Chapter 21 Chapter 21 The King would occasionally come to watch the princes archery and riding competitions, but the timing was never fixed-he'd just show up randomly. Sometimes, he'd even h hide in in the distance to observe, so the princes had no clue he was there. Dorian was the most playful among them, finding repetitive practice super boring. He'd sneaked out before-sometimes caught by Luciana, other times dragged back by his attendants. Only a few times did he actually succeed, and luckily, the King never found out Today, he thought the same-no way he'd get caught, especially since Luciana had promised not to interfere anymore. Yet, his luck would be this bad. The King actually found out so soon, The guard answered nervously, "His Majesty is furious and searching everywhere for you, Your Highness. But luckily, you're here with Princess of Latymer. Let's go in and ask her for help. What help can she offer?" Dorian glared, full of anger Other than bossing me around, what had Luciana ever done for me? All these years, I'd sulfered under her control. Just now, she even said she wouldn't interfere with my business anymore. "But why am I still feeling wronged? Ugh, maybe I'd been oppressed for so long I couldn't tell good from bad anymore. Juliene didn't wait for me-she was still mad, which was totally understandable, he thought to himself. Before even solving the problem, Dorian had already sorted out his inner turmoil. The guard insisted, "How is she not helpful? Last time you ran off, Princess of Latymer rushed to the palace and took all the blame herself. That's why you didn't get punished. Otherwise, you'd have been scolded for sure." Turned out, Luciana knew about those few times he'd successfully sneaked "Last time?" Dorian was clueless The guard tried to pull him inside, but Dorian refused "Let's head back to the palace first. You can explain on the way." After a few steps, he suddenly remembered Edmund in the corner. the Faulkner family y was framed-this guy couldn't just die out here. "Find him a place to stay! Keep it hidden, and don't let anyone know, Dorian whispered. On the way back, the guard filled him in on last time" and "the time before that", Not every sneaky escape led to the King catching him-only twice, and both times, Luciana took the fall This was the third time. He'd have to face it himself. Dorian focused on the present, ignoring Luciana's kindness. He didn't want to regret anything. Hed hated her for so long-no way he'd admit he'd been an ungrateful jerk all along After being scolded by the King, it was already two hours later. First, he was accused of sneaking out, then his recent studies were criticized, and finally, the King ordered him to reflect on his actions and kneel until midnight. It was only after the Queen pleaded for him that he was allowed to return before dark. Exhausted and hungry, he was still happy inside. He thought that when he got back, he'd get to eat the food Juliette had sent into the palace Juliette had promised that whenever he studied late into the night, if she knew, she'd send him a midnight snack. This time, since he was punished-and it was for Juliette that he stuck out-she must've knownL 1/2 Chapter 21 But he didn't rat her out. Instead, he just said he ran off because he was bored. The maids and servants brought out the pre-prepared dishes. Dorian froze-why didn't he recognize any of these? Even after he ascended the throne in his previous life, Juliette had never made these dishes for him. "What's this?" he asked the servant beside him. The young servant stammered, "The chef's cooking, Your Highness. Perhaps have a taste? See what you make of it?" 2/2 In "Cougar and Cub" by CrushReel, a touching tale unfolds where the protagonist juggles her career and motherhood with grace. Upon receiving a promotion, envy lurks among her friends, leading to a deceitful scheme against her. Amidst this turmoil, a man inadvertently eavesdrops on their nefarious plan. As events unravel, the heroine emerges as a savior for the man entangled in unexpected trouble. This romance novel intricately weaves themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal into its modern setting. The protagonist's unwavering dedication to both her professional life and her child showcases her resilience in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of a grand mansion, the story delves deep into hidden emotions and intricate relationships, making it a captivating read for fans of sweet romance. What sets "Cougar and Cub" apart is its ability to blend contemporary elements with timeless romantic tropes. The author masterfully crafts a narrative that resonates with readers seeking a modern love story intertwined with moments of vulnerability and strength. Available to read at CrushReel, this ongoing saga promises an immersive experience that transcends traditional romance narratives.