The Heir's Secret Bride
Secret Bride 435

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.

Byron smirked slightly, smoothing a stray strand behind her ear before pulling back.

Tom, observing quietly, felt like a bit of an extra.

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

Tom's expression grew serious. "I owe you an apology because those mercenaries who kidnapped you, claiming it was revenge on Henry, were actually hired by Fiora. She wanted to scare you 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 better."

Maeve looked at Tom thoughtfully, her initial tension easing as 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 actions." Tom still looked regretful, prompting Maeve to ask with a raised eyebrow, "You're not apologizing just to get me to forgive her, are you?"

"Absolutely not," Tom replied 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 will face the consequences."

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Chapter 433

Maeve was touched. As a royal, Tom didn't have to support her. The gap between her and the royal family was wide, but Tom chose to stand by her

Byron cleared his throat, drawing Maeve's attention back. What do you want to do about Fiora?" Byron asked.

Tom answered steadily, "She'll get the punishment she deservesAs to the punishment, it was left unsaid.

After Tom left, Maeve sighed, speaking 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 like most spoiled heirs." Maeve added, "And Tom is also an honorable man. His sister Princess Wren is also a good person. How did the apple fall so far from the tree?"

Byron said, squeezing her hand, "Ever consider that this particular apple isn't part of the same tree?"

Maeve blinked, puzzled. "You mean?"

Byron nodded. "Fiora isn't Wren's biological daughter. She's adopted and doesn't have any royal inheritance rights. So, while she holds the princess title, she has no real power or position." Maeve gaped. "How do you know all this? Even Loren didn't tell me."

Byron said, "Secrets like these come with the title. Marry me, and you'll know them all."

"Are you sure you're not just making this up to keep me entertained?" Maeve said.

Byron gave a dry laugh. "What would I gain from making up stories? To have you flirting with other men in front of me

Maeve blinked, confused. "Are you talking about Tom? That was just a normal conversation."

Byron snorted.

Maeve stifled a laugh at his obvious jealousy. When the coast was clear, she leaned in and gave him a quick, playful kiss.

In a flash, Byron wrapped his arms around Maeve's waist, pulling her closer. "That wasn't nearly enough," Byron said, his voice low.

Maeve put her hands on Byron's chest to keep a little distance, though she couldn't resist a light touch, feeling the muscles beneath his shirt. Byron raised a brow, his voice rough. "Do that again, and you'll be in trouble."

Maeve blinked, feeling a bit unhappy. "Byron, you've changed. You used to be so eager for me to touch you."

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