Solace was still trapped in between Malice against the tree she was leaning against and couldn't help but blush but also had some depressing thoughts

'how is he so handsome there's no way he's my soulmate he's too good for me' Solace thought to herself with panic as ink fell from her feet

"Why were you in the forest alone?" Malice asked curiously as he caressed her cheek "surely someone is coming to look for you?" Malice said as Solace was about to respond but

"Solace Brianna Hiryuu" a voice called out behind Malice as they both turned to see a very panicked look on her mother's face and Malice moved away

Solace laughed nervously "heh...hi mother" Solace said as her Okumi pulled her into a hug "Solace why did you run off like that do you know how worried I was" Okumi said trying not to cry

"It's not ok to wander off like that Solace...the next time you tell me when you disappear like that, it nearly gave me a heart attack" Okumi said hugging her

Solace began to feel a little bit guilty because of her actions "sorry mother I won't do it again" Solace said hugging her mother back

Okumi sighed in relief "I'm glad your safe, don't scare me like that again ok" Okumi said as Solace nodded Malice felt a bit awkward being forgotten and cleared his throat

"Oh...right sorry I was focusing on looking for my daughter first I didn't ask who you were...my bad" Okumi said getting out of her worried mother mode

"My name is Malice...are you by chance heading to the castle with Miss Solace here" Malice said glancing at Solace slightly

"Yes" Okumi said "what a coincidence I was just heading that way as well...would you mind if I accompany you both" Malice said with a slight bow and looked at Solace with a charming smile

Solace blushed and looked away which did not go unnoticed by Okumi 'Solace is blushing!...does that mean this man right here is her soulmate!?' Okumi thought to herself surprised

"Of course you can dear sir, it would be rude of me if I didn't allow you to join us after completely disregarding you like that" Okumi said with a curtsey

'Uh oh...I know that look on her face what is my mother planning now' Solace thought to herself sweatdropping as they started walking

Okumi purposely tripped Solace making her fall backwards...but she did touch the ground as Malice caught her from falling "are you alright?" Malice said with a soft look on his face

"Y.y.yes" Solace stuttered while blushing immensely and she got even more surprised when Malice picker her up bridal style

Rose smirked and looked at Malice who raised an eyebrow [Rose- look at you being all romantic and charming] Rose said teasingly making Malice glare at her

[Malice- do not tease me] Malice said feeling a bit put off by her teasing Solace sighed [Solace- let's not fight] Solace said as Malice immediately focused back on his wife and she continued reading

Back at the castle...

Everyone saw Okumi come back with Solace but also with the Thorn fairy Malice himself "My goodness Godfather did you find her" Briar Rose said

"Godfather!" Solace said surprised as Malice cleared his throat awkwardly "I don't think suddenly saying that is good manners Briar Rose" Malice said sternly

"Sorry Godfather" Briar Rose said bowing "my, my your daughter is lovely isn't she" the king said looking at Solace with a gentle gaze

Malice held Solace to his chest feeling a bit annoyed that the king was looking at his soulmate, making the king sweatdrop at the dirty look Malice gave him

"Now Malice there's no need to give me that nasty look" the king said holding his wife in his hands "how could I not when your looking at my mate like that" Malice said all of a sudden

Yuu and Roland suddenly turned into statues at hearing this surprising news "it does seem like you have a fondness for my daughter isn't that right" Okumi said with a smile

Malice smiled back "of course I'm fond of her...she's my one and only...I like anything she likes...I will love her dearly" Malice said making Solace flustered and covered her face