Chapter 5: The Ideal Wife

The next morning, Kael stepped into the main dining hall and froze.

The long table, usually lined with neatly arranged dishes prepared by the royal chefs, was now covered with mismatched platters — steaming bread, golden pastries, spiced meats, honey-glazed fruit.

At the center of it all stood Ren, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly tousled, chatting easily with the servants as he adjusted a tray of baked goods.

Kael’s mother, Queen Elyra, was smiling fondly at the sight. His younger sister, Lira, was practically glowing with delight.

“Kael, look!” Lira whispered excitedly, tugging his sleeve. “Your husband made breakfast himself! Isn’t he amazing?”

Kael opened his mouth. Closed it. Stared.

Ren glanced up and caught his gaze, flashing a wide, dazzling smile. “Good morning, darling. Hungry?”

Kael’s jaw tightened. “Why… are you in the kitchen?”

Ren’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “I was feeling helpful. Besides, the palace chefs were very curious about southern recipes. I thought I’d teach them something.”

Kael’s mother beamed. “What a thoughtful young man. We are so lucky, Kael.”

Lira giggled. “He’s like the perfect wife!”

Kael’s ears went red. He shot Ren a sharp look, but Ren just winked playfully and offered him a plate.

---

As the family lingered at the table, the conversation flowed easily — much too easily, Kael thought grimly.

“I must say, Ren, these pastries are divine,” Queen Elyra praised, dabbing her mouth with a cloth. “You must share the recipe with the royal kitchen.”

“Oh yes!” Lira chimed in. “And the spiced meat — Father never eats seconds, but look at him!”

Kael’s father, King Alric, gave a rare, approving nod. “Impressive.”

Kael sat stiffly, picking at his plate while everyone else lavished compliments on Ren.

Ren, of course, accepted them all with graceful modesty, eyes occasionally flicking to Kael with just the faintest glimmer of teasing triumph.

“And the way you handled the kitchen staff — they were all smiles, not a single complaint!” the Queen added. “Truly, you are a treasure, Ren.”

Kael nearly choked on his tea. A treasure?

Ren’s gaze flicked to him again, mouth curling into a small, knowing smile. Kael gritted his teeth.

---

Later: A Private Conversation

Back in their chambers, Kael crossed his arms, eyes narrowing. “You’re making me look bad on purpose.”

Ren sat elegantly on the edge of the couch, sipping tea, completely unbothered. “Making you look bad? Oh no, Kael. I’m just making myself look good.”

Kael stalked closer, voice dropping. “You don’t have to win over my entire family.”

Ren arched a brow. “Don’t I? We’re married now. It’s only polite to play the part.” He set the teacup down slowly, deliberately, and smiled up at Kael. “Besides… I enjoy seeing you flustered.”

Kael’s breath hitched, just slightly.

He stepped back, trying to regain control. “Stop playing games, Ren.”

Ren rose smoothly, standing almost eye to eye with Kael — almost, but not quite. His smile softened just a little, voice lowering. “Who said I’m playing?”

Kael’s throat worked silently, his pulse jumping. He turned away sharply. “I have council meetings.”

Ren let him go, but his soft laugh followed Kael out the door.

---

Evening: Family Dinner

That night, Kael’s family gathered again for dinner, still chattering about Ren’s morning feast. His mother complimented Ren’s table manners; his sister hung on his every word; even his father, usually reserved, nodded approvingly at the southern prince’s charm and grace.

Kael sat stiffly beside Ren, feeling like an outsider in his own family’s praise.

Ren leaned over quietly, smiling. “You look tense, Kael. Everything all right?”

Kael shot him a glare. “You’re enjoying this too much.”

Ren’s hand brushed lightly over Kael’s under the table, just for a second — a teasing touch no one else saw.

“I’m just fitting in, darling,” Ren murmured softly.

Kael’s pulse kicked hard, and he clenched his fists under the table.

Damn him.

---

End of Chapter 5

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***