Chapter 62
As the sun dipped below the horizon in the early evening, Rachel lay listlessly, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. The ornate pattern of the brown wallpaper blurred before her eyes like faded scribbles.
Her stomach felt hollow—she’d skipped not only lunch but breakfast as well. Yet, it was the emptiness in her heart that truly stole her appetite.
“That wretched impotent… well, not exactly impotent, but still a wretched emperor…”
Rachel muttered curses against Killian as she slowly turned over in bed. Just as her view shifted from the ceiling to the wall, then back to the bed, the bedroom door creaked open.
“Your Highness…?”
Maria peeked through the doorframe before stepping fully into the room. She approached the bed cautiously.
“Dinner will be served soon. You’re not planning to go on like this without eating anything, are you?”
Instead of answering, Rachel buried her face deeper into her pillow. Maria moved closer to the foot of the bed and spoke gently.
“They say a new pancake shop opened near the palace. It’s all the rage lately… They drizzle honey on top, and guess what’s inside? They even include apple compote—the kind you love, Your Highness.”
“……”
“Shall I get some? I can go quickly before the palace gates close—”
“Do you really think I’d act like this just for some silly pancakes?”
Unable to control her emotions, Rachel snapped without thinking. Maria flinched and fell silent. Almost immediately, Rachel mumbled an apology:
“…Sorry, Maria.”
Maria didn’t want an apology—she’d have preferred Rachel to show interest in the apple compote. No matter how willful she was, Rachel had never skipped meals all day like this. Maria worried she might push herself too far and harm her health.
Swallowing a sigh of concern, Maria bowed quietly and turned to leave.
Rachel watched her go from the corner of her eye. Just as the door began to close, a familiar man’s face flashed past the gap.
…Kyle.
It was Kyle, the one she’d once considered summoning to her chambers. Rachel sat up abruptly, as if she’d made a discovery. He was her longtime royal guard—loyal, discreet, and impressively endowed.
Though she usually avoided men of the court, someone like him… perhaps he could be trusted.
“Ma—”
Rachel hesitated mid-call, the image of those piercing turquoise eyes flashing through her mind. Along with it came the memory of this morning’s humiliating rejection.
Damn that emperor.
Shaking off the thought of Killian, Rachel raised her voice. If she was going to go through with the plan she’d just conceived, she needed to be full and fortified.
“Maria!”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
As if she’d been waiting, Maria promptly reentered the room. Rachel met her with a resolute tone.
“I want the pancakes.”
***
Late that night, the door to the princess’s chambers opened. Standing at the threshold was Kyle, summoned by Rachel’s call. Unlike his usual armored duty attire, he wore only a black shirt and trousers.
“I’ve arrived, Your Highness.”
Kyle bowed respectfully before stepping forward. His muscular frame, illuminated by the lamplight, approached like a shadow.
Rachel, who had been sitting on the edge of her bed, rose slowly. The thin silk slip draped elegantly along her waistline, and a tense silence settled over the intimate space.
Trying to soothe her unease, Rachel watched as the man drew nearer. His gaze roamed from her décolletage to the nape of her neck, then trailed down her cleavage and further between her legs. The way his eyes traveled was undeniably lecherous.
“…This is already the third time.”
It was their third time sharing intimacy. This moment had somehow become familiar, and Kyle likely felt the same.
As always, he wrapped his arms around her waist. Just as he leaned in to kiss her, Rachel turned her face away. His warm breath brushed against her cheek.
“Your Highness?”
Kyle’s dark pupils flickered slightly at the unexpected rejection, but he didn’t question it. He simply withdrew quietly, maintaining a respectful distance as if remembering his place.
Rachel placed her palm against his chest. Through the warm fabric, she could feel the steady, distinct rhythm of his heartbeat.
“…Can I trust you?”
“Of course.”
He answered without a moment’s hesitation.
“…You knew what I was going to say.”
“Whatever you say is right, Your Highness.”
Truly, he was like a loyal guard dog—obedient and devoted. Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, her unsettled heart began to calm slightly.
“Listen carefully, Kyle.”
“Yes.”
“Starting now, you and I will be intimate.”
Kyle simply nodded. He already knew why he had been summoned.
“But… treat me roughly.”
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.