Tale 14
Marriage?

“Have you heard what happened last night?”

“You mean the bandits?”

“Yes! I heard old man Jack’s warehouse was ransacked by bandits from the mountain.”

“So scary.”

“I heard it’s the notorious bandits from the Northern Mountains.”

“You mean that group of bandits called White Foxes?”

“Yes, I heard it’s them.”

“Didn’t they became a group of wandering bandits out of fear of Duke Crimson?”

“Yes, the White Foxes are bandits from the North, but because of Duke Indigo Crimson’s fearsome reputation, those bandits fled and turned into rogues.”

“I can’t believe they’re lurking so close to our town now.”

“I hope they leave soon. I’m now scared to go out to drink at the pub at night because of them.”

“But there’s an even more shocking news going around the town recently.”

“Really? What news?”

“It’s about the Lady Boss!”

“The owner of Tomes, Tea and Coffee cafe? Why? Did she introduced a new beverage again? I heard the  Milk Tea and those new Smoothies are so good. I want to try them.”

“No, it’s not about the new beverages. But you should try the Peach Yogurt Smoothie, that’s my new favourite. It’s perfect since it’s specially hot today.”

“Oh, I will.”

“The news is not about the menu. It’s actually about the Lady Boss and that new baker.”

“New baker? Boss Titus?”

“Yes, Lady Boss and Boss Titus.”

“Why? What happened? Is their competition for customers getting fiercer?”

“No, it’s actually the opposite.”

“What do you mean?”

“I heard that.... they’re getting married.”

“.....what?”

***

“Getting married? Me and Titus? Are you serious?” -Primrose

“That’s the rumours circulating around town, Boss.” -Alondra

“Who would spread such a ridiculous rumo— Claud, Nikola. Come here for a second.” -Primrose

The twins who’s trying to sneak away, flinched.

“Was it you two?” -Primrose

“Well... Our classmates are saying that we don’t have a daddy so we told them that our Daddy is the owner of the new bakery.” Nikola explained

“S-sorry Mommy.” Niclaud

Primrose pat their heads, “It’s alright.”

“Are you angry, Mommy?” Nikola

Primrose shook her head, “Mommy is not angry.”

“Then can we have a sleepover at Daddy’s place tonight?” Nikola

“C-can we, Mommy?” Niclaud

“Only if he agrees.” Primrose

“I’m sure he will, Mommy.” Nikola

“And Daddy will like it b-better if you come along, Mommy.” Niclaud added

“No, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Primrose shook her head

“Boss, I don’t want to interrupt but I just heard that Boss Titus is sick.” Madeline said in a hurry

“Where did you heard that?” Alondra

“I heard from a customer that the bakery is closed today so I asked around.” Madeline

“Daddy is sick?” Niclaud asked worriedly

“Is it because it’s too hot today?” Nikola who also have affinity to Fire, is also sensitive to heat. But thanks to Niclaud, the heat  doesn’t bother him that much.

Fire Mages often gets sick during Summer because of the heat. And Water Mages often falls sick in Winter because of the cold.

“Mommy, c-can we visit Daddy?” Niclaud asked Primrose

“We will. But don’t worry too much, your Daddy is not someone frail. Wasn’t he very energetic during dinner last night?” Primrose reassured the twins

Ever since they told the truth to the twins, Titus would join them for dinner every night. And the twins would often hangs out at the bakery. It’s been three weeks since then.

“Mommy is right, Daddy is not weak.” Nikola said

Niclaud still  looks worried but he nod in agreement.

“You should go now Boss. We’ll look after the shop.” Alondra

“Alondra is right Boss.” Madeline

Primrose nod.

She wonders when did she start worrying about Titus Saros..?

***

“How is he?” Primrose asked the worried Oliver and Radax

“Not good Ma’am.” Oliver

“Why didn’t you call for a Water Mage?” Primrose

“The Prince hates it when a Water Mage tries to touch him. He’s been like that since five years ago.” Radax explained

What?

But didn’t she touched his hand last time she visited the bakery?

