he could tell he had little time to live, but before he die, he would like to make his son the king. If he did not smoothly hand over the succession now, bloody conflict would most likely erupt in Findara. Therefore, he seized this opportunity to make things right, even though his second son was hurt in the process. He could now die in peace knowing Hamon had taken the throne instead of his brother or second son.

There were a lot of things he hadn’t gotten to say to his first son, he wanted to make it right before he’d leave this world behind. "Hamon, Cough, Cough, later in the evening, come to my residence I have something for you."

"Yes, Father."

Frederick wanted to say more, but noticed Ara approaching. He could see the evident joy in her eyes as she walked towards them. Frederick looked at her with a soft gaze, at least his son had this one with him. He thought, then turned back to Hamon, "Take good care of your wife, my son. Don’t be like me...I will see you later today." Saying this, Frederick turned his heel and left the corridor so the couple could talk comfortably.

Ara happily approached Hamon, she then glanced at the king’s retreating back and looked back at Hamon, who had an unreadable expression on, "Did I...interrupt Your conversation?" She asked.

"No, you didn’t..." He muttered, but didn’t look at her, as his gaze was still fixed on his father’s retreating back with a somber expression now on his face.

Ara hugged his right arm to her chest, and remarked in enthusiasm, "You were awesome earlier! Today I witnessed what a great man my husband is, I am proud of you!"

Ara’s words caused a small smile to cross his somber face as he looked down at her, "...I am glad to receive your praises. But I know you’re just saying this because I am your husband."

"Of course not, you were really awesome."

"Really..." his words trailed off. Only few people dared to approach him not to mention praise him, his subordinates were just limbs who followed his commands, and the words of the nobles were not of praises, but flattering. Ara’s words were the only ones he could rely on.

"As a demon Prince no one dares to judge my actions..." He murmured to himself. All his life, he had always taken responsibility for his own actions. No one else could judge the things he does, and none of the people of Findara ever appreciated all the things he’d done from them. He was supposed to be happy after hearing about his coronation, but...

Ara glanced up at Hamon, she sensed a pang of loneliness in his words. She could somehow relate to his feelings, she was also the eldest daughter of their household, and always lived a life of sacrifice and responsibility, and yet you feel like no one appreciates your hard work. However, she knew hers was different from his, at least she had her loving family with her, while Hamon had grown to be a man on his own.

Ara noticed Hamon’s eyes were glossy and he blinked several times as if to fight back tears. He avoided her gaze. She suddenly felt an ache in her heart seeing him like this. Without a word, she took his hand and dragged him along the corridors. The corridors were beginning to get crowded with people exiting the hall, and pulled him to an empty corner where there was no one around. However, she could still hear voices of people passing through.

Ara dragged him behind a pillar, and she peered around at their surroundings. Hamon gave her a quizzical look, but he did not stop her. For some reasons, he felt a pang of sadness after hearing the announcement, he wished his mother were here so he could share the news with her...

After making sure there was no one around, Ara stood on her toes and pressed her lips on the side of his mouth. It lasted for some seconds before she pulled away and patted his head, like a mother complimenting her child.

Hamon’s red eyes slightly widened at her actions, but Ara simply flashed him a lovely smile, "You did well today, sweetheart, mama is so proud of you."

"...!"Hamon just stared at his wife with rounded eyes. Was she trying to act like his mother? He’d once told her he used to address his mother as ’mama’ while she’d call him sweat names.

When he didn’t move or say anything, Ara drew his collar and pulled his head down on her chest, and his head rested on her breast. She began to pat his back, "It’s alright if no one praises you, I will. I am here for you. And I meant it when I said you did good today." She said, then pleased a kiss on his head.

Hamon could no longer hold it back, and a tear rolled down his cheek and fell on her chest. He wanted to hold it back, but his throat tightened as his eyes stung with the unshed tears he had held back for so many years. For the first time, he let it all out, the pain he’d buried inside him ever since his mother left, he let it all out. Without a sound, his tears continued to fall, he wrapped his arms around his wife and let her comfort him.

Ara felt the wetness on her chest and knew he was crying without a sound, she ran her hand up and down his back, "It’s alright to cry, don’t hold it back, let it out." She whispered softly.

The position wasn’t so comfortable as he was tall, but he didn’t move and let her keep comforting him. He didn’t know how his life would have turned out in this lifetime without this woman in his life.