Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 237: Assurance

Chapter 237: Assurance

"Your Majesty, I believe that’s for Her Majesty to decide, not yours. She has her own mind. If it was me, her choice and what she wanted are what mattered most. And I wouldn’t dare grip her hand like that as well. You are hurting her. I know she’s your wife now so please treat her with even more respect," Andrew said before leaving.

[He dared to chastise His Majesty?!] Alwin was surprised. [I thought he was a coward.]

’Was he always this brave?’ Arabella wondered.

But then again, now that she thought about it, Andrew had always been this daring.

She still doesn’t know if it was bravery or simply not knowing how much danger he was putting himself in by saying those, but Andrew had always been like this. It was why he dated her regardless of what her suitors from other kingdoms said.

Ferdinand could easily do something to him or Lahar if he wanted but he still dared to talk.

It was because Andrew was the type who wouldn’t let things like that just happen when he was seeing it happen right before his eyes.

And what Andrew said was indeed true. Arabella could understand that Ferdinand was jealous but it was embarrassing and disappointing for him to treat her like this in front of other people.

It was just Andrew this time but what if there were more?

Especially since they were both royalties. They were not among the common people. They were trained to control their emotions and not behave rashly even in life-and-death scenarios.

They were supposed to remain calm and logical even if it was difficult especially since they are the Emperor and Empress of Valeria. All their actions would be given meaning and be the target of speculations.

Ferdinand was left speechless and gasped when he realized his mistake. He had indeed gripped her hand too tightly. When he let go of her wrists, his hand left a mark.

"I’m so sorry! Are you alright?" he instantly apologized and beckoned for Alwin to heal her.

[What the hell was I doing?!] Ferdinand was horrified at what he did.

[Why did she go and meet her former lover the instant His Majesty was busy elsewhere? His Majesty is too alarmed just at the sight of the two of them together. He could have gone berserk if she insisted on speaking with that Prince instead of leaving with His Majesty.] Alwin thought she intentionally met with Andrew.

’Geez. It was just a coincidence. And what does he mean by going berserk? Isn’t that too much?’

It sounded ominous. But recalling how dangerous Ferdinand’s eyes looked earlier, it may be true.

Andrew also sensed it which was why he decided to leave first. But he still gave Ferdinand a scolding despite that. He was also kind of weird.

Ferdinand probably still needed to cool his head more before they could have a proper conversation. They should talk later once he was calm and reasonable.

"Let’s go home first. We are causing a scene," Arabella sighed.

People in the Grand Palace and other elevated areas could see them here. They should leave as soon as possible before more people were gathered.

Arabella turned her back and began walking. She didn’t feel like clinging to Ferdinand’s arm right now. Her hand still hurt from his grip.

[How could she just turn her back and walk on her own like that? His Majesty is too shocked right now. Doesn’t she even care anymore because she met her former lover?] Alwin thought.

’What is he talking about?’ Arabella turned to look and realized that Ferdinand hadn’t taken a single step forward. He was frozen where he was earlier and was gawking at her. He had turned so pale it was worrying.

"Ferdinand? Are you alright?"

There was no response.

She tried to check his thoughts but it was empty. And then all of a sudden, it was filled with all sorts of thoughts in a chaotic manner that it was hard to comprehend.

What she was able to understand was that Ferdinand seemed to have indeed been too shaken after realizing what Andrew said was true. He was horrified to have hurt her and disregarded her words.

And in front of her former lover nonetheless. His pride was also crushed since it had to be Andrew who chastised him.

Ferdinand was already concluding things like Arabella might choose Andrew now after realizing who was the better man since he even hurt her today and embarrassed her in front of Andrew.

He thought Arabella walking away from him meant something else. He thought she was leaving him behind now and following Andrew even though she clearly said they should go back first. She meant to their accommodation and that was where she was heading.

’I was just a bit irritated that he gripped my hand too tightly.’

But how could Arabella even scold him if he was this panicked? The way his eyes looked was concerning. He looked lost.

It seems she had to offer the carrot before the stick. She walked back to her husband and cupped his cheek.

Yet, he had closed his eyes before her hand even reached his face. He thought she was going to slap him. She wasn’t that mean. She had never even slapped him even in her previous life.

’Did he experience getting slapped before?’

His life was awfully long so he may have had circumstances when he got slapped.

"Ferdinand? What are you thinking about? Are you overthinking again?" she gently caressed his cheeks and Ferdinand finally opened his eyes again.

"I... I’m so sorry," was all he could say.

Arabella looped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss. Ferdinand was wide-eyed but she simply gave him another kiss instead.

"You are such a handful, aren’t you? How could you get so jealous when I already told you I am your wife now?"

Her husband seemed to need a lot of reassurance. She had already kept reassuring him before that she had already moved on from Andrew. And yet, he still gets like this the instant he saw her with him.

Thankfully, he wasn’t thinking she would cheat on him. What he was thinking was that Andrew might seduce her and Arabella might get tempted and choose her former lover over Ferdinand, especially after his behavior earlier.

He feared she would ask for divorce if Andrew would say something like he wanted her back or he still loved her.

’Have I not assured him enough? Would he only be assured once we have gone all the way? Or would it be once we have a child? What kind of assurance does he need so he won’t feel this insecure and worried about getting left behind?’