“But he’s sick. He needs the cold mana of a Water Mage.” Primrose

“T-then can you please help him, Ma’am?” Oliver

Primrose is confused.

In the novel [Tea and Roses], Titus is a known playboy who would play around with the Water Mages of the kingdom. So why did they said he hates the touch of a Water Mage since five years ago?

Does that mean he’s not playing around with women anymore?

Did the story really changed after she decided to not involve herself with the other characters of the novel?

“Mommy, I think Daddy is in pain.” Nikola who came out of Titus’ room, said worriedly.

“Don’t worry, Mommy will help him.” Primrose said to calm Nikola

“You will help, Ma’am?” Oliver asked with tears in his eyes.

“Yes.” Primrose answered with a nod.

Radax and Oliver heaved a sigh of relief. They were actually at a lost for what to do. Titus doesn’t want to worry Primrose so the two of them were torn if they should go to her cafe to ask for her help or not. In the end, the Prince’ life is still the most important so they were thinking about beseeching for the Lady Boss’ help, good thing she is here now.

“Nikola, where’s your brother?” Primrose

“He’s in the room Mommy, Claud’s trying to help Daddy.” Nikola pointed towards Titus' bedroom.

The pair of mother and son walked towards the room and Primrose almost faltered when she entered the door of Titus’ bedroom.

It’s freezing.

Titus’ room is freezing cold for Primrose.

If Primrose have a fireplace in her room to keep her warm, then Titus have a magic air-conditioning to keep his room cold.

“Mommy, D-daddy is burning up.” Niclaud said worriedly, he is desperately hugging Titus’ arms to share his coldness.

Nikola held Primrose’s hand to send some warmth, and then he dragged her towards the unconscious Titus, “Mommy, help Daddy.”

Primrose pat their heads, “He’ll be alright.”

He is amazed by the twins ability to grasped the situation. They clearly understood that Primrose is bothered by the cold so Nikola helped her moved forward by sharing some warmth. And Niclaud is sharing his cold mana to Titus who’s burning up.

But they’re still kids, and Primrose can see that they’re afraid.

“Your Daddy will be okay.” She reassured them as she held Titus’ hand, she started to send her cold mana to cool his temperature down.

Steam suddenly began to escape from Titus’s body as Primrose continue to send her cold mana to him.

The twins held hands as they stood on the side of the bed worriedly.

Radax and Oliver stood by the door, worry is written all over their faces.

Each passing second felt like torture.

Everyone patiently waited.

Not long after, Titus’ breathing became steady and calm.

“I think he’s okay now.” Primrose

Everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“Just make sure that he’ll eat some food before you feed him medicine when he wakes up.” Primrose instructed to Radax and Oliver, and the two nodded to indicate that they understood.

Primrose let go of Titus’ hand, and he groaned in complain.

To her surprise, Titus’ arms suddenly wrapped itself on her waist and pulled her to his embraced.

“.........” Primrose

“.........” The twins

“.........” Radax and Oliver

“Are you awake? Let go of me.” Primrose

No response.

“Titus, let go of me.” Primrose said in a warning tone.

But Titus only hugged her tighter.

Is this guy being serious right now?

“........” -Primrose who gave up on struggling

The twins climbed on the bed.

“Daddy is still asleep.” Nikola commented as he listen to Titus’ soft snoring.

“I.. I think he mistook y-you for a pillow, Mommy.” Niclaud

“A very cold pillow.” Nikola added

Then the twins giggled cutely.

“.......” Primrose

‘Boss, you’re the man!’ Oliver thought to him self

‘Boss is braver when he’s asleep.’ Radax thought to him self

‘It’s warm.’ Primrose thought to herself

The twins snuggled beside Primrose and Titus.

They stayed like that until Titus woke up later that day.

He found Primrose, Nikola and Niclaud soundly asleep in his arms.

"Is this a dream? If yes, this is probably the best dream ever."  Titus asked himself in amazement. He wanted to cry tears of joy and happiness!

~~~~~~~~