A carriage passed through the entrance of the crowded opera house, which was located across the new road. The fluffy leather made the carriage feel comfortable, without much noticeable rattling, but on the other hand, the atmosphere inside was colder than anywhere else in the world.

The ice-cold air was from the end of the break, after she entered the powder room, and the beginning of the second act in the performance. Killian, who had not spoken all this time, broke the heavy silence.

“What are you complaining about this time?”

“…What?”

Rowena turned her head slowly as she looked at the countless passing gas lamps and pedestrians walking on the street.

“Didn’t I do what you wanted?”

The irritated voice made her soft shoulders cringe. At this time, Killian hated when she avoided his eyes.

Rowena barely raised her head to look at the duke.

Black hair and pale blue eyes.

He was a man who had wealth, honor, and power in his hands since birth, and he was a man with arrogance and pride. A snake-like man, with beautiful scales that will mesmerize anyone for a moment, but also hides a sharp and deadly poison.

When their eyes met, an apology popped out immediately.

“I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I don’t have any complaints…. I’m rather grateful.”

The opera they just watched was Prim Donna’s first domestic performance, which was popular from abroad. From seeing the real-life actress, whom she’s a fan of, to watching the magnificent stage performance; then listening to the songs which make people’s ears flutter, just about everything made her happy.

They also watched it from the best box seats. It was definitely a night to remember. She was grateful to him for taking the time to be with her even in the midst of his busy schedule.

Had it not been for the glaring gazes and gossip in the powder room as soon as she stepped away from this man’s side.

“Then why are you quiet?”

Tsk

Killian clicked his tongue, reached out and grabbed her chin.

“Tell me. Why do I have to look at my mistress’ sad face now?”

His voice was soft, but it was a clear warning. Rowena shook her head, with her lips trembling.

A lot of emotions filled the small face held in one hand and quickly passed by, just as soon as they came.

The eyes looking at the scene were distinct.

He was interested in the woman in front of him, except when she avoids him with her mouth closed like a doll.

Even though he wanted to crush her with his own hands, he also wanted to put her in a glass cabinet and cherish her.

Rowena, who looked at him palely, opened her lips slowly.

“It’s just….”

“Just.”

Killian, who raised his eyebrows, urged an answer.

The lamp on the ceiling reddened his face. Rowena stared at the man in front of her for a moment, it has been three years since she was first criticized for being a noble and vulgar woman.

It’s been a long time since they were entangled and began living together.

But let alone feeling comfortable, it had only improved a little bit, after all this time she had not fully gotten used to being his mistress. When she faced the man this close, her heart still beat like crazy and all the blood ran into her face.

Even something as minor as his dimples on the left cheek, make a deep impression as he mocks her intentionally.

There were two cases when this man, who always respects her as a mistress, treated her warmly like this.

In bed, or when something bothers her.

“I’m a little tired. If I’m bothering you… I’m sorry.”

Rowena, who replied helplessly, went quiet again. At such a time, she should not have tried to guess his feelings. Nevermind, however, the gossip of women in the powder room, which lingered in her mind even though they quieted down, bothered her.

“If you know you’re wrong.”

Killian frowned at his mistress, who went quite again.

“You should be punished.”