Chapter 15

It was Anton, the King’s close attendant. He looked serious, as if something urgent had happened. Lev let go of Nadia and gestured to Anton.  

After hearing Anton’s whisper, Lev’s expression became just as grave. He glanced at Nadia and said,  

“Stay here for a moment.”  

Nadia nodded before she realized it. Lev turned away from her and spoke.  

“What’s the exact situation?”  

“Five hours ago, Murk invaded the western border. The Kennen Border Earl sent reinforcements immediately upon hearing the news.”  

Murk again. 

Lev’s expression showed his weariness. Since his time in Kennen Border Province, Murk’s reputation was infamous.  

Murk, a nomadic people, originally wandered the northern grasslands and had little ambition for expansion.  

But ten years ago, they suddenly became aggressive, founded a proper nation, and began periodic raids through the border with Arbat.  

The northern Kennen Border Province suffered the most damage. King Ivan, even when hearing these reports, dismissed the barbarian threat, saying they wouldn’t last long.  

“Murk raids aren’t new, but it’s unusual for them to invade from the west instead of the north.”  

Such unusual behavior from the barbarians was never a good sign.  

Lev instructed Anton to request cooperation from the western lords of Arbat and to keep him updated on the situation.  

Only after things were somewhat settled did he return to the ballroom. Nadia was still where she had been.  

“Huh?”  

But she wasn’t alone. Lev saw Arons Lordgin right beside Nadia and let out a short breath.  

What had happened while he was gone? The two seemed to be having a close conversation.

“There were actually marriage talks between them. “A long time ago, when they were children.”  

Recalling Anton’s words, Lev frowned slightly, but quickly returned to a neutral expression and started toward them.  

Suddenly, a pain stabbed through his skull, as if pierced by a metal rod. Lev, startled, frowned and grabbed his forehead.  

“Ugh…”  

More than the pain itself, what seized him was the fear of being seen like this.  

Lev hurriedly turned away. He had to get outside—this thought dominated his mind.  

He only felt relief after stepping outside, where no one was around.  

He tried to calm himself with deep breaths, but the pain wouldn’t subside. It hadn’t been this bad in a long time, making it even harder to bear.  

As he gritted his teeth, leaning on a massive column, he felt someone touch him.  

Sharpened by pain, Lev immediately turned and grabbed the hand that touched him.  

“Ah…”  

Both he and the other person looked blankly at each other. For a moment, awkward silence hung between them.  

“Are you all right, Your Majesty?”  

It was Nadia Turik. Lev exhaled briefly and released her wrist.  

He must have grabbed too hard in his distraction—Nadia gently rubbed her freed wrist, thin as a twig.  

Why did she touch him so carelessly, especially when he clearly wasn’t well?  

It wasn’t her fault, but it annoyed him. Lev exhaled even longer and spoke.  

“What are you doing here?”  

At his sharp tone, Nadia seemed to shrink but spoke firmly.  

“You seemed unwell, Your Majesty… I was worried, so I came out.”  

You were worried about me. 

Lev mouthed her words to himself and smirked inwardly. 

So virtuous.  

A woman who knew he’d made her Queen out of hatred now answered so sincerely. Lev found the act nauseating.  

“No, I’m fine. Really…”  

He tried to wave away the situation, but the same pain struck again.  

Lev’s brow furrowed, and a short groan escaped his lips. Nadia’s eyes widened.  

“Your Majesty.”  

Nadia hurriedly grabbed Lev as he staggered. But their size difference was too great.  

Nadia couldn’t support him fully and staggered herself, but managed to keep him from falling.  

“You should go back. You need to rest.”  

Her slightly trembling voice sounded genuinely concerned, as if she truly cared for him.  

Agnesa’s daughter, caring for him?  

Lev glanced at Nadia. Even her eyes seemed sincere. Ridiculous.  

“Will you be all right?”  

Lev joked.  

“We haven’t even danced yet.”  

Nadia’s eyes widened.  

“You wanted to dance with me?”  

Her voice betrayed her surprise. Lev laughed dryly.  

“I told you. I can’t show the young debutantes’ royal discord on their first ball.”  

“Ah…”  

Nadia looked bewildered, but soon spoke firmly.  

“Your Majesty, your health comes first. The attendants…”  

“They’re all at the central palace.”  

Because of Murk’s sudden invasion, he’d sent all the attendants to handle the situation.  

He didn’t mind—he could take care of himself, and planned to return soon anyway.  

Actually, maybe he’d been waiting for this situation.  

“But why…”  

Nadia finally realized she was the only one who could help the King now, and looked flustered.  

“Then… I’ll help you.”  

She added awkwardly,  

“If you don’t mind, Your Majesty.”  

After all, why had he sent her a dress and personally escorted her here?  

“It’s fine.”  

Lev’s lips curved upward. He wouldn’t make the foolish mistake of wasting all his efforts now.  

“Better than leaving alone.”  

Nadia’s smile brought him relief, and before she could think about its meaning, she took a step forward.  

Lev gladly leaned on her and walked in step. 

That damned lavender scent again.

***

Maybe being supported by a woman he hated was bad for his mind and body, but Lev began to feel feverish as they neared the central palace.  

“Your Majesty, please hang in there.”  

Anyone hearing them would think they were a loving couple. Lev swallowed his sarcasm as they arrived at the central palace.  

The attendants, surprised to see them together, rushed out.  

“Your Majesty, are you all right?”  

“Quick, inside…”  

Nadia awkwardly handed the King over to the attendants.  

Should I leave now? But…

“Queen.”

Hearing her formal title from the King for the first time, Nadia startled and looked at Lev.

“Come in.”

“Pardon?”

Was it really allowed? 

Nadia hesitated, but Lev disappeared from view, supported by attendants.  

At that, Nadia was pushed inside.  

“Hmm…”

Soon, the palace physician arrived and examined the King. He frowned slightly, glanced at Nadia, and spoke.

“…He’s been overworking lately. It’s just a mild migraine, nothing to worry about.”

“Ah.”

Only after hearing it was nothing serious did Nadia finally let out a long sigh of relief.

“I’m so glad…”

She rubbed her eyes and bit her lip. Lev quietly watched her.

“I’ll prepare medicine. It’ll take a little while. Please rest until then.”

Dr. Chekhov’s voice grew strangely dark. Lev smiled unconcernedly and nodded.

Soon, everyone left the room, leaving Nadia and Lev alone. Nadia felt increasingly awkward—how had she ended up here?

“Then I’ll leave now. If needed, I’ll call the Countess.”

Nadia turned to go, but felt a grip on her wrist. Lev, lying in bed, looked up at her and said,

“Stay here.”