Chapter 54
Chapter 54
I was mortified to be seen by the knights, hoisted up like a sack of potatoes. I looked utterly pathetic. Flustered, I waved my hands, struggling to wriggle free from Cesar’s grasp.
“I’m fine now, really.”
But each attempt only tightened his hold, my cheeks flushing like ripe apples. Even so, wasn’t this a bit much, carrying me like this?
“Put me down.”
“Len hurt here,” Cesar said. “No, no, I’m not hurt. I’m fine.” I couldn’t bring myself to tell him it hurt because he’d bitten me. Too many eyes were watching.
I worried they might suspect something, but their expressions remained unchanged. So, I focused on finding a way down while smoothing my skirt, desperate to hide any newly acquired marks. To them, I probably just looked flustered. Doing two things at once was harder than it looked.
“I said I’m fine, put me down.”
This time, I whispered in his ear, my tone firm. Cesar looked at me, as if questioning my sincerity. It was absurd. He’d practically devoured me after a few days apart, and now this sudden shift? I couldn’t keep up with his fluctuating temperatures. The most ridiculous part was that I couldn’t bring myself to fully despise him, even when his actions were so infuriating.
“Ugh.”
Cesar showed no signs of releasing me. I knew I couldn’t win against his strength anyway. Resigned, I remained trapped in his embrace as we headed toward the dining hall. We passed servants in the hallway. They bowed their heads and covered their mouths the moment they saw us. Their reaction only amplified my embarrassment, making it impossible to lift my head.
“…I said, put me down.” I whispered in his ear again, even though I knew it was futile. I couldn’t bear the silence.
“No.” His reply was predictable, accompanied by a smug expression. This stubborn man was impossible.
“Ahem.”
Mercedes cleared her throat behind us. I glanced back to see her face stern. Somehow, that made me feel even worse. I wondered why Cesar was so insistent on this behavior, but the situation remained unchanged. The more I struggled, the more energy I wasted. The last thing I needed was for my skirt to fly up and reveal the marks, so I remained a docile package until we reached the dining hall.
It was lunchtime. Being a Friday during Lent, it was a day of abstinence from meat. But this was the royal palace, and the meal was still extravagant. The long table was laden with smoked salted herring marinated in vinegar and olive oil, spinach and egg omelets, mushroom and lentil soup, cod stew with mustard seeds, nougat with hazelnuts and almonds for dessert, and lemon fritters. Elvira’s visit had clearly improved the menu. Thankfully, it was a light meal, not a formal dinner or a multi-course affair, which was perfect for my lesson with Cesar.
I gestured for Cesar to sit, and he promptly glued himself to the chair beside me. As if on cue, Mercedes brought a small chair and sat close by. So far, so good. But Cesar was the problem. Before the food was even fully served, he reached out for it with his hands.
Even though Mercedes was right there, she made no attempt to stop him. Instead, she watched with a pleased smile. Stunned and bewildered, I asked, “What are you doing?”
I meant why wasn’t she stopping Cesar from eating with his hands. But she simply replied, “Is there a problem?” Her expression was one of genuine confusion. I didn’t need a mirror to know my eyes must have been wide with disbelief. “Yes, there is.”
Mercedes sighed quietly, then, as if resigned, wiped Cesar’s chin with a napkin. She cut the food into small pieces and placed them on his cutlery with practiced ease.
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