Stolen by the Rebel King-Chapter 525: Whispers From Afar II

Atticus looked as though he was about to pass out at any given moment.

"If you have any annoying unmarried brothers, they can also join," the vendor whispered conspiratorially. "It’ll get them out of the house."

"How exciting," Daphne said, clapping her hands.

"Unfortunately, I am a very happily married man, so I would give this event a miss," Atticus grumbled. "Right, darling?"

"Actually, even if you’re not interested in participating, there are plenty of people just hoping to watch the spectacle. There will be royalty from far-flung lands!" the vendor said with a sigh, not knowing that two of said royalty were standing right in front of him, watching as he groused to himself.

"If I wasn’t stationed in Vramid, I would love to set up a booth for the visitors! But I’m getting ahead of myself― Missus, have you decided on your pieces?"

"Oh, yes!"

Daphne pointed at the bird brooch and picked up another one that looked like a horse, but it had a curled tail instead of four legs. She didn’t know if this was based on an actual creature or some craftsman’s creation, but it was beautiful all the same. It reminded her of Nereus, and she wanted to give it to him.

"I’ll take these two pieces, thanks."

The vendor beamed and proceeded to pack things up for her.

"Is that all you’re getting?" Atticus asked. He looked mildly disgruntled.

"Yes, why?" Daphne asked, raising an elegant eyebrow. The pieces were lovely, but she had plenty of jewelry for herself. "Do you want one?"

"No, I don’t. I don’t like pearls anyway," Atticus said, but the back of his ears bloomed a bright red.

Daphne’s mouth fell open, and she bit her lip to stop herself from bursting into laughter at Atticus’s behavior. He wanted a gift from her, and he was upset that he had gotten nothing. It was more than obvious, after all, that the two pieces she picked out were inspired by the people she held dear in her life.

Then, she grew upset at herself for forgetting about him. Even if their relationship was on shakier territory, she should have gotten him something. They were at the very least, cordial friends.

A relationship needed both parties to put in the effort. Maybe it was time for Daphne to start.

"Pick something then," Daphne gestured, "I’ll buy it for you."

"My dear, I’m holding the purse strings." Atticus pointed out in amusement, deliberately jangling the bag of money in her face.

Daphne batted it away, while the vendor’s eyes practically shone when he caught sight of how the bag seemed to strain with the weight of coins.

A cheesy smile hung upon Atticus’s lips. "What will you pay him with?"

Daphne’s face colored. Maybe she would give Atticus the money later.

"Just pick something anyway! I’ll settle the payment with you later!" Daphne declared hotly with embarrassment, jabbing at the goods on display.

"So you say..." Atticus said, "Do I have the right to ask for other kinds of payment?"

"What other kinds―" Daphne’s face reddened further as she caught the innuendo in Atticus’s words. "No, you shameless man!"

"Me? Shameless? Whatever are you thinking of, dear Allison? I was thinking of you cooking my favorite meals, did you have something else in mind?"

"Oh, I’m sure it was perfectly innocent―"

As they bantered, Daphne could forget the mess that their relationship had become. It helped that they were in disguise; it was all too easy to pretend to be Allison and David, two individuals who were deeply in love, and the worst thing that happened to them was the unwashed dishes.

The vendor laughed. "Ah, it must be nice to be married. Just for that, I’ll give you a special token for free!"

Daphne’s eyes stared down at the item. It was a string of pearls, but they were twisted into the shape of a star. Unbidden, Daphne recalled the baby toys they had bought during her first winter fair.

"It’s a good luck charm for making your wishes come true," the vendor explained, "Created in the image of Nedour’s starfish! I hope you’ll be blessed with children soon." The vendor smiled warmly at them, and Daphne could only smile back tremulously, holding her packages in her hands.

Children.

"Thank you," Atticus said, his voice low and grave. He paid quietly, and Daphne took the items. Both of them walked sedately away from the crowd, their breaths forming clouds in the air as their feet stomped all over the thick snow.

"This was a good outing, wasn’t it?" Atticus asked when they were far enough from the crowd to be overheard. The hope in his voice was almost too hard to bear. He shifted his hand, as though he wanted to hold Daphne’s own, but then he stilled, waiting for her reaction.

Daphne’s fingers were clamped tightly around the good luck charm. It could make wishes come true. She needed it now. She wanted them to mend this chasm between them. But a wishing star could only bring her so far. Reality was the bigger obstacle, but reality was also something Daphne could make an active decision to fix.

She reached out and Atticus sucked in a breath. Her hand slowly came to touch his own, slowly intertwining their fingers together.

Atticus froze, his eyes wide with boyish wonder.

"Yes, Atticus." Daphne smiled, tears beading at the corner of her eyes. "It was a very good outing."

Atticus’s eyes also had a similarly wet sheen. For a big, strong, cold ruler of the North, he sure liked to show his emotions clean on his sleeves. He didn’t smile, but Daphne could all too easily catch the way his eyes lit up― and it wasn’t just the light reflecting off his tears.

"Then... would you mind accompanying me for another trip?" he asked cautiously.

Daphne raised her eyebrows. "Where do you have in mind?"

Atticus’s expression was firm as he stared at her, his lips pursed into a tight line. He looked as though he was about to declare war against another kingdom, a look that sent warning bells off in Daphne’s head.

Sure enough, the next word that spilled from his lips made Daphne unsure whether she should laugh or roll her eyes.

"Nedour."