I’d better stay sharp, too!
I reached over and gently squeezed Lucas’s arm.
The reason there was so much drama and why it hurt so much sometimes was because the feelings were so all-consuming. The closer two people became, the more they tried to understand each other, and the more likely they were to hurt each other. But what made it different was that we didn’t leave those wounds behind because the feelings we gave to each other were always honest and real.
He was the one who made me believe in something I once thought impossible, that love could take any shape and still become something solid and certain if you built it on trust. And he’d given that to me like it was the most natural thing in the world.
So I wanted Lucas to keep loving me exactly as he was. I truly believed that was the key to the future we were going to carve out together.
“These thorns are a necessary weapon,” I said. “They have to be sharp to protect me from everyone else.”
I didn’t think I’d ever spoken like this about our relationship before, so I chose my words carefully to make sure they’d get through to him. And in the quietest voice, low enough that only I could hear, Lucas whispered, “There’s no way I’d let death take you from me. Please love me forever.”
“He he. I’ll do my best.”
What can I possibly do to stay with this man who lets me see both his strength and his vulnerability? As I was lost in thought, Prince Islan suddenly pointed at me like I was some sort of felon, and I flinched.
“Ha ha ha! I get it now! I’ve always wondered why Prince Lucas wouldn’t give anyone else the time of day, and now I understand! It’s your fault, Princess Cecilia.”
Huh? My fault?
“You’re like a reed in an oasis, standing strong and unyielding. You take whatever comes, good and bad alike, without losing yourself. That strength ends up guiding others, such as Lucas, toward something better. But at the same time, you’re fragile and easy to target. That sparks possessiveness and the need to dominate. That’s why he sought overwhelming power—to protect you. Honestly, it used to scare me. But I understand how, after seeing all this. The Hero is just a man in love. Flesh and blood just like the rest of us,” he said.
I mean, that’s great if I’ve had a good influence on Lucas, but being told his excessive behavior is all my fault is a bit much!
I am doing my best to avoid being a burden, you know! I’m trying! I just don’t have the stamina… Not that I can say that out loud. I don’t want to give anyone weird mental images…
I blinked, unsure of how to respond, and Prince Islan gave me a sympathetic smile before turning to Yana, whom he still held close.
“It’s not your fault, Princess. It’s just that once a man gets a taste of being loved despite all his foolishness, he can’t live without it,” Prince Islan said.
He called Lucas foolish right to his face! What’s he gonna do about that?! I glanced over and saw him muttering under his breath, pouting. “Don’t lump me in with him.”
“Oh? You’re saying you’re different?” I teased.
You said I’m your one and only, remember? My adorable husband flushed, clearly embarrassed.
“Whose side are you even on?”
“Yours, obviously. Always. No matter what,” I said.
Even if something happens that forces us apart, I’d do anything for you.
I looked at him sincerely, and Lucas blinked in surprise before letting out a quiet laugh.
“You’re not just dependable, Cecilia. You’re on a whole other level.”
“Is that a compliment?” I asked uncertainly. And just when he’d been looking so sweet, Lucas suddenly went full-on seductive villain, bringing up that promise, and I broke into a cold sweat. I forgot about that!
“Of course it’s a compliment. And I’m really hoping you’ll show me more of that strength later, sweetheart.”
“Huh? I mean, um, there’s still the rebuilding to do and…”
“You’re planning to tease me while I’m all worked up from using Eckesachs? That’s very considerate of you, wife.”
“Huh?”
Isn’t that where you’re supposed to say I’m not being considerate?!
His beautiful face was so close, and the way he looked at me sent a chill down my spine. I froze. Lucas sensed it, of course, as if he could smell my fear like a predatory beast. He reached up and gently stroked my trembling shoulder, leaning in to whisper with a voice dripping with desire.
“You’re teasing me, aren’t you? I’ll be nice to you later…from behind.”
No, no, no! He’s not going to just tease me—he’s going to finish from behind?! I can’t!
“N-no, I can’t! Not that, Lucas!” I shook my head so hard, I thought it might fly off, but Lucas cupped my face and held it still. Then he slipped his tongue into my ear, making a wet, naughty noise that sent lightning bolts through my whole body.
“Mmm, even your ears are tiny and cute. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of the front too, nice and slow. You’re the one who teased me. So you have to take responsibility.”
“Eek! This is too much!”
This is a total disaster! If I don’t do something, it’s gonna happen!
“P-Princess Yana! I’m so sorry, but is there any chance I could borrow that place again? That one from before… Like right now?!”
I’m begging you! My body and soul are in danger! Please let us use the leisure inn!
I was flushed bright red and nearly crying. I fought the urge to flee and threw a desperate glance at my friend. She looked over at Lucas, then gave me a sympathetic look and whispered something to Islan.
“Pfft, wait. What? You’re joking,” he said.
“Come on. It’s fine, isn’t it?” she replied.