The Heir's Secret Bride

Chapter 435

"That's all you found out?" Byron asked, his voice calm and unreadable.

Tom hesitated. "Not quite. But I'd rather wait for Macve to wake up so I can apologize to her directly

A soft, confused voice broke the silence. "Why are you apologizing to me?" Maeve had woken up, her face pale, her dark hair framing her features, making her look even more delicate. Tom's face brightened. "You're awake!"

Byron's icy expression softened slightly as he helped Maeve sit up, steadying her by holding her arm. He tucked a pillow behind her to make her more comfortable.

"Are you feeling alright?" Byron asked quietly, gathering Maeve's loose hair and tying it up with a light apricot hairband from his wrist.

The hairband belonged to Maeve. Byron had tied it around his wrist after taking it off the night before while helping her brush her hair.

Tom had noticed it earlier but assumed it was just one of Byron's quirks, never guessing it would actually be used for this purpose. The prince, famously single, was mildly astonished.

Maeve still groggy, found herself completely distracted by his closeness and the scent of cedar enveloping her. Her eyes followed his movements as he carefully gathered her hair. Though his actions were unpracticed, they were surprisingly gentle.

It might have been her foggy senses, but for once, Maeve found "gentle" an oddly fitting word for him, something she'd never have thought possible.

Noticing her shy, darting gaze, Byron acted as if he hadn't noticed. "This is my first attempt at tying hair," he said with rare humility. "Does it look close to how you'd do it?"

Maeve's cheeks flushed. "Yes, just tie it all up," Maeve said in a mumble.

stray strand behind

like a

turned to Tom with curiosity. "Tom, why did you say you wanted to apologize to

enough to keep you from ever returning to Erancia." Regret weighed on Tom's face as he said, "Maeve, I'm sorry. Fiora is my niece, and I bear some responsibility for her actions. I should have guided her

she said, "Don't blame yourself entirely. Fiora might be your niece but Loren is your nephew as well and see how well he turned out. Fiora's an adult and should be accountable for her

firmly. "Even though she's a princess and my niece, she has no right to hurt others. And no matter how much my sister tries to shield hér, Fiora

1/2

<

Chapter 433

touched. As a royal, Tom didn't have to support her. The gap between her

drawing Maeve's attention back. What do you want to do

steadily, "She'll get the punishment she deservesAs to the punishment,

aloud. "It's strange how two people from the same family can be so different Loren is polite, focused on his studies, and keeps to himself. He's nothing

squeezing her hand, "Ever consider that this particular apple isn't part of the

blinked, puzzled. "You

royal inheritance rights. So, while she holds the princess title, she has no real power or position."

these come with the title.

not just making this up to keep me entertained?" Maeve

up stories? To have you flirting with other men in front