Sevette walked a few steps behind them at first, quiet, observant, her sharp eyes never leaving Cain and Cornelia.
At a glance, they looked like any married couple moving through a restricted hall, close enough that their sleeves brushed, their pace unconsciously matched. But the longer she watched, the more sothing began to itch at the back of her mind.
It was noticeable at first.
Cain walked slightly ahead, half a step, as if leading, yet every few breaths he slowed just enough to make sure Cornelia was still beside him. His body leaned toward her without fully committing.
When her arm brushed his, he stiffened for the briefest mont, then relaxed again, as though forcing himself to accept it. It was the posture of soone who wanted closeness but was actively resisting it.
Cornelia, on the other hand, seed far too relaxed.
She walked with her head high, hands loosely clasped behind her back, occasionally turning her face toward Cain with a faint smile that lingered a second too long. It wasn’t bold. It wasn’t dramatic. It was the kind of smile that said she was enjoying sothing quietly and didn’t feel the need to hide it.
Sevette narrowed her eyes.
Strange.
If Cain was truly the arrogant, troubleso husband people described, then why did he look like a man trying desperately not to fall into sothing he already stood knee-deep in? And why did Cornelia, known for her pride and severity, look like she was deliberately testing him?
She watched more closely.
When Cornelia leaned closer to say sothing softly, Cain’s shoulders tensed. When she laughed under her breath, Cain’s ears flushed red. When she looked away, Cain exhaled, as though he’d been holding his breath the entire ti.
This wasn’t hatred.
This wasn’t indifference.
This looked like a struggle.
I heard he’s head over heels towards her, why does it feel so? Like it’s the opposite?
Sevette slowed her steps, studying them like a puzzle she’d only just realized existed.
Cain, anwhile, was suffering.
It was the only word for it.
He could sll her.
Not in an obvious way. Not perfu or blood. It was Cornelia’s presence itself, her mana faint and restrained but unmistakably hers, brushing against his senses with every step. The warmth of her body beside him made his skin prickle. When she glanced at him, even casually, it felt like his chest tightened.
Don’t look, don’t look, don’t look, he begged himself. She’s incredibly beautiful! Damn it! Damn it! I must not set my eyes on her, even a single single second is fatal! But if I walk behind her, I may not see her, but she would surely be suspicious of it.
He stared straight ahead, jaw clenched.
Why is she this close? Why is she smiling like that? Stop looking at like that. Of fuck! I am feeling weak! I am feeling weak!
Cornelia turned her head slightly. "You’re awfully quiet, husband?" she asked, her voice calm, amused. Tehee... I can hear your thoughts.
Cain swallowed. "I have nothing to say."
Inside his head, he was screaming.
Don’t smile. Please don’t smile. If you smile again, I swear I—
But suddenly, she smiled.
It was small. Almost innocent.
Cain felt heat rush up his neck.
Cornelia heard his thoughts clearly and bit back a laugh.
You don’t want to look at you? she thought teasingly. Then why do you keep glancing when you think I’m not watching?
Cain clenched his fists. Damn it. Damn it all.
"You walk too fast," Cornelia said aloud, her tone light. "Slow down."
"Why?" Cain snapped, then imdiately regretted it.
Cornelia tilted her head, studying him. "Because I’m your wife."
That single word hit harder than any blow.
Cain’s steps faltered for half a heartbeat.
Behind them, Sevette’s eyes widened slightly.
Interesting.
Cornelia leaned closer, her voice dropping just enough that it felt private. "You look like you’re burning up," she said. "Are you unwell?"
No. I’m dood.
"I’m fine," Cain said stiffly.
In his head, he was pleading. Stop looking. Stop smiling. Stop being like this.
Cornelia’s lips curved again.
You don’t want to smile? she thought sweetly. Then I’ll smile more.
Cain almost groaned.
Sevette watched this silent exchange with growing fascination. The air between them was thick with sothing unsaid, sothing neither seed willing to na. She thinks if she should gamble? She was hesitant. But after a few seconds, she said, whatever, I’ve got nothing to lose.
"You know," Sevette said casually, breaking the tension, "from behind, you look very steady."
Cain blinked and glanced back despite himself. "What?"
Sevette smiled politely. "Your back. It’s straight. Confident. Not many n carry themselves like that."
Cain frowned internally.
What is she doing now?
But it’s fine, at least he had reason not look at his wife.
"It’s nothing," he replied curtly. "Just posture."
"Oh?" Sevette said, undeterred. "Then your shoulders must also be nothing. Broad. Calm. They give people a sense of safety."
Cornelia’s steps slowed.
Her smile faded just a fraction.
Cain coughed. "You’re imagining things."
Sevette laughed softly. "Am I? I don’t think so. You’re quite handso, Cain."
Cain froze.
Cornelia stopped walking entirely.
The corridor seed to grow quieter.
Cain’s mind raced. This again? Is this my bloodline acting up? Is my Overgod body making people lose their minds? After thinking for a while, he’d admit it. Could be.
Soon, he forced a laugh. "You’re mistaken. You’re just seeing things."
Sevette walked closer now, her tone warm, almost admiring. "You’re humble too. That makes it even more appealing."
Vance, limping a few steps behind, stared in disbelief. "Sevette—"
She shot him a sharp glare. He shut up imdiately.
Cornelia turned slowly to face Sevette.
"What do you want with my husband?" she asked.
Her voice was calm, but there was a tightness beneath it.
Sevette t her gaze without backing down. "I’m only stating what I see."
Cornelia stepped closer to Cain, close enough that her sleeve brushed his arm deliberately. "And what you see is already taken."
Cain’s heart jumped.
Taken. She said taken.
Sevette smiled, but her eyes remained thoughtful. "Three tis over, I hear."
"That’s none of your concern," Cornelia replied sharply.
Cain stood between them, feeling like a rope being pulled from both ends.
In his head, he was panicking. This is bad. Very bad. Why is she being like this?
Sevette studied Cornelia for a long mont, then looked back at Cain. "You don’t act like a man enjoying his fortune."
Cain stiffened. "What do you an?"
"You have three wives," Sevette said lightly. "And yet you look like soone being cornered."
Cornelia’s fingers brushed Cain’s sleeve, a warning or a claim, he wasn’t sure.
Cain forced himself to speak evenly. "You’re mistaken."
Sevette chuckled. "Perhaps. Or perhaps you don’t know what to do with affection when it’s offered freely."
Cornelia’s eyes darkened.
"That’s enough," she said. "You’re overstepping."
Sevette raised her hands in mock surrender. "I ant no offense."
Cain exhaled quietly, relief mixing with dread.
Cornelia turned to him, her voice low. "Ignore her."
He nodded quickly. "Of course."
In his head, he scread. What’s she doing?
Cornelia heard his panic and felt sothing soften inside her chest.
You really are helpless, she thought fondly.
She leaned closer, her shoulder pressing lightly against his arm. "You’re trembling," she said softly.
"I’m not," Cain replied imdiately.
She smiled. "Liar."
Sevette watched the exchange, her earlier curiosity settling into certainty.
So that’s it.
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