“Mm.”

I stifled a yawn and rubbed my eyes.

Ironically, there’s no one else like this man here, who could be a guardian to safeguard and protect us.

To think that both mother and daughter had been careful and wary wherever we went, keeping our heads down; now there’s no one as reliable as he was. At the very least, not even Lania or anyone else for that matter, could do anything to us as long as this man was around.

“Sleep if you’re feeling sleepy,” Rashid said

“Meee?” No way!

I forced my eyelids to stay open despite them feeling extremely heavy.

The sight seemed funny to him, as Rashid chuckled silently, but I’m still an honorable and esteemed lady. I might be a widowed therianthropic (half human half animal shape shifter), but I still can’t sleep anywhere without a care for my….

“Yaaawn!”

I turned to look out the window in an attempt to conceal my yawn which I failed to conceal. But Rashid placed his arm on the windowsill and said, “I told you to get some shuteye.”

“No can do. How could I ever do that before Your Majesty? That must never happen.”

Rashid remained silent.

“So please tell me where we’re heading to instead. I’m all ears.” I straightened myself and smiled gently. Though I quite desperately wish to sleep beside Haniel and Selene who are both in the basket, I shouldn’t allow any more of my weaknesses to be in his hands.

“Well, if you say so.”

“Of course.” Go ahead!

“I’ve probably mentioned this before, but there’s quite a bit of things we need to prepare for this event. It wouldn’t be an issue if we didn’t hold it, but since we’re holding it now, we should properly display the Royalty’s power and dignity…”

Thud

(It’s Rashid’s POV from here on.)

Rashid stopped mid-sentence when he saw Catherine’s head tilted to the side. Though slightly speechless and also having expected things to turn out this way, his oblique smile did not leave his face. “Sigh.”

“…Qu, quack.” The mallard in the basket cried out, seemingly embarrassed at Catherine’s behavior, who looked like her head was about to roll out the carriage. It was about to peck her hands with its beak, but was a step late.

“You shouldn’t be so stubborn over it.” Rashid said, and his chuckle filled the carriage. His long fingers caught Catherine’s head lightly. He stopped chuckling as he observed her sleeping face, albeit momentarily. “Shh, pretend that this never happened.”

“…Quaack.” The mallard croaked, as if in agreement then stretched its feet out and sat down once more. However, Rashid didn’t care if the mallard agreed or not, and returned his gaze to Catherine.

Rashid watched her tired face. “…I’ll do the same.”

***

”Mmph!” I stretched and rolled my shoulders after a surprisingly refreshing nap. I must have fallen asleep unknowingly, but didn’t seem to have made a fool out of myself. I imagine myself keeping my poised composure even while sleeping quietly.

“Why aren’t you getting off?”

“Yes, of course.”

Rashid, who had already alighted the carriage, stared at me. I found his annoyed eyes a thankful reaction from him as they seemed to be asking why I had stopped in my tracks.

‘It’s great that he didn’t find out that I fell asleep.’

There would be no way he would let it go. He would be teasing me about it or chuckling away instead. Thinking of those possible reactions sent chills down my spine.

“Phew.” I smiled brightly in relief, regardless of how I was viewed. I was about to grab the basket along with the sleeping Haniel in it, but Selene’s gaze looked slightly off.

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

[…Um, Madam.]

Selene seemed to be keeping something from me, while her eyes also looked scared and unusually hopeful at the same time. Those emotions in her eyes were as if drawn clearly on a piece of drawing paper that got me all flustered. Did I do something wrong? What is it?

I lowered my head and whispered softly to Selene such that Rashid couldn’t hear me from outside. “What? Are you still angry?”

[…It’s not that.]

“Then why aren’t you preparing to get off? If you don’t want to stay awake, then just continue staying asleep.” I quickly tossed her a few choices, afraid that Rashid would kick the carriage over if he was even slightly annoyed with waiting for me